Idol Minds

KT Salvo Idol Minds First published by Jetspace Studio 2023 Copyright © 2023 by KT Salvo All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise without written permission from the publisher. It is illegal to copy this book, post it to a website, or distribute it by any other means without permission. This novel is entirely a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are the work of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or localities is entirely coincidental. Designations used by companies to distinguish their products are often claimed as trademarks. All brand names and product names used in this book and on its cover are trade names, service marks, trademarks and registered trademarks of their respective owners. The publishers and the book are not associated with any product or vendor mentioned in this book. None of the companies referenced within the book have endorsed the book. First edition ISBN: 979-8-9855022-8-2 Contents Content WarningsBlossom010203040506070809101112131415161718192021222324252627AcknowledgmentsAbout the Author Content Warnings This book contains brief descriptions of mild physical violence and mentions of homophobia, racism, emotional abuse, abusive parents, and teen suicide. Blossom When I see you, my heart starts to race Every time you smile, it lights up your face Your eyes sparkle like the stars in the sky I never knew love could be this sweet, oh my I’m so happy you’re mine You look at me, and I cry And our love’s blossom burns Like the fires in my mind Every moment feels like a dream come true Never want to wake up, just wanna be with you Your love holds me like a warm embrace Never want to let go, just wanna stay in this place I’m so happy you’re mine You look at me, and I cry And our love’s blossom burns Like the fires in my mind When I’m with you, I feel alive Your love is all I need to survive I’ll cherish every moment we share Because I have you I could ever want or need I’m so happy you’re mine You look at me, and I cry And our love’s blossom burns Like the fires in my mind 01 Jason strode across the dusty warehouse floor, grit and loose gravel loudly crunching under the soles of his heavy boots. Ahead, a bloom of tiny dust motes danced in the single shaft of light slicing through the dusky gloom. He stopped where he knew the light would strike the sharp planes of his angled face just right. The bloody sweat on his brow begged to be wiped off, but Jason ignored the irritation, curling his lip into a vicious sneer. Then he pointed his katana at the shadowy figure looming before him, his sword’s gleaming blade catching the light to throw off a dazzling shine. “Looks like it’s down to just you and me, Nomura. One way or another, this ends here.” The dark figure spread his arms wide, revealing the matching tantos in each hand. He took a single step forward and flashed a malicious grin. “Then let it end, Shoda,” the figure growled. “Let it end now.” “Cut!” The director lowered the headphones she’d been holding to her ear. “Circle that one. It was perfect. What’s next?” Jason let his arm fall. Another few seconds and it would’ve started to shake. It turned out period-accurate Japanese swords were heavy when you held them for hours. Hopefully, they’d be wrapping for the day soon. Jason’s arm felt like a noodle. The prop wrangler, a gruff, older white guy with a scraggly beard and a growing midsection, came to collect the katana from Jason. What was his name again? Ralph? Carl? Not that it mattered. He’d probably always be “prop guy” the few times Jason even bothered to think of him. A droplet of red-stained sweat fell from Jason’s brow, narrowly missing his eye. He nearly wiped his forehead before remembering his hand was just as filthy. “Hey, can somebody please come wipe this shit off my goddamn face?” One of the production assistants rushed to Jason’s side, bearing a small plastic tub full of baby wipes. Jason quietly seethed while the PA attempted to clean the worst of the fake dirt and blood from his face. But Jason angrily waved them away when they tried to wipe off his chest. “No, damn it. Leave that. I need a shower, not a fucking sponge bath.” The PA mumbled an apology and quickly stepped back. Jason rolled his eyes. They weren’t gonna make it in the business very long if they couldn’t handle an actor who was tired and cranky after a long day of filming. “Hey, I’ll take some of that.” Tommy Yoshida walked over, still holding his fake tantos down by his sides. While his face was just as dirty and sweat-stained as Jason’s, wardrobe had given him a black scarf to wear as a headband. And the dirt may have been fake, but the sweat was real. The Sherman Oaks warehouse where they’d been filming was a sweltering hot box. Jason would’ve gladly traded the expensive replica sword for working A/C. “Nice work there, Park. Seriously. I really felt that one.” Jason shrugged. “Yeah, whatever.” Compliments were all well and good. But Jason was in no mood to get his ass kissed. He was tired and really needed a drink. Tommy shook his head as the PA tried wiping the artfully applied dirt and grime from his face. “Jesus, Park. I was trying to be nice. You don’t have to be an asshole.” Jason snorted. “And you don’t have to jerk me off after every scene. Nobody’s winning any awards for this shit.” Tommy frowned but bit back any other replies he might’ve had. He was undoubtedly well aware of Jason’s reputation. That was fine. Tommy was just a glorified stuntman, anyway. His