xiv. LATE NIGHT RESET.
January 14, 2018. | Third Person POV.
Los Angeles, California.

The next morning, Sedona woke with the memory of her almost-kiss with Kendrick lingering in her mind. It was the kind of thing that left a warm, fluttery sensation in her chest, but it also left her with questions. What would've happened if they hadn't been interrupted? Did Kendrick feel the same pull she did, or was it all in her head?

She rolled over, letting out a groan as she buried her face in her pillow. "Get it together, Sedona," She mumbled to herself.

Her phone buzzed on the nightstand, breaking through her spiral of thoughts. She grabbed it, expecting a text or a reminder, but it was another FaceTime request—from Kendrick.

Her stomach flipped, but she quickly hit "accept," propping herself up against the pillows.

Kendrick's face appeared on the screen, still calm and composed but with an unmistakable ease about him. He was wearing a black hoodie, his head slightly tilted as he leaned on what looked like the edge of a desk.

"Morning," He said casually, though his voice carried a warmth that made Sedona's lips curve into a smile.

"Morning, Kenny," She replied, before covering a yawn that threatened its way out her lips. "What's up? Already in the studio?"

"You know how it is," He said with a small chuckle. "Early bird and all that. I wanted to check on you, though. You good?"

Sedona's smile softened. "I'm good. Just... processing, I guess."

Kendrick's brow quirked slightly. "Processing what?"

She hesitated for a moment, her fingers fiddling with the edge of her blanket. "Last night. The tacos, the conversation... almost everything."

Kendrick chuckled lowly, the sound sending a subtle shiver through her. "Yeah, last night was... somethin' else."

"Something good, though," She clarified quickly, not wanting him to misread her.

"I feel you," He said, nodding. "You had me thinkin', too. About us, about where this could go. But I ain't tryna rush anything. I'm just takin' it as it comes, you feel me?"

She exhaled, relieved by his honesty. "I feel you. And I think that's what I needed to hear."

For a moment, neither of them said anything, but it wasn't an awkward silence. It was comfortable like they both understood what was left unsaid.

"So, what's on your agenda today?" Kendrick asked, changing the subject.

"Studio, of course," She replied with a small laugh. "Still wrapping up some stuff for the album. Trina's gonna kill me if I don't finish my vocals today."

"Trina's good people," Kendrick said with a grin. "She'll give you a pass if you tell her Kendrick Lamar held you up."

Sedona laughed. "Oh, you think you're that special?"

"Nah," He teased. "I know I am."

She rolled her eyes playfully, but her smile lingered. "Alright, I gotta get moving. But thanks for checking in, Kenny. I needed that."

"Anytime, D," Kendrick said, his voice low and sincere. "Go do your thing. I'll catch you later."

When the call ended, Sedona felt lighter, as if Kendrick's words had lifted some of the weight she hadn't realized she was carrying. Whatever this was between them, it felt natural—unforced and steady, like a rhythm she could move to.

As the day unfolded, Sedona found herself fully immersed in her work. The studio was her sanctuary, and with Trina guiding her through vocal takes and harmonies, she felt unstoppable. Still, there was a small part of her that couldn't wait to see Kendrick again.

Later that night, as Sedona sat in her condo unwinding from the day, her phone buzzed with a text. It was Kendrick.

Kenny: I just finished a new mix. Wanna hear it?

Sedona: You mean a private sneak peek? Say less.

Fifteen minutes later, another FaceTime call lit up her screen, and this time, Kendrick wasn't alone. He'd connected the call to the studio monitors, the warm glow of the recording space in the background.

"Alright," He said, adjusting the camera so she could see him. "This one's fresh. Raw and uncut."

As the opening chords of the track filled her ears, Sedona's eyes widened. The beat was hypnotic, layered with lush vocals and a steady rhythm that tugged at something deep within her.

"What's this called?" She asked, her voice tinged with excitement.

"I'm not sure yet," Kendrick replied, and even then held a hint of pride in his tone. "Who knows it might be for a future project."

Sedona leaned closer to the screen, her jaw-dropping as the track unfolded. The blend of Kendrick's verses with the hauntingly beautiful hook was nothing short of magic.

"Kenny," she said, her voice filled with awe. "This is dope. Like... something I would keep in the vault for my ears only dope."

He grinned, clearly pleased by her reaction. "You think so?"

"I would be bullshitting if I said otherwise," Sedona assured firmly. "This is the kind of track that gets under your skin—in the best way."

Her praise seemed to land in the quiet way it always did with Kendrick, his smile softening into something almost shy. "Glad you like it. Means a lot comin' from you."

They stayed on the call for another hour, talking about music, life, and everything in between. By the time Sedona finally hung up, her heart felt full. Whatever this was—whether it was friendship, a partnership, or something more—it felt like home.

And for now, that was more than enough.

—

©kashdemi
Volume I- Redamancy.
Chapter Fourteen.
— ０１／０６／２５
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Happy New Year! May 2025 be filled with blessings, wealth, good health, and all your troubles be put away. I have good faith in this year and hope it can only grow.

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

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