2015

Director: Aaaaand cut!

Ahri sighed as she finally stopped smiling and relaxed. It had been only 2 hours but it felt like she was dancing and lip singing for the past 2 years. She was exhausted. Tired.

Roy: Let's take a short break, everyone!

Ahri walked off the makeshift stage the crew had made for music video they were filming. Immediately, one of the make up people came over and fixed the slight smudge on her cheek while Ahri rolled her eyes.

Roy: What a perfect take, Ahri! This song is sure to top the charts.

Ahri looked at her manager's smile and growled to herself. It was as fake as everything else on this set. He meant well but she knew that in the end, he was only loyal to the record company.

Ahri gently pushed the woman's hand away and gave her a smile before she walked over to the snack table that was set out for the crew and her.

Ahri: Thanks, Roy. The song is....fine.

Roy: Fine?

Ahri looked down at the outfit they had put her in. The costume designer called it, "cute with a bit of scandal". Really, it looked like her normal outfit, just black instead of white.

Ahri: All of this...it's not really me. It's cute, fun....harmless. I feel like I'm just playing a part.

Roy scratched his cheek.

Roy: Well sure. But in the end, aren't we all?

He wasn't getting it. He never did. Ahri picked up a cookie as she did her best to explain it to him.

Ahri: I'd like to perform my own songs. I thought that was why you signed me to this record label.

Roy suddenly snatched the cookie from Ahri as he tried to keep up the nice guy act.

Roy: But this is the song the fans want! It tested well in our focus groups. We'll get to your songs. Promise.

Ahri looked at Roy for a moment. This...this was just fucked up.

Ahri: You've promised me that for the last year!

Roy started to sweat as he tried to come up with something, anything, that she wanted to hear right now.

Director: Aaand, we're back! Reset to places!

Ahri sighed and headed back toward the set while Roy stood there. He just shrugged and took a bite from the cookie.

2016.

Ahri: I'm breaking my contract, Eve.

Evelynn looked up from her steak at her friend. Ahri had called her to meet her at this restaurant to talk shop, which she wasn't opposed to, but she wasn't really expecting this.

Evelynn was an artist herself and had a, rough reputation since she was known as the "Diva Queen" of the music industry. She knew what she wanted and when she wanted it. If that made her a diva, then so be it.

Evelynn: That's a lot of money you're leaving on the table. Not to mention walking away from a guaranteed path to a big and safe career.

Ahri shook her head.

Ahri: I didn't start writing music because I wanted to be safe. I started because I had something to say. A hunger for something....more.

Evelynn took a drink of her wine as Ahri explained her situation.

Ahri: A chance to not only raise my voice, but others around me. I want to start a new group.

This caught Evelynn's attention.

Ahri: Produce it myself, lead it. With you.

Evelynn smiled behind her glass. She valued her friends and she was very protective of them. More so than she would ever admit. Ahri, was more like her sister. If this is what made her happy, then so be it. If this is what she really wanted, really believed in, the Evelynn was going to support her 120%.

Evelynn: And here I feared the rising "Pop Star Ahri" was all fluff. Who knew you had fangs all along?

Ahri just smiled.

2 Months Later.

Evelynn: So, this is the place. Seems, what's the word I'm looking for? Ah! Rundown.

Ahri: Eve!

The two women were standing in front of a dance studio simply named Firefly Collective. It was close at the moment but they were hoping it would be.

They weren't here for dance lessons. No. They've had plenty of those. They were here for the person giving lessons. Said person was walking toward the door while looking at her phone.

Kai'sa suddenly stopped in her tracks when she noticed the two women standing in front of her studio.

Kai'sa: Ah....hi?

Ahri: Hello. Are you Kai'sa?

Kai'sa: Uh...yeah. And you guys are...

Evelynn: We know who we are, darling.

Ahri: Do you have a moment to talk?

Two Weeks Later.

Akali: Yo! This flow is incredible!

Akali watched the new rap video on her friend's phone as she sat on the curb. Night had fallen over her city which meant it was time to play.

Ever since her rap battle went viral when she was only 15, she had been finding lots of new people to test her lyrics on. Even if she couldn't find anyone who was willing to step up to her, she would find fun with her friends break dancing on the street.

Ekko: I know! Dude, his lyrics could be trash and the beat still goes hard!

Ekko, a good friend of Akali, was the boy she often spent the most time with. He was a naturally gifted genius but he never used it get away from the rough streets he called home. Instead, he wanted to use his lyrics and intelligence to uplift his neighborhood and bring hope to them.

He was a good kid.

Kai'sa: He does have a point. This beat is pretty fresh.

The two jumped at the new voice and turned around to find Kai'sa and Ahri standing there with smiles.

