SuperStar!

After signing nearly 25 sheets of paper for the truck delivery team, Ethan finally stepped into his house, exhausted but elated to be home after months away. His mom, Emily, wasted no time fussing over him.

"Are you hungry, my dear? Let me get you some pancakes with orange juice. Sorry there isn't much now, but your father will bring the groceries later. When he gets here, I'll make your favorite shepherd's pie," she said, her face glowing with smiles.

Ethan's heart warmed at her care. "Thanks, Mom," he said, walking into the kitchen.

As he moved to help her, she waved him off. "No, no, don't worry. Just sit."

Ethan chuckled and obeyed, grateful for the brief moment of rest. Truth be told, he was utterly exhausted. He had finished writing four new songs recently, hoping to take a break, but instead, he'd been swept up in rigorous band rehearsals for his upcoming tour. The label had even arranged a third tour bus for the band who agreed to go on tour with him.

His own bus was a luxury vehicle he had all to himself. Meanwhile, Rebecca, the keyboardist, and Sarah, the PR lead, would share the second. The third bus was for the band—Mike, the drummer; Carlos, the bassist; and Leo, the lead guitarist. Although the additional bus was cheaper than the first two, they were still top-notch.

Practice sessions were intense, especially with Kim, his dance instructor, who showed no mercy. However, what drained him most were the interviews and promotional appearances the label had stacked before he left for home. Add a shopping spree for the cars he just gifted his family, and it was a miracle he was still standing.

Lost in thought, Ethan was snapped back to reality by the scent of pancakes. Emily set a plate in front of him with a tall glass of orange juice. "Thanks, Mom," he said, digging in.

The door burst open as Precious and Isaiah returned. Isaiah, still starstruck, exclaimed, "Dude, your car is so sick!"

"Yeah, I know!" Precious added excitedly, before noticing Ethan. She sprinted to him and wrapped him in a big hug. "Thanks so much! I love you!"

Ethan, his mouth full, simply nodded. Emily, seeing her son nearly smothered, intervened. "Precious, leave him be. Let him eat."

"Wait, are these the pancakes you made for me, Mom?" Precious asked, narrowing her eyes.

"Really? You can't share a few pancakes with your brother after he just bought you a car?" Emily shot back.

Precious laughed awkwardly. "Yeah, eat up, Ethan. Don't worry about me."

Emily chuckled. "There's more in the kitchen. Go dish up for yourself and Isaiah."

Precious rolled her eyes and headed to the kitchen while Isaiah sat down. Emily turned to him and said, "Sorry for the delay. Precious will bring your food shortly."

As they settled at the dining table, Emily—the only one not eating—watched her family with a contented smile. Ethan, ever curious, began asking Isaiah questions about his college major and future plans.

Emily cut in, her tone curious. "Ethan, I actually have a question for you."

Ethan, mid-sip of his juice, nodded for her to continue.

She hesitated only briefly before blurting out, "Are you gay?"

Ethan choked on his drink, sputtering as he coughed. "What? Mom, are you for real?"

Emily frowned. "Manners, boy. Look at the mess you made."

"Mom, see the kind of question you just asked me! Are you serious?" Ethan's voice was a mix of shock and indignation.

Precious burst out laughing, while Isaiah tried to focus on his pancakes.

"What made you ask that?" Precious managed between giggles.

Emily, unbothered, explained, "I was watching a gossip show this morning. They said Ethan was gay. They even showed pictures of him close to some guys."

"Mom, seriously? You believe those shows? They mostly lie," Precious said, rolling her eyes.

"Yeah," Ethan added defensively. "Mom, I've brought my girlfriend home before. Why would you think I'm gay?"

Emily shrugged. "They said you haven't been with any girl since you started singing."

"Mom, I've been busy! I don't have time."

Emily, ever persistent, pressed on. "Not even a hookup?"

Both Precious and Ethan shouted simultaneously, "Eww, Mom! Don't talk like that!"

Isaiah, attempting to diffuse the tension, chimed in, "It is kinda weird, though. I mean, with all that fame I would be…" He trailed off, noticing the death stares from Precious. "Uh, I'm just gonna focus on my food now," he mumbled.

Emily leaned in. "Well, the boy has a point. What's wrong, Ethan? Are you… challenged down there?"

"Mom! Filter, please!" Ethan groaned, burying his face in his hands.

Precious, wiping away tears of laughter, teased, "Mom, it's because Ethan's a hopeless romantic."

Emily looked surprised. "Hopeless romantic?"

"Yeah, Mom," Precious said. "Don't you remember his last girlfriend? Whitney? He fell for her instantly after she helped him with something. For days, he was calling her 'the future mother of my kids.'"

Isaiah snorted with laughter, while Ethan glared. "Forgive me for believing in love."

Precious grinned. "Oh, honey, we all believe in love. We're just not as helpless as you."

Emily patted Ethan's hand reassuringly. "Don't mind them, dear. There's nothing wrong with falling in love quickly and hard."

"Thanks, Mom," Ethan said, grateful for her support.

She smiled mischievously. "Just make sure we at least meet them before you start writing wedding vows."

"Mom!" Ethan groaned, while Precious and Isaiah burst into fresh laughter.

The doorbell rang, breaking the moment. Emily, still chuckling, went to answer it. Moments later, Adam, Ethan's father, walked in, his arms full of grocery bags.

"Hey, baby," he greeted his wife before gesturing outside. "Who owns those cars?"

Ethan's voice called out from the dining room, "You guys!"

Adam entered, beaming. "Wow! You're both here!" He hugged Precious and clapped Ethan on the back, the joy of their family reunion evident in his wide grin.