Weightless [HSMTMTS]

Chapter 9

Ricky and Nini's practice for 'Start of Something New' was going extremely well. The dancers pulled off their parts extremely well—excluding a cardboard sign being held upside down—and Ten couldn't be more satisfied. The school bell rang on cue once they were done, prompting EJ to cheer with joy.

"Yes! Yes! Whoo!" he had cheered, quieting down upon noticing their stares. "Sorry. I really love Thanksgiving."

"Okay, hold on," Miss Jenn announced to her lovely drama team. "I know everyone is excited for the holiday break. But I'm me, and I have notes."

"Ricky and Nini, that was good. But it could be better," she continued, only realising how down it sounded once the words were uttered. "She said in the spirit of holiday cheer," she quickly added.

"Good save," Carlos whispered to her.

Truth to be told, Ten was quite impressed with Ricky's improvement. Sure, there were a few bumps along the way but now he was doing fine and even right now, the show was good to go.

"Your homework over this break, all of you, is to please go on vocal rest. And go over your lines too, which is hard to do on vocal rest. But make it work. And remember, may nothing ever block your doorway to happiness."

With that, the students packed up their bags while chatting among themselves, barely contained excitement for the holidays buzzing in their system. Ten arranged his books, throwing on his scarf as he did so. Ashlyn, Carlos and Big Red were having a conversation next to him.

"My family usually has three protein courses and then everybody's asleep by 6pm," Carlos said.

"My folks start eating at dawn and the barely make it past the Macy's Parade," Big Red added. "How about you, Ten?"

"Oh, me?" He hid a smile, pleasantly surprised at being included in the conversation. "My family doesn't really celebrate but we spend the day with my childhood friend and his family. We eat some really good Korean food all day," Ten answered with a smile on his face as he thought of the occasion.

"Well, at least your folks are sticking around." Ashlyn sighed, slinging her bag onto her shoulder. "EJ's parents are treating my parents to a spa in Park City after dinner tomorrow. They told us to try and have a meaningful night at the movies." 

She paused upon noticing Carlos and Big Red share a look. Ten, on the other hand, was puzzled. 

"Wait..." she said slowly.

"I was going to say..." Carlos started.

"Do you guys want to come over after dinner tomorrow? Like late night party?"

"I never don't want that," Carlos replied in an excited tone.

"Should we keep it to a small group or..." Big Red wanted to ask until Carlos cut in.

"Party at Ashlyn's after Thanksgiving tomorrow! Everyone's invited!" he shouted for the others to hear.

With that, everyone cheered. Boy, they were going to have some very interesting fun.

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"Before you go, I have to tell you that I saw something before I came to pick you up."

"And that is?"

"EJ held some confessional thing on Instagram."

"Really?" Ten asked with raised eyebrows. "Interesting yet not surprising coming from him."

"He mentioned something about all the times he cheated in water polo."

"What?" Ten spluttered before he was coughing.