Weightless [HSMTMTS]

Chapter 25

As Ricky lay on the ground in Ashlyn's arms, Ten and EJ were already getting ready with the lazy Ricky table. With the decision that the drama students put together just a few moments ago, Ten admitted that things seemed okay. So far, so smooth.

That was until he felt a sharp pain over his foot.

"Ow, EJ!" he hissed, jumping back due to the pain. There could only be one reason. With gritted teeth, he whacked EJ's shoulder. "You rolled the wheels over me."

"Oh my gosh, I am so sorry! I—"

"Save it for later," Ten muttered, noticing they were due on the stage soon. "It's almost our turn."

Once Ricky rolled over, shielding his face from the audience, the two best friends sped onto the stage, covered by mist as Ricky climbed onto the spinning table.

For someone who couldn't aim properly the previous time and now additionally not in his best physical condition, Ricky did quite decent with throwing the mask towards Nini as she caught it with ease. The only drawback in the situation was Ricky almost swinging his arm into EJ's face while flinging the mask.

Hurrying their steps into the costume room, Ten linked his arms with EJ once their part for the transformation scene was over. Pulling the Caswell along, Ten found his clothes and changed while EJ went to wash his face.

Once they were back in their regular clothes, the two best friends slung their bags over their shoulders and made their way into the rehearsal room.

"Oh, you're back," Seb greeted, a wide smile on his face.

"How was it?" Gina asked.

Ten folded his arms, tilting his head in thought. He enjoyed the theatrics he held in the moment. "Well, from my point of view, it was—"

"Oh my gosh, Ricky's transformation." Kourtney strolled into the room, everyone turning their heads to seek answers. Meanwhile, the boy in question followed after.

"Right when I was about to reply," Ten said with a sigh, EJ looking on in amusement. "She just stole my thunder."

"How did it go?" Nini queried. Having rushed back into the wings after receiving the mask, she only knew that Ricky had accomplished what he was supposed to do.

"Honestly," Kourtney started before pausing briefly to glance at Ricky beside her, letting the others stare, "passable!"

"You did great," Ten said to EJ, stretching out his palm while the others erupted into cheers.

"We did great," EJ emphasised, grinning with pride as he shook Ten's hand.

"Hey! Give it up for our star," Nini announced when Ashlyn walked into the room, everyone clapping as the girl looked at them warmly. Their leading lady was amazing in the show.

"Uh, has anyone seen my boyfriend?" she asked. "It feels like I've been missing him all night."

"I think he pushed himself a little hard," Carlos replied, clearly something was up.

Ricky stepped in to elaborate. "But I'm pretty sure he left a letter at your locker."

"A couple, actually," EJ added before sneaking a grin towards Ten.

"Oh, wow. That's sweet," Ashlyn said, a little crestfallen. "Um, maybe I'll read them on the way to Slices. Good show, everyone." She walked to place her costume on the rack and left the room, the rest of the cast sharing knowing looks.

Slowly, some of them decided to poke their heads out of the door as they wanted to take a peek on Big Red's surprise for Ashlyn. Ten rolled his eyes as he saw them try to listen in closer.