Underneath That Facade
Chapter 1: Auditions
"I didn't sign up to make cheap music, Director!"
Words fill the room. Words that hurt like a wasp's stinger. Ahri knows it's true… Their group isn't great, given how much their fan base has grown, and they could end up disbanding if it doesn't continue to grow. She steps up to Evelynn, a member of her group, and their director.
"No one's buying our shit, and yet you still expect us to overwork ourselves?!" Evelynn continues to yell.
Ahri places a hand on her friend's shoulder, hoping to ease the tension. "Eve…" She calls out softly. However, it seems that Evelynn can't hear her over the sound of the man in front of them, and of her own screams.
"Look, Evelynn, there is only one way." The director tries to explain, but the demon diva refuses to listen. She continues to go on about the negativity of their sales, their decreasing popularity, and how they were going to get disbanded if their next solo didn't make it big.
A solution, he said…? What could it be?
"Evelynn, let's listen to him for a moment," The Kumiho rubs her friend's back to calm her down before she looks back at the man. "How can we fix this?" She asks. The other woman attempts to argue but stops as she feels her friend's touch. Instead, she huffs and shuts her mouth. If the leader wants to listen, she might as well too.
The director clears his throat and hands them a piece of paper. "Here… We only created this the other day. We plan on holding an audition for a whole week, for two people who qualify under our requirements." He explains. The paper handed out to them had a flashy design with the word AUDITIONS printed across the top. Under it says something about looking for a rapper and a dancer, but both had to be able to sing and could go through rigorous training and such.
Evelynn stares at the paper. "There's no set date." She points out.
"Yes, we were waiting for your approval before setting a date. The company recommended that we start it this weekend, and have it finished by the end of next week."
Ahri and Evelynn exchange looks. Although they both share their own concerns over the matter, Ahri has a little more hope than her friend.
"Okay. We'll do it."
Kai'Sa gazes back at her reflection in the mirror as she catches her breath. Sweat drips from her jawline, some running down her arms. She glances to the side to see her dance instructor leaning against the door, clapping her hands. Kai'Sa smiles a little before walking to her bag to grab herself a towel.
"Beautiful as always, Kai'Sa." She says.
"Thank you." The violet-haired woman says after she paused the audio from her phone, unplugging it from the speakers. She gets a notification from her favorite entertainment company. With a look of surprise, Kai'Sa immediately clicks on it and a video pops up. At the top corner, it says LIVE in red.
"Hello, this is Riot Entertainment, and we are coming in live with one of our new groups, K/DA."
"Hello! I'm Ahri!" A crystal-tailed woman waves, smiling. Next to her is a dark magenta-haired woman with gold eyes, whom Kai'Sa knows as Evelynn.
Kai'Sa has been following Riot Entertainment since she was in middle school. She had always been updated on the latest groups, latest songs, awards… until Riot became too popular to keep up with, especially now that Kai'Sa is 23. Work and dance became a huge priority for her that she could only focus on the more popular news.
"So as you can see, Riot and K/DA have decided to hold auditions." Says the host, clearing his throat. He sits up properly and looks at Evelynn, "is there anything specific that you're looking for?"
"Yes," Evelynn says nonchalantly, "We're looking for a dancer and a rapper. Of course, they should be able to sing and such…"
"Mhmm! We are currently handing out the requirements, dance steps, and bars for those who are interested online." Ahri continues, "All you need to do is email—"
Kai'Sa frantically presses the home button on her phone, almost causing it to slip out of her hands. She quickly types in the email address on her phone, sending the keywords to activate an automated mail. She breathes in and out before packing all her stuff into her duffel bag. She picks it up and leaves the studio, waving to her friends and her instructor before heading home.
A brown-purple-ish haired woman sighs as she helps clean up her shop. It's almost closing time and two of her customers were almost done. She sits down across from her friend, rubbing her eyes with the bottom part of her palm. "I'm tired, Siv…" She grumbles, "Do you have work tonight?"
