The dinner far away from calm. 

It started with a small quarrel between the members regarding Jasmine's show, which seemed to be the hottest topic of the evening. And Barron was the biggest star - since they knew he was a popular actor, everyone tried to talk to him and he easily became the center of attention. 

Ashlyn didn't remember him being like this. 

He looked proud and strong, telling stories about his successes and work. He was joking with a straight face, dismissing with an ironic look those who dared to interrupt him or say something he didn't like, or giving advices with a superior smile. Ashlyn wasn't sure if anyone else noticed it, but judging from the way people were flocking to him or just glancing in his direction, she was probably the only one. 

But the worst thing was that he stated out loud she was better than the primaballerina, which made people keep glancing at her. 

And unlucky he sat by the nearest table. Of course - it was good to see him and know he was okay - at least good - but he was busy with people gathering around him and she didn't even manage to ask him anything. The crowd made her feel like she was suffocating. It was too loud, and she didn't like loud. 

So she put her chin on the table and embraced her head with her hands. Thanks God she sat against the wall. 

"Alright, Ash?" Aiden's voice came from the left. She still wasn't used to the way he called her and spoke to her - in this warm tone, completely different from the one he used to speak to others. 

"Yes", she replied. "I'm just tired." 

"Well, that was a tough day. Do you need to go out? I could walk you to-"

"Thanks, I'm okay. I'll wait for the dinner to end." 

Yeah, the only thing missing was Aiden interrupting dinner because of her. 

She noticed he started to eat faster and feeling of quilt bloomed in her stomach. And warmth, as if a million flower buds were unfurling. His arm brushed her shoulder and didn't withdrew, and she focused on the minimal contact they had, making her heart flutter a bit. 

But she came to the reality in the moment she noticed it was getting louder. Barron got up, looking down at Logan who looked like a scolded puppy.  

 What's going on?

Ashlyn straighten up, trying to understand the situation. Aiden followed her sight, noticing her sudden movement. 

"You're confusing me with someone else, kid."

"But I'm sure you were in the orpha-"

"How dare you say that?" Barron's eyes were shooting lightnings. "That's bullshit. You must have seen me in my play." 

Logan hid his head between his shoulders. 

"Sorry, I didn't mean to..." 

His words were interrupted by a fist hitting the table. Several people jumped and Ben rose from his seat, giving Barron a menacing look. A low growl escaped his lips. Everybody went silent. 

Ben nudged Tyler to translate his words and signed: 

"Leave him alone or I'll kill you". 

Taylor gasped, as surprised as everyone else. The members knew that even though Ben was a really calm person, he could be dangerous, and he never threw his promises to the wind. 

Barron probably sensed it too, because he raised his hands in a calming gesture and sat dawn. 

"Chill, that's not such a big deal", he muttered and Ben frowned. 

"I'll watch you."

He soon left the room and Logan followed him, glancing at Barron above the shoulder. 

"I don't like that", Taylor whispered and Tyler nodded vigorously. 

"Bastard", he snapped, and his eyes narrowed. "Stay away from him, Taylor." 

Ashlyn felt a sting in her heart. She didn't want them to speak like that about her childhood friend as much as she knew they were right. 

He has changed so much... too much. 

He used to be so nice.

What made him change...?