Zanaya’s POV
The past two weeks had been a little depressing.
Our boss called me and the rest of the girls separately.
Since WHISTLE is technically in a dating ban, that means the three are not allowed to date.
The truth is, the dating ban wasn’t included in my contract because I was basically married before I even debut. But that secret was known only by me, Seth and our boss. And our boss specifically told us that it should stay that way.
The amount of guilt that I felt when he told the girls that they are not allowed to date, is immeasurable. I wanted to shrink down on the floor until I vanish.
Cali was heartbroken and no matter how hard she tries to look like she isn’t affected, it’s obvious that she is.
Our boss just said that since I am already dating, WHISTLE can’t take the risk of allowing another member to be in a relationship.
At least not now.
I am not stupid.
I can always hear sobbing in Cali’s room. Her phone has been taken as well so she can’t contact Storm.
Seth told me that Storm never said a word to any of his members and is acting like how he usually does, sleeping.
If I did not tell him what happened, he won’t have the slightest idea.
I wonder why Storm isn’t mad at us.
The way he spoke to me about Cali, his heart was breaking.
He can barely finish his sentences and all he said was all for Cali’s sake.
Only Seth, me and Storm knew what happened.
Seth talked to Storm about it but the other said that it’s fine.
My heart ached after Storm asked me not to feel guilty about it and that he understands.
Why does he have to be so okay with it? It makes me and Seth feel more guilty about everything.
Max and Tokyo aren’t speaking but I know they are also shaken up by it. Who wouldn’t?
I mean, one member was dating while the rest are not allowed. Even I think that it’s so unfair. But the sad truth is, we agreed to it. We were told from the very beginning of the dating ban and we agreed.
But I cheated.
I got married. And they don’t know about that.
Should I tell them?
My thoughts were broken after I heard my phone ringing.
I bite my lips as I notice Cali looking at my direction.
We were currently heading to another university festival. Our manager had been giving us some reminders though none of us are actually paying attention.
Max was tapping on her phone as well as Tokyo.
As for me, I am refraining from using my phone outside of my room because Cali doesn’t have her phone right now.
I was contemplating whether I should answer the call or not.
It’s Seth.
I decided to do the later.
I ended the call.
I’ll just send a message to him later to ask what he wants to say.
Once the ringing of my phone stopped, Cali glanced back at the window, with the busy street in front.
My phone suddenly beeps and I curse my self internally for not remembering to put it in silence.
I read Seth’s message.
“Are you busy? I want to hear your sweet voice…”
I tried to suppress the smile that is attempting to escape on my lips.
Seth had been so sweet and I feel so guilty for neglecting him these past few days because of what happened.
To add to that, both of our groups will be busy because they’ll be having their tour while we would be preparing for our comeback.
As for us, our song was already finished and we just need to record it.
In a few months, we’ll be super busy with both recording and practices. I’m mentally preparing myself this early because our dance teachers are monsters.
I quickly typed a new message for him, taking advantage of the fact that Cali wasn’t looking.
“We’ll talk later. I miss you too ?”
Soon enough, our van halted inside the venue and we quickly moved over to where the dressing room is.
After a few minutes, we’re already up for the rehearsal.
My brows furrowed once I notice a familiar figure standing a few meters away from us.
Seth and the rest of his members.
They are going to perform here too?
“That stupid brat,” I whispered.
He never told me that they will also be performing here.
As much as I love to see him right now, I worry more about Cali.
I don’t think it is a good idea for her to see Storm at this point.
She might break down and cry.
I turned and noticed that Cali hasn’t seen them yet.
As I stood on my position, my eyes landed on Seth and he smiled.
My inside could have melted if I don’t actually remember how he did not tell me about today.
I rolled my eyes on him and his mouth went agape.
After our rehearsals, it was their turn.
This time, Cali stopped from her tracks once her eyes landed on Storm.
My heart broke into pieces once I realized how Storm purposely avoided her even after the rest of SHADOW waved their hands in our direction.
You know in dramas when two people met, the guy would pull the girl on her arm and hug her real tight?
This time, Cali pulled Storm’s arm and the rest of the boys were startled.
I looked around and noticed a few people looking at us.
Seth quickly hangs his shoulder on Storm while I swiftly moved and covered them, acting like we’re all talking.
My eyes widen after Storm released his arm from Cali’s and turned his back.
“Storm… ” her voice cracked and I clung my arms into her as I pulled her away from the crowd.
She might cry any minute.
Once we were away from the crowd and inside our dressing room, Cali runs towards the restroom and locked herself.
I bit my nails in panic.
“Zaya, why is this happening?” Tokyo looked at me worriedly.
Max hugged Tokyo as we continue to call Cali.
After a few minutes, the door opened and Cali came out. Her eyes red and her hair was disheveled.
She must have been shocked at Storm’s action earlier.
I was startled when she pulled me closer, away from the others while both Tokyo and Max was preparing for later.
“Cali,” I hugged her as she turned to look at me.
I look into her eyes and realized that the playful glint that it normally has already vanished.
Instead, all I see is pain and longing.
“I know this might be too much to ask, but can you please avoid doing or saying anything about Seth or anything that will relate to SHADOW from now on?” she asked, her voice shaking, probably trying to suppress the emotion that is threatening to spill.
What did she just say?
“I won’t ask you to break up with him. But can you at least lie low for some moment until I get better? Stop seeing or texting him in the meantime so I won’t think about you guys all the time? This might be selfish but I need your help, Zaya.” she pleaded, and I can’t take this any longer.
“Are you asking me to avoid Seth or any of the SHADOW?” I asked, confused and she nodded.
“Just give me enough time, Zaya. I don’t want to keep on remembering him. Please, just do this for me. If I’m ever important to you. Please….” and another tear escaped her eyes.
“Cali…” I whispered.
Am I ready to stop seeing Seth right now?
Can I actually do that when just the moment I open my eyes from sleeping, he’s all I think about?
Can I ignore him when every little thing I do relates to him?
Can I really ignore Seth Devon, my husband?
“I’m begging you, Zaya…” Cali started crying and it broke my heart into a million pieces.
I closed my eyes.
I hope I don’t regret this because this might break mine and Seth’s heart. But I can’t let Cali lose herself because of this.
“I will, Cali. I will stop seeing him in the meantime.”
She smiled at what I said and pulled me in a hug.
Did I do the right thing?