The next morning, my phone was ringing constantly from different bloggers and reporters, questioning my status with WWE and what was going on with my personal life. I got dressed and went outside, not wanting to disturb anyone as I took matters into my own hands. I sighed as one particular person kept calling, someone that I didn't want to deal with because he always caused problems with any and everyone in the wrestling business and he was the one who published the rumor of my retirement. "Hello, Kevin," I answered, clearly annoyed from all of the unnecessary attention. "Hey, Ashley. How are you this lovely night? Or should I say day in your case? How's the leg," he asked, happiness in his voice as I paced back and forth, fuming from what he posted. "Listen to me," I demanded, raising my voice, "I suggest you remove your article that you posted because it's nothing, but utter bullshit. You always do sleazy crap like this and I'm sick of it." Kevin chuckled which he knew would get under my skin. "Ash, relax, sweetheart. I'm just going on the words of the people," he said calmly. "Yeah. People who don't know the truth. You always trust a bunch of idiots before getting the truth from me. And for what? To make yourself trend just because you post it first. Good for you, but honey, it's not the truth," I said, running my fingers through my hair. Changkyun rolled over, reaching over for me, but came up empty. "Baby," he mumbled sleepily as he sat up, rubbing his eyes to see that he was alone. He got up and went to the bathroom, putting on a shirt before leaving the room and headed to the living room where everyone else was hanging out. Kihyun and Minhyuk were looking outside with concern written on their faces. "Morning, Changkyun," Wonho said as Kihyun and Minhyuk looked his way. "Good morning. Has anyone seen Ashley," Changkyun asked. Kihyun and Minhyuk shared a look before Minhyuk opened his mouth. "She's outside on the phone and it's not a decent conversation," he said as Changkyun looked out and watched me pace. "It must be about the stuff people are saying online," he sighed. "I saw some of it. People can be really judgmental. Worst of all, they don't have any facts and no one is even asking for facts. They're all just making assumptions about things and it's not the truth," Minhyuk said. "I just hope that all of this dies down," Changkyun said as he watched me. "Well, how about we set up an interview," Kevin suggested and I rolled my eyes. "Yeah. Like I would do an interview with you. You didn't even apologize or anything. I asked you to take the article down and you're not going to do it because you don't care about posting the truth. You just want your website to become popular at the expense of others. I'm being slut shamed because of what you said. Do you not even care," I asked, tears of frustration starting to form. "I'm sorry, Ash. I-" "Now you're sorry? This isn't the first time or the second time. Hell, this isn't even the third time you've done this to me. This time, however, this time is a new low for you. I can't say that I can't believe that you did this to me, but yeah, I definitely can believe that you did this. You're so called my friend, but I can't tell anymore. I warned you last time that if this happened again then I have to do what I have to," I said, wiping away the tears that spilled. "What are you going to do," he asked, fear in his voice. I took a deep breath before hanging up the phone. I felt my adrenaline pumping and I felt hurt, betrayed, and angry because of the situation. I turned around and saw Changkyun, Minhyuk, and Kihyun watching me. I sighed as I walked back towards the house, hating that they saw me like that. "Everything okay," Changkyun asked, kissing my forehead. "Yeah. Perfect," I mumbled, burying my face in his chest. "We didn't mean to spy on you, Ashley, but you looked really upset on the phone," Minhyuk said. "I didn't mean to disturb you guys. I had to take care of a problem," I sighed as Changkyun ran his fingers through my hair, "with all of the nasty comments people are saying, I just had to talk to the main source. He's done this more than once to me. Now, I have to do something that I didn't think that I would have to do." "Which is," Changkyun asked as I looked up at him. "Cut ties with him for starters. I was thinking about posting a video and just tell people that I'm in a relationship with you, but I'm not ready to do that just yet because that'll just create more rumors like I purposely got injured just to start dating or that I'm using you guys to make myself popular which isn't the case. So instead, I now have to make a video of me explaining how I'm best friends with you guys and that I spent my birthday with you and that I was out shopping for my birthday with Jooheon and Kyunnie." "Do you need our help with anything," Jooheon asked as an idea popped into my head. "Maybe. I need a camera, computer, and a shopping trip," I smirked, "oh. And a trip to the gym. I came close to punching a tree so I have to blow off some steam and fast." Wonho instantly smiled and stood up. "I know the perfect gym for you then," he said. We gathered our things and returned to the dorm. I changed into my workout clothes and packed a bag of clean clothes as Changkyun looked at me. "Will going to the gym make you feel better," he asked me as I put my hair up. "Yeah. I miss the gym and working