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Next Day
After returning from their trip, both SuperNova and FJ4 were back to their busy idol schedules. At the practice hall, the FJ4 boys were already rehearsing the choreography for their new song performance.
Suha counted the beats aloud while Rico, Michael and Nicky followed the routine sharply. Halfway through a jump-spin, Rico flinched and touched his hand — a sudden sting from his still-healing wound.
Michael immediately noticed.
"Are you okay?" he asked, coming closer.
Rico nodded quickly, pretending to wave it off with a smile. "Just a small pain. Let's continue."
But Nicky paused the music and looked serious. "Bro, are you sure? If it's too much, just tell me, I'll talk to the manager."
"I'm okay!" Rico insisted, flexing his fingers. "We've all worked hard for this. I don't want to slow down."
Just then, Suha looked down at his phone. "Guys!! Our song just released!"
They all quickly checked their own phones. The view count was increasing every second — thousands, then tens of thousands.
Michael stared with wide eyes. "I did not expect it to explode like this so fast."
Nicky grinned and nudged Rico. "Of course it did. The lyrics were written by our Rico, right?"
Suha nodded confidently, "This song will be number 1 on Billboard one day...you'll see."
Rico's phone buzzed. A message popped up:
> Congrats for your new song.
He replied back: Thanks.
A small smile formed on his lips — though a part of him wished that message was from Ameya.
---
Evening – Backstage
FJ4 were getting dressed in their outfits for the performance. Nicky stepped into Rico's room, half-grinning.
"Hey...someone's waiting outside just to congratulate you."
"Who?" Rico asked, fixing his collar.
Nicky shrugged. "I didn't see her…but our assistant told me."
Rico felt a flutter in his chest. Is it…Ameya? He hid his smile, rushing out of his dressing room with excitement in his eyes.
He looked around, searching. Suddenly a pair of arms wrapped around him from behind.
He smiled softly and held the hands. "I know it's you, Amey—"
"Surprise~" a different voice whispered.
Rico turned around— shocked.
"Alice?"
She smirked proudly. "Of course it's me. Who were you expecting? Who's this…Ame...someone?"
Rico's smile faded a little, but he still kept polite. "No…just thought…it might've been someone else."
Alice stepped closer playfully. "Anyway, congrats Rico! This is the first song you wrote lyrics for, right? I'm really proud."
He forced a small smile. "Thanks."
She leaned closer and whispered, "One more thing. Wait for me after your performance."
Rico frowned. "Alice, I really don't have time—"
"Are you avoiding me?" She pouted a bit. "Please forget what happened at my birthday party. I'm not here as your fiancé…just as a friend."
Hearing that, Rico's shoulders relaxed a little. He nodded. "Okay. Let's talk after the performance."
His assistant called him. Rico waved and ran. Alice watched him leave with a dreamy expression.
---
Backstage Corridor
Alice headed away… and after turning a corner, she froze. A few steps ahead stood her brother Michael — talking softly to a girl. She could only see Michael's back, but the girl's face was clear.
That face… I've seen her…
Michael turned as Alice stepped closer.
"Ah…Alice," he smiled.
Alice asked, "she..."
Michael replied "This is Ameya."
Alice's eyes lit up in recognition. That girl… the one who kissed my brother during the birthday party… And I saw her on mom's laptop too…
Alice grinned with fake innocence. "SuperNova's main dancer, Ameya, right?"
Ameya bowed slightly. "Yes, hello. You're… Michael's sister, right?"
Alice nodded and looked at the box Ameya was holding.
Michael spoke warmly, "where is it..?."
Ameya said," Wait, here it's. "
Ameya gives a gift box to Michael.
Alice smiled mischievously.
Michael waved and left to join Rico and the others. "I'll go now. See you guys later!"
Ameya called after him, "Best of luck!" with a gentle smile.
Alice leaned closer to Ameya and whispered playfully, "So… are you two…lovers?"
Ameya's cheeks flushed. "W-What?! No! It's not like that—"
Alice smirked. "Don't lie to me. I know everything. Actually… I accept you both! But my mom won't… so be honest with me, I can help you guys."
Ameya was frozen. "W-Wait! What are you talking about? We're not—"
Alice leaned even closer and whispered in a low teasing tone, "I saw you two… kiss."
Ameya's eyes grew wide. "WHAT?! That never happened!!"
Alice walked away casually, smiling. "Bye~"
Ameya stood there dumbfounded. We didn't kiss… She misunderstood everything!
Her mind spun in panic and confusion as she realized a new misunderstanding had begun.
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