"No, but it looks like you're too tired to binge watch anything tonight so I'll leave you be." Sivir hums, leaning back. "Also you totally roasted that dude earlier—"
"I roast all the dudes who come in here thinkin' they can rap, Siv…" the chef points out, yawning. "but no hard feelings. He was a cool dude."
"I guess…" she looks over to see the news, "oh hey, Akali, do you know K/DA?" She asks, her eyes not leaving the TV screen.
"Kaydeay? Is that a make-up brand?" She asks, genuinely confused," I don't wear much make-up—"
"No, you idiot. Look at the tv."
Akali does so, curious. The news is talking about how a new group, K/DA is currently holding auditions and in need of a rapper. The chef stares at the two women, a blonde fox, and a diva.
"... Who?" Akali squints. She's not really into pop groups. She's just really interested in rappers… but damn, that golden-eyed woman. She has this vibe to her that Akali feels drawn to…
"K/DA. They're a new group, but they haven't been getting very good views since it's just two lead singers." Sivir explains, leaning back against her chair. "But they're looking for a rapper. Maybe you can sign up."
"What," Akali looks at her, still squinting, "I'm not understanding anything you're saying right now."
"Akali."
"I'm joking." The chef rolls her eyes, getting up. She walks to the customers smiling at them as them as she hands in their check, using the cashier at the front counter to punch in the numbers. She was given a credit card, and she swipes it for them.
The other woman keeps an eye on her while glancing at the TV once in a while. She sees Akali's phone on the table… she sneaks a glance at the owner before swiping it off the table. She swiftly types in the passcode—which is her birthday—and types in the email and word. She then puts the phone down, just in time as Akali makes her way back.
"Sorry, Big Boss wanted to ask me about my rapping." Akali sighs as she slides her phone into her pants. She has a windbreaker jacket over her chef uniform, indicating that it's time for them to head home.
"You and your rapping… you should really sign up for that K/DA. Could be good money." Sivir suggests, even though she already did it for her.
"Maybe… I'll see." The other woman says, stuffing her hands in her jacket pockets, not feeling the vibration of a notification from her phone.
Several days pass, and Evelynn is already getting frustrated. There are hundreds of people coming in and out, but she can practically count the best ones—which are mediocre at best—with one hand. She lets out a loud, annoyed sigh as she pulls up her phone. It's Friday, and there's just… nothing. No sparks. Nothing interesting.
Evelynn glances at her friend, who seems to be bored as well. Of course, who wouldn't be? She sighs once more, looking down at the small pile of papers left for the day. She gets an email from her director, which are just forms and resumes of tomorrow's applicants. She hears the door open, knowing their break's over… doesn't matter, she continues to look through the applicants in her email.
"It's nice to meet you…" Ahri's voice fills the room, but not the diva's ears, "... go ahead…"
Evelynn clicks on one of the applicants, seeing a short woman's profile, and a whole list about her. She feels like she's seen her before—
She looks up at the feeling of being nudged. She looks over at the person in front of her, noticing them lowering their hand down. "Hmm, good job, honey." She says with a sly smile, "we will contact you if you get the job."
The hopeful young participant's eyes light up, and she nods before quickly leaving. The fox woman shakes her head as she drinks her water. "Just a few more, Eve… let's just focus on them. Hopefully, by tonight, we'll have at least one person."
A complete lie. Evelynn is tired of hearing monotone singing and offbeat rapping. Tired of seeing dancers trip and stand cluelessly for five whole seconds just to remember the steps. She wants to wrap this all up and just go home—well, they are technically home in the K/DA house, but home as in bed.
"Eve… c'mon. Tomorrow will be better, I promise. Let's see the applicants for tomorrow, yeah?" She says, taking her laptop out. She pulls up all the files and drags them off screen, watching the digital screens of the resumes pop up. She glances over at one she already looked at. This short woman…
"Do you like this one?" Ahri asks, noticing her gaze. "Her name's Akali, and a chef at Kinkou Sushi, which is apparently family owned…"
"No, I'm not interested." Evelynn waves her off when in reality she has already read it. The family owns a restaurant, runs owns dojo… Does rapping on the side as well… What a busy woman. Might not even end up showing. "What about Sunday? Found anything?"
