Part 29

Maloi was busier than ever, dedicating long hours to rehearsing for her highly anticipated solo concert. From vocal training to choreography and stage blocking, she poured all her energy into making it a memorable experience for her fans.

Wanting to make the concert even more special, Maloi invited Sheena, Aiah, and Stacey to perform as guest artists. The girls were thrilled and immediately agreed, knowing how much this meant to Maloi.

With rehearsals packed into Maloi's schedule, Colet made sure to support her in every way possible. She would pick Maloi up from the studio late at night, bring her meals when she was too busy to eat properly, and always made sure Maloi got enough rest.

One evening, after a grueling day of practice, Maloi slumped onto the couch as soon as she got home. Colet walked over with a small smile, handing her a protein smoothie.

"You look exhausted," Colet said, gently pushing Maloi's damp hair back.

Maloi groaned, taking a sip. "I am. But it's worth it. I just want this concert to be perfect."

Colet sat beside her, wrapping an arm around Maloi's shoulders. "It will be. You always give your best, and that's why people love you."

Maloi leaned into Colet's embrace, sighing contentedly. "You're too good to me."

Colet smirked. "I know." Then she kissed the top of Maloi's head. "Now, rest up. You need your energy for tomorrow."

Maloi smiled, feeling grateful. With Colet's unwavering support and her best friends joining her on stage, she knew this concert would be unforgettable.

---------------------------

As Maloi's concert date drew closer, the pressure intensified. The rehearsals became longer, the critiques sharper, and the expectations higher. Maloi, Aiah, Sheena, and Stacey spent countless hours in the studio, perfecting their performances.

Maloi, as the main act, felt the weight of it all the most. Though she was a seasoned performer, this was her first solo concert—her name alone on the marquee, her fans filling the arena just for her. And no matter how much she practiced, the nervousness crept in.

One night, after an exhausting rehearsal, Maloi came home and flopped onto the bed face-first. Colet, who had been waiting for her, chuckled and sat beside her, rubbing small circles on her back.

"You okay, baby?" Colet asked softly.

Maloi groaned into the pillow. "No. What if I mess up? What if I forget my lyrics? What if—"

Colet shut her up with a quick kiss. "You won't."

Maloi sighed. "But—"

Another kiss.

"Colet—"

Another kiss.

Maloi pouted. "You're just doing that to shut me up."

"Exactly," Colet smirked. "Because you're overthinking again. Maloi, you've been preparing for this for months. You've done sold-out tours before. You are ready. And even if something unexpected happens, you'll handle it. You always do."

Maloi bit her lip, staring up at Colet. "But what if I freeze?"

Colet tucked a strand of hair behind Maloi's ear, her expression turning soft. "Then I'll be there, watching you from the front row, cheering you on. And I know your fans will, too."

Maloi's heart melted at that. She knew Colet didn't often have time to attend events because of her busy schedule, but the fact that Colet was making time for her concert meant everything.

"You're the best, you know that?" Maloi mumbled, hugging Colet tightly.

"I do," Colet teased. "But hearing it from you never gets old."

With that, Maloi finally allowed herself to relax in Colet's embrace, knowing that no matter how nervous she felt, she had her person by her side.

-----------------------------------

The energy in the arena was electric. The fans screamed and waved their lightsticks, the colors blending beautifully like a sea of stars. Maloi stood at the center of the stage, soaking it all in—the cheers, the love, the overwhelming support.

From the VIP section, Colet, Gwen, Mikha, and Jhoanna sat among the crowd, but they stood out with their presence. Dressed in stylish yet lowkey outfits, they blended in just enough, but their aura was unmistakable. Colet, in particular, had her eyes locked onto Maloi the entire night, watching her shine under the spotlight.

Sheena, Aiah, and Stacey had already performed their guest numbers, hyping up the crowd even more. Now, as Maloi stood for her final speech, the stadium quieted down, everyone eager to hear her words.

Maloi took a deep breath, smiling at the thousands of fans who came to see her.

