---
Mornings in my house are never quiet. My family thrives on laughter, teasing, and playful chaos—which, if I'm being honest, is usually started by me.
I'm Aria Radias, twenty years old, and the youngest in my family. I live with my parents—Ronald and Josiah Radias—and my older brother Randy, who's six years ahead of me. My parents are the kindest people I know, always reminding me to follow my dreams, and my brother? He's my biggest supporter—and my biggest pain in the ass.
Right now, the kitchen is filled with the scent of fresh pancakes as my mom hums along to the radio. My dad is reading the newspaper, pretending not to notice when I sneak a piece of bacon from his plate.
"Aria," he warns without looking up.
I stuff the bacon into my mouth and grin. "I have no idea what you're talking about, Dad."
Randy, sitting across from me, shakes his head. "You're shameless."
I kick him under the table.
Helena, my brother's fiancée, chuckles as she sips her coffee. She's practically family already. In a few weeks, she and Randy will be married, and honestly, I couldn't be happier for them.
"So, Aria," Helena starts, leaning on the counter, "excited about your new promotion?"
Excited? That's an understatement.
I've spent two years training at I.T.T, the country's most prestigious entertainment company for idols. Today, I'm officially engaged as a main background dancer as I finished my training. There is a lot of different dancer group in I.T.T, and I have no idea where they will put me but I'm happy with every results.
"Excited? More like ready to scream from the rooftop." I beam at her. "Dancing has always been my dream. I don't need the fame, just the stage."
My mom smiles, wiping her hands on a kitchen towel. "That's my girl. Do what you love, not what others expect of you."
I nod. "Exactly."
But before I can bask in my happiness, Randy ruins the moment.
"Should we prepare a speech for when you trip on stage?" he teases.
I grab a napkin and throw it at his face. "I don't trip, loser."
"Tell that to the coffee table you ran into last night."
Helena giggles. "He's got a point."
I groan. "Remind me why I love you guys again?"
---
The Ride to Work
As I head outside, I see Randy unlocking his car. Perfect timing.
"Bro! Can you drop me off at work?" I call out, flashing my best puppy-dog eyes.
He rolls down the window and smirks. "How much?"
I scoff. "Oh, come on! Can't you see how cute I look today?"
Randy chuckles. "That trick only worked when you were two. Try again."
I narrow my eyes, then smirk. "Fine. If you don't drive me, I'll show Helena the picture of you—" I pause dramatically, "—pooping."
His face goes pale. "You wouldn't dare."
I hold up my phone like a weapon. "Oh, I would. My favorite brother, who happens to poop a lot."
Randy groans. "You win, devil child. Get in."
"Love you too, bro." I slide into the passenger seat, victorious.
---
A Life-Changing Announcement
I arrive at I.T.T, my heart racing with excitement. As I head toward the locker room to change, Coach Parker suddenly stops me.
"Aria, come with me."
I blink. "Is there a schedule change?"
He grins. "You'll see. It's a surprise."
Curious, I follow him to the top floor, where the director's office is. Coach Parker knocks on the door and gives me a knowing smile before leaving.
"Come in."
I step inside. The director sits at his desk, his expression unreadable.
"Good morning, Director," I greet with a polite smile. "Coach said you wanted to see me?"
He nods. "Yes. I wanted to speak to you about your future here at I.T.T."
I straighten. "I'm listening."
"In two months, you'll officially be a lead choreographer for the new trainees. However, we believe you deserve more. That's why we're moving you to Team Gold."
I freeze. "Team Gold?"
Team Gold. The best backup dancers. They work exclusively with top-tier idols.
Me? In Team Gold? I never saw this coming.
"Do you accept the offer?" the director asks.
A slow grin spreads across my face before I practically explode with excitement. "Yes! Yes! Yes!"
The director chuckles. "You can celebrate later. First, sign these contracts. You start tomorrow, but today, we'll take your measurements, introduce you to the team, and assign your new schedule."
I bow. "Thank you, Director. I won't let you down."
---
Meeting Kaelan
After getting my measurements taken, I follow Mike Reagan, the leader of Team Gold, to the dance studio. The team is in the middle of practice, but when Mike calls for a break, they all turn to face me.
"Everyone, meet our newest member—Aria Radias."
I bow. "I hope we'll work well together."
The team welcomes me warmly, and just as I'm starting to feel comfortable, a deep voice calls out.
"Mike!"
I turn around—and my breath catches.
Kaelan.
The Kaelan. The agency's most famous idol.
I freeze.
Holy. Crap.
He's taller than I imagined. More handsome. And way, way too close.
Mike smirks. "Aren't you supposed to be off today?"
Kaelan shrugs. "Changed it for my mom's birthday."
I barely hear their conversation because my brain is short-circuiting. This isn't fair. No one should look this perfect. His dark eyes, his sharp jawline, his broad shoulders—oh God. I want to touch him just to make sure he's real.
Mike nudges me. "Aria?"
I snap out of my daze. "Mmh… yes, I'll eat you."
Silence.
Oh. No.
Kaelan blinks, then—he laughs. A full, throaty, gorgeous laugh.
"Hah! I'll let you eat me another time, cutie."
Kill. Me. Now.
Mike grins. "Didn't know you were a fan, Aria."
"I-I'm not!" I stammer. "I was just—lost in thought!"
Kaelan smirks. "Sure you were, Radi."
Radi? Only one person has ever called me that.
No. It can't be.
Not him.
Not Kael.
My childhood best friend.
And just like that, my life gets a whole lot more complicated.