"A few, but one very interesting. Very loyal to Riot Entertainment, a tad bit shy, and apparently moved here recently from England." She hums, her tail swaying. "Fluent in other languages, but for the most part juggles dancing and part-time." She looks at her friend, "what do you think?"
"I'll think when I see it." The magenta-haired woman says before heading towards the stairs. She waves Ahri goodnight as she disappears to the second floor, dragging her feet to her own room. Exhausted, she slides out of her tight clothes and into a comfortable shirt and pj bottoms. Finally relaxed, she plops onto the bed and curls up, already falling asleep.
Akali sighs as she stares at her phone. She's here, apparently… but there's a long line… She was lost for almost two hours trying to find this place. Mostly because she's never really been in this part of town; only the more sophisticated and wealthy go here. Sure, Akali owns both a restaurant and a dojo, but they're still scraping by. Their restaurant is only starting slowly gain popularity due to her rap battles, but the woman wants to do more than just survive by scraping by. She wants her family to live a good life.
"Are you sure you're gonna be okay here?" A familiar voice asks. The Asian woman glances over at her friend Sivir. She's just in it to accompany her until it's time for her to get in.
"Yeah, why?"
"Dunno, you're awfully quiet."
"What do you want me to do, suddenly break into a rap battle with someone?" Akali jokes, stuffing her hands into her pockets. "I could be helping my parents with their dojo, you know."
"I know, but you'd still be scraping by. If you get in, you'll be a millionaire, 'Kali! You can give your parents a nice cozy home, and your restaurant could use some upgrading." Sivir says, patting her back. She looks off to the side, seeing a group of people in fancy dancing clothes. One of them catches her eye… a tall woman with purple hair, with two metal things floating behind her back. That said woman is staring at the building, with eyes full of hope.
Sivir can tell.
"Siv, c'mon you're making the people behind us angry," Akali calls out as she gestures her to follow. Sivir does, and when she glances back to the other side of the street, that tall woman is gone. She scratches the back of her head, deciding to forget about it.
Akali takes a few more steps forward, and sees a guard walk past them, blocking the path after two more participants. People start to complain and groan, but they eventually leave anyway. There's not much you could do, given how the guard is big and gnarly, he could snap anyone in half. Not long after, Akali makes it to the door and bids her goodbye. Sivir leaves the line and walks off to the side.
The dark purple haired woman walks up to a table as she gets in the building. She tells them her name and she gets a badge and a number. She puts it on her shirt and goes to be seated. She pulls out her phone to go through the bars again, but soon gets bored and starts to play whatever game she has in there.
"Everybody here is so… plain." A young woman behind Akali comments. The rapper glances back to see the said woman talking to two other people, who seem to be giggling.
Ugh, gross. People like them are the worst. she thinks to herself.
The people behind her continue to talk about the people participating here, saying how some of them have horrible voices, can't rap, monotone, can't even dance, etc. Akali doesn't say anything, but she is getting irritated.
"Ough, and this one behind me? Doesn't even look excited to be here." One of them says, referring to the rapper. They all look at her, "Say, you look like you have better things to do." One of them comments with a smirk.
"You're right," Akali retorts almost instantly, "I'd rather be doing anything else than listening to you talk smack about everyone here."
"Wh—"
The talkative stranger stands up, her eyebrows furrowing as she processes her own anger. She was about to say something until she hears her name. She glares at the short Asian woman before walking towards the big doors.
Akali looks up. As the doors slowly close, she catches a glimpse of the magenta-haired woman staring at her phone, looking bored out of her mind. Akali stares until the woman leaves her sight and she sits up. She ties her hair up into a ponytail, feeling a little more hyped now… even though she's still a long ways before stepping through those doors.
Eve stares at the clock… It's almost 9:30, and they are finishing up in an hour. Unfortunately, that chef rapper hasn't shown up. Maybe they won't show up at all…
But something inside her stirs up when she sees the doors open.
