Baby Don't Cry (Short Story)

Baby Don't Cry

"Baby don't cry tonight after the darkness passes
Baby don't cry tonight it'll become as if it never happened
You're not the one to disappear into foam, something you never should've known So baby don't cry cry my love will protect you." –EXO Baby Don't Cry

The bright lights beam down from the studio ceiling, illuminating Jasmine, or Luna as she is known on stage, and her five bandmates; Stella, Venus, Astrid, Celeste, and Nova. The members of the group Lunar sit up on stools, listening intently as the interviewer asks each of the group members about their recent comeback. The interviewer is nice enough, her face warm as she smiles at each of the girls, laughing at the appropriate moments, and asking serious and funny questions that are sure to entice the fans.

"So you would all agree that you are well prepared and excited to start seriously promoting this comeback?" The interviewer asks, looking at Jasmine, but Jasmine turns her attention to Stella, having already answered the last question.

"Yes, I would say that we are. We are very excited about this comeback and are working very hard, preparing for our concert in Seoul at the end of the month." Stella says, smiling at the interviewer as all of the other members nod their heads in agreement. The interviewer smiles, obviously happy with Stella's answer, but then her face goes serious as she turns her face towards Jasmine.

"Now Luna. As I'm sure you know Ra Minsu got released from prison recently." Jasmine's smile slowly falls off her face as she begins to tense up at the name of her old producer's name. The other members all whip their heads towards their leader, watching her reaction. "I'm sure everyone remembers the rape accusation case that happened five years ago between the two of you. I must say I'm curious as to how you are handling this? And also if you could just recap events leading up to the night. I'm sure all of your fans are curious." Jasmine try to force a smile as Astrid's hand goes to her back.

"I'm sure everyone remembers what happened leading up to that night." Nova says, trying to help out her leader.

"It's okay, Nova. I'm fine." Jasmine smiles at her band members before turning her attention back to the interviewer. "Well, Ra was my old company president. I was scouted eight years ago as a model from the United States by my old manager who is now my best friend, Kwon Jisuk. I really didn't know the language or anything, but I came anyways, ready to experience the world. And then three years after that, and training to hopefully be an idol, Ra assaulted me. If Kwon Jisuk wouldn't have been there that night, I'm scared to think about what could have happened. As to the question as how am I holding up now that he is released, it's hard. There is no way to deny that, but because of the incident I am were I am today." The interviewer smiled at Jasmine. "I'm glad to hear that. It has been great talking to you girls and I wish you luck in your comeback."

The group all says their thank yous and good byes as they get off of the stools and end the filming. The girls' manager comes up to them and begins to walk with them back to the parking lot, so that they can go back to the entertainment building and head home for the night. As the girls walked out they heard whispers about Jasmine and how they heard she was just trying to be an idol quicker, they had a previous relationship, obviously they were close, and that she made the first move. Astrid and Celeste put their arms around Jasmine and helped push her out the door faster, to avoid her from hearing the whispers, but it wasn't anything that she hadn't already heard.

"That was over the line and you know it, Jasmine." Venus says exasperated. As the girls sat in the van all together.

"The question is something I was bound to be asked at one point. I might as well get used to answering it now. I just wish I would have known that he was out before she asked that questions." Jasmine says as she looks out the window.