l. KARAOKE.
February 18, 2018. | Third Person POV.
Frankfurt, Germany.

It was mid-afternoon when Sedona found herself aimlessly scrolling through Google Maps, eyes scanning for a spot—anywhere—to escape the confines of their hotel room. The previous few days had been a blur of rehearsals, press obligations, and back-to-back performances. Now they'd gotten a bit of a break, Sedona wanted to go somewhere. As much as she loved the grind, today she wanted something different. Something simple.

Her thumb hovered over a listing: a karaoke bar tucked away a few blocks from their hotel. She smirked, already sold on the idea before she even pitched it. Turning her phone toward Kendrick, Dave, and Monica, she raised an eyebrow.

"Karaoke?"

Kendrick glanced up from his phone, skeptical. "You tryna have a whole concert on our day off?"

Sedona nudged him playfully with her foot. "It's just for fun."

Dave leaned forward, a knowing grin spreading across his face. "Nah, you tryna show off. But I respect it."

Monica chuckled, shaking her head. "Honestly? I could go for that. Let's do it."

And just like that, their plans were set.

—

The February air had a lingering chill, but it was nothing a hoodie couldn't handle. They decided to walk since it was only a few blocks away, the city buzzing with life around them. Sedona, dressed in an oversized white tee, olive green cargo pants, and Converse, tied the whole look together with a brown bandana over her straightened hair. It was effortless—laid-back but cool in a way that was just her.

"You really about to sing your heart out, huh?" Kendrick teased as they walked.

Sedona flashed him a sly smile. "And you're gonna be right there with me, so don't even try to front."

Kendrick scoffed but didn't argue.

Dave stuffed his hands in his pockets. "Man, I feel like we about to rent this place out. Who goes to karaoke in the middle of the afternoon?"

Monica smirked. "People like us."

—

They stepped inside to find the place nearly empty. A bartender wiped down the counter, barely looking up, while a small group occupied one of the booths in the back. Other than that, it was just them.

"Told you," Dave murmured, glancing around.

Sedona didn't mind, though. If anything, she liked it better this way—less pressure, more room to just be.

They slid into a booth near the stage, flipping through the song catalog while waiting for their drinks.

Sedona was the first to step up, and she already knew what she wanted to sing.

The moment the opening notes of Unbreak My Heart by Toni Braxton filled the room, a hush fell over their table. Even the bartender seemed to pause mid-motion, sensing something was about to happen.

Sedona gripped the mic, closing her eyes as she let the lyrics wash over her. Her voice started soft, almost delicate, but as she reached the chorus, her tone deepened, an ache slipping through every note.

"Take back that sad word goodbye. Bring back the joy to my life..."

It wasn't just about hitting the right pitch. It was the way she felt the song—the way her voice carried the weight of emotions she wasn't even sure she had.

Kendrick, watching from the booth, leaned forward, arms resting on the table. He had seen her perform a million times, but this was different. There was something unspoken in the way she sang—like she was pulling from a place even she didn't fully understand.

Dave nudged Monica. "She's singing like she's been through some shit."

Monica exhaled. "Yeah. You feel that?"

Kendrick didn't say anything, but his gaze never wavered.

When she finished, there was a beat of silence before the room erupted into applause. Sedona let out a breath, shaking off the intensity before bowing playfully. "Alright, alright. Who's next?"

Monica and Dave exchanged a glance before grinning.

"Us," Monica said, standing up. "I guess."

Dave and Monica stood in front of the mic, flipping through the song options.

Monica groaned. "Why did I let y'all talk me into this?"

"Because you secretly love attention," Sedona teased, sipping her drink.

Dave chuckled. "She ain't wrong."

Monica shot them both a glare before huffing. "Fine. But we picking something easy."

That's when Dave's eyes lit up. "Yo, Endless Love!"

Sedona nearly choked on her drink. "Oh, hell no."

Kendrick smirked. "Oh, hell yes."

Monica squinted at Dave like he had lost his damn mind. "Why would you pick that?"

"'Cause it's a classic," He said with a grin.

"You got me out here singing a whole love ballad with you?"

