voice reverberated throughout the kitchen like background music. "Ethan," He waved a ladle at Emily and said, "Want something spi

uld dart towards her, sharp and swift, like lightning in a dark sky's corner. Emily lowered her head. Even though their confrontation had only last

as Mason or as loud as Jackson. He observed the long pause that existed between Mason and Emily. How she was unable to look him

cleaning her up afterwards. and catching a glimpse of her earring. A delicate cross of silver. At the time, he hadn't given it much thought. However, now... He

, "Something s

f, Jackson asked, "I looked

n slid into his chair and placed bowls in front of everyone. " I enjoy

dn't eve

hispered, "Geez," to Luke

oodles. "I think he

asn't convinced but

de on the rooftop balcony, sipping soda straigh

ng his eyes. "There's so

ed amused

"He's acting funny. And Mason is being weird too.

tayed

d. "What, you

say that,"

hat's g

a rare, knowing smile. "The answer

"What's that su

're smart when you want to be. But

book puzzle. "Just beneath my nose? What am I oblivious to?

uiet laugh. "

er him, murmuring, "Under

on's shoulder and

--------

ir conversation earlier, she had not spoken to him. The words dissolved on her tongue each time she tried. He turned slight

in the way he was attempting to

dy," he muttered. "I will remain silent. But be careful

oist as she nod

e it through this." Then

ud. But she had to bear it alone for the time being. Even though it was a burden on her heart, she knew she needed

--------

at reflected rebirth, raw emotion, and inner turmoil. It featured slow-motion dives, fog machines, and a good deal of wet clothes, as is customary for idols. Emily watched the crew buzz around with anxiety while stand

f his lips was Mason. When the director brought up the swim shots, he had witnessed the fear o

?" With anxiety, Emily approached Jackson, wh

ou think we would expose our skin

orceful that she almost stu

ally worried you'd have to sh

Well, someone here was ex

or a split seco

slightly, and for the fir

are you two acting like weird little

mered, "W-

ter bottle, simply raised an eyebrow.