Right after the morning rehearsals, Natanie walked down the hallway. She had a lot on her mind including the abrupt stares from the new judge, Dave. 
Anytime she thought about Dave, she always replace his thoughts with Fred's, berating herself not to think of another man aside her boyfriend. 
Then somewhere down the hallway, she caught sight of Isabelle and Dave and wondered why they already converse like they've known each other their whole lives.
Isabelle saw Natanie and quickly beckoned on her to come as Natanie sighed awkwardly and approached them.
“Hi.” Natanie said when she was closer and tried to force a smile.
“Nice to meet you again.” Dave stated as Isabelle threw her friend a sharp look.
“You two already know each other?” Isabelle was surprised and then Natanie's eyes locked with Dave's.
“Not quite.” Dave smiled as Natanie looked away from him.
“Well, good thing. No need for introductions.” Isabelle said, her full focus on Dave. 
Natanie noticed the way Isabelle's eyes remained glued on Dave and even her body language made it so obvious that she wants his attention. 
For Natanie, being near Dave was like being near confusion and she nursed the ridiculous idea that he was already going around flirting with the dancers. A part of her swore to never be a victim of his charms. At least, she thought he bore charms but not enough to make her fall into his web. She won't allow that.
“Yeah, there's absolutely no need. I gotta go now.” Natanie said quickly and forced a smile at both of them before walking away. Dave and Isabelle watched her leave.
“Is she alright?” Dave asked Isabelle who shrugged at her friend's retreating figure.
“She will be.” Isabelle mumbled.
Back in Natanie's dressing room, Madina came up to Natanie worried about her expression.
“What's up with the face?” Madina asked, referring to her frown.
“What face?” 
“That face.” 
Natanie sighed. “Don't worry about me Mady, I'll be fine.”
Madina scoffed. “With that expression, I don't think you will be. So what's wrong? Spill.”
Natanie sighed. “It's Dave, the new judge.”
Madina raised a brow. “And what about him?” 
“It hasn't been long he came to the Dance Palace, I mean it's been like what, barely a week? And he's already flirting with all the dancers.” Natanie blurted much to the surprise of Madina. 
“All the dancers? You mean including you?” Madina said with a hint of amusement in her voice.
Natanie scoffed. “Of course not!”
“Then why does it bother you so much?” Madina raised a brow.
“It doesn't bother me, it's just _ that I'm starting to get the impression that he's a womanizer!” Natanie concluded as Madina scoffed beyond amusement.
“Why would you say that? Come on now Natanie, don't conclude that about him. You said so yourself that he's not been here for long, maybe he's just trying to settle in and make new friends. You have to get to know people before you draw out judgement or ridiculous conclusions on them.” Madina furrowed her brows.
“You're right, I should have thought about that. Okay, he's just making new friends then_ with just the ladies.” Natanie rolled her eyes with disbelief and avoided Madina's eyes.
“Natanie…”
“Alright, alright. Let's just hope you're right about him.” She mumbled as Madina shook her head at her.
**
Fredrick looked worn out as he dropped into a chair. 
“Are the marriage documents ready?” He asked Cathera.
She sighed. “Still in process. But I see you've made up with her, that's good news.”
“You're right. I feel like we should celebrate the success of that right now but we'll have to move it up until the wedding. After she becomes mine, we'll have a big celebration.” He smiled at the thought.
Cathera smiled for a moment before her smile fell. “But I can't stop thinking, what if she finds out about our plan? She'd be livid.”
“No one's gonna tell her right? Clearly means that there's nothing to worry about. We just need a perfect disguise on the documents and afterwards, all that's required is her signature.” Fred stated.
“She signs them and she's mine, forever.” He chuckled slyly.
“It won't be that easy _” Cathera said as Fred squinted his eyes.
“That's why I have you, no?” He muttered.
**
Natanie was at the vast space yet again, she allowed the cool breeze sooth her nerves. She prefers the vast space and the fields compared to her own home. 
Then the heavy scent of dandelions filled the atmosphere as she thought about what Madina had said about spewing ridiculous judgements about Dave.
She could be right, that Dave isn't that kind of person. 
“I knew you'd be out here again.” She heard Dave's voice behind her.
She turned to look at him.
“If it isn't the perfect spy for me_” she mumbled.
He scoffed. “A ‘spy’ huh?” Then he nodded. “I'll let you make use of the word cause I admit I've been doing most of it lately_ spying on my friends?” 
Suddenly, the word ‘friends’ didn't quite sit well with Natanie. She thought to ignore him but decided against it.
“Stop wasting your time thinking we'd be friends.”
“I thought we were already from what you said the other day, I think I sense confusion here.”
“There's nothing to be confused about, just refrain from spying on me and most importantly, get rid of that ridiculous idea that we'd become friends.”
He sighed. “I see you hate the word. Well, I'm not necessarily spying on you, I just happen to also love the vast scenery like you do.”
She rolled her eyes.
“And please don't tell me not to, and I'm sorry if I must have succeeded in making you uncomfortable around me.” He said softly. “I just wanna play the role of a good friend, that's all.”
“If you're mad at me…”