Dave placed a hand over his heart, feigning hurt. "Wow. You actin' like I'm not a catch."

Monica scoffed. "Boy, shut up and sing."

The music started, and the second Dave opened his mouth, it was already a disaster.

"My love..."

His voice cracked so bad that Sedona wheezed, slapping the table. "Oh, nah—run that back!"

Monica covered her mouth, laughing. "Yo, yo, I wasn't ready for that."

Dave doubled over, pointing at the screen. "Why y'all ain't tell me Lionel Richie started so high?"

Kendrick shook his head. "Ain't nobody tell you to pick a song outta your range."

Dave straightened up, taking a deep breath. "A'ight, I got it this time."

He restarted, and somehow, he made it through his line—barely. Then it was Monica's turn.

"My endless love..."

And her voice cracked.

The room erupted with snickers from both Sedona and Kendrick.

Sedona nearly fell out of the booth. "Nah! Not you too!"

Kendrick was gasping for air, wiping his eyes. "Ain't no way—y'all sound like two middle schoolers in choir."

Monica waved her hands, trying to collect herself. "I wasn't ready—Dave threw me off!"

"Oh, so it's my fault?" Dave asked, crossing his arms.

"Yes!"

They tried again, this time overly committed. Monica even clutched her chest dramatically, singing like she was in a soap opera. Dave grabbed an invisible mic stand and belted out his lines like he was on stage at the Grammys.

And somehow, it actually started sounding decent.

By the end, they were both breathless, cracking up along with everyone else.

Sedona wiped a tear from her eye. "Y'all so unserious."

Kendrick shook his head. "Nah, that was comedy."

Monica collapsed into the booth, fanning herself. "Never again."

Dave grinned, nudging her. "Come on, that was fun."

She pointed at him. "Next time, we're picking something chill."

Kendrick and Sedona just exchanged looks, already knowing this wouldn't be the last time these two clowned on stage together.

—

Finally, it was their turn.

They chose All I Need by Method Man and Mary J. Blige.

The moment the beat dropped, the energy shifted again.

Kendrick started first, his deep voice commanding attention as he rapped, his eyes locked onto Sedona the whole time.

"Shorty, I'm there for you anytime you need me. For real girl, it's me in your world, believe me..."

Sedona's turn came, and she sang her part with a sultry intensity that caught Kendrick off guard. She stepped closer, her voice smooth yet powerful, her eyes never leaving his.

"Like sweet mornin' dew, I took one look at you. And it was plain to see, you were my destiny..."

There was something undeniable in the way they performed—an electricity between them that made the rest of the room fade away. It wasn't rehearsed, wasn't planned, but it felt like a moment.

Kendrick, still rapping, reached for her hand, pulling her in slightly as he delivered his lines with even more conviction.

Sedona smirked but didn't pull away. Instead, she leaned into it, playing along, her voice dripping with emotion as she sang back to him.

By the time they reached the final chorus, the tension between them was palpable.

The last note lingered in the air before silence fell over the room.

It was only a second—barely that—but it felt like longer. Like even the space itself needed a moment to process what had just happened.

Then came the applause, louder this time, mixed with a few whistles from the small audience.

Sedona let out a breath, turning to Kendrick with a grin. "You tryna out-sing me or something?"

Kendrick chuckled, shaking his head. "Nah, I was just feelin' it. You?"

She didn't answer right away, just held his gaze before finally nodding. "Yeah... me too."

And for the first time in a long time, she felt completely in the moment.

—

The energy in the room was still buzzing from their performance of All I Need, but the night wasn't over yet. Sedona slid back into the booth, reaching for her drink when Monica leaned in with a smirk.

"Okay, it's your turn for a dare," She announced, eyes glinting with mischief.

Sedona arched an eyebrow, sipping slowly. "Oh, we doin' dares now?"

Dave chuckled. "Why not? We already embarrassing ourselves up there."

Monica grinned, tapping her nails against the table. "Okay, I dare you... to rap one of Kendrick's songs."

Sedona blinked before bursting into laughter. "You serious?"

