I'm not cut out for this · Y/n story by @jojomcqueen

The air in the dressing room hummed with the low buzz of curling irons and the soft click of heels against tile. Eight girls, each a facet of the same gem, moved in practiced harmony.

Katerina

Polina, stop fidgeting. You'll smudge your lipstick.

Polina

pouts, adjusting the strap of her sequined gown I can't help it! My heart is doing somersaults. I feel like we're going to the Olympics all over again.

Masha

from the corner, her voice dry as she zips up her own minimalist black jumpsuit This is bigger than the Olympics. This is the world's stage. And we're not just representing Russia. We're representing the Sapphire Moons.

Alisa

nervously twists a strand of dark hair around her finger, her soft pink dress a stark contrast to the others Do you think anyone will recognize us? Or... or hate us?

Katerina

meets Alisa's gaze in the mirror, her voice gentle but firm They'll love us. They have no choice.

Polina

Ooh! Ooh! I heard a rumor that one of the groups from Korea might be here. I hope it's Stray Kids! Their choreography is insane!

The name hung in the air for a moment, a ripple across the still water of Katerina's composure. She didn't turn, but her fingers stilled on the clasp of her earring.

Masha

Don't get distracted, Polina. We're here to compete, not to fan-girl.

Katerina

finally turns, a small, enigmatic smile playing on her lips Masha's right. We're here to win.

She took a breath, the very picture of icy control. But beneath the surface, the name of a certain Korean group echoed, and the memory of a different life, a different stage, flickered behind her eyes.

Stagehand

Five minutes, ladies. The world is watching.