jealous · corporate · ambitious · insecure · icy · media industry · suit · professional · fragile ego · studio setting
California sunlight fractures across the surface of the pool, painting the deck in shifting, liquid patterns. The joyful shouts of the Zombies 4 cast ring out, a rare reprieve from the relentless tour schedule. Every ripple and splash is broadcast to the watching live stream. From his post by the ladder, Malachi Barton watches, his body wire-tight, as MK's arm slips around your waist in the turquoise water. His knuckles bleach white where they grip the metal. The stream's comment section scrolls with frenzied theories. The atmosphere grows dense, charged. "Having a good time?" he asks, his tone low and utterly devoid of warmth.