Show me you can do it

"You have to please the people, but you must not cater to their every whim. There was a young girl that went viral. She was a small star and always listened to her fans and tried to please them. She went too far though. She sent fans sexy pictures if they have her money. Some people called her out for it and she went viral. A bad kind of viral. Her reputation was gone and she was considered nothing but a famous prostitute. People called her all sorts of names and made fun of her. She was fired from her company and is now working as an actual prostitute.

Enough with the depressing stuff. Let's see how you guys can act and sing."

<><><><><><>

Martin watched with approving eyes as Daniel brandished an imaginary sword. Daniel's ice blue eyes seemed impossibly hot as if there was a fire raging within, "Surrender your life or die a miserable death, you evil villain."

Sam's face was set in an aloof mask, "I don't take orders from you, hero. I only listen to my king."

"So be it!" Daniel charged forward, brandishing his incorporeal sword. Sam immediately dodged to the side and used his leg to kick Daniel's sword out of his hand while using the other to sweep Daniel's legs out from under him. Daniel fell to the floor, weaponless. Sam stood over him and stepped on Daniel's wrist, he coldly sneered, "Surrender my life? You can't even beat me with your holy sword. I had no weapon, weakling. Your quest to defeat the demon king? Impossible."

"I'll get stronger!"

"I'm not like those other lackeys of my king. I won't let you go and let you grow stronger. They were all defeated because of their foolishness, but I will not be defeated. For the sake of my king. Goodnight hero."

Sam used his hands to grab Daniel's chin and the top of his head before pretending to twist Daniel's neck.

"Fantastic!" Martin clapped and Daniel's body relaxed. Sam stepped back and smiled, his demeanor of a demon general dissipating. Daniel sat up and rubbed his neck gingerly, "If you put in just a little bit more strength, I would have been injured."

"I know my strength well, need a hand?" Sam held out his hand. Daniel took it and the moment their hands touched, Sam's heart skipped a beat. Sam admired the piece of art in front of him. Daniel's silky black hair was partly covering his face, only revealing cold blue eyes that were as deep as an ocean. Sam was transfixed.

Daniel looked at Sam impatiently, "Well? Aren't you going to pull me up?"

"I lent you a hand, get up yourself."

Daniel: UwU, so cold...

Martin: Something seems fishy...

Sam: Spicy boy... Mmmh...

"Okay! Now, let's do a skit where a dad picks up his child from school!"

Daniel immediately says, "I'll be the father."

Sam sighs, "Fine, I'll be the kid."

"Roles established? Here's the script."

[ A boy and his father are walking home together from high school.]

Dad: How was school?

Boy: It was boring like any other day.

Dad: You say that every time I ask. How was your test?

Boy: I didn't do very well.

Dad: And why was that?

Boy: The test was really hard.

Dad: Well, it wouldn't have been hard if you had studied.

Boy: But I studied!

Dad: Well not hard enough!

Boy: I hate you.

[ The boy runs away from the father.]

Boy: I can go home by myself!

[He rushes to cross a street, not realizing that a car is coming towards him.]

Dad: Watch out!

[The dad rushes over and pulls the boy back while shielding him with his body.]

BAM!

[The car hits the two before speeding off. Bystanders gasp and the father lies on the ground, body limp.]

Boy: Dad!

[The father is unconscious and does not answer.]

Boy: I'm sorry! I don't hate you! I didn't mean it! Don't leave me!

[Boy cries over the father's body until the ambulance arrives.]

Boy: I love you dad...

At the very last part of the skit, Sam stopped. He couldn't say the words. His face was pained, he was out of character. He looked as if he was being forced to say the words, not looking like a boy who wanted his father to know that he loved him.

"Okay, that's it. Let's move onto another skit," said Martin as he lounged on the couch.

The next skit was a love confession. A love letter was read out to an imaginary girl. Each of them took their turns. When Sam went, his emotions were off and something was missing.

At the end of it all, Martin gave his review, "David, you were good, but you were not as into the character as I'd liked you to be. Sam, you were fantastic, but you have troubles expressing love. Especially towards a male parental figure. Try and work on it next time."

Both of them nodded.

"We should meet up in two days at the same time, here."

<><><><><><>

Sam laid on his bed, staring up at his dark blue ceiling that was covered with glowing constellations.

"What am I supposed to do..."