On My Way • Why Don't We | ✓

thirty three

July 22, 2017 ; Portland, Oregon
Zach

I sit in front of the small black screen. My hands grip the black handles of my chair as I take breath. The room around me is silent, seeing as everyone is sleeping. I spin around again, running a hand through my hair.

Behind me, Jonah shifts from his slumber and sits up slowly.

"Zach, you good?" He asks groggily, rubbing his eyes.

"Yeah, I was just going to bed," I stand up quickly and pocket my phone, "Sorry for waking you."

"No, I mean what's up, little bro?" Jonah's eyes are more awake and lively.

"I want to announce that Nova and I are dating. Officially," I sigh, "And Nova does too, but I just can't do it."

"Why?"

"Because it was nice to know that what we had was between us. Her and I, no one else. As soon as the photos leaked, people were pressuring her and I, saying she wasn't good enough for me, saying I needed to treat her right," I close my eyes for a bit, soaking in the silence, "Sometimes, I guess I just miss being a normal kid who could do what I wanted and date who I wanted without pressure from the media or fans or anyone."

Jonah has a ghost of a smile on his lips as he nods at my words, "Yeah, our lives would be completely different if we weren't doing this. I would be going to college and probably have a steady girlfriend. But, if it makes you feel better, the boys and I see you as just normal Zach," He pauses, "Well, normal isn't the best word to describe you but . . . "

He trails off as we both start laughing.

"What I mean is that we're your brothers, and we just want what's the best for you, no pressure, no worries."

"Thanks," My mind wanders away from the conversation, "I was just thinking how our lives are already moving so quickly: tour, traveling, new music, new events. It was nice to have something that seemed slow, without a care of what the world thought, but after I do this, it won't be the same."

"Our lives are moving quickly," Jonah nods, "But that doesn't mean we have to too. You always have us and her. No matter how quickly the world seems to be turning, we're always here to slow it down."

I grin at this, "Thanks, Jonah."

He smiles too, "No problem, little bro. Now, I think it's time we both get some sleep."

. . .

Nova

Evelyn shoots me a thumbs up from across the bus. She smiles, nodding at me to watch it. The pixelated photo representing Zach's video loads slowly, turning the blurry figure into a sharp image.

"You sure?" I mouth, attempting to ignore my nerves bubbling in my stomach.

"Positive," Evelyn responds silently.

She saw the video before Zach posted it, seeing as he wanted to show two people before it officially released to the fans. Zach refused to show it to me, saying he had things he wanted to say that should remain a surprise, so I let him post it. Frankly, I didn't want to see the video, instead trusting Evelyn and Daniel to properly analyze the message. I trusted Zach. I trusted he would make good decisions and word everything properly.

After Evelyn encourages me once more, I turn back to my phone, where the video is done loading. My boyfriend moves for second before the video freezes. It's still on an image of Zach smiling at the camera. After buffering, the picture begins moving again. Zach sits in the center of the camera, the background obviously being our recent hotel room. Audio streams through my earphones as he begins talking.

"Hey, guys," Zach grins, "There have been rumors going around that I am currently dating Nova Wilson, our photographer and one of my best friends, and I wanted to clear up the speculations by confirming the rumors. We are dating and in a happy relationship. Nova and I clicked as soon as we met. She is the funniest, kindest girl that I've ever met, and no matter how clichè this is, I am so glad I met her."

I smile at his words, my heart speeding up. The video changes quickly, Zach's face turning serious.

"However," He sighs, "With the rumors circulating, I know she's been receiving lots of negative comments. They've battered her for her clothes, her photography, her posts, anything. They've told her that she doesn't deserve me, that she shouldn't be dating me, and I'm tired of all the negatively we've been spreading. Nova is a wonderfully unique person, just like everyone watching this screen, so I ask that instead we focus on spreading positivity. Instead of writing a multitude of negative comments, channel that energy and leave something positive on someone else's post."

Zach leans back in his chair, taking a moment to pause, "Thank you guys. For everything, from this tour to supporting us whenever we drop music to relationships. I cannot verbalize how lucky I am to have you guys, so thank you, so so much."

The video cuts there, and I stare at the blank screen for long moment. People move around me, but instead, the warmth of Zach's words makes me pause.

"Hey."

I look up, torn from my thoughts, to be greeted by my boyfriend.

"Hi, Zach."

He takes a seat beside me and notices the image on my screen, "You saw it?"

I nod before leaning toward him, gently placing a kiss on his lips, "Thank you," I murmur as we pull away.

Zach responds by pressing a kiss to my temple, "You have nothing to thank me for."

He takes my hand, intertwining our fingers. I lean my head on his shoulder in reflex and hand him an earbud. Our favorite songs cut out the sounds of the moving bus as we sit together, simply enjoying each other's company. There's a silent peacefulness around us, allowing me to slow down. Zach pulls me closer, his presence calming and steady, and as bus continues passing countless towns, I remain still.