Kendrick leaned back, arms crossed, amusement written all over his face. "Yeah, let's see what you got."

Sedona shook her head, laughing as she scrolled through the catalog. "Y'all really want me to do this?"

Monica nodded. "Hell yeah!"

Dave grinned. "And you gotta go all out."

She sighed dramatically before selecting the song. The second the beat to Backstreet Freestyle dropped, the whole group reacted.

Kendrick's brows shot up. "Oh, that's what we doin'?"

Sedona smirked, adjusting her mic. "Might as well go big."

The intro played, and she took a breath before diving in.

"Uh, Martin had a dream. Martin had a dream. Kendrick have a dream—"

Then she launched into the verse like she'd been in the studio herself.

"All my life I want money and power. Respect my mind or die from lead shower. I pray my dick get big as the Eiffel Tower. So I can fuck the world for seventy-two hours—"

The second she hit that line, Dave and Monica lost it, laughing and hyping her up at the same time. But Sedona? She didn't break. Her breath control was on ten, her delivery crisp and confident like she'd been rapping for years.

Kendrick leaned forward, eyebrows raised. He expected her to stumble or at least crack up mid-verse, but she was locked in.

"Goddamn, I feel amazing, damn, I'm in the matrix. My mind is living on cloud nine and this nine is never on vacation—"

Sedona was locked in, her flow smooth, her breath control immaculate. The way she delivered each bar with conviction had the whole group in shock. She wasn't just reciting lyrics—she was performing like she meant every word. 

Monica had both hands over her mouth, shaking her head in disbelief. Dave was standing now, hyping her up like she was really on stage. Even Kendrick, who had started with his usual amused smirk, was now watching her with something close to admiration. 

"Start up that Maserati and vroom-vroom, I'm racing. Popping pills in the lobby, and I pray they don't find her naked—"

Sedona threw in the ad-libs, catching every pause and inflection just like the original track. The more she rapped, the more confidence oozed from her. It was wild to see her like this—laid-back, usually so smooth with her R&B vocals, now attacking the beat with raw energy. 

By the time she got to— 

"Damn, I got bitches, damn, I got bitches. Damn, I got bitches, wifey, girlfriend, and mistress—"

Monica collapsed against Dave, wheezing. "She really rappin' this whole damn song!" 

Kendrick sat back, shaking his head. "Ain't no way, man," He muttered, but there was a glint of pride in his eyes. 

Sedona hit the last hook, pacing across the small stage now, completely into it— 

"All my life I want money and power. Respect my mind or die from lead shower—"

When the beat faded, she tossed the mic onto the stand and threw her hands up as she had just shut down a rap battle. The whole bar erupted in cheers, even from the few people in the background who had been watching the spectacle unfold. 

Monica was dying, wiping tears from her eyes. "You got it, girl! I take back every doubt I had!" 

Dave pounded the table. "Nah, that was crazy!" 

Kendrick was grinning now, shaking his head as Sedona sauntered back to their booth. "I'm impressed," He admitted, pulling her in close when she dropped down beside him. "You sure you don't got a rap album tucked away somewhere?" 

Sedona smirked, catching her breath. "Nah, I just had to show y'all I could keep up." 

Monica leaned in. "That was way more than keeping up. You murdered that." 

Sedona laughed, stealing a fry from Kendrick's plate. "Maybe y'all should dare me more often." 

Kendrick gave her a knowing look. "Bet. Next time, it's Rigamortis." 

Sedona groaned. "Oh, you tryna kill me." 

The laughter and excitement carried on as they ordered more drinks, soaking in the energy of the night. What started as a chill, random outing had turned into one of those unforgettable nights—pure fun, no stress, just them vibing together. 

And for the first time in a while, Sedona felt completely free.

—

The night was still young, and the energy from Sedona's performance lingered in the air as they settled back into their booth. Drinks arrived, and Monica was still fanning herself from laughter.

"Nah, I still can't believe you did that," She said, shaking her head. "I was positive you were gonna break at that Eiffel Tower line."

Sedona smirked, sipping her drink. "Had to commit. Y'all wasn't about to clown me."

