Chapter 5 THE RESCUE NO ONE SAW COMING

When the shoot started, there was controlled chaos with dripping hair, dancing water, and soaked clothing. Like battlefield medics, the crew hurried to keep the idols dry and warm in between takes, providing them with snacks and towels. In an attempt to avoid drawing attention to herself, Emily stayed close to Jackson and Luke, but the damp clothing was too tight for comfort. Before someone noticed too much, she had to change, and fast. However, the assigned changing space was shared. No booths. No privacy. No choice.

With her heart racing, she crept out of sight and tiptoed back to the now-empty pool area.

It was silent and dark-almost eerie. She discovered a secret passageway behind some equipment crates and quickly changed, removing the damp clothing from her body. However, a voice resounded from outside the doors as she was unclasping the final piece. "Oh, my bracelet is gone!" The sound of Jackson's voice was followed by a rush of footsteps. She felt panic strike like a goods train. Mason, changing nearby, stiffened when he heard Jackson's shout-and immediately froze. A bracelet? A pool? He pivoted on his heel. Ethan. There was no sign of her. He also felt uneasy. He knew she couldn't change in the boys changing room so she would most likely be at the pool.

"Jackson, I'll help you look!" Mason called out too loudly, overtaking the younger idol.

"Don't worry I can-"

"I'll do it!"

Jackson blinked, "Okay, jeez..."

Entering the pool room, Mason cautiously looked around the dark room. However, he failed to spot Emily. Not on the ground. Away from the crates. Then he noticed it-just the smallest trace of bubbles rippling at the water's surface. He narrowed his eyes. His heart seized. No. Emily was in a panic. She hadn't had time to properly hide or finish getting dressed, she had taken the only action that came to mind. She had jumped right into the pool. Quiet. hiding. Her vision was turning black now. Her lungs were burning from the lack of air. But she would be exposed if she came to the surface. It was all over if she was caught especially undressed as a girl.

She tried to hold on just a little longer-then passed out.

Before his mind could react, Mason's feet moved. "Have you found it?" The sound of Luke's voice reverberated throughout the corridor. Luke looked at Mason. He knew something was off and Mason was trying to hide Emily."

"I found it!" Jackson yelled. "All right, let's go!"

"Go ahead," Mason shouted. I'll see you in five." He didn't wait for a response. He dove in as soon as he heard the door click shut.

The water was ice against his skin, but he barely noticed. He kicked hard, eyes scanning the depths until he saw her-a faint form, floating limp like a leaf in the wind.

He reached her in seconds and pulled her up, gasping when they broke the surface.

"Wake up!" he hissed, dragging her toward the shallow end. "Emily! Breathe!"

She stirred faintly in his arms, eyes fluttering.

Then suddenly-SMACK.

In her disoriented panic, she flailed and smacked his cheek with her foot as she swam above the water so hard his vision went white.

"Ah-" he grunted-and everything went dark.

-------------------------

Emily came to the surface, gasping and coughing. Coughing so violently that she hardly noticed what had happened, she scurried out of the pool. She collapsed against a towel, panting, "I-I did it. That was really close."

She quickly dressed, still shaking from the adrenaline. Just as she pulled her hoodie over her head, an image flashed behind her eyelids; a face that is pale, dark hair. Worried eyes... under the water.

She stopped. "No." With a sudden turn, she noticed something floating in the pool. A head. The body of Mason. afloat. Still.

"Mason!!" she screamed.

Moments later, the dorm erupted in chaos. Luke and Jackson came rushing, and together they pulled him from the pool.

Water spilled from his mouth as paramedics arrived shortly and wheeled him out.

Emily could only watch, hands pressed to her mouth feeling sorry.

-------------------------

It was everywhere the following morning.

"Ethan from Zero Saints Prevents Mason Brookes from Drowning! A Hero Undercover? In a startling turn of events, Ethan steps up! Lifesaver or Bandmate?"

The studio gates were stalked by paparazzi. On livestreams, fans were crying. And Mason... was furious. He scowled at the TV screen while sitting with his arms crossed in the hospital bed.

Emily shortly arrived with flowers. He turned to her and yelled, "What are these headlines? You saved me?!"

"I didn't say that-!"

"You hit me in the face!"

"I didn't know it was you!"

He looked ready to throw a pillow, "Now the world thinks you're some gallant knight who rescued me like I'm some damsel in distress!"

Emily clutched the flowers tighter. "I didn't know it would turn out like this I swear!"

"Fine. But if you ever try to save me again....."

She bit back. "Deal."

He turned away, muttering something about "annoying goats" and "media lies"-but she caught the ghost of a smile tugging at his lips.

She sat beside him, quietly.

For a while, neither of them spoke.

But somehow, even with the whirlwind outside... it felt like something between them had shifted again.

Just a little.

The next day, The whirlwind continued. Emily was still in shock that her image was displayed on all of America's tabloid screens. She was trembling by the pool just yesterday, gripping her wet clothes in terror. Now she is the nation's "idol hero" today.

She froze as she turned the corner into the empty rehearsal space. Mr. Edward appeared to have aged five years in two days as he stood in the middle of the studio, carrying a small travel bag. "Mr. Edward," she muttered. The sound of her voice caused him to turn, and shame filled his eyes. Slowly, he said, "Ethan...Emily."

She bowed her head. "Didn't you know I'd figure out you left?"

He exhaled heavily. "I was scared. I saw the news and thought... maybe, just maybe, you'd gotten through it. If I stayed and they found out, I'd be fired. I didn't know how to deal with it."

Emily's chest tightened. She remained silent. Not for a while. Then she gave him a gentle smile as she looked up at him, "I get it."

He blinked. "You... do?"

"I was also afraid. However, you were merely attempting to safeguard my brother's future." Her voice faltered, "As well as mine. Even if it didn't feel like it."

Like a fish, Mr Edward 's mouth opened and closed. Then he abruptly threw his bag down and gave her a fatherly embrace, "I apologize Emily, you are more courageous than any idol I have ever managed."

Click click click.

The sound of high heels clicking broke the moment. The door opened. A vision in silver stilettos and pink silk walked in. Wendy; The America's Princess, or A.K.A, miss Perfect. Classy. A lovely but piercing smile, like a piece of polished glass. She tilted her head to see the pair hugging in the centre of the room.

She said in a mocking tone, " uhh am I interrupting a family reunion?"

Like a hawk spotting prey, Wendy's eyes were fixed on her. "You're Ethan, then?"

Her eyes were sparkling with just enough poison to sting, and she laughed a little. "What sort of boy could garner that much attention in a single night am I right? You seem a little... sensitive, aren't you?"

Mr. Edward scowled. "What brings you to the studio, Wendy?"

"Oh, nothing serious," she said, flipping her hair. Just wanted to give Mason tickets to my movie premiere and wish him a get well soon kiss"

Her voice was smooth, but every word felt like it was dipped in venom. She straightened up. "Anyway, I'll be seeing you around. Mason and I go way back. Very close, you know."

With that, she left the tickets on the piano and glided out the door like a queen exiting her throne room.

Emily stood frozen.

So that was the famous America's princess...

Pretty. Popular. Confident.

And clearly-interested in Mason.