In the SuperNova Dorm, the morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the living room. Ameya and Jenna, still in their sleepwear, yawned as they stepped into the room.
"Are you guys not ready yet?" Linda raised an eyebrow, arms folded.
"Sorry, I slept late after coming back from the party," Ameya said sheepishly, rubbing her eyes.
Jenna added, "Didn't we plan to go in the evening? Why so early now?"
Sofie smiled mischievously. "Plans changed."
"What?" Jenna narrowed her eyes.
"Why?" Ameya asked, puzzled.
Ruby clapped her hands. "Because we're not going alone!"
Ameya blinked. "Then…?"
Sofie laughed. "FJ4 is coming with us too!"
Jenna's eyes widened. "What?!"
Linda called out, "Hurry up, girls!"
Sofie leaned closer to Jenna with a teasing grin. "And your Rico is also coming."
Ameya gasped, stunned. "Why is he coming with us?"
Linda turned toward her. "Wait—why are you shocked?"
Sofie nudged Jenna playfully. "Isn't that good news for you, right?"
Jenna waved her hands defensively. "What? For me? No way!"
Linda and Sofie exchanged confused glances.
Ruby tilted her head. "Okay, what's going on here? Why are you shocked, Ameya? And Jenna, why are you acting like that? We all know Rico likes you."
Jenna was about to deny it, but Ameya subtly signaled her with a glance. Jenna paused and said, "I mean… I just wanted this resort trip to be for us, that's all."
Ameya nodded quickly. "Yes, she's right. And one more thing… Jenna never said she liked Rico. Right, Jenna?"
Jenna, catching on, smiled nervously. "Absolutely. So please don't say things like that."
Sofie giggled. "But I'm sure you'll accept Rico's love soon."
Ameya and Jenna shouted in sync, "Stop it!"
The others stared, stunned into silence.
Linda blinked. "What just happened?"
Ruby glanced between the two. "Something definitely happened between them..."
Jenna looked away, biting her lip. How will I face Michael after all this?
Ameya turned toward the window. Why is Rico coming… now, of all times?
---
Inside the Caravan, SuperNova and FJ4 members sat mixed together, excitement buzzing in the air.
Rico started to sit next to Ameya, but she quickly pulled Jenna beside her. Rico hesitated and instead ended up sitting with Michael, who gave him a look but said nothing.
Sofie nestled comfortably next to Suha, her favorite. Ruby sat beside Nicky, chatting animatedly. Linda and two other girls huddled in the back.
The car rolled through scenic roads, filled with laughter, chatter, and singing. Jenna tried to act casual, ignoring Michael completely. Michael, with headphones on, occasionally glanced at her through the corner of his eye.
Rico kept sneaking glances at Ameya, but she remained distant, watching the trees roll by.
After about an hour, they arrived at the resort.
As everyone started unloading their bags, Rico walked toward Ameya's luggage—but Sofie suddenly shoved Jenna's bag into his arms. "Here! Take this for her!"
Ameya used that moment to slip away. Rico smiled awkwardly. Jenna approached and said softly, "Sorry… they don't know. They think you like me. That's why..."
Rico nodded. "It's okay."
Nearby, Michael watched the two quietly, then turned and walked away.
Sofie helped Suha with his luggage. Linda passed out room keys.
"I want to share with Ameya," Ruby announced.
Linda nodded. "Then Jenna, Sofie, and I will take the next room. The other two girls can pick the last."
The boys were paired up—Suha and Rico, and Nicky with Michael.
---
That night at the candlelight dinner, a soft golden glow bathed the garden area where long tables were set under twinkling lights.
The SuperNova girls and FJ4 boys sat together, laughing over good food and mocktails.
Sofie turned to Suha. "When's your next album dropping?"
Suha smiled. "The songs are done. Maybe next week."
Michael nodded. "Yeah, probably next week."
The SuperNova girls cheered.
Ruby leaned forward. "You guys better give us free tickets again!"
Nicky smirked. "Sure, but not front row."