Dave chuckled. "Well, you definitely got the crowd's respect. Look at them." He gestured around the bar where a few people were still looking their way, some nodding in approval, others throwing her playful thumbs-ups.

Kendrick draped an arm over the back of the booth, watching her with a knowing smile. "You got range, ma. R&B star by day, lyrical assassin by night."

Sedona bumped his knee with hers. "Don't gas me."

"Oh, I'm gassin' you all the way up," He teased, his voice low and smooth.

Monica groaned. "Alright, before y'all get too wrapped up in each other, what's next? I'm hyped now. We can't just end the night here."

Dave nodded in agreement. "Facts. We in a new city, might as well make the most of it."

Sedona leaned back, considering. "Y'all tryna go somewhere else?"

"Hell yeah," Monica said. "Something fun, though. No bougie-ass club where we gotta stand around and look cute."

Kendrick glanced at Sedona. "What you thinkin'?"

She pulled out her phone, and scrolling through Google Maps. "Hm, karaoke was dope, but what about... bowling?"

Dave perked up. "Oh, you don't want that smoke. I dominate at bowling."

Monica snorted. "Boy, please."

Sedona smirked. "Y'all talkin' big. Bet money on it."

Dave grinned. "Say less. Twenty a head?"

"Make it fifty," Kendrick said, already reaching into his pocket.

"Oh, so we betting for real?" Monica laughed, but she was already pulling out her cash.

Sedona raised a brow. "Hope y'all got your form right 'cause I'm not losing."

With the bet locked in, they paid their tab and headed out, still buzzing from the night's energy. The air outside was crisp, the city lights bouncing off the pavement as they piled into Kendrick's rental.

The bowling alley was about fifteen minutes away, tucked between a row of late-night spots. It wasn't one of those fancy, upscale alleys with neon lights and craft cocktails—it had a classic, real feel to it. Faded lanes, an old-school scoreboard, and a jukebox playing a mix of early 2000s hip-hop.

They got their shoes, picked their lanes, and the trash talk immediately commenced.

"Alright, who's up first?" Monica asked, stretching dramatically like she was about to run a marathon.

Dave cracked his knuckles. "Let me set the tone real quick."

Sedona leaned into Kendrick, whispering, "He 'bout to gutter ball."

Kendrick chuckled. "Easily."

Dave lined up his shot, took a deep breath—then sent the ball straight into the gutter.

The whole group erupted.

"Damn!" Monica wheezed. "Set the tone for what? Failure?"

Sedona covered her mouth, trying to contain her laugh. "That was tragic."

Dave pointed at them. "A'ight, a'ight, y'all got jokes. Watch, I'm warming up."

The game started off lighthearted, but as expected, Monica's competitive streak kicked in fast. She celebrated every strike with a dramatic pose, talking trash between rounds.

"Oh, y'all real quiet now," She teased after knocking down another set of pins. "Especially after that mess of what Dave was doing."

"Ease up on me." He raised his hand in defense.

Kendrick was up next, and of course, he was smooth with it—sent the ball rolling down the lane with ease, knocking down eight pins.

Sedona nodded, impressed. "Okay, okay."

When it was her turn, she stepped up, rolling her shoulders. Kendrick leaned in from the side. "You need a little help with your form?"

She shot him a look. "I got this."

Sedona wasn't about to let that slide. When her turn came, she took her time, adjusting her stance. She could feel Kendrick watching her closely, and just as she was about to roll, she glanced over her shoulder.

"If I hit a strike, you buying me dessert after this."

Kendrick smirked. "Say less."

She rolled the ball, watching as it curved just right—and boom. Strike.

Monica groaned. "Ain't no way!"

Sedona turned to Kendrick, smirking. "Hope you ready to pay up."

Kendrick shook his head, pulling her close. "I got you, D."

The game went on, full of laughs, trash talk, and playful bets. In the end, Monica and Dave won by a slim margin, and Monica made sure everyone knew it.

"A win is a win!" She cheered, doing a little victory dance.

Sedona laughed. "Aight, we letting y'all have this one. But next time, it's war."

