Step One

by Angeli E. Dumatol

Dance enthusiast and aspiring doctor Krisha Parlade has scored the perfect summer job at BYN Media and Entertainment. Getting hired involved some legal contracts, but that doesn't matter. Thanks to a chance discovery, though it's technically against the rules, Krisha manages a front-row seat to pop-rock teen boyband Gone By Midnight's dance practice, and the boys are incredible. Well, most of them, anyway.

Matt Navales is a lot of things –leader, vocalist, guitarist, even a rookie actor. But he's no dancer. So when his band is suddenly forced to include dancing in their performances, he knows he's in trouble. Still, Matt is determined to do his best, even if it means extending practice time and enduring injuries. One afternoon, a painful ankle sends Matt hopping to the company clinic, where he finds the new healthcare assistant dancing what is supposed to be top-secret choreography.

Undeniably caught, Krisha fears the worst until Matt asks for a life-changing he wants her to help him with his dancing.

After-hours dancing lessons with the handsome band frontman doesn't sound too bad. Especially if it means he'll keep her secret. Besides, what's the worst that can happen?

237 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 11, 2026

About the author

Angeli E. Dumatol is a physician by profession and when she's not in the clinics, she can be found writing stories, reading books, or getting lost in a daydream. Angeli has been writing since the age of six and completed her first novel at the age of twelve. Her essay, Ang Makulit, ang Mapagtanong at ang Mundo ng Kasagutan, was awarded First Prize in the 2011 Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature - Kabataan Sanaysay. It is her ultimate wish to be able to use both medicine and literature in making a difference in people's lives. She currently lives in Quezon City with her ever supportive family.