SuperStar!

After his appearance on The Tonight Show, Ethan made a firm decision. It was time to take a step back from the limelight, no more interviews or talk shows for the time being. He needed to return to what had always been his true passion—music.

For the past two days, he and Max, his producer now friend, had been holed up in the studio, barely leaving except to grab quick coffee breaks. Their focus was unrelenting as they worked tirelessly, driven only by their shared vision and a strong dose of caffeine. Ethan's body was running on fumes, but his drive kept him going.

"Ethan, that track was perfect!" Max's voice buzzed through the mic, brimming with excitement. "I think we're done with 'Mama Said.' Your mom's gonna be so proud, kid."

Ethan pulled off his headphones and rubbed his eyes. He hadn't slept much in the past 48 hours, but the feeling of completing one of the most personal tracks on the album made it worth it. He leaned back in the chair and stretched his arms above his head, trying to work out the kinks in his sore body. "Okay, then let's start recording 'Love Someone.'"

Max laughed softly, shaking his head. "Ethan, man, you've had barely eight hours of sleep in two days. It's not good for you or your voice. Let's take a break. Get some rest and come back fresh tomorrow."

Ethan hesitated for a moment, glancing at the blinking clock on the wall. It was late, and his body felt like it was about to shut down, but the music kept calling him. Still, he could feel the weight of exhaustion dragging on his shoulders. Finally, he nodded. "You're right. I'll rest for a bit."

Max raised an eyebrow, always the concerned friend and partner. "And hey, any idea which song's going to be the title track?" he asked, half joking but clearly curious.

Ethan shrugged, rubbing his temples as he thought about it. "Not yet. They're all great. I just... don't know."

As soon as he hit the couch, the exhaustion took over, and Ethan was out like a light. He barely noticed when Max left the room or when the others quietly entered the studio. The only thing he was aware of was the comforting warmth of the blanket that enveloped him as he drifted into a deep, well-needed sleep.

Several hours later, Ethan was stirred from his sleep by the sound of voices. At first, it was a blur—a low murmur that he couldn't quite place. His eyes fluttered open, and he saw Rebecca and Bill standing over him, concern on their faces.

"Should we wake him?" Rebecca asked in a whisper, her voice tentative.

"No, let him rest. He's been non-stop lately," Bill answered with a grin, clearly unaware of how the sounds of the studio must have woken Ethan.

Ethan blinked slowly, trying to focus. "What's up?" he mumbled, his voice hoarse from sleep.

Rebecca smiled warmly. "Congrats, kid!" she said, but before Ethan could respond, Bill couldn't contain his excitement.

"Your song reclaimed the number one spot!" Bill announced, practically beaming with pride. He handed Ethan his phone, and Ethan squinted at the screen. Sure enough, there it was—Shape of You at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. A green arrow pointed up, indicating that the song had climbed higher.

Ethan's lips curled into a tired but genuine smile. "Guess the talk show worked," he said, still not fully awake but pleased nonetheless.

Bill shrugged, his grin never wavering. "Sure, it helped. But it's your talent that got you here. Don't sell yourself short. You deserve it."

Rebecca nodded in agreement, her eyes gleaming with pride. "Absolutely. This is all you, Ethan."

"Thanks, guys," Ethan replied, feeling a swell of gratitude. "I couldn't have done it without all of you."

Bill bounced on his heels, clearly eager to celebrate. "We've got to pop some bottles!" he said. "I'll grab some wine." With that, he darted out of the room, leaving Ethan and Rebecca alone for a moment.

Ethan's phone buzzed in his hand, and he saw his mom's name light up the screen. A smile spread across his face as he swiped to answer.

"Hey, Mom," he said, trying to suppress the sleepiness in his voice.

"Hi, honey! How are you? How's L.A.? Have you eaten?" she fired off her usual barrage of questions, her tone full of loving concern.

Ethan chuckled, feeling a warmth spread through his chest. "I'm fine. L.A.'s fine. And I'm about to eat, promise."

"Good. Your dad and I wanted to congratulate you! Your sister told us your song is number one. We're so proud of you, dear," his mom said, her voice thick with emotion.

Ethan's heart swelled. "Thanks, Mom. Is Dad there?"

Adam's voice came through the line, deep and steady but tinged with a hint of emotion. "I'm here, son."

Ethan could hear Emily laughing softly in the background. "Don't mind him," she said with affection. "He didn't go to work today, yelling about his son being number one!"

Ethan couldn't help but laugh as his dad's muffled protest reached his ears. "Son," Adam said, his voice becoming more solemn, "I remember when you were seven, standing in front of the living room TV, holding a hairbrush and saying you'd be a singer someday. Now look at you—living your dream and going even further. I'm so proud of you." His voice cracked, and Ethan felt his own throat tighten with emotion.

"I love you so much, dear," Emily added, her voice thick with tears.

Ethan wiped away a tear that had formed in the corner of his eye. "I love you both so much. Thank you."

After the call ended, Ethan sat quietly for a moment, absorbing the weight of their words. His family's pride and love meant more to him than anything else in the world.

Just then, Max entered with two McDonald's burgers in hand, offering one to Ethan. "Figured you'd be hungry," he said with a knowing smile.

Ethan took the burger gratefully, but he didn't immediately start eating. Instead, he sat there, staring at Max with a sense of clarity that hadn't been there before. His mind was clear, his heart full, and he knew exactly what he needed to do next.

Max raised an eyebrow. "What's up, kid?" he asked, sensing the shift in Ethan's energy.

Ethan met his eyes, his expression serious but determined. "I know what I want as the title track," he said, his voice filled with resolve.

Max's eyes lit up with approval. "Now that's what I like to hear." He grinned. "That's a man who knows what he wants."

And with that, they dove back into the music. There was no more hesitation, no more doubt. Ethan was ready. He knew where he was going, and he was more determined than ever to take his music—and his dreams—to the next level.

P.S. Check out my book The Next Big Thing. Thanks for the continued support, and don't forget to vote—it's the final day! You people should please check out my other book and add it if you like thanks a lot I promise it's really good 👍