2 months before the show.

“So we are here to decide the roles,” Brian informs from the stage while everybody sat on the chair “as we all know winter showcase is one of our important events and I want the roles determined fairly according to how you can live up to the character. I hope everyone understands that not getting the main role doesn’t mean your skill are lacking. Sometimes it matters of your vibe, your nature to make some character become more… alive,” he fixed his thick glasses that fall on his nose bridge, and looked up to the crew on their seat “shall we start?”

Brian took a seat in the front row, while Isaac was ready behind the piano, waiting for the cue to press the key.  The light goes off as the spotlight is aimed at Harith in the middle of the stage; he was ready in his position, his heels touching and his feet turned out with his knee straight. He pulls his muscle to his tummy; he widens his shoulder, lifted his chin as he lengthens his neck. His posture was perfect, something that was expected from one of the best dancers among the crew, Jamie’s senior, yet also his rival.

Jamie never actually thought of him as his rival. Competition between the dancer was usual and normal. They fought for the main role with their skill and abilities; it was a healthy competition, regardless they are still friends

Alas, sometimes Jamie is just too naïve

The first key is pressed before Isaac finally played the song properly, and Harith started gliding with his silk slippers. He was flowing gracefully, moving like water transformed by music. As he tried to be possessed by the white swan itself.

Jamie watched him from afar attentively before his turn, as everyone had a chance to try the white swan and the black swan roles. Harith’s face screamed confidence and pride since he knew no one could dance better than him – a mentality that Jamie always admired. However, in this case, Jamie knew showing the best didn’t always guarantee the white swan role. He should precisely know what the character’s main point is – something that Harith always forget due to his overwhelming desire.

His move was too sharp, his gaze was too fierce. He spun too fast from the tempo, and his expression was too seductive for Odette’s pure image. He deprived the delicateness of a princess who was trapped in the lake as a lonely swan. His move failed to express he glided over the flow of the water, with his uncontrollable force he almost looked like he fought back the stream.