THE BIG DEPARTURE FOR KINSHASA

The suitcases were packed, plane tickets in hand, and excitement was at its peak. For the first time, Dylan, Ryder, Daniella, and Andrea were about to perform on an international stage. Kinshasa, that vibrant city of energy and music, was waiting for them.

At the airport, Diego, true to his new role as producer, was supervising every detail.

— "Don't forget, stay professional. This concert is a huge opportunity for each of you," he said, gathering them briefly before boarding.

Daniella, full of enthusiasm, exclaimed:

— "This is incredible... We're going to sing in Kinshasa! I still can't believe it!"

— "We have to give it our all," Andrea added, clutching her passport tightly.

Ryder, meanwhile, kept glancing at Dylan, intrigued. Despite everything they had been through, he felt Dylan was hiding something. But he didn't dare say anything.

Dylan, standing back, maintained his usual calm. He knew he had to stay in character: for them, he was Dylan Lenoir, a solo artist, not Victoire, their long-lost friend.

Onboard the plane, the seats were already assigned. Dylan settled into first class, alone, while Ryder, Daniella, and Andrea sat together a few rows back. They whispered among themselves.

— "Don't you think Dylan has been acting weird lately?" Andrea murmured.

— "A little... but maybe he's just focused," Daniella replied, trying to downplay it.

Ryder nodded without answering. His instincts told him something wasn't right, but he had no proof.

**

The landing in Kinshasa was spectacular. The tropical heat, the fans, the media—everyone seemed ready for their arrival. They were being welcomed like stars.

As they stepped off the plane, Diego joined them.

— "Remember the plan. You three will headline the show. Dylan will perform solo at a different event after your concert. You won't perform together," he reminded them firmly.

— "Understood," they answered in unison.

Dylan remained silent, his gaze hidden behind his sunglasses.

**

During the ride to their luxury hotel, the city of Kinshasa rolled past their wide-eyed stares. It was a brand-new adventure, but in Dylan's mind, everything felt different. He felt alone in the midst of those who had once been his best friends.

That same evening, a final rehearsal was organized in the large concert hall.

— "Let's give it everything we've got!" Daniella shouted, full of energy.

Ryder and Andrea nodded. They began singing and practicing their choreography under the watchful eye of the organizers. Diego, being a good producer, handled the lights, the sound, and the special effects.

Meanwhile, Dylan was practicing alone in another room.

His heart tightened with every note. Sometimes, he could hear his former friends' voices from afar, and a deep nostalgia washed over him. But he forced himself to stay distant. It was better this way, he kept telling himself.

**

After the rehearsals, Diego gathered everyone for a meeting.

— "Tomorrow is the big night. You'll be performing in front of thousands of people. Make a good impression. And Dylan, your solo is scheduled after their show," he said, consulting his notes.

Daniella raised her hand.

— "Can we at least stay and watch Dylan's performance after ours?"

Diego exchanged a quick look with Dylan before replying:

— "No. You'll need to be backstage for the press conference."

A heavy silence fell over the group, but no one dared argue.

**

Later that night, in his hotel room, Dylan stood by the window, staring at the city lights.

"Why have I changed so much?" he wondered. "Is this really the best solution?"

He remembered everything: the laughter, the improvised songs with his friends, the childhood promises. Now, it all felt so distant.

A soft knock on the door interrupted his thoughts.

— "It's me," came Diego's voice.

Dylan opened the door.

— "Tomorrow is your moment. After that, we'll decide if you want to stay in Kinshasa for another project," Diego said, stepping inside.

— "We'll see," Dylan replied simply.

Diego looked at him for a moment, then added softly:

— "You know, even if no one else knows who you really are... I know you've suffered. You have to succeed for yourself, not for them."

Dylan lowered his eyes.

— "Thanks, Diego. But remember: no one must know we're brothers."

— "Promise," Diego smiled before leaving the room.

**

The next morning, it was finally the big day.

Everyone was ready, makeup done, costumes shining. Fans were already flooding the massive concert hall. The tension was rising.

Backstage, Ryder, Daniella, and Andrea encouraged each other:

— "No matter what happens, we're together!" Daniella said, pulling them into a hug.

— "Let's give it everything we've got!" Ryder responded, his eyes shining with excitement.

Andrea nodded with determination.

Meanwhile, Dylan was preparing alone, calm and focused.

When the lights went out in the venue and the first scream of the crowd rose, he knew everything was about to change.

But for now, no one knew who he really was.

Everything seemed the same... at least on the surface.