Ekko: Y-Yo. You're...woah. Ah, hi.

Ahri smiled at Ekko's nervousness.

Ahri: Hello. Ah, we're looking for Akali. Do you two know where we could find her?

Ekko pointed at Akali who was standing there dumbfounded. At this point, the others in the are began to take notice at the celebrity's sudden appearance as she approached Akali.

Ahri: I've seen your social media. You had a lot to say.

Akali: Uh huh.

Ahri: You wanna say it to the world?
--------
Evelynn: So you have your group. What happens now?

Ahri took a sip her tea. The two women were currently in Ahri's home, or really mini mansion, waiting for the other two to arrive.

Ahri: Now we find a manager.

Evelynn: Oh yeah. You threw Roy in the trash.

Evelynn sipped on her drink.

Evelynn: Where he belongs.

Ahri: I agree.

The two smiled at each other before Ahri's butler walked into the room.

Nathan: Ms. Ahri. Your guest have arrived.

Ahri: Thank you, Nathan. Go ahead and send them in.

Nathan nodded and moved to let Kai'sa and Akali enter the room.

Nathan: Do you all require refreshments?

Akali: Ah, do you have Coke?

Nathan: Indeed. And for you?

Kai'sa: Water is good.

Nathan: Certainly.

He bowed and left the room. Kai'sa sat next to Ahri while Akali sat next to Evelynn.

Evelynn: How was the flight?

Akali: Weird. Never been on a plane before.

Kai'sa: I think I've been on too many. So, what were you guys talking about?

Evelynn: About our need for a manager.

Ahri: Not just any manager. We need one that can represent us all. That knows what we want to do and doesn't force us into a mold.

Most managers would look at this group and immediately see dollar signs. It was a prime opportunity after all. But that's not what Ahri wanted. She wanted someone who can help them fulfill their vision. Not hold them back from their goal.

Evelynn: Good luck with that.

Kai'sa: I've had experiences with managers before. They're not always so, trustworthy. Or helpful.

Ahri: Believe me, I know. But I already have someone in mind. You could say he was my first manager. Back when I was doing songs in my bedroom on my guitar.

Evelynn: Aww. Black hair Ahri. So cute. So, innocent.

Akali: So, who is this guy? You must be close if you trust him this much.

The girls all looked at Ahri who was now hiding behind her cup of tea.

Ahri: About that....I need to find him first.

All: What?

Ahri: Ah, you see, we kinda got into a fight when I started to blow up. I haven't really talked to him since. That was, let me see here, my last year of highschool.

Evelynn: That was 7 years ago!

Ahri: You see the problem?

Indeed, there was a very visible problem. Ahri didn't know where she could even find her friend or if he was even alive. But, she had connections. People who knew people who knew people.

Akali: And you're sure we can trust this dude?

Ahri nodded.

Ahri: I trust him with this. I'm willing to put everything I have on this man. If anyone can help us achieve our goal, it's him.

She meant every word. She trusted you with every since ounce of her being.

Evelynn: Fine. Let's go find this guy. Doubt he's up to anything anyway.
---------
Officer: Y/N L/N?

You slowly lifted your head as your name was called out. You looked around the room of the thugs and punks before you raised your hand.

Officer: Your bail was paid. Report to the front desk.

You nodded and stood up. You were still wearing the clothes you wore last night, a F/C button down with some nice pants, with your Vans. You made your way over to the front desk where a plastic bag of your stuff was waiting.

Woman: The information on the paper is your court date and the time you need to report. If you don't make it in time, you will be denied access and a warrant for your arrest will be issued.

Y/N: Yeah, ah, thanks. This my stuff?

The woman nodded and you grabbed the bag. You opened it up and pulled out your phone and wallet. You then pulled out the last item and looked at it.

The silver dogtag dangled from the chain you had put it on. Your name, Y/N L/N, Social security number, and blood type were engraved on it. You tossed it up and caught it before you placed it around your neck. You then slid the bag back to the woman.

Woman: And, Mr. L/N.

You stopped and looked at her.

Woman: Between me and you, that bastard deserved to get some sense knocked into him. Thank you for your service.

You looked at her for a moment before you nodded.

Y/N: It was an honor to.

Honor to serve or to punch the asshole who groped your friend? Both. One was much more enjoyable than the other.

You left the station and spotted said friend leaning against her car in the parking lot.

Jinx: You look like shit.

You gave a snarky smile at her remark as you walked over to her. She gave you a half hug which your returned. She looked at the black eye the guy had given you last night. His was much worse.

Jinx: So, home?

Y/N: Yeah. They don't let you sleep in the station.

