Weightless [HSMTMTS]

Chapter 15

"EJ, I brought you some double chocolate chip cookies to celebrate. Please share some with Ash too," Ten said, handing over a small jar to his friend.

"Thank you," EJ said with a weak smile. "What is the point of romance when you have a best friend, right?"

"Okay, that's sweet but don't feel so bad for this Valentine's Day," Ten said gently. "Just treat it like a little holiday to eat some chocolate."

"Yeah," EJ replied, but Ten knew that he was not feeling that happy about the holiday. When he showed up to school all dressed in black, Ten resisted the urge to roll his eyes at EJ's display of his feelings.

But could he blame him? EJ was used to the flattery and attention of having a partner, perhaps this time around, it would be a humbling experience for him.

Besides, Jeonghan had suggested to ease EJ through the day by starting it off by giving cookies he baked the night before.

"Okay, people. The title song of Beauty and the Beast is the centrepiece of our show." Carlos clapped his hands together to bring attention to him. "Written at the height of Ashman and Menken's powers and it's their most romantic ballad since 'Suddenly, Seymour'. As a reminder, Belle is finally falling for the Beast, and it's not because of Stockholm syndrome."

Ten raised his hand to get Carlos' attention. "But it's still—"

"Love is love," Carlos asserted.

"Ricky and Ash, it's time to review the waltz," Gina said. "Let's take it way under tempo."

Seb started to play the beautiful melody of the song and Kourtney began singing the verses. Ricky and Ashlyn were trying out to do the waltz but it wasn't doing very well.

It was painful having to watch Ricky almost step on Ashlyn's shoes multiple times, the poor boy was fumbling on his own feet.

"You okay?"

"Yeah. Sorry, super tired."

"Can you at least use both your feet?"

Miss Jenn paused the waltz, the nerves and concern of the musical getting to her as the dance was a little stiff. "Kourtney, honey, I know we aren't up to show tempo, but sing out, and make sure to really look at Belle and the Beast during the song," she commented. "Remember, what Mrs Potts is observing is a miracle. Belle is the most beautiful girl in the land, and the Beast is, I'm sorry, Ricky, beastly. Perhaps close your eyes and imagine the full scene in makeup and wardrobe. Ready?"

"Hey, do you mind if I take a quick five?" Ashlyn asked.

"Everything okay, honey?" Miss Jenn asked in concern.

"Yeah, of course," the girl replied, giving a pained smile for a split second.

"You sure, Ash?" Ten asked, EJ giving a look of concern to his cousin.

"Yes. I said I'm fine," she said before walking out of the room. Ten exchanged looks with EJ as they both watched her departing figure

It wasn't long having to wait around for the end of rehearsal time, Ten sighed as the school bell rang to signal they could go home.

"Okay. Thank you, everyone. Good job. We'll nail this number in time for the Menkies," Miss Jenn said with a tight smile. "The Beast's castle wasn't built in a day. Have a wonderful Valentine's Day."

---

Returning to the rehearsal room to collect his notebook wasn't part of the plan, they were supposed to get back home and bake more treats for his guests. Ten promised EJ it won't take long as he dashed back. Taking long strides, he almost failed to notice a blonde boy seated at the piano.