x. HALFTIME SPECIAL. (pt. 2)
January 8, 2018. | Third Person POV.
Atlanta, Georgia.

kendrick's pov.
The Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta was buzzing with activity, even at 10 a.m. Kendrick adjusted his hoodie as he stepped onto the stage, taking in the vastness of the space. The stage was massive, the lights already beginning to glimmer as the production crew ran checks. Performing during halftime for the College Football Playoff National Championship was a big moment, even for someone like him, who was used to the spotlight.

But it wasn't the size of the stage or the cameras that drew his attention—it was her.

Kendrick's eyes settled on Sedona the moment he spotted her across the field. She was standing near the microphone set up in the middle of the stadium, sipping from a thermos, bundled in a jacket to guard against the morning chill. Her curly hair was pulled back into a loose bun, and there was an ease about her, even with all the chaos surrounding them.

He remembered meeting her a month ago at the TDE party, how she had this presence that managed to draw everyone in without her even trying. Then there was the studio session that followed—a coincidence, or maybe not—and he hadn't been able to stop thinking about her since. Seeing her here now, in her element, was like a pleasant surprise he hadn't anticipated.

Kendrick paused in his conversation with Dave Free and subtly gestured in her direction. "That's Sedona, right?"

Dave glanced over, smirking knowingly. "Yeah. She's singing the national anthem today. Crazy talented, huh?"

Kendrick nodded, his gaze lingering on her as she spoke with her manager. She seemed calm and poised, but he could tell there was more to her than the polished exterior. He'd seen glimpses of it in the studio, the way her voice carried so much emotion, the way she laughed with her whole body when something caught her off guard.

As if sensing his stare, Sedona glanced in his direction. Their eyes met across the field, and Kendrick felt a spark—small, subtle, but unmistakable. She smiled, her lips curving in a way that seemed effortless, and before he knew it, his feet were moving.

"Be back in a sec," Kendrick said over his shoulder, heading toward her.

When he got closer, she tilted her head slightly, that smile still in place. "Well, well," She said, her voice teasing. "If it isn't the halftime king himself."

Kendrick chuckled, stopping a few feet from her. "And you must be the national anthem queen. You ready for this?"

Sedona let out a soft laugh, holding up her thermos. "As ready as I can be. Just warming up my voice and hoping I don't forget the words."

"You'll kill it," Kendrick said without hesitation. "I heard you in the studio—this'll be nothing for you."

There was a flicker of something in her eyes, a mix of gratitude and amusement. "Thanks. And you? No pressure performing in front of millions, right?"

He smirked, shoving his hands into his hoodie pockets. "Nah, no pressure. Just gotta make sure I don't trip over any wires or something."

Sedona laughed, the sound warm and genuine. It was the kind of laugh that made Kendrick want to keep the conversation going, just to hear it again.

"So," He began, tilting his head slightly. "Atlanta. This is home for you, huh?"

"Born and raised," She said with a hint of pride. "What about you? First time here?"

"Nah, I've been through before. But this... this is different," Kendrick admitted, glancing around the massive stadium. "Big stage, big game. Feels like a moment, you know?"

Sedona nodded, her expression softening. "Yeah, it does. Feels like one of those 'pinch-me' moments. Like, how did we even get here?"

Kendrick studied her for a beat, noting the sincerity in her voice. "Talent. Hard work. You earned this, Sedona."

Her gaze met his, and for a moment, the bustling activity of the stadium seemed to fade into the background. "Thanks," She said quietly, her voice carrying more weight than the single word suggested.

Kendrick shrugged, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Just calling it like I see it."

Before either of them could say more, someone from his team called out his name. He glanced over his shoulder, then back at Sedona.

"Looks like they need me," He said. "You got rehearsal soon?"

"In a minute," She replied, holding up her thermos. "Just finishing my tea."

"Cool," Kendrick said, taking a step back. "Guess I'll see you later, Sedona."

"Later, Kendrick," She shot back, her grin widening.

As he walked away, Kendrick felt a strange sense of calm settle over him, even with the hectic schedule ahead. Sedona had a way of doing that—bringing a kind of ease to any moment, even one as chaotic as this.

Later, as Kendrick stood on the stage for his soundcheck, he caught sight of Sedona again. She was on the far side of the field, talking to her manager, her hands moving animatedly as she spoke. There was something about the way she carried herself—confident yet approachable, polished yet unpretentious.

Dave Free appeared beside him, glancing in Sedona's direction. "She's got your attention, huh?"

Kendrick didn't look away. "She's... different."

Dave chuckled. "Different good?"

"Yeah," Kendrick said simply, his tone thoughtful. "Different good."

As Sedona walked to the center of the field for her rehearsal, Kendrick watched from a distance, quietly rooting for her. There was no doubt in his mind that she'd crush the national anthem. But beyond that, he found himself wondering about her—what drove her, what made her laugh, what she was like when the cameras weren't rolling.

For now, though, he kept those thoughts to himself, content to watch as Sedona prepared to take on the stage. Something about her presence felt like a promise—like this wouldn't be the last time their paths crossed.

—

©kashdemi
Volume I- Redamancy.
Chapter Ten.
— １２／２７／２４
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Kinda feeling sick so I wanted to drop this before I enter an even deeper funk than I'm already in.

Some of the dialogue is kinda different from the first chapter but who really cares? Just pretend everything runs as it is.

Thoughts on the chapter? And what do you expect for the next one?

Stay tuned for the next chapter, & til next time!
- shea