out, Kyunnie. I wish there was a ring that I could get in, but I'll take what I can get," I said as he put his clothes into my bag. "Then let's go," he smiled, kissing my lips as we walked out of the room and into the living room where Wonho, Shownu, and Jooheon were waiting. "We're having a party at the gym," I teased as Wonho nodded. "Guess we are. Let's go," he said as we walked outside and got into the car, heading to the gym. We arrived and parked, walking inside. I felt instant relief once I was inside as I abandoned the others and went to the treadmill, putting in my earbuds as I began to run. "I guess she will be doing her own thing," Wonho said as Changkyun looked at me. "I want to work on my arms," he said, turning to Wonho. "Are you serious? You hardly ever wanted to come to the gym with Shownu and I," Wonho said. "That's because he's trying to impress Ashley," Jooheon teased. "Shut up. I just wanted to work on my look," Changkyun explained, "being with her just made me think about getting in shape and look a little better for myself and for her." "Well, let's get started then," Wonho said as everyone split to do their own workouts. I got off the treadmill and started doing some stretches and pushups, getting my adrenaline going before I went to the punching bag. I wrapped up my hands with tape before I started throwing punches and kicks, my aggression getting the best of me as I punched as hard as possible, ignoring the pain as I felt my anger come out with each punch I land on the bag. Changkyun put the weights down as he and Wonho looked my way. "Wow. Remind me not to fight her," Wonho chuckled as Changkyun wiped away sweat. "I knew that she was good, but seeing her in person is completely different from television," he said as he stood up and stretched, "I know those punches can do some damage." Wonho nodded as Jooheon made his way towards me. I was in total focus mode when I felt something tap me on my shoulder and immediately grabbed the hand and quickly twisted the arm and moved behind the person before pinning them to the ground. "Ashley! It's me," Jooheon yelled, squirming as Wonho and Changkyun ran over to us, Changkyun pulling me off of him. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I thought that you were someone trying to take pictures of me," I sighed, removing my earbuds as Jooheon stood up, stretching his arm out. "Remind me to never do that again," he chuckled. "I'm so sorry," I apologized again as he shook his head. "It's alright. I'm fine. I was actually going to ask if you could show me a few moves." I raised an eyebrow as I looked at him, trying not to laugh. "Are you serious? You do know that I'm a professional, right? I've been in the business for years. I could probably teach you some different holds and a few submissions," I said as Wonho pointed to a small ring that was towards the back of the gym. "Please. I've always wanted to learn," Jooheon asked, giving me his cutest face. "Fine. I'll teach you a few," I sighed as he pulled me towards the ring, Changkyun and Wonho following us. We stepped through the ropes and I stretched as I stood in front of Jooheon. "Okay. So basically, this is a battle of dominance so place your hands in mine," I instructed, holding up my hands, lacing our fingers together, "good. Now push all of your weight on me." He pushed against me, but I easily maintained control. "Now, take your leg and bring it behind mine and push all your weight against my leg. That's how you will take control." He lifted his leg and put it behind mine, pushing his weight on me. I leaned back, keeping my balance as I bent completely back until my head touched the mat, Wonho and Changkyun upside down as they watch. "I'm not hurting you, am I," Jooheon asked, making me giggle as I easily straighten up to my feet. "An easy submission move is the classic sleeper hold, which can be applied in many different ways," I explained, motioning Changkyun to the ring. He sighed and stepped through the ropes as Wonho started grinning. "Lay on your stomach, please," I smiled sweetly as he looked at me before laying on the mat. "I will sue if you hurt me," Changkyun muttered as I turned around and bend backwards and put him in a headlock as he began to squirm. "Ashley! Let go!" Jooheon and Wonho laughed as Shownu walked over, stepping into the ring as Changkyun tapped out and I released him. "I'm calling my lawyer," Changkyun sighed as Shownu pulled him up to his feet. "I saw everything from a distance and had to come make sure that she wasn't beating you up," Shownu said as I giggled. "I'm behaving, I promise. This is actually knocking off the ring rust for me. I love a good sparring match," I said as Jooheon snuck up behind me and rolled me up, pinning my shoulders as Changkyun pretended to count, but I managed to roll out, "nice try. You'll have to do a lot better than that." "Worth a shot," Jooheon chuckled, "if I remember correctly, you've picked up a lot of people half your size, didn't you?" I smirked as I walked over to Changkyun, who raised an eyebrow. "What are you up to," he asked as I smiled, pinching his cheek before I bent down and grabbed his leg and put him over my shoulders with ease as he shouted out. "Relax. I'm not going to drop you," I giggled as I began to do squats before setting him down on his feet. "Stop using me for your demonstrations," he pout as I laughed. "Don't