"shall we begin?"

dan and i can only look at each other before nodding. i don't know what we were expecting, but they seem to have a whole presentation planned out. i remember seeing university representatives when i was in my last years of school, and i can't help but feel it's similar to this. both are extremely accomplished people attempting to persuade us into joining their community.

they start us out with a big speech on what they're all about, and how they can make us even bigger stars than we are now. it's like their motto, and they love using those few, simple words. they keep going back to it because, in the end, that's the main reason we're here. 

the speech is basically a more detailed version of the email, and we hang on to every word.

they tells us who they've made stars within a matter of weeks, and dan and i gasp upon hearing a few of their names. a-list celebrities, famous singers, elite actors and actresses—they all started here.

we're there for probably a little less than two hours, but it feels like only a few minutes. everything passes in a blur, a swarm of information and numbers that makes me dizzy just to think about. they give us a tour of the third-floor offices and introduce us to some other important people i don't remember. they show us awards they've won, goals they've achieved, and at one point the intern comes by again with a plate of snacks. 

dan and i look anything but formal during all of this. we're sitting in giant leather chairs, munching loudly on chips with some dip i've never seen before—but it's already the best thing i've ever tasted. we're practically one step away from begging them to sign us and they smirk, as if they already know we're interested.

"any questions, boys?" the man, who i've learned is ron, asks once he finishes another grand speech. he looks at us with kind eyes, and in that moment i feel like i can trust him. 

dan turns to me and i try to think of a question to ask. they've covered most of it, and we barely had to speak at all. it was like a story time, except everything they told us was a tale of their many accomplishments.

"nope," i say, shaking my head. i realize how informal that sounds and quickly correct myself. "no, i mean. no."

ron nods, and the other people in the room nod back, sharing a look i don't understand. the kind look is gone, replaced by an emotion i can't comprehend. i feel left out, as if they all know something i don't. it creeps me out a bit, and i turn to see dan's reaction.

the boy is practically smiling so much his face is on the verge of breaking. they've spoiled us, mostly dan, so much in the short time we've been here. dan stares at me, his coffee in one hand and a shrimp in the other. he loves everything about this place, i can already tell. if they asked us right here right now to sign with their company, i have no doubt in my mind dan would do so in a heartbeat.

i, on the other hand, hesitate. i don't like the vibes these people are giving me. something doesn't feel right, and i can't let dan talk us into something we might regret. before they can say anything else, i get up. "it was nice meeting all of you," i say. the looks on their faces tells me they weren't expecting me to get up so soon, and for some reason it makes me more confident, like i have some control over the situation. "we're going to need some time to think about whether or not we should sign with uktalent, though." i turn to dan, and he's staring back at me with wide eyes. "right, dan?" i grit, trying to convey my thoughts to him. 

being the best friend he is, he goes along with it, even though i know he doesn't want to. "y-yeah, definitely."

ron gets up, clasping his hands together. "well of course! take all the time you need."

it feels like forever before i'm finally back in the lobby and walking out of the building.

---

"why?" 

that's the only word dan says once we're in a taxi and far away from the building.

i shake my head, trying to clear my thoughts. "i don't know, something just felt... off. everything about that place gives me the creeps." i can tell i don't make any sense to him, so i try to explain. "did you not see the way they were all looking at each other? and how they practically fed us dinner? and the freakishly tall office building? nothing about that place feels right."

he gives me a look, arching his eyebrow. "really, phil? we left because it didn't 'feel right?'"

shrugging, i sink into my seat. "i can't explain it."

"they spoiled us because they want us to sign with them, that's obvious. and who cares whether or not they feed us, i'm always hungry anyways. they were grinning because they knew that if it wasn't for your sudden outburst, they would've signed two new clients!"

i can't do anything but fiddle with my seatbelt strap. i don't bother looking at him, because i know i'm blushing from embarrassment right now. "you don't get it."

expecting the conversation to end there, i turn towards the window. dan doesn't notice and keeps talking. 

"you were the one who dragged me to this thing in the first place," he says, his voice lowering. "i want to sign with them, i really do phil. they're genuinely nice, and they feed us. what more could we ask for?"

i look at him, not saying a word. 

he leans closer to me, his voice soft. "even bigger stars than you currently are."

even though this is my best friend, i can't sign with them. i don't trust them, why couldn't he understand? i'm about to stand my ground, but dan speaks before i can tell him no again.

"please?"

he gives me this stupid look that i want to punch him for. it's the kind of look that kids give their parents when they want something. he looks so innocent and naive, and it maddens me.

and i can't find it in me to say no.

i hesitate before nodding, and dan smiles. he knows he's won.