Our time in Hawaii was short but enjoyable. I think it was Something we all needed. We went back to the mainland once again in first class. With luke and johnny on either side of me, I decided to sit in the middle to watch movies alone. I noticed that both of them were interacting with people, and johnny had paid much attention to me since I told him we should wait. Aniya was also again on his side but spent her time chatting with Pierce the entire trip. I watched them chuckle at each other as Michael dropped into the seat next to me. "What are you watching?" He asked as I gave him one of my earbuds. He leaned closer to the screen to notice me watching American Devil. "of course," he snickered. He stayed quiet throughout the movie, but I noticed he kept peeking over at Aniya and watching what she was doing. The film finished about half an hour after Michael came through, "What are we watching next?" he asked as he continued to side-eye aniya.
I closed my laptop and turned to face him, "Nothing with you focused on somebody else completely." I motioned over to Aniya, "Something you wanna tell me? I teased. "Or maybe ask before you assume Something dumb."
"Why is she with him suddenly?" he whispered. "I have barely seen her on the island, and now she abandons us on the way back."
"Why does it matter?"
He looked at me, then shook his head, "No reason." he dropped his shoulders back on the seat and checked out aniya again. She must have had no idea that Michael was checking her out. I chuckled at the scenario and turned on another movie to enjoy the rest of the flight.
After landing in California, we continued our tour through Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. I only ever saw Johnny maybe once a day every so often so we could work on our song together, but aside from that, we've been separate. I told him we should wait, but I started hating the thought quickly. Even if we don't end up together romantically, I at least wanted him around as a friend. On the other hand, Luke was working on fixing our relationship. We spent more time together and got close again, just like how we were when we first got together. Eat together, travel together, and even back to sleeping together. We shared a hotel room in Texas instead of sleeping on the bus. As I was getting ready that morning, Aniya knocked on the door for my attention.
"I managed to get a car for us so we could go to the shoot," she said as I opened the door. She walked in and immediately stopped in her tracks when she saw a shirtless like lying in bed. He was scrolling through his phone until aniya popped up.
"What shoot?" he asked as he sat up.
"Johnny invited me to see his music video."
"Then Pierce invited me," aniya went to sit by the vanity to check her makeup. I sat next to her to pick and choose some jewelry for the day.
He stayed quiet for a bit, then stood up and walked towards me, "Aniya, can I speak to Vanessa?" She took a glance at me and then at Luke. I watched her interactions through the mirror. She nodded her head at luke and then told me that she would meet me downstairs. Luke took the seat beside me where aniya was sitting.
"Johnny invited you?" he asked while looking at his hands.
I nodded, "Back in Hawaii, he asked me."
he looked at me and leaned onto the vanity more, "Remember when Michael asked if you had feelings for him?"
"I said no."
"Is it still true?" He turned his head to ask me.
In response, I turned my whole body to face him, "would it hurt anyone if I said no?"
"Me," he said without concern. I relaxed my body and thought about what to say next. I had nothing to say. I hadn't seen Johnny in days, and my feelings were set on Luke, despite the anguish Johnny was venting to me.