worry, Changkyun. She couldn't do that to someone like me," Wonho smirked as I rolled my eyes. "Step in here and find out," I smirked as he climbed through the ropes. I stretched as Wonho stood confidently in front of me. "I can't do it," I sighed, shrugging as everyone looked at me in shocked. "I knew it," Wonho chuckled, walking up to me. "Yeah. You're right. I'm not going to bother to look silly in front of you guys," I said simply. Wonho got closer to me and that was when I easily picked him up and threw him on my shoulders, doing squats before setting him down. "You tricked me," he laughed as everyone laughed. "Again, never underestimate me," I teased as he put his arm around my shoulders. "Changkyun, keep her," he teased as Changkyun blushed as Jooheon pulled me towards him, wrapping his sweaty arms around me. "Yes, please keep her. She's my new workout partner," Jooheon begged as we laughed. What we didn't know was that there was someone taking pictures of us, more importantly of Jooheon hugging me. After getting showered and changed, we returned to the dorm to relax. I volunteered to cook and decided to treat them to a few dishes that were very popular in Russia. I busied myself in the kitchen, preparing dinner as I hummed to music. I was placing ground beef in the middle of the dough as Changkyun walked up behind me, wrapping his arms around me. "What's on the menu today," he asked, kissing my cheek, making me giggle as I looked at him over my shoulder, kissing his cheek. "I'm making a dish that is very popular in Russian," I explained as I rolled the dough, "this is pelmeni which are dumplings." I put the meat in the dough and rolled it, connecting the ends. "Wow. Those look good, baby," he said as he watched me, "do you need me to do anything?" I shook my head as he kissed my cheek before sitting at the counter. "Should I make a lot," I asked, immediately hearing him chuckle after I asked, "never mind. I know the answer." I dropped the dumplings into the boiling water as I prepared the next dish. "I'll just make a bunch of different dishes that way we have plenty to eat," I said, preparing the next dish. "Are you sure that you don't need any help, baby? I don't mind," he asked, watching me. "Hm. Well, when the dumplings start floating, take the strainer and get them out of the water and place them on the baking sheet for me, please," I instructed as he got up and washed his hands before we worked together on preparing dinner for everyone. "Something smells delicious," Shownu said as everyone entered the living room as Changkyun helped me set the table. "Wow. Everything looks good," Kihyun said as everyone made their plates and sat down. "She's treating us to Russian food today," Changkyun smiled, rubbing my side. "It was nothing really," I giggled as I pointed at the food, "the dumplings are called pelmeni. Those are meat pies called pirozhki. The cabbage rolls are known as golubtsy. I also have dessert on the counter that Kyunnie helped me with. It's a cake called ptichye moloko. I hope you guys enjoy everything." Everyone took a bite, sighs of relief filling the room before compliments started flying my way. "The meat pie is delicious," Jooheon said in between bites. "The cabbage is so good," Minhyuk said. "You'll have to teach me this recipe," Kihyun said. Wonho and Shownu were busy stuffing their mouths, but I knew that they were enjoying it so no words were needed. "They're right. Everything tastes delicious, baby," Changkyun said, kissing my cheek. "Thanks, guys. I'm glad you enjoy it. I enjoyed cooking for everyone," I smiled as my phone buzzed. I pulled it out and saw a bunch of notifications from Twitter. I opened it and scrolled before almost dropping my phone. "You've got to be kidding me," I sighed. "What's wrong," Changkyun asked. "So I guess we were being spied on while we were at the gym," I said, showing my phone. It was pictures of Jooheon and I in the ring when he had his arms around me and I was smiling. "I'm sorry, Ash. I didn't mean to cause anymore drama," Jooheon apologized and I shook my head. "This is my life," I giggled, "guess I'll just have to go ahead and set everything straight once and for all," I sighed as I began typing out a lengthy message, explaining that Monsta X was my family and that any and all personal relationships are my business unless I come out and tell everyone. I also warned people of fake rumors and articles that are posted amd that if I didn't say it or post it then it isn't true. I shared the post throughout my social media before I got an email from a business that I did a photoshoot with and smiled. "Perfect timing," I chuckled as I looked through the pictures, saving them before sharing the cutest and teasing photos on social media. "Wow," Changkyun said, clearing his throat as he looked through my pictures, "wait. Is that my hoodie?" "Nooooo," I lied, eating as he looked at the picture. "That is my hoodie! When did you take it?" "Hmm. A week ago," I confessed as he put my phone down just as it started buzzing with more notification alerts. "Is that normal for you," he teased as I swiped the notifications away. "That's just the half of it. Just wait until I post my video. My phone will really blow up then," I smirked. "What video," Kihyun asked. "I did a cover to Rihanna's song Skin," I said, Changkyun coughing loudly. "Are you okay," Hyungwon asked as I