Rehearsals had ended late, and the stadium lights still glared as staff packed equipment off the stage. Dayo stood, staring at the huge Atlas Stadium in Tangier. 75,000 seats surrounded him, and soon, by tomorrow, billions more would be watching from their homes.

But what was in his mind was not just about the performance, it was a strategic thinking that Wayne and Valery gave him. That was weighed on him.

They said that if he could announce his participation in the Global Competition on this stage, right after his performance with Luna, it could change everything. It would give him the fan support he needed for the raffle draw. But he was hesitating because he knew this was the World Cup, not just any show, and the World Cup was bigger than him, and he couldn't just do whatever he wanted.

So, he decided to ask for permission from Shun Li.

He found Shun Li, who was in charge of choreography, reviewing notes with two assistants.

"Mr. Shun," Dayo said politely as he walked up.

Shun glanced up, adjusting his glasses. "Ah, Dayo. Still here? Do you need something?"

"I wanted to ask…" Dayo hesitated before he made up his mind and said it. "After Luna and I perform our song, would it be possible for me to make a short announcement? Just a few words. Nothing long. I thought it was better to ask than to do it, and it has repercussions."

Shun studied Dayo for a moment, then slowly said.

"You want to speak?"

"Yes," Dayo nodded. "Just to share something important with the fans. That I would be competing in the Global competition, I respect the stage, but I didn't want to do it without permission."

Shun Li looked shocked and asked just to confirm what he was hearing, "You are going to compete for the Global Competition?"

Dayo smiled and nodded, "Yes, I am, and as I don't really have much background, I thought of using this platform, and of course, with your permission."

Shun Li nodded and said, "In China, we say: 有志者—"

"—事竟成," Dayo finished smoothly, without hesitation.

Shun froze, his words cut short. His assistants looked up, startled. Dayo's tone was like he was an expert in Chinese and not a novice; the whole world was fluent without a hint of mistake.

("Where there is a will, there is a way.")

Shun's eyes widened before softening into genuine delight. "You… speak Chinese...And you know the saying?"

Shun Li couldn't hide how shocked and impressed he was because it was one thing to understand Chinese and another to know a saying, as the saying was always mostly spoken among locals.

Dayo gave a small smile. "Yes. I've studied some Chinese. Although not perfect, I understand enough."

For the first time all evening, Shun laughed a low, warm chuckle that surprised even his assistants. "Remarkable, I feel you have been humble. Your pronunciation was clean. Most foreigners butcher it, but you… You carry it well."

Dayo shrugged lightly. "Languages are like music. Once you catch the rhythm, the flow, it stays with you."

Shun's face lit up, a rare moment of genius smile. "Good. Very good. Then you already understand the weight of the words. To succeed on this stage, you will need willpower above all."

Dayo bowed his head slightly. "Xièxiè."

Shun tilted his head, clearly impressed. "Then use your words carefully. Gratitude always opens doors." He tapped his clipboard against his hand. "I cannot promise, but I will speak to the organizers. If they agree, you'll have your moment. Just keep it brief."

Relief washed over Dayo. "Understood. I'll keep it short."

Shun nodded once, then added quietly, "Remember, Dayo—talent opens the stage, but respect keeps it open. Don't forget that."

"And good luck to you, I will be rooting for you to win

"I won't forget, and thank you, your support is appreciated," Dayo said, smiling like he just won the lottery.

As he left the stage, a calm resolve settled in him. If all went well, tomorrow wasn't just about performing with Luna. It would also be the day he told the world his next move.

He called Wayne and Valery to update them before sleeping.

***

The day came fast. After weeks of practice, mistakes, and pressure, the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup was finally here.

The stadium shook with noise. Flags waved, fireworks burst, and chants echoed. 75,000 people filled the seats, and millions more were watching worldwide. The opening match, which was between Brazil vs. Italy, would be the first match, but right now, the focus was on the stage.

Backstage, Dayo stood still. He wasn't scared, like the last time at the Tonight Show, he had grown to love the shout and scream of the fans, he was just overwhelmed. The drums thumped, the dancers stamped in rhythm, and the lights painted the stage bright.

Beside him, Luna looked calm and confident in her glittering outfit. She glanced at him. "You ready?"

Dayo smiled faintly. "Yeah. Let's give them something they'll never forget."

The voice came through their earpieces. "You're up in ten… nine…"

The announcer's voice came across the stadium:

"Ladies and gentlemen… LUNA and JD!"

The crowd roared. The spotlight hit. The music dropped.

Dayo stepped into the light, mic in hand, his head low. He lifted it slowly and began:

"Yeah, you can be the greatest, you can be the best

, You can be the King Kong bangin' on your chest…"

The big screens behind him flashed with clips of young athletes and kids chasing dreams. The stadium hushed, drawn in by his voice.

Luna entered next, her presence captivating. When she joined him, the two of them sang like they were carrying the same fire.

They sang together, voices blending, moving in rhythm like one.

"You can beat the world, you can win the war

, You can talk to God, go bangin' on his door…"

The stage exploded with sparks and dancers. Luna stepped forward, her voice soaring, strong and clear.

"You can rise from the ashes when the world's gone cold,

Build a fire from the pieces of the dreams you hold…"

The crowd clapped along, chanting. By the time Luna hit her final note, the energy was electric.

Dayo stepped back into the spotlight, and together they sang the chorus. Soon, the stadium joined in. Thousands of voices shouted in unison with them, echoing through the whole stadium.

"Standing in the Hall of Fame…"

It didn't feel like they were performing anymore. It felt like the whole world was singing with them.

When the music ended, fireworks shot across the sky. The chants started immediately:

"LUNA!"

"JD!"

"LUNA!"

"JD!"

The noise shook the ground.

Breathing hard, Dayo bowed. "Thank you for listening!"

Then, steady and clear, but still catching his breath: "And please support me in the upcoming Global Competition draw. Thank you!"

The stadium erupted with cheers.

As Dayo and Luna walked offstage, his body trembled. He tried to hide it, but tears slipped from his eyes. The sound of so many voices chanting his name was overwhelming.

Luna noticed. She pulled him into a hug. "Hey… are you crying?"

Dayo sniffled, wiping quickly. "Nah, something just got in my eyes."

"Oh really?" Luna teased with a smile.

"Yeah," Dayo said, trying to act cool. He turned to walk away, but Luna caught his arm.

"You know," she said softly, "it's okay to cry when you're happy. Don't hide it. You're human too."

Dayo looked at her, then smiled and nodded. She was right. For once, he let himself feel it.

This was his dream coming true. And it was only the beginning.

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