After cashing in on her bet—Kendrick buying her a warm brownie sundae

The game went on, with more bets, more laughter, and an unspoken competition between Sedona and Kendrick. Every time he got a strike, she'd roll her eyes but secretly plot how to match him. When she finally got her first strike, she definitely let him know about it.

"What's up?" She teased, doing a little victory dance.

Kendrick chuckled. "It's cool. You got one."

"Correction—I got this one. You still gotta catch up."

By the end of the game, Kendrick ended up winning (barely), but Sedona made sure to remind him that she'd be back for revenge.

It was past 10 p.m. when they finally left the alley, full of energy but feeling the weight of the long night.

As they stood by the car, Monica stretched, yawning. "Sheesh, I'm beat. Y'all tryna call it a night?"

Dave nodded. "Yeah, I need food first, though."

Sedona glanced at Kendrick. "You tryna get some late-night food?"

Kendrick ran a hand down her back, his touch lingering. "Yeah, let's grab somethin' real quick."

They ended up at a 24-hour diner, sliding into a booth with plates full of burgers, condiments, and fries. The conversation slowed down, turning more into soft laughter and quiet moments as the exhaustion set in.

Sedona leaned against Kendrick, sipping her drink. He absentmindedly played with the hem of her sleeve, a small, intimate gesture that didn't go unnoticed.

Monica sighed, looking around the table. "This was a good ass night."

Dave nodded. "Yeah. No drama, no stress, just vibes."

Sedona smiled, feeling the warmth of the moment settle in. "We need more nights like this."

Kendrick pressed a kiss to her temple, low enough that only she could hear when he murmured, "We will."

And for the first time in a long time, Sedona felt like she wasn't just moving through life—she was actually living it.

—

Back at the hotel, the weight of the day settled into their bones. The night had been full—performances, laughter, and moments that felt like they'd last forever—but now exhaustion tugged at them as they walked down the quiet hallway to their suites.

Sedona, wrapped up in the warmth of Kendrick's arm slung lazily over her shoulder, sighed contently. "Man, today was a day," She murmured, her voice laced with fatigue but satisfaction.

Monica stifled a yawn, digging through her bag for her keycard. "I don't even got the energy to take my makeup off. I might just lay face down and pray for the best."

Just as they neared their doors, Sedona suddenly stopped in her tracks, pulling away from Kendrick. Without warning, she started hitting the You're a Jerk dance— sneakers and all—her movements exaggerated with a dramatic bounce.

Kendrick blinked at her, caught between confusion and amusement. "Ain't no way," He said, watching her hit the moves with full dedication.

Dave snorted. "What the hell just happened?"

Sedona, still jerking, pointed at her head. "It popped in my brain! I had to let it out!"

Monica wheezed. "Not your intrusive thoughts winning."

Kendrick shook his head, laughing as he pulled her back into his arms. "Nah, you wild for that one."

She grinned up at him, slightly out of breath. "Had to keep y'all on your toes."

He could only laugh, his hold tightening slightly. "You already do."

Just as Kendrick leaned in again, Monica groaned dramatically. "Alright, lovebirds. It's time for bed."

Sedona laughed, shaking her head as she swiped her key card. "Shit, you right. Let me take my ass to bed."

Monica waved her off, already halfway to her own room. "Night, superstar."

Dave gave her a lazy salute before unlocking his door. "Try not to break into another dance routine in your sleep."

Kendrick lingered for a second, watching as Sedona stepped inside. She turned to look at him, her eyes warm despite her exhaustion. He smirked. "You sure you ain't got no more moves left in you?"

She scoffed, shaking her head. "Boy, if you don't go to bed—"

Chuckling, he leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to her lips. "Sleep good, baby."

"You too," She murmured, stepping back into her suite and closing the door behind her.

With a satisfied sigh, Sedona kicked off her shoes and made a beeline to the bathroom. The day had been long, but her heart was full. And for the first time in a while, she felt nothing but peace.

—

©kashdemi
Volume I- Redamancy.
Chapter Fifty.
— ０２／１５／２５
———————

Filler.

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

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