The set was a familiar one with one large couch as well as individual chairs for each of the hosts.

As Valentina walked along, the bright lights of the stage, as well as the applause of the crowd, began making her feel slightly nervous, and she could feel her palms begin to sweat.

Although she had filmed in front of other strangers before, this was a very different experience filming in front of a live audience. Taking a deep breath, she did her best to slow her rapid heartbeats and look calm. Lia had done her best for her, and she really couldn't disappoint her.

Focusing on having perfect posture, she put everything Lia had taught her into her walk as she strutted across the stage.

“Welcome, welcome. I’d like to welcome our very special guests, Rio and Shawn from the Fallen Angels, who you all know and love!”

Wooooooooooooo!

As the audience cheered wildly, whistles and screams sounding out throughout the studio, Valentina took a seat beside the waving Shawn, smiling softly as she stared at the two hosts, who were looking at them with bright smiles while standing.

“And joining them are the two actresses who were a part of the very successful combined short film for ‘Kill My Love and Bring Me to Life.’ Please give it up for Valentina and Yuri!

Wooooooo!

The audience continued cheering in a much more subdued tone as both Valentina and Yuri waved. Seeing that the crowd was suitably riled up, the hosts sat down on a loveseat directly across from their group.

Vanessa Singh gazed at the audience with a gorgeous smile. Her dark brown hair, golden skin, red lips, and matching Bindi presented an alluring picture, and her scarlet dress highlighted the curves of her body without being too explicit. As a musician of one of the most popular international girl groups in her heyday, she was the perfect person to host variety shows involving musicians.

Seated next to her was Jimmy Klein, a blond-haired, blue-eyed man who had not only been in many movies but also many Broadway plays. His acting resume was extensive, and he had forayed into comedy as well, allowing him to easily bounce off any guest, making even the shyest person open up and laugh.

“As you all know, I’m your host, Vanessa Singh, and this is my co-host, Jimmy Klein. As always, thanks for staying with us so far as we chatted with our other guests, but we have no time to waste, so let’s get right into the meat and potatoes of the Fallen Angels. Jimmy?”

“Great intro, as always, Vanessa. First, let’s check how our guests are doing. Since I’m a gentleman, I insist we begin with the gorgeous ladies. Don’t you all think they look beautiful? Just like angels on earth.” Jimmy turned to ask the audience, and as they began applauding, he nodded knowingly.

“First off, Valentina, I heard this is the first time you’re in this kind of show in front of a live audience. How are you feeling today?” Jimmy Klein gave her a soft encouraging smile as he looked over her appreciatively.

As someone who had seen all sorts of beauties in his career, he usually wasn’t fazed by it. However, there was something about Valentina’s striking looks combined with her slightly nervous demeanor that made him want to protect and take care of her. As her vibrant green eyes curved in a slight smile, he could feel his cheeks heat up from a blush, and his memorized questions began flying out of his mind.

“Well Jimmy, I feel pretty excited, but also like I might throw up from the nerves. No worries, though; I’ve been shown where the nearest bathroom is, so if you see me sprinting across the stage, you know where to find me. I even practiced running in my shoes, so I’m pretty fast. Please take care of me.” As she jokingly responded with a wink while pretending to scout around for the exit, the two hosts burst out laughing along with the audience.

“Well, there’s no need to be nervous; you’re among friends and are doing really great. I promise to take very good of you today and if anyone bullies you, I’ll properly take care of them for you.” Jimmy Klein patted his chest reassuringly and was silent for a moment until Vanessa subtly elbowed him in the sides.

This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

“Cough, cough-. Yuri, how about you? We know this isn’t your first rodeo. How are you doing?”

The previously doting tone became more business-like and Yuri had to do her best to restrain her stiffening expression.

“Thank you, Jimmy. It’s not my first rodeo, but I’m very honored to be here. I feel like I’m in a dream,” Yuri replied with a cute smile.

Seeing it, Vanessa quickly cut in.

“Well, you look like a dream, so wake up, sister! Now, back to our Fallen Angels; Rio, Shawn, how do you feel about your music video not only breaking several records on various streaming platforms but the two songs entering not only the top 100 charts but surging again to the top twenty?”

“We’re feeling great, Jimmy. It’s really exciting to see our fans not only being so supportive but also new fans coming out to support us as we try to switch up our usual playbook,” Shawn expertly replied as he sprawled comfortably on the couch, his arms spread along the back.

“And may we ask what prompted you all to go this artistic route? Not only did you create a short film, but you decided to include not only people, but women in your videos, which you have never done before. Why the change and why now?” Jimmy asked curiously as he focused his attention on Rio, subtly shifting closer to Valentina.

