xxiii. ALL THE STARS.
January 24, 2018. | Third Person POV.
Los Angeles, California.

The set of the All The Stars music video was nothing short of breathtaking. It was like stepping into a living masterpiece—a vibrant fusion of African artistry and futuristic elegance. Rich hues of gold, emerald, and crimson adorned the space, with larger-than-life sculptures and regal backdrops commanding attention. The air thrummed with creativity and energy, every corner of the set telling its own story.

"Girl you better make sure that you're there." Reminded SZA before she unwillingly left the comfort of Sedona's home. Duty called which meant she had to go do her job. Sedona agreed nonetheless as she wouldn't miss it for the world.

Sedona arrived just as filming began, slipping into the background near the catering table. Sedona, dressed casually in an oversized cardigan with muted yellow and gray stripes, a fitted white crop tank, and loose, faded cargo jeans paired with tan Jordans. Her chrome, metallic pink nails glinted under the incandescent light as she absentmindedly toyed with a necklace. She hadn't wanted to draw attention to herself, instead choosing to simply soak in the magic of the production.

At the heart of it all was SZA, radiant in a flowing, jewel-toned gown that shimmered under the soft, diffused lights. Her every movement was graceful and magnetic, and her voice—soulful and raw—filled the set, commanding attention. Nearby, Kendrick stood quietly, dressed in a sleek black ensemble that matched the regal yet grounded tone of the visuals. Even as he waited for his cue, there was a quiet intensity about him, a sharp focus that never wavered. The chemistry between him and SZA was undeniable, their collaboration feeling more like a dance than just a music video shoot.

Sedona leaned against a nearby column, her eyes fixed on the scene unfolding before her. She couldn't help but feel a deep admiration for both of them, not just for their artistry but for the palpable passion they poured into every frame.

"You good back there, Sedona?" A voice asked, pulling her out of her reverie.

She turned to see Dave Free, the director and one of the creative masterminds behind the shoot, standing nearby with a clipboard in hand. His tone was warm, teasing.

"Yeah, I'm good," Sedona replied, a little sheepishly. "Just trying not to get in the way."

Dave chuckled. "You're not in the way. You're here to take it in, right?"

"Exactly," she said, smiling. "This whole setup is unreal. You guys really outdid yourself."

Dave tilted his head slightly, his expression thoughtful. "You know, it's funny. The best stuff always feels like it's just a reflection of what's already out there—culture, history, life. We're just putting it on a bigger stage."

Sedona nodded, her gaze drifting back to SZA as the cameras started rolling again. "Well, it's working. This feels bigger than life."

"Good," Dave said, giving her a satisfied nod. "That's the goal. And from what I hear, you've got some magic of your own cooking up? I saw that clip of yours, the song sounds like a bit."

Sedona smiled, tucking her hands into her hoodie pocket. "Thanks, I wasn't even expecting it to come out that way—blame SZA for that. Overall, It's a process."

"Trust the process," Dave said, his tone encouraging. "Takes time, but when it clicks, it's worth it."

As Dave was called away to review a playback, Sedona turned her attention back to the set. SZA was in her element, her movements fluid and expressive as the camera captured every detail. Kendrick stepped into the frame for his verse, his delivery sharp and deliberate. Together, they were electric.

When the scene ended, SZA spotted Sedona and waved her over, breaking into a wide grin. "You made it!"

Sedona laughed, stepping forward to give her friend a quick hug. "Of course. I couldn't miss this."

"What do you think?" SZA asked, slightly breathless but beaming.

"It's insane," Sedona said, her voice filled with awe. "You're unreal. Both of you."

SZA smirked, glancing over her shoulder at Kendrick, who was standing nearby, sipping water and watching the crew set up for the next shot. "Yeah, we do alright," she said playfully.

Kendrick turned toward them, his gaze settling on Sedona. "Didn't know you were coming through."

"SZA invited me," Sedona said, meeting his eyes. "I had to see it for myself. You're killing it out there."

"Appreciate that," Kendrick said, his tone steady but warm. His gaze lingered on her for a moment before he looked back at SZA. "We running the next scene?"

"Always," SZA said with a wink, heading toward the director.

Left alone with Kendrick, Sedona suddenly felt hyperaware of the space between them. She wasn't the type to get flustered, but there was something about Kendrick's quiet confidence that made her feel like he could see right through her.

"You enjoying yourself?" He asked, breaking the silence.

"Definitely," She said, leaning lightly against a nearby pillar. "It's inspiring, watching you both work. The way you bring so much intention to everything."

He shrugged, a small smile tugging at his lips. "It's all about the message. Gotta make sure it hits."

"Well, it's hitting," Sedona agreed, her voice softer now. "I think the world's gonna feel this one."

Kendrick tilted his head slightly, studying her with an intensity that made her heart skip. "So what you got going on besides that viral hit."

Sedona hesitated. "Label is focusing on capitalizing that and with the Grammy's and tour coming soon, they're taking every chance they got."

"That should be good," He said, his voice thoughtful. "In all honesty, dometimes the best stuff comes when you least expect it."

She nodded, their eyes locking for a moment that felt longer than it should have. There was something easy about talking to him, despite the quiet tension simmering beneath their words.

Before she could respond, the crew called Kendrick back to set. He straightened, giving her a quick, almost teasing smile. "Stick around. You might pick up some inspiration."

She laughed softly, watching him walk away.

As the shoot wrapped, Sedona lingered near the exit, watching as the crew began packing up. SZA caught up with her, still radiant despite the long day. "Thanks for coming, girl. I needed some good energy today."

"You didn't need me," Sedona said with a laugh. "You and Kendrick owned it out there."

SZA smirked, glancing over at Kendrick, who was deep in conversation with Dave. "Yeah, well, your future boo was looking at you the whole time." She made sure to whisper it, with her voice lowering just so the two of them could hear.

Sedona raised an eyebrow. "What are you talking about?"

"You know exactly what I'm talking about," SZA said, her tone teasing. "Get him."

Sedona laughed it off, but as she walked out to her car later that night, she couldn't help but think about the way Kendrick had looked at her. It was that obvious.

Back home, as Sedona sank into her couch, her phone buzzed. It was from him.

Kenny: You home?

She stared at the screen for a moment before replying.

Sedona: Just got in.

A few seconds passed, and then another buzz.

Kenny: Cool. I meant what I said earlier—energy was better with you there.

Sedona had to stop herself from smiling as she reread the message.

Sedona: You sure you're not just saying that because you're tired?

Kenny: I don't say things I don't mean.

Her heart fluttered as she read his words, the warmth spreading through her chest.

Sedona: Guess I'll have to come to more shoots then.

Kendrick: Guess you will.

As she set her phone down, a smile tugging at her lips, Sedona felt something stir inside her. It's official, she really liked him.

—

©kashdemi
Volume I- Redamancy.
Chapter Twenty-three.
— ０１／１６／２５
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Fillers until the big moment you've been waiting for is here.

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

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