The Voice, the Call, and the Closet

Ameya—no, the real Jenna—glanced at Jenna, the real Ameya, and asked gently, "Is there something special about your teddy?"

Jenna's eyes softened. "Yeah…" she nodded slowly. "That teddy was given to me by my grandmother. But…" her voice cracked, "she passed away when I was in 8th standard."

Her lips trembled. Ameya could see the tears brimming in her eyes, and her heart ached for her.

Ameya reached out and placed a comforting hand on her arm. "It's okay… I understand," she said softly. Then her eyes lit up. "Wait. I think there's something important about that teddy. Maybe a clue, a key… We have to bring it here."

"But how?" Jenna asked. "It's at my house. But I'm stuck here… in your body."

Ameya thought for a moment. "Hold on. I can go get it. I'll visit your house next weekend. I'll find a way."

Jenna looked at her, eyes wide, filled with gratitude.

In Next Morning

the two of them walked to the vending machine near the canteen, bought a Coke and a Soda, and sat on a bench. They cracked open their drinks, the fizz hissing in the quiet.

Suddenly, Jenna's phone rang.

She looked at the screen—and froze.

"It's my mom…" she whispered, panicking. She shoved the phone toward Ameya. "Pick it up! It's your mom!"

Ameya flinched back. "Are you out of your mind? That's my mom, yeah—but I can't answer in your voice! She'll know something's wrong!"

"You have to help me!" Jenna begged. "You tell me what to say—I'll speak."

Ameya sighed. "Fine. Put it on speaker."

Jenna's hands trembled as she answered. "H-Hello, Mom?"

Her lips were quivering, and she glanced anxiously at Ameya.

Ameya guided her through every word, mouthing sentences and whispering cues. After a tense few minutes, Jenna's mother finally hung up.

Jenna let out a deep breath, leaning back.

"How did you even manage so far pretending to be me?" Ameya asked, half-smiling.

Jenna chuckled nervously. "That's a long story… But this is the first time your mom actually called me."

"What about you?" Jenna asked. "Your turn."

Ameya winked. "Also a long story."

They laughed lightly, breaking the tension.

"Hey," Ameya said, "can you give me my phone? I want to see my family's photos."

Jenna handed it over and asked softly, "Can I see mine too? I miss my family…"

She hesitated, then asked, "And… why did my parents move from our old house? Did you find out anything?"

Ameya scrolled through her gallery, then paused. "I don't know the full reason. But I overheard your mom once. She said she didn't want to stop you from chasing your dream. She wanted you to be whatever you want to be—singer, actress, anything…"

Her voice cracked. "I even auditioned as you… to get into this company. I think your parents love you so much… they moved closer to the company so you—I mean, I—could travel more easily. They think I'm you…"

Jenna stared at her, speechless. Then her eyes welled up. She broke down, tears falling fast.

Ameya reached out to console her, but Jenna couldn't be calmed.

Why, Mom… why? her thoughts screamed. Why are you doing this to me? If I had just waited one more day… I wouldn't be suffering like this…

She shut her eyes tightly, trying to block the pain.

---

Later that day – in the Makeup Room

The atmosphere was electric. The girls—Ameya, Jenna, Linda, Sofie, Ruby, and two others—sat in chairs as makeup artists worked their magic.

Their manager entered, clipboard in hand. "Have you girls chosen a group name yet?"

Sofie raised her hand eagerly. "What about 'Little Sis'?"

The others exchanged glances and sighed.

Ruby chimed in, "Queen Star?"

"Not bad," the manager said with a nod.

Then Ameya spoke up, smiling, "What about Super Nova?"

There was a beat of silence—then applause broke out. Everyone was impressed.

"Nice one!" Jenna whispered.

The manager grinned. "Then it's settled. From today, your group name is Super Nova. Any objections?"

All shook their heads.

---

While doing final makeup

The makeup artist carefully applied lipstick on Jenna's lips, then frowned.

"This shade doesn't match your tone," she said, wiping it off. "Let me take another one from the other room—oh wait, I'm getting a call."

Her phone vibrated. She checked the screen and looked concerned. "It's an emergency. Jenna, could you please fetch that lipstick? The other makeup artist is in the room next door."

"Sure," Jenna nodded.

She stepped into the neighboring makeup room. It was empty—but the lipstick shade was there. She picked it up.

Just as she was about to leave, she heard voices approaching.

Her eyes widened in horror. It was FJ4.

If they see me here, there will be another scandal… she panicked.

Thinking fast, she dove into the closet, hiding behind hanging dresses.

The FJ4 boys entered casually, chatting and laughing. Jenna peeked through the closet slats.

Rico sat down, tugging at his tight jacket. "Is there a bigger size? This is choking me," he groaned.

The stylist laughed. "There's a spare jacket in the closet. Help yourself."

Jenna's heart dropped.

Rico walked toward the closet. He opened the door—and his eyes went wide.

"Wha—"

Jenna covered his mouth with her hand before he could speak.

They locked eyes.

Both frozen.

Silence.

To be continued...

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