You got in her car as she took the driver seat.

Jinx: They let you eat? Cause if not, I got you some of Marco's famous Cheeseburgers.

She reached into the back seat and pull out a paper bag with Marco's logo on it. You smiled as you reached in and pulled out one of the burgers inside. You unwrapped it and your smile vanished.

Y/N: Double meat and cheese?

You closed the bag and looked at your friend.

Y/N: If you weren't my best friend, I would marry you.

Jinx hit your shoulder as you laughed. You were so hungry. As you devoured the food, Jinx drove down the street blasting her music. You enjoyed the greezy goodness as you drove along the ocean. It was such a nice day. You were actually glad that you weren't spending it in a cell.

Jinx: So, when's the courtdate?

Y/N: The 26th. I'll go, pay the fine, do whatever I need to. Easy as pie.

Jinx: Nice.

You nodded. Your eyes landed on the waves and the people riding them. Jinx parked the car and the two of you got out. Jinx locked the car and you both walked up the stairs to your shared apartment.

It wasn't anything fancy. Just a simple two bedroom, one bathroom with a kitchen and a small loving room. Definitely only made for two people.

You entered the apartment and sat on the couch while Jinx tossed her keys into the bowl near the door.

Y/N: We got any ice?

Jinx opened up the freezer and tossed you a bag of frozen peas. You said thanks and placed the bag on your still stinging eye. It had been a few hours but it still hurt.

Y/N: I'm gonna turn on the TV.

Jinx: Go ahead. Mind if I play some records?

You shook your head and turned on the TV with the remote while Jinx walked over to the record player. She then played some hip hop record she had bought last week.

As the beat played and the old school rappers did their thing, the TV played the news. You left it to play as you sunk into the couch.

Y/N: It feels good to be home.

Jinx: You should take a shower.

Y/N: Eh. I'll do it later.

Jinx rolled her eyes as you slowly began to fall asleep. The rhythm of Wu Tang Clan's album filled the room as you slumped over and passed out. Jinx came back into the room and saw that you were asleep.

Jinx: His neck is going to hurt when he wales up.

She just rolled her eyes and walked to the kitchen to get some milk.

That's when she heard a knock on the door. She poked her out from around the corner and looked at the door. There was another knock before Jinx groaned.

Jinx: I swear.

She walked over to the door and heard some voices on the other side.

Evelynn: This place is horrible.

Akali: I dunno. Kinda has a charm to it.

Kai'sa: Like a beach motel. But, apartments.

Jinx raised a brow as she finally opened the door, only to find four women standing there.

Jinx: Ah, can I help you guys?

Her eyes then landed on Ahri. Both of the girls stared at each other with questioning looks.

Ahri: Jinx?

Jinx: Oh. It's you.

Jinx then closed the door.

Evelynn: That went well.

Kai'sa: Do you two know each other?

Ahri: We went to school together.

Ahri knocked on the door again.

Jinx: Go away!

Ahri: We want to talk to Y/N. Is he here?

Silence. Jinx then opened the door a little bit to look at Ahri.

Jinx: Why are you looking for Y/N?

Akali: You know where he is?

Jinx looked at Akali for a moment before her eyes went wide.

Jinx: You're that chick from those rap battles. Nice flow.

Akali smiled.

Akali: Thank you. So, is Y/N here?

Jinx looked over to Ahri and then back to the others.

Jinx: He is. Though he won't want to talk to her.

The girls all looked at Ahri who was just confused.

Ahri: Ah, yeah. But, we have an offer for him. A job offer.

Jinx gave it some thought.

Jinx: We're not really struggling for money. And he really won't want to talk to you.

Evelynn: We can try. If he turns us away, we'll leave.

Jinx rolled her eyes and opened the door all the way.

Jinx: Come in. He's in here.

The girls all looked at each other before the entered one by one. Jinx walked over to the couch where you were now laying. Well, half laying. Your arm and leg were hanging off the couch and your face was almost buried in the space between the arm and the cushion. The bag of peas have also fallen to the floor. Your shoulder length H/C hair fell over your face which completely hid it. You looked very comfortable.

Jinx: Wake up.

She kicked your foot which jolted you awake.

Y/N: Huh?

Jinx: You have guests.

Y/N: Arg.

You slowly sat up and pushed your hair back as the girls stood there awkwardly. You reached out and grabbed the half empty bottle of water and drank it to help with the slight hangover you had.

Y/N: Go ahead and bring them in.

Jinx: Okay, first of all, not your maid. Second of all, they're already here.

You looked over and saw the girls there. Your eyes then fell on Ahri. The two of you looked at each other for the first time in 7 years.

Ahri: Hey.

Y/N: Fuck.