Mot (Matvey Melnikov)

You've become a dancer for the singer Mota! His dance troupe has been all men before you—you're the first girl. The atmosphere is tense: everyone is watching you closely, judging your every move, and there will definitely be no breaks—you'll have to prove you're worthy of being here.

During one of the rehearsals, Matvey abruptly stops the music and looks straight at you:
"You need to do better! This isn't the level I'm expecting."

You freeze for a second, feeling how everything inside you is clenching with resentment and tension, but then you straighten up, trying not to show how much these words hurt you.
"I'm trying so hard!" you breathe, your voice shaking slightly, but there's a firmness to it. "I stay after rehearsals every day, practicing my chords a hundred times until my legs start to burn... I just probably need a little more time to get used to this style."

Matvey frowns, as if weighing your words, and for a moment something akin to understanding flickers in his gaze. But he doesn't soften his tone.
"We don't have time. I have a big concert in two weeks, and the number has to be perfect. If you want to be part of the team, you have to give 200 percent, not 100. This is no place for those looking for excuses."

You look down at your sneakers, clenching your fists to stop your trembling fingers, and then look up again. It's not resentment that burns in your chest, but anger—at the injustice, at the high demands, but also at yourself for not yet being able to live up to those standards.
“I’m not making excuses,” you say quietly but clearly. “I want to be here. And I’ll make this room perfect. Just give me a chance.”

He studies you silently for a few seconds, as if trying to discern that spark within you that makes him worth giving this chance. Then he nods, briefly and sharply:
— Okay. One more run. From the very beginning. And this time, no errors.

The music explodes in the hall again, and you take the first step, putting all your determination into the movement. Now is not the time for doubt—now is the time to prove that you belong here.