Few days later, Zabrin found herself with a mask and completely covered clothes sitting on a bench in a mall, guitar in her hand, and fingers playing a tune as she sang Constellations by Jade Lemac.
It felt like each time she performed, it was magical because there was always a crowd. This time, the crowd was larger than ever before. As she transitioned from singing Constellations to Hold on by The Chordstreet, they cheers of the crowd grew loud.
'I'll chase your constellations…
Hold on I still want you
Come back I still need you
Let take your hand and make it mine
Swear to love you all my life
Come back I still need you…'
After the transition to the other song and singing it, Zabrin closed out the songs accompanied by the satisfied shouts of the crowd that had gathered around her.
"Amazing!"
"Beautiful!"
"We want moreeee!"
And for the first time to the surprise of the crowd, Zabrin spoke addressing them.
"Hi everyone, thank you so much for your love here and online. I have seen some of your comments and I want to let you guys know that I will accept a contract to a good entertainment industry if I get one but I can only start my official career in four years after I finish schooling. Until then guys, it would be me, you, and the roadsides!"
Once again, the crowd went loud. And at that moment, people started passing gifts to Zabrin. Who would have thought that the crowd would monopolise the fact that they were in a mall to arrange nice gifts for Zabrin.
After thanking them for the gifts, Zabrin made her way out of the mall and got into her pick-up along with all the gifts she got.
She stopped at a hotel, transferred all her belongings into another car and got in before finally making her way to her house. She didn't want to leave any loopholes for anyone to know who she really was.
...
4 years later
Zabrin is now in her final year of university. She has few months before she graduates. During the course of the past four years, Zabrin has made a huge impact in her social life, although she didn't have any close friends, she had some people she used to talk to and hang out with.
Things had become quite better for her. Not only for her school but also her finances. She had won a two years scholarship in her second year of university so she had no worries about her school life until the end.
The past years, Zabrin kept her promise and did more performances along roadsides, in stalls, and even in restaurants. Each year, she made sure to perform twice and sing at least three songs. With her steady growth, she already had a fanbase and different face accounts that kept tabs on all her performances. The name 'Masked' had gone worldwide and people's anticipation became palpable.
As Zabrin was rounding off after a long day of classes, a guy walked up to her.
"Hi" He greeted to get Zabrin's attention.
"Hello…" Zabrin replied waiting for the guy to say what he had to.
"I like you, would you be my girlfriend?" The guy confessed.
"I'm sorry but I really don't plan on dating right now, I have someone I like." Zabrin rejected offering the guy a small smile.
"It's alright." The guy smiled before turning around to leave.
This situation had happened to Zabrin a lot over the years but this was her first time meeting someone so calm and positive. Other times, the guys would scowl or make a snarky comment before leaving but this guy seemed very nice.
"Hey!" Zabrin called out to the guy as she made her way to him.
"Yes?" He turned around and watched as Zabrin got closer to him.
"What's your name?" Zabrin asked, stopping two steps away from the guy.
"Yeres." The guy spoke in a smooth, attractive voice.
Yeres…..what a beautiful name.
"Yeres, how about we be friends?" Zabrin suggested pulling her hand out for a hand shake.
"Best friends" Yeres replied smiling before locking hands with Zabrin.
"How old are you, Zabrin?"
"I'm twenty-three, you?"
"The same age."
As they made there way out of the class, Zabrin and Yeres continued to make small talks.
...…
Graduation Day
Zabrin never felt more thrilled than now as all the graduands walked up the stage to receive their recommendations. She was walking with Yeres and they both complemented each other.
Each person collected their scroll while some got award including Zabrin for punctuality and being among the top of the class.
"We made it!" The graduands shouted and jumped in victory passing hugs to one another.
The smiles on each of their faces could not be hidden and so Zabrin and all her other classmates graduated from university.
"It was my blessing getting to know you in this last few months of school, Yeres." Zabrin admitted looking at Yeres who was the only one with her at the rooftop of the graduation hall.
"I can say the same." Yeres smiled and caressed Zabrin's hair affectionately.
"What are your next plans?" Yeres asked with his attention solely on Zabrin.
"I'll audition and see if I get contracted to a company." Zabrin explain before waiting for Yeres' feedback.
"How about you go for Everyone Got Talent and make yourself more popular that way, more companies would know you. You should also use your signature mask so that your previous fans would recognise you." Yeres suggested after a moment of thinking.
"I'll adopt the idea." Zabrin smiled "What about you?"
"I already got a job as the creative designer of Avador, the fashion brand." Yeres' excitement was evident in his voice.
"Wonderful. Let's work together in the future." Zabrin announced turning to Yeres.
"Very well." They shared a hug sealing their promise to walk and work together to and in the future.
...…..
Time Skip~~
"Good evening everyone, here today to perform her new song 'I am who I am' is Ze-Ro." The host announced as the crowd waited in anticipation for Zabrin to come out.
How did Zabrin end up becoming an artist?
Having been bullied for the longest time, Zabrin only found comfort in writing and singing songs.
Her only ever protector was the boy who usually slept in class. He was a genius that never really paid attention in class. Although he never topped Zabrin since her whole life was about books, he came right after her.
Her only support and protector, the guy that was too handsome but also unapproachable. The guy that didn't talk to many people but never minded talking to her.
All her life, Zabrin had never felt the esteem she wanted until the day she picked up a mask and began to sing.
Two years ago, two weeks after she performed Constellations transitioning to Opportunity on EGT, she was scouted by the leading entertainment company IdolHub and was given intensive traning for a full year plus. Zabrin never thought things would develop so greatly so she felt extremely lucky.