“Well, we decided on this approach for several reasons.” Rio started, his deep voice confidently sounding out, “For one, we wanted to continue to grow and expand our artistry. Shawn and I have acted in different roles before in our videos, but we wanted to try our hand at creating something using our combined experiences and branch out from the common things we do, and venture into more serious acting roles. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to round out our last album, especially as we began working on the new one. We were a little worried, but it’s been gratifying seeing the positive response from everyone. Please continue to support us like the pillars that you are so we can show you heights you’ve never seen before.”

As he finished his response, Rio had a cheeky grin as he made a heart with his fingers, both his canines poking out, causing the audience to burst out screaming once more.

“Ahaha, ever the charmer as always, Rio. And it’s not like you to be humble. I would like to say that the response hasn’t only been positive, it’s been a sweeping success. In fact, there have been rumors that you both plan on sweeping the awards for the short films as well as the individual categories for your new album. Can you confirm?” Vanessa gave Rio a sly smile, and he only held his finger to his lips while winking at her and answering, “You know I can’t tell you that, Vanessa. We’ll see how the academy votes at the award show.”

“Hey hey hey, no flirting with my co-host Rio!” Jimmy joked with a laugh as the audience began screaming once more. He then turned to look directly at Valentina, his expression stiffening as he unfortunately had to begin asking tough questions. Before he could say anything, Vanessa cut in once more, her eyes glinting with curiosity as well as focus.

“Miss Valentina, or should I say Miss Salazar? You look lovely, by the way. I love the dress. It’s very fierce. In fact, from all the photos I’ve seen of you, you’re killing the fashion game. I want to know who your designer or stylist is so I can look like you in the future.”

At the sincere compliment from the beautiful woman, Valentina felt herself relax as she fell into the familiar territory of flattering each other.

“You’re too sweet, but I think you look amazing, Vanessa. I haven’t been able to keep my eyes off of you. If anything, I’d love it if you could share your skincare routine and that lip color. It looks amazing. As for my outfit today, the designer is a secret, but I’d be willing to share their information after checking with them after the show” Valentina replied with a bright smile as she winked again.

“Haha. I’ll hold you to it, and please don’t wink at me like that. I just might fall for you. On a more serious note, I’d like to think you benefited the most from the collaboration with the Fallen Angels. From being relatively unknown to rapidly increasing your followers and being ranked as one of the most searched people during this time period. Everyone wants to know who you are and where you came from. How did it feel having your first majorly successful project be with the Fallen Angels?”

“I have to say it was pretty amazing. The entire team, from Director Lee to Yuri, to Rio and Shawn, and even the supporting actors, were amazing to work with. I'm so blessed to have the opportunity, and honestly, I can’t tell you how many times I prayed to the acting gods to make sure it wasn’t a dream and to help me not drag everyone else down. Honestly, it’s been one of my favorite projects to work on, and I’m not sure anything can beat it.”

“Looks like the bar has been set high by the Fallen Angels. Speaking of projects, there’s been a lot of buzz about your current one. Apparently, you’re cast in a new film, and there’s apparently been some…shall we say, drama between you and the female lead, Aaliyah Salazar. A popular up-and-coming artist who has the same last name and birthday as you. During a recent event, the whole world saw your nasty fall when Aaliyah pushed you down a flight of stairs, and you have become an internet meme sensation as you tumbled gracefully, if painfully, down the stairs. Firstly, I hope that you’re okay and fully recovered, but do you have anything to say about it? Will you be taking any legal actions, and can you share the reason for the conflict between the two of you? You are both part of the same agency, right? Is there a backstory you want to share?”

The audience immediately quieted down at the pointed question as everyone waited for her response.

“I really don’t have much to say about it at this moment, but I can say that we’re in the process of resolving the issue, and hopefully, such a thing won’t happen in the future. I’d rather not focus on the past and look to the future, especially since I have the chance to act in such a great project with great castmates and an amazing director.” Valentina calmly replied, remembering the words of the lawyers. There was no need to speak on the issue; she just needed to deflect, deflect, deflect.

“Ooooh. Lawyer speak. Sounds like a lawsuit to me. Right, Jimmy?” Vanessa laughed.

“Sounds right to me, Vanessa, but let’s change the subject to something less serious since Miss Valentine seems uncomfortable. Since we have such a talented cast here, let’s play some games and lighten the atmosphere before having some more discussions later, as well as a special performance by the Fallen Angels. Since you’re such a close cast and got even closer in the film, you all won’t mind, right?”

“Not at all. We’re ready to play! Ready to lose, Val?” Rio asked with a bright smile.

“Only in your dreams,” Valentina replied dryly.

“Oooooh, I’m glad to see some competitive spirit. First, let’s have the proper race to determine teams. Although it would make sense for our Fallen Angel men to complete, we like to switch it up here on Weekly Idol. Valentina. Yuri. Get ready. Props department? Bring out the props!”