"This concert..." she started, her voice filled with emotion, "was a dream come true. And it wouldn't have been possible without all of you." The crowd erupted into cheers.

She let them scream for a moment before continuing. "To my fans, thank you for always supporting me, for believing in me, and for letting my music be a part of your lives."

Another wave of applause. Maloi glanced toward the VIP section, her eyes lingering on one person.

"There's also someone really special to me," she said, her voice softer but still carrying through the arena. "Someone who has been my rock through all of this. Who always believed in me even when I doubted myself."

The crowd started murmuring, curious and excited. Maloi smiled knowingly.

"I won't say any names," she teased, "but you know who you are."

Colet smirked. She did know. And as Maloi's eyes met hers, there was no doubt in her mind.

The concert ended with a final encore, Maloi giving it her all. The crowd was on their feet, screaming, singing, celebrating another successful event.

As Maloi took her final bow, her heart was full. She had done it. And most importantly, the person she loved was right there, witnessing it all.

----------------------------

Backstage was buzzing with energy—staff members moving around, crew packing up equipment, and the faint echo of fans still lingering outside the venue. Maloi was surrounded by her closest friends, all of them excitedly congratulating her.

"You killed it out there, Loi!" Aiah grinned, pulling Maloi into a hug.

"That was one of your best performances ever!" Sheena added.

"Your stage presence was insane," Stacey said, impressed. "Not that I expected anything less."

Mikha, Jhoanna, and Gwen gave their own nods of approval, all of them clearly proud.

"You should be celebrating," Gwen smirked. "Your concert was a sold-out success."

Maloi laughed, overwhelmed by all the love. But amid all the congratulations, her eyes instinctively searched for one person.

Colet.

She stood slightly behind the others, her hands casually tucked into her pockets, watching Maloi with that signature smirk of hers—proud yet reserved. Their eyes met, and in that moment, Maloi knew she needed a second alone with her.

Maloi turned to the group. "I just need a minute."

Aiah, Stacey, and Sheena exchanged knowing glances. Gwen just chuckled, nudging Jhoanna, who rolled her eyes but smirked.

"Take your time," Aiah teased, waving her off.

Maloi took Colet's hand and led her to a quieter part of the dressing room. Once they were alone, she let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding.

"I did it," she said softly, looking up at Colet.

Colet chuckled, cupping Maloi's cheek gently. "Of course, you did." Her voice was full of admiration. "I never doubted you for a second."

Maloi melted into her touch. "I was so nervous..."

Colet shook her head. "You didn't look nervous at all. You were incredible."

Maloi bit her lip before wrapping her arms around Colet's neck, pulling her close. "You know that special mention earlier? It was for you."

Colet smirked. "I know."

Maloi laughed before leaning in, their lips meeting in a soft but deep kiss. A silent thank you for everything Colet had done for her.

When they pulled away, Colet rested her forehead against Maloi's. "Let's go home?" she asked, her voice low and warm.

Maloi smiled. "Yeah. Let's go home."

---------------------

The night was filled with love, passion, and whispered confessions between Maloi and Colet. Colet took her time, making sure Maloi felt cherished in every possible way. She was gentle yet firm, worshipping every inch of Maloi with devotion. Maloi, lost in the overwhelming sensations, clung to Colet, whispering her name like a prayer.

By the time they were done, Maloi was completely spent, her body nestled against Colet's. She lay there, catching her breath, her head resting on Colet's chest, listening to the steady rhythm of her heartbeat.

"You really don't hold back, do you?" Maloi mumbled sleepily, her voice laced with exhaustion.

Colet chuckled, pressing a kiss to the top of Maloi's head. "Not when it comes to you."

Maloi hummed in contentment, snuggling closer. "I love you."

Colet tightened her arms around Maloi, a rare softness in her voice as she replied, "I love you too."

As the night stretched on, Maloi drifted off to sleep in Colet's embrace, completely safe, completely loved.