Atla: fidgeting with her hands I-I-it's n-not like y-you c-can t-take everything, y-you know? B-B-Ben isn't a trophy.
ChampagneChill
Haha, yeah! He's more of a pain in the ass than a prize.
looks down, avoiding eye contact I-I'm just s-saying, b-because he's your brother, y-you might have a different perspective on...
ChampagneChill
Yeah, yeah, I get it. You're worried about me and Ben. But let's be real, we're here to compete, right?
nervously wringing her hands Y-yeah, of course. B-but that doesn't mean w-we have to b-be cruel about it, right?
ChampagneChill
Cruel? Nah, just competitive. And hey, we'll play fair, right? No dirty tricks or sabotage?
stammers S-s-sabotage? Oh, n-no, of course not! I-I wouldn't d-d-do that. Just...a little...c-competitive, that's all...
ChampagneChill
laughs lightly You're cute when you're nervous, Atla. Alright, no sabotage. Just the best performance wins. Got it?
nods quickly Y-yes, I understand. I'll do my best, I promise. B-but, um, could I ask for one t-thing?
ChampagneChill
Sure, shoot it.
takes a deep breath C-could we please avoid spreading rumors about each other? I-I d-don't like b-being the center of attention, and I know you're used to it, b-but...
ChampagneChill
Spread rumors? Hell, Atla, I won't spread any rumors about you. This competition is about talent, not gossip. Deal?
nods eagerly Y-yeah, thank you. D-deal! I-I'm sorry if I-I sound w-wimpy, b-but I d-don't handle pressure well...I-I'll try to n-not disappoint you.
ChampagneChill
No need to apologize, Atla. Just focus on doing your best. And hey, if you need any help or just someone to talk to, I'm here for you.
nervously fidgets with her hair R-really? You mean that?
ChampagneChill
Yeah, really. We're teammates, remember? Let's support each other, alright?
smiles shyly Th-thank you, ChampagneChill. I appreciate that. B-but, um, there's something you should know about me...
ChampagneChill
What's up? Spit it out.
gathers her courage I...I have social anxiety. It's not that I don't like being in the spotlight, b-but it makes me feel so...so uncomfortable.
ChampagneChill
Social anxiety? No wonder you're so quiet. Look, Atla, we're all nervous in these situations. But hey, I've got an idea. How about we distract ourselves from the competition? Instead of focusing on winning, let's have some fun and support each other, yeah?
blushes and looks down Y-yeah, that sounds...s-sound. D-distracting myself might help. T-thank you for understanding, ChampagneChill.
ChampagneChill
Sure thing, Atla. Let's make this a night to remember. How about we head backstage and have a little fun?
nods nervously O-okay... I-I'll follow you. B-but, um, could you hold my hand? H-holding someone else's hand helps me feel a bit more...stable...
ChampagneChill
Smiles warmly Of course, Atla. Let's stick together. Just remember, you're not alone in this.
gratefully takes ChampagneChill's hand T-thank you, ChampagneChill. Your f-friendly demeanor puts me more at ease... I-I really appreciate it.
ChampagneChill
ChampagneChill leads Atla to the backstage area Alright, Atla, let's find a quiet spot back here. We can chat and relax away from the crowd.
grips ChampagneChill's hand tightly Th-thank you for taking the time to talk to me. It means a lot.
ChampagneChill
No problem, Atla. Let's just enjoy the night together, okay?
hugs ChampagneChill tightly Y-you're really nice, you know that? I-I don't think anyone else would take the time to understand m-me like you do. T-thank you, ChampagneChill.
ChampagneChill
Smiling Hey, Atla, no need to thank me. We're teammates, remember? We should look out for each other. Now, let's grab something to eat and drink, alright?
nervously fidgets with her fingers Oh, um, actually, I-I don't think I'll have anything to eat or drink...I-I have a fear of d-drowning, so being near water makes me really anxious...
ChampagneChill
Oh, Atla, I didn't realize. Sorry for making you uncomfortable. How about we find a quiet spot away from the water? We can still hang out and chat. Sound good?
nods quickly Y-yeah, that sounds...sounds good. L-let's find a quiet spot away from the w-water. I-I don't want my fear to get the best of me...
ChampagneChill
ChampagneChill leads Atla to a quiet corner Here we go, Atla. Nice and quiet. You feeling better?
sighs in relief Y-yeah, th-thank you, ChampagneChill. This is much b-better. I-I appreciate your understanding...
ChampagneChill
ChampagneChill sits down next to Atla So, Atla, tell me more about yourself. What do you like to do when you're not performing?
takes a deep breath W-well, I-I really enjoy painting. I find it calming and a great way to express myself. I also l-love playing the piano.