xxxiii. PUSH 2 START.
February 1, 2018. | Third Person POV.
Los Angeles, California.

Sedona woke to the gentle hum of sunlight peeking through her bedroom curtains. The room was quiet except for the faint rustling of sheets as she stretched and yawned. Today marked the first day of filming for the highly anticipated Push 2 Start music video, a project her label was adamant about finishing before she left for European leg of the DAMN. tour. 

Glancing at her phone, Sedona noticed a few unread messages from her team, but her focus quickly shifted to the date at the top of her screen—just seven days left until the tour. The thought gave her butterflies, both from the thrill of performing on a global stage and the fact that she'd be spending weeks with Kendrick. 

She sat up in bed, her hair tumbling against her shoulder in curly clouds. Let's get this started, she thought, already feeling a spark of excitement. This was her time to shine. 

— 

Sedona stood in front of the vanity, her team buzzing around her. Her makeup artist dusted bronzer across her cheekbones and shoulders, adding the perfect touch of shimmer to make her skin glow. Her stylist adjusted the chocolate-brown corset top she'd be wearing for the shoot, lacing it tightly in the back to accentuate her curves. 

"This look is everything," Sedona said, admiring herself in the mirror. The matching brown shorts hugged her hips perfectly, and the gladiator heels tied it all together, giving the ensemble a bold yet sultry edge. 

"It's giving main character energy," her stylist teased. 

Sedona laughed, pulling her phone off the table. With a quick swipe, she hit Kendrick's name on FaceTime. 

The screen lit up with his face, and Sedona couldn't help but smile at the sight of him lounging on his couch, wearing a black hoodie. "Yo, what's up?" Kendrick greeted, his voice still raspy from the early hour. 

"Guess who's about to have the hottest music video of the year?" She teased, holding the phone up to show him her outfit.

Kendrick leaned closer to his screen, his lips curving into a slow grin. "Damn. You ain't playin'." 

"Wait until you see the choreography," She said, giving him a quick spin before tilting the camera back to her face. "I'm telling you, this is gonna be the anthem for the summer. Just in time for the album drop." 

"I ain't doubting you," He said, his gaze lingering on her through the screen. "You look good, D. They ain't ready." 

"Appreciate it," She replied, her cheeks warming. "Wish you were here to see it in person." 

"Don't worry, I'll catch it when you drop it," Kendrick said, his tone soft. "Handle business, though. I'll see you soon." 

With that, they ended the call, and Sedona took one last look in the mirror before heading out the door. 

—

The car wash was bustling with activity as Sedona's team and crew finalized the vibrant set design. The atmosphere was lively despite the brisk January air, with bright splashes of color everywhere—retro neon signs, polished cars, and summer-themed props. Sedona could feel the energy in the air, the anticipation of creating something unforgettable. 

As she stepped out of her car, all eyes turned to her. The sun reflected off her shimmering skin, making her look like she had been kissed by the summer itself. Her glossy curls framed her face, and the heels she wore clicked confidently against the pavement. 

The director called action, and Sedona slipped seamlessly into character. 

—

The beat of Push 2 Start began to play, pulsing through the set. Sedona emerged from the car, her movements smooth and intentional as she mouthed the opening lyrics: 

"The way we move, uh, skin on to skin. No separation, need no competition, nah, nah, nah..."

Her gaze locked on the lead boy—a tall, brown-skinned man with a confidence bubbling off of him. He leaned against a vintage car, his eyes glued to Sedona as she slowly circled him, her lips matching the rhythm of the song. 

Her crew of dancers arrived on the scene, fanning out behind her as she continued to command the space. As the bassline dropped, Sedona dipped low, mouthing the next lyrics with precision: 

"Ah, on everything. It's automatic, goin' zero to a hund', nah, nah..."

The choreography burst into motion, the same bold moves she had performed at the Grammys just days earlier. Sedona's dancers joined her, their movements sharp and synchronized as they weaved around the boys, pushing them aside with playful shoves. 

The scene was vibrant, full of life, and exuded carefree summer energy. Sedona was in her element, her every move captivating the camera. 

—

As the day went on, the shoot became more elaborate. The dancers transitioned seamlessly between formations, their movements fluid and mesmerizing. Sedona never missed a beat, her presence magnetic as she led the group. 

The director called for a break, and Sedona walked over to the monitor to watch playback of the footage. She smiled, satisfied with how everything was coming together. "This is it," she said to no one in particular. "This is the vibe." 

Her team gathered around her, hyping her up as they prepared for the next scene. Sedona couldn't help but feel a surge of pride. This wasn't just a music video—it was a statement, a celebration of who she was as an artist. 

—

By the time the sun began to set, the final scenes were shot, and Sedona was exhausted but exhilarated. As she changed out of her outfit and back into her regular clothes, she couldn't stop thinking about Kendrick's words from earlier. 

"You look good, D. They ain't ready." 

She smiled to herself, knowing he was right. This was her moment, and she was ready to take on the world.

—

By the time Sedona made it back to her apartment, the weight of the day finally hit her. Every muscle in her body ached from the hours of filming and dancing, but the adrenaline of creating something extraordinary still lingered faintly. She dropped her bag by the door and slipped out of her shoes, sighing in relief as the cool hardwood floor met her bare feet.

The apartment was quiet, a peaceful contrast to the vibrant chaos of the set. Sedona made her way to the couch, too tired to even think about heading to her bedroom. She collapsed onto the cushions, pulling a throw blanket over herself and letting her eyes flutter shut.

—

Just as she was on the verge of sleep, her phone buzzed on the coffee table. She groaned softly, reaching for it without even looking at the screen.

"Kenny," Sedona mumbled, her voice heavy with exhaustion.

"You sound tired," He points, his tone laced with concern. "Let me guess they wore you out?"

Sedona smiled faintly, even though her eyes were still closed. "You could say that but I'm good... just worn out. Filming all day'll do that to you."

"I feel you," Kendrick replied. "How'd it go?"

She yawned, shifting to get more comfortable. "It went great. The first part's done, and it looks crazy good. Everyone's hyped. But I gotta film another scene tomorrow."

"What's it about?" He asked, his curiosity piqued.

"Let's just say... I'll be painted, both literally and figuratively," Sedona said with a small laugh. "Think bold colors, abstract vibes... something to really make it pop."

Kendrick chuckled. "You stay hittin' us with the unexpected. Can't wait to see it."

"You'll love it," She murmured, her voice growing softer with each word. "If not then boo..."

Kendrick caught the change in her tone and asked gently, "You fallin' asleep on me?"

"Mmhmm," Sedona admits, barely able to form the word.

He tried to end the call but Sedona stopped him stating that his voice is nice and he should talk more. But when he noticed how she kept on falling asleep, he opted to end the call.

"Goodnight, D," He murmured, his voice barely audible as he ended the call.

In her sleepy state, Sedona set her phone down and let herself sink deeper into the couch, a small smile lingering on her lips as she drifted off. The day had been long, and tomorrow promised to be just as intense, but for now, she let herself rest.

—

©kashdemi
Volume I- Redamancy.
Chapter Thirty-three.
— ０１／２５／２５
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Wattpad has been giving me trouble with this chapter but I'm just pushing through so I could give it to you. I know it says the 25th but let's just keep it that way.

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

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