The world of lights, music, and grandeur had always seemed a distant dream for Nene. As a child, she would watch famous musicals, mesmerized by the spectacle, feeling the distant tug of a future that seemed both close and unreachable. But those dreams were quickly clouded by the fear that had taken root after her disastrous middle school performance, an event that planted doubt deep within her heart. Though the years had passed, that seed of uncertainty lingered, shadowing her every step.

It was only through the persistence of her friends, the encouragement they silently offered, and the unwavering presence of those who believed in her that she finally began to take the stage again. Slowly, she emerged from the shell she had built around herself, allowing the world to see what she had always been capable of.

In the present, Nene stood before a large mirror in the rehearsal room, adjusting her outfit, the layers of pastel and gold shimmering under the lights. Her reflection stared back, uncertain, yet brimming with potential. Her fingers brushed over the smooth fabric, and her eyes met her own, the soft doubt still present, though less intense than before.

“I never thought I’d make it this far,” Nene said, her voice light, almost a whisper. “I’m... kind of shocked, to be honest.”

She looked at the figure beside her, her long-time companion, who had always been there, no matter how much she doubted herself. A soft sigh escaped her lips. “It’s crazy. One minute, I’m just trying to get through the rehearsal without embarrassing myself, and now… it feels like I’m becoming someone else entirely. Someone better. Someone… who could really make it, you know?”

Her gaze drifted back to her reflection. The purple of her eyes seemed to shine more brightly than before, her confidence growing with each passing day, each note sung, each rehearsal completed.

“I guess I really have become that ‘musical star’ I used to dream about,” Nene continued, chuckling lightly at herself.