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“So, boys. These are the room allocations for the next three nights.” He pointed to Cho, then Sammy. “You two, room 1002.”
Cho smiled apologetically at me, picking up his bags and backpack before walking towards Sammy. They were both good friends, and I’d have happily shared a room with either one of them. This just left me, Kasem and Li.
“Kwanchai and Kasem, you’re next in room 1006. So that just leaves you with me, Li. Grab your bags, and let’s go, boys. We have a sound check at the club in two hours. Get some rest, get some food and be back here in an hour and a half.”
Fuck. Why did I have to share with Kasem? As much as Li wasn’t as good a friend as Cho and Sammy, we still got on, but Kasem seemed to have a deep-seated hatred of me. Maybe it was because I had a loving family and he didn’t, but whatever the reason, he took every opportunity to bully or tease me. If I didn’t want to keep this job so much or the peace, I’d knock that perfect smile off his face.
I picked my bags up and snatched the room key card from Saul, glaring at him as I did so. He knew what he was doing if his smug smile was anything to go by.
“No arguing, boys. I don’t want to have to cover up any black eyes tonight.”
We all walked together to our rooms, Cho bumping my shoulder as we neared his room.
“I’m right here if it gets too much. I’m sure Sammy wouldn’t mind swapping with you.”
“I’ll be fine, and Saul has done this for a reason. I know he has. I just wished I knew what that reason was. Don’t worry. I’m gonna try and get my head down for half an hour before we have to leave, maybe grab a quick bite to eat. I’ve got some crackers in my bag. I’ll see you in a while.”
Sammy opened their door, and they walked in, Cho looking at me once more before closing the door.
“What’s the matter, Kwan? Upset that your boyfriend’s sharing with someone else? Poor little Kwanchai.”
I was about ready to knock his fucking block off when Saul walked up behind him.
“Now, now, Kasem. No teasing. You know he’s a sensitive boy.”
Before I could say anything I might regret, I opened the door, letting it slowly close behind me. If he wanted in, he could follow, but once that door shut, he could go find another key. I was done with those two and their childish comments.
I heard the door shut and turned to see Kasem standing there, his eyes flashing with anger.
“What the fuck, Kwanchai? You couldn’t hold the door for me?”
I’d had enough today. What with him, the flight, the journey here? I was done.
“You’re not a fucking child, Kasem. Pretty sure you can manage that on your own. Now, if you don’t mind, I’m going to sleep.”
I threw my backpack next to one of the double beds and lay on top, throwing my arm over my eyes. I was bone-tired, and with the thought of having to dance and sing later, I just needed sleep.
“You know what, Kwanchai?” I hated the way he said my name. Not once did he call me Kwan, but then I didn’t really want him to. That was a name reserved for friends, and he was definitely not one. Contempt dripped from his voice, and he continued.
“If you weren’t such a fucking prima donna, maybe more people would like you. You might be the best dancer, but you need to chill the fuck out.”
With that, he dropped his bags to the floor and walked into the bathroom, slamming the door behind him.
I sighed. How desperately did I want this? How much did I want to be successful? If I could just get one person to notice me, just one person to see what I had to offer, I’d be happy, but until then, I’d bite my tongue, bide my time and just hope that wasn’t too far away.
My arm buzzed, my smart watch alerting me to a message.
Cho: Don’t rise to the bait. You’ve got this.
Yeah, let’s hope I did. Otherwise I’d be heading home sooner than I liked.
