Chapter 4 THE TENSION UNDERNEATH

The Zero Saints dorm was always noisy during dinner. As Jackson stirred ramen in a pot while humming one of their own songs, his voice reverberated throughout the kitchen like background music. "Ethan," He waved a ladle at Emily and said, "Want something spicy or really spicy?" Emily's hands were clenched in her lap as she sat rigidly at the dining table. "Just regular spicy is okay."

At the end of the table, Mason was leafing through a magazine but wasn't actually reading it. His face was unreadable, but occasionally his eyes would dart towards her, sharp and swift, like lightning in a dark sky's corner. Emily lowered her head. Even though their confrontation had only lasted a few hours, everything had changed. Now, it seemed as though every breath she took reverberated off the dorm walls. Luke was the first to notice.

His arms rested gently on the back of his chair as he sat across from her. His eyes didn't miss anything, but he wasn't as blunt 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 in the eyes. When she unintentionally knocked over her chopsticks, Mason, who is usually quick to reprimand, didn't even frown.

A flashback to the press release party came to mind. Emily had clung to Mason while intoxicated and then puked all over him. He recalled attempting to assist in 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 gave her another glance. the tense fidgeting. She always took care to cover her ears when she touched her hair. How hesitant and soft her voice was at all time.

Luke whispered, "Something smells fishy."

"What?" With a dramatic sniff, Jackson asked, "I looked at the ramen. It's brand-new."

Luke laughed without providing an explanation. As happy as ever, Jackson slid into his chair and placed bowls in front of everyone. " I enjoy dining with you all, Zero Saints family. Don't look so grumpy, Mason.

Mason didn't even blink.

With wide eyes, Jackson whispered, "Geez," to Luke. "What's wrong with him?"

Luke bit into his noodles. "I think he's just exhausted."

Jackson, however, wasn't convinced but went along with it.

Later that evening, Jackson cornered Luke outside on the rooftop balcony, sipping soda straight from the can, his hair tousled by the breeze.

"Luke," he said, narrowing his eyes. "There's something weird going on."

Luke looked amused. "What?"

"It's Ethan," Jackson said, leaning on the railing. "He's acting funny. And Mason is being weird too. They're like... allergic to being in the same room!"

Luke stayed silent.

Jackson frowned. "What, you don't think so?"

"I didn't say that," Luke said.

"Then what's going on?"

Luke turned toward him, giving him a rare, knowing smile. "The answer is right under your nose, Jackson."

Jackson blinked. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"It means," Luke said calmly, "you're smart when you want to be. But you may be too dense to find out."

Jackson furrowed his brow as though he were cracking a comic book puzzle. "Just beneath my nose? What am I oblivious to? My lips? What about my teeth? My-hold on, is this a riddle?"

Luke gave a quiet laugh. "You'll see."

Jackson was squinting after him, murmuring, "Under my nose, under my nose?"

Luke patted Jackson's shoulder and went back inside.

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Emily watched Mason's back as he folded some laundry sheets while she sat on the edge of her chair in the garden. Since their conversation earlier, she had not spoken to him. The words dissolved on her tongue each time she tried. He turned slightly, though, and their eyes briefly locked. She briefly caught a glimpse of something other than rage. He appeared worn out.

As if he was still upset, but not in the way he was attempting to ruin her. She got up. "Mason..."

He interrupted her by raising a hand. "I told you already," he muttered. "I will remain silent. But be careful. I won't save you if Jackson, Luke or anyone find out."

Her eyes were moist as she nodded. "Thanks."

"Don't thank me. Just make it through this." Then he turned away once more.

Unaware that she was holding her breath, Emily released it. The secret remained, looming over everything like a cloud. But she had to bear it alone for the time being. Even though it was a burden on her heart, she knew she needed to bear it for a little while longer. For her brother. For their dream. For their mother they were still looking for.

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In the enormous indoor pool where Zero Saints was scheduled to film their new music video together, the water glistened under the hot studio lights, glistening like glass. It was intended to be a dreamy, edgy image that 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 standing at the edge of the pool with her arms firmly wrapped around her. Her ribs were being pounded by her heart. Scenes with water! In this? What if they take in too much? What happens if she literally loses her disguise?

Standing a few feet away with his arms folded and his trademark smirk tugging at the corners of his lips was Mason. When the director brought up the swim shots, he had witnessed the fear on her face. "Perfect," he thought. Allow the water to reveal itself. It saves me the trouble.

"What the heck, we're dressed up and going in?" With anxiety, Emily approached Jackson, who was happily adjusting his microphone pack.

Jackson chirped, "Of course. Do you think we would expose our skin? Our supporters would go crazy!"

Emily let out a breath so forceful that she almost stumbled. "Oh, Lord, thank you."

Mason snorted. "You were actually worried you'd have to show off your nonexistent abs?"

She flushed and pouted, "Well, someone here was excited to see me exposed."

Mason frowned for a split second, "You wish."

But the tension had broken slightly, and for the first time, the others noticed.

Jackson squinted between them. "Why are you two acting like weird little gremlins around each other lately?"

Emily stammered, "W-We're not!"

Luke, sitting nearby sipping from a water bottle, simply raised an eyebrow. "Must be all that chlorine in the air."