Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 82271 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 411(@200wpm)___ 329(@250wpm)___ 274(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82271 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 411(@200wpm)___ 329(@250wpm)___ 274(@300wpm)
We moved their next comeback to October, same as you. We thought it best that both coincide with the show.” Siu grins, and I tell myself he’s a good guy, he discovered us, he’s like family so why is he betraying us right now? That’s immediate competition from both fan groups and no matter how many times we do a dance challenge on Tik-Tok and say hi, we’ve known each other for five years—fandoms still go crazy thinking we’re competing.
It’s going to be an absolute shit show.
Which might be what they’re going for, all press is good press, but this sounds like a nightmare.
Producer guy nods at Siu. “Exactly. Marketing wise, it makes sense, you’ll have enough time during filming to still work on your songs, and we won’t leak them. In fact, we encourage you to allow these fans to get into your process, they won’t have access to you all the time, only the allotted filming time.”
“So,” Rae clears his throat. “We’ll go back to the dorms?”
“No, the space doesn’t make sense.” Siu says. “We’re filming at a beautiful mansion right outside the city.
“We?” I repeat.
“Both groups.” Siu nods. “Will be living together for two weeks.”
I don’t know where it comes from, maybe deep down inside my soul, but my actual response out loud is. “Oh fuck no.”
Every single member from TestME’s jaw drops.
Lucas elbows me.
I briefly bow my head toward Siu, the group, every person in the room. “Sorry, so sorry, I’m sorry.”
I’m not sorry.
Kai gives me a thumbs up under the table while Jay covers his mouth with his hands like he can barely keep his laugh in.
Rae pours another glass of water.
Lucas raises his hand. “Yeah, I’m gonna have to pass, I have a girlfriend.”
“Oh, don’t worry.” Siu nods his head in understanding. “We kept that into account, so we decided that you’ll be hosting with her.”
And the hits just keep coming, or so I think until Siu checks his watch and looks over to annoying producer guy. “Apologies I have another meeting. Producer Sung-Bin will go over all the specifics, he also has a background in law and we’re lucky enough that his fiancé was able to convince him to come on board, though it took a lot of work.”
Whatever.
Ari makes brief eye contact with me, and though it’s quick that familiar heat moves between us. She distracts herself by grabbing a glass of water. Good. I’m glad she’s as ruffled by me as I am by her That’s the moment Jay notices—I mean, really notices. Kai gasps next to me as Ari slowly sets her glass down, revealing pink lipstick on the glass.
It faces us like indisputable proof.
Well, great. Things just got a lot worse.
“We’re also lucky to have an attorney, Ari, on set the entire time to make sure everything goes smoothly.”
She’ll be on set?
I wonder how long it would take me to hit rock bottom if I jumped from the building?
She avoids all eye contact with me as she stands and thanks Siu. She begins walking around the table in complete boss mode. “Here’s everything you need to know legally. As I know you’re all aware, contractually you don’t have a choice but to participate unless it’s a health crisis.”
Does ‘hey attorney Ari, you’re the only fucking thing I want to have,’ count as an excuse?
I wish I could ask her that. If only to see the reactions on everyone’s face.
But I keep my mouth shut.
She places a paper in front of me.
I stare down at it.
I don’t look at her again.
Once the meeting is over and everyone signs, management piles both groups into the large elevator.
The music is jarring to my ears because it’s my own voice coming over the speaker.
TestME just stand in front of us. Normally they’d allow us out first, but I’m not surprised they just push past us and walk off the elevator.
“I can’t go to prison for murder.” Rae whispers.
“You’re too pretty.” Jay agrees.
Kai curses and grimaces after the young, arrogant group. “This is going to be a bloodbath.”
“I’m already tired from all the drama that hasn’t even commenced yet.” Lucas yawns. “This is going to be a nightmare.”
Yes. It already is. It’s my worst nightmare.
Loving someone who I can’t have. Loving someone who’s about to watch me date a bunch of women I don’t want.
Loving someone who’s forbidden in every way.
Chapter Four
Ari
I try not to watch him leave in the elevator, but I can’t help it when his eyes lift and lock onto mine.
My heart sinks in dread at the thought of what I am about to be forced to endure.
I’m going to have to watch the guy I’m forbidden to love—date other girls.
I’m going to have to watch the guy I obsess about smile and flirt with other girls. What kind of nightmare is this?