Michael teased, "Those are for real fans."
Sofie pointed. "Hey! We are your fans! Especially our Jenna—she's been your fan since your debut!"
Jenna choked on her drink, coughing. Michael looked at her warmly and laughed.
Ruby added, "And Ameya too! She's a huge Rico fan!"
Rico paused mid-sip, his eyes fixed on Ameya. "Really? That's… a surprise. I didn't know." He smiled gently.
Ameya forced a smile in return, masking the swirl of emotions in her chest.
She had been his fan… but now, the engagement rumor still haunted her.
Nicky turned to Ruby. "What about you? Any favorites?"
Ruby grinned. "Not you, but I'm a fan of FJ4."
Sofie giggled and glanced at Suha.
Suha blinked. "What?"
Sofie leaned forward. "I'm your fan. Bigger than FJ4's."
Suha smiled. "Really?"
Sofie nodded. "Biggest fan. You like avocados, right?"
Suha looked stunned. "But—how?"
"I've watched all your lives since debut. I know everything," she winked.
Everyone burst into laughter.
Linda scrunched her nose. "Avocados? I don't like them."
Ruby and Nicky shouted in sync, "I do!"
Jenna laughed. "What unity!"
Nicky scratched his head sheepishly. Suha pulled out his phone for a group selfie—but just as he snapped the photo, he noticed a breaking news headline.
"FJ4 main dancer,Rico engaged to Alice Watson —Announced at Alice's Birthday Banquet."
His expression froze. "Rico… did you… hide this?"
Rico looked baffled. "Hide what?"
Before he could finish, Michael lunged forward and clamped Suha's mouth. "Nothing. He's just excited about a surprise we're planning for fans."
Suha blinked. Then he noticed Michael's intense stare. He got the message.
"Oh yes! The surprise," Suha said quickly.
Once SuperNova went back to their rooms, Rico turned to Michael. "What surprise?"
Michael handed him his phone. The headline stared back at Rico like a punch.
"They made it public?!"
Michael nodded. "Calm down. I'll handle it."
"Your mom…?"
"She won't cancel it. But I have my ways."
Suha frowned. "You should've told us. This can damage your image—and ours."
"I didn't even know, Suha,until they announced in her birthday Banquet " Rico said, flustered. "I didn't agree to this."
Michael stepped away and made a private call. "Do me a favor. Take down every post about Rico and Alice's engagement. From every platform. Now."
Suha turned to Rico. "Is that even possible?"
Michael came back with a smirk. "It is. Watch me."
Rico looked at Michael, awe and gratitude mixing in his eyes.
---
At midnight, the moon shimmered like silver silk in the sky.
Ameya wandered into the resort garden in her white frock, her red hair gently billowing in the breeze. She sat on a swing chair, lost in thought, her gaze fixed on the moon.
Suddenly, the swing shifted.
Rico was behind her, pushing it softly.
She stood up immediately. "I'll go."
He gently grabbed her wrist. "Why are you avoiding me?"
Ameya didn't answer.
Rico stepped closer, turning her to face him. "Tell me."
Ameya whispered, her voice trembling, "If I tell you… would that engagement announcement not have happened?"
Rico flinched. "You think I'm cheating you?"
"No," Ameya said, voice raw. "I know you love me sincerely… past, present, future. But I can't forget that announcement. It's still haunting me."
Rico's voice cracked. "I understand your pain… But I'm suffering too."
A tear slid down Ameya's cheek.
She asked, "Then why didn't you speak up? Why didn't you say you didn't want to marry Alice there, in front of everyone?"
Rico looked down. "Because… my mother tied my hands with her words. But I told her after—"
Ameya cut him off. "If you can't stand for me there, Rico… how will you stand for me after?"
Her voice echoed into the night.
Rico stood silent, the moonlight casting shadows across his face.
And somewhere deep within both their hearts, the ache of unspoken love lingered—tied in twilight, trembling on the edge of choice.
---
To Be Continued...