"Hello!" Ahri greets with a smile, "Please state your name, and what you'll be doing for us today." She says as she pulls up the printed email application form. Ahri nods when the other woman says her name's Akali, and that she'll be rapping for them.
Eve just stares. She's… She doesn't understand the feeling in her chest. Soon, music fills her ears and she sits up, looking at her friend who also seems confused. This isn't the music they sent in the email attachment. When the golden-eyed woman looks back at the rapper, one of the sound technicians has given her a mic, and she spins it in her hand.
When Akali puts the mic to her lips and begins to rap, the words flow smoothly and without a hint of hesitation in the tone of her voice. Both passionate and confident. Once she finishes the first two bars, she starts to freestyle, pacing side to side, moving her free hand to express the roasts she spits from her lips.
Eve has never been so intrigued. The words lace together like a beautifully woven blanket, natural at the finest of works. She then catches the woman's eyes, and she could see her walk to her, but then seeing her smirk and step back, ending the rap abruptly and beginning to sing and dance.
Ahri places her elbows on the table, her cheek resting on her knuckles while the other hand rests on the other arm. She glances at Eve and giggles, seeing how entranced she is by the performance. When she turns her attention back to Akali, she can tell she's pretty decent in dancing and singing. She's rather quick, but still on time with the beat. She tilts her head. She lifts her pen and writes down a few notes, and lifts her other hand to stop the music.
Akali pants slightly as she walks back to the center, looking at them. She sees Eve looking down at her application paper, watching her scribble whatever notes they have. She then turns her attention to Ahri who smiles, "Thank you for that." She sits up properly and looks at her notes for a moment. "So… We won't go into details, but we do like your rap style. It's unique. Your dancing and singing is interesting as well, but if we pick you, we will work on that more." She says, "We will contact you by phone if something comes up. Thank you again, Akali."
Akali nods, bowing her head. She glances at Eve before stepping out, handing the mic to the sound technician. At the front entrance, she sees her friend waiting patiently for her while on her phone. She walks up to her, talking a little bit before they leave the building.
"At least they like your rapping. I'm sure you'll get in at this point if they really like it." Sivir says as she unwraps a snack bar and bites on it.
"I guess… Also, you didn't have to come back and get me, you know."
"Oh, I know. But I want to, since we ARE friends. Now let's go home, you up for some snacks? We can watch a movie." Sivir grins as she leads her friend to the nearest parking lot. She hops on her motorcycle, handing Akali a helmet. She hops on behind her and they leave the area, heading home.
Eve sighs as she lies down on the couch, rubbing the bridge of her nose. "That was exhausting…" She grumbles loudly. She hears the other K/DA member giggle and she looks at her, "What's so funny?"
"Oh, nothing… Just didn't think you were so into rappers."
"Hmm…" The diva rolls her eyes, playing it cool, "They do have a way with the tongue… Maybe I'll play them a bit." She jokes.
The fox woman chuckles, "Well, I'll be heading to bed. You too, Eve. We have one more day before we decide who we want for our group." She hums, heading upstairs.
Eve sighs as she sits up. She grabs herself a cup of water in the kitchen, gulping it down before washing it and setting it back in the dishwasher. She walks upstairs, basically dragging her own feet. "Ugh." She grunts, opening the door to her own room. She walks to her bed, lying down. It's too dark to take in. The feeling of home… She knows it's home, but the darkness shrouds that feeling. She doesn't mind, as she herself is only an entity of shadows. But that's in the past. She's grown fond of her human body…
I wonder… Does she like my body too? She thinks to herself, her mind backtracking to the rapper who stole the stage-so to speak. She stops, realizing what she just thought and she shakes her head furiously. Eve, you're the diva. You're supposed to have people fall in love with you. Not the other way around.
She sighs and turns to her side, holding onto her pillow and closing her eyes. Before she could fall asleep, all she could think of is her voice. Her words. Her body.
How she looked wild and free when she was in front of her, despite her initial vibe when she walked in. She was cool, calm, and collected. But as soon as she was given that mic, energy burned and forged into words like a blacksmith builds swords.
When Eve thinks of her, it makes her heart race…
Why?