FAME's 99

056.

MYLANN
IN LA

Few days later.

—     You did the right things, Kylie says softly as I wipe my tears away.

—      He's working on himself so what ? He's doing better so what ? He apologized so fucking what ? Zack says. That's supposed to erase everything ? That's supposed to mean he deserves you back ?

He pauses, letting his words settle, before adding :

—     Stop acting like his growth somehow makes him worthy of you. It doesn't. You're worth more than some half-assed apology from the same person who fucked you up in the first place.

—     Zack chill, Taylor mutters, placing a hand on his arm. She already knows that. She doesn't need the extra pressure right now.

—    I'm not pressuring her. I'm reminding her, he shoots back, his gaze still locked on me. You've been through too much to let him of all people be the one to come back in your life.

—      I know, I whisper, my voice barely audible. My throat feels tight.

—     Do you ? He shoot back, leaning back but not breaking eye contact. Because the way you're sitting here, crying over some text like it's gonna fix anything, says otherwise.

—     Zack, stop, Raven she says firmly.

—     I won't go back to him, I say. Never again. It's Jungkook I love. I know that. But I can't help... I can't help what I feel.

— Then figure out what the hell you're feeling and deal with it, Justin says. But don't sit here crying like Brent still holds that kind of power over you. He doesn't deserve it.

At the same time, my phone buzzes on the table, the screen lighting up with a notification. I pick it up and see JK's name. My chest tightens as I open the message.

JK

I know things aren't perfect right now. I know you're feeling all over the place, and maybe you think that makes you hard to love, but it doesn't. I don't want the picture-perfect version of you. I want you as you are—no masks, no pretending. Whether you're all sunshine and rainbows.

I'm not going anywhere, no matter how messy things get. You don't have to pretend for me, not ever. I see you, all of you, and I love you for exactly who you are, even when you don't. Whether you're at your best or struggling just to make it through the day, you're still the person I choose, over and over again.

I wouldn't want you to pretend feeling good when you don't because you think that's what I want. I want to be there for you. And being someone you can lean on. I love you.

As I read his words, the tears I've been trying so hard to hold back start streaming down my cheeks.

—    What's wrong ? Taylor ask, concerned.

I let out a shaky laugh, trying to wipe at my eyes, but the tears keep falling.

—     He's just... he's so sweet, I choke out. My voice cracks as I hold up my phone for them to see.  I don't deserve him.

—    That's exactly how you deserve to be loved. Cole says.

I shake my head, overwhelmed. He's always so patient, so understanding, even when I'm at my worst. I feel guilty make him go through this.