𝐜𝐫𝐲𝐢𝐧' 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐝 ─────⋆⋅★𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘸 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘺

𝟎𝟔. 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐲

The morning of the VMAs buzzed with a kind of electricity Suki hadn't felt in years. It wasn't like the usual hum of a big day — no, this was different. It was sharper, tingling in her fingertips, rushing through her like a current. 

After months of relentless rehearsals and the backbreaking grind of preparing for her world tour, she had finally wrapped up the last of her fittings. The outfits were perfected, her choreography was muscle memory, and for once, she wasn't rushing off to another rehearsal.

Thanks to Kai, her miracle-worker of a choreographer, she had the entire day to herself — or more accurately, to spend with her girls. Today was about breathing in the calm before the storm. Or at least trying to.

Suki stretched out on her oversized velvet couch, the rich fabric cool against her bare legs.

Sunlight spilled through the sheer curtains, casting soft, golden hues across the room. 

She closed her eyes and let out a long, slow breath, trying to enjoy the quiet. Trying to savour the rare stillness before the whirlwind of the award show: the flashing cameras, the blinding lights, the sea of screaming fans. 

It all awaited her tonight, but right now, she wanted to pretend it didn't.

That moment of serenity, though, lasted all of five seconds.

The front door burst open with a crash, followed by Gracie's familiar squeal of excitement.

 "Okay, okay, I got the goods!" Gracie practically flew into the room, balancing four iced matcha lattes on a cardboard tray, her blonde curls bouncing wildly as she kicked the door closed behind her.

Suki couldn't help but grin, pushing herself upright. Gracie had this way of turning even the quietest moments into a frenzy of energy. She was the spark to Suki's flame, always radiating excitement — and tonight was no exception.

"I thought you were going to take out the mailman with that entrance," Suki teased, accepting the iced latte that Gracie thrust into her hands. The condensation dripped down her fingers, cooling her skin. "Oat milk and honey, right?"

Gracie plopped onto the couch beside her, barely stopping to breathe. "Obviously. You think I'm gonna mess up your pre-VMAs drink? Please."

As Suki took a long sip, the sweetness of the honey and the earthy matcha hit the perfect spot, calming her nerves for a second. She closed her eyes, letting herself soak in the moment.

"Well, I don't know how you survive on this stuff," Madelyn's voice floated in from the hallway, followed by her figure emerging from behind two enormous garment bags. 

She balanced a tray of pastries in her other hand, ever the multitasker. "I need actual coffee if I'm going to survive today."

Madelyn, calm and collected, was the anchor to their trio. 

While Gracie was all energy and chaos, Madelyn was the balance — poised and graceful, always with a plan, always a step ahead. 

She gently laid the garment bags down on a chair, smoothing out the silk, her eyes already on Suki, reading her like a book.

Suki smiled at the sight of her friends, her girls. 

They'd been through it all together— the sleepless nights, the gruelling schedules, the insane highs, and the even crazier lows. 

And now, they were here, prepping for what was about to be one of the biggest nights of her career.

"Survived last night's rehearsal by some miracle," Suki said, running her hand through her hair. "I swear Kai was about to push me off the stage."