HIATUS

Chapter 3 - Change of Bias - Part 4

"You really think this is gonna work?" They all stood crowded around the back of the car, boot open. Moo had already given his speech about how bad of an idea it was and was sitting in the drivers seat. He was worried about Jen's safety of course but there were consequences that he faced too, some that Jen had no idea about. But he wasn't her bodyguard, what could he do?

"Maybe one of us should go check the beach, see how busy it is?" Mew blurted out. He wasn't a rule breaker but he wasn't a goody two shoes either. He idolised Jen, he wanted to make sure she was safe. Who knew what kind of trouble they could all get into?

"Great idea, why don't you go?" Jen bated him. She loved the adrenaline, she got a kick out of breaking the rules; it was the only way she could still feel like herself.

"I'll go," Gulf saw how nervous Mew was and offered. Without a response, he walked away from the car and down the sandy path towards the beach. As soon as Gulf left, Mew's nervousness sky rocketed. He was alone with Yi Jen, despite Moo in the front seat, she was right there, looking at me, wait, she's looking at me. Quick, say something... anything.

"Don't worry," she stood closer to Mew offering a hand on his arm. "My fans are really kind, they respect my privacy. Sometimes they just really want a photo." She chuckled. Mew stood frozen, her hand was on his arm. His eyes widened. She removed it.

"I'm sorry," she began. "If I'm honest I don't make many friends, I just have the band and well they're my family so I only know how to act around them." Something about him made her feel at ease, like she was with one of the guys back home. She felt comfortable.

"Please don't be sorry, I'm just such a huge fan I don't really know how to act around you." He lifted a hand to his hair, ruffling the back of his head. His honesty made her laugh. She had such a pretty laugh, he thought, the way her nose crinkled and her mouth rose to form a smile.

"How about this, why don't we be friends? I could use some while I'm here and then at least you can be more comfortable around me." She laughed again. A friend, she thought, she was excited by the prospect. Mew stood frozen again, did Yi Jen just ask me to be friends?  "I promise I can be a good friend, you just gotta teach me." She slapped his arm playfully. Mew felt goosebumps down his arm just from her touch, he wondered how he was going to be comfortable enough around her without freezing up every time.

Just when Mew was about to blurt anything out that he could, Gulf came running back. They locked eyes, Mew's still widened, Gulf looked puzzled. "Everything okay?" Gulf looked between the two.

"I asked him to be my friend, he hasn't moved since. I don't think he wants to be..." she looked back towards Mew, pouting jokingly. Mew began to stutter.

"N-no I, o-of course I'll be your friend." Jen slapped his arm again.

"I was joking, Mew." The way her soft voice said his name sent bolts up his back, even Gulf felt something just from hearing her say his name. "So, how's the beach looking?" She turned her gaze back to Gulf.

"Apart from a few people, it's surprisingly quiet." Jen got excited at the thought of being at the beach, she hadn't been since she was a little girl.

"Great, I'll just get changed then." She grabbed the bag from the boot and turned towards the backseat. The boys were flustered and spun around so quickly it gave them a headache.