smirked, patting Changkyun on the back. "Y-yeah. I'm fine," he said, clearing his throat as dinner went on without anymore problems. The sun was low in the sky as I stood in the backyard. Changkyun walked up behind me and wrapped his arms around me, kissing the side of my head. "Hey, beautiful. Everything okay," he asked, resting his cheek on top of my head. "Yeah. I'm just enjoying the fresh air," I said, turning around in his arms. "It's been a crazy day, huh?" I nodded as I nuzzled into his chest, relaxing as he ran his fingers through my hair. "Story of my life. This isn't anything new for me, but I hate that I'm putting you guys on the spot like that. I want to just go ahead and announce to everyone that we're together and I was thinking about doing it, but I decided against it. I'm not ready to tell everyone just yet. I still want to enjoy our privacy while it last," I told him, looking up at him as he cups my face. "Don't worry about it, baby. Whenever you're ready, I'll be right by your side. I'm not going anywhere," he whispered as he kissed my lips, his warmth spreading to me as he tightened his grip on me, "I love you, pretty girl." "I love you too, Kyunnie." He smiled and kissed my forehead as we watched the sunset before returning inside. I took a hot shower and got dressed for bed, wearing shorts and one of Changkyun's shirts that I stole out of his closet. I braided my hair into two braids as I gathered up clothes and went to the laundry room and washed clothes. I returned to the bedroom where Hyungwon was in his bed, smiling when he saw me. "Dinner was delicious tonight. Thank you again for cooking," he said as I climbed into bed. "No thanks needed. I love cooking so if you guys ever wanted me to cook again, I will," I said as I plugged up my phone. Changkyun walked in, fresh from a shower, shirtless with shorts on as he flopped down next to me. "Is that my shirt," he asked and I nodded with a smile, "looks good on you." "I have a feeling that she's going to empty out your closet," Hyungwon teased. "Shh! Hyungwon, don't tell my secret," I giggled as he turned off the lights. "Good night, you two," he chuckled before turning over. "Good night," we said as Changkyun pulled me into his arms, kissing my forehead as I buried myself into his chest. The next day, I had a very busy day with doing more photoshoots, getting my home worked on, and working on my line of clothes. Changkyun and Jooheon volunteered to look over the repairs while I was gone to do my shoots. I was scheduled to take a few wrestling photos before taking some rather flirty and seductive photos and even took some photos wearing a few of my new designs. The internet was now going crazy for my photos, labeling them as "Thirst Traps" and I couldn't help, but laugh as I started using the tag on my pictures, hoping to redirect their attention from the rumors that were still going around. I took a few sneak peek photos and posted them online as my shoot came to an end. I got dressed and left the building, checking my phone to see everyone in the group chat complimenting my pictures. "Thanks guys," I responded with heart emojis as my taxi pulled up and I got in and was driven to my home. "Kyunnie! Honey bear," I called out as I walked inside. I could hear the loud bass coming from downstairs and knew that they had to be in the new studio. I looked around before going downstairs where loud music was playing. I opened the door and stopped as I saw Changkyun and Jooheon vibing to some beats. "Guys," I called out, but they were in their own little world. I giggled as I walked up behind them, grabbing both of their shoulders, causing them to jump before Changkyun wrapped his arms around me. "Hey, pretty girl. How long have you been standing there," he asked, kissing my cheek. "Not even five minutes. Is everything done," I asked, looking around. "Yeah. They finished up everything. They even finished up your recording room," Changkyun said. "We helped get everything set up. You're officially set to move in," Jooheon said as he played with the mixer. "Perfect! Thank you guys so much. I couldn't have managed without you." Changkyun smiled before sharing a look with Jooheon who grinned. "How about testing out the equipment," Jooheon asked as Changkyun walked over to the door to the recording area and opened it, walking inside and adjusted the mic. "Me? What do you want me to do," I asked as Changkyun motioned me over. "You know a lot of our songs. How about singing one," Changkyun asked, putting headphones on me. "Really? What do you want me to sing," I asked as he stepped out and Jooheon started to play Destroyer. I giggled before focusing on the music as I started singing. While I was singing, Jooheon was recording me on his phone while Changkyun smiled proudly at me. The song ended as I removed the headphones as they clapped. "She's really good," Jooheon said, looking at Changkyun, "I honestly think that if we ever needed female vocals, she would be perfect." Changkyun nodded in agreement before whispering to Jooheon before joining me in the room. I raised an eyebrow as he smiled before Jooheon started playing a slow song. Changkyun walked over to me, cupping my face before he started singing the lyrics to Love song by Rihanna featuring Future. I smiled as we sung together, Changkyun keeping his eyes on me the entire time until the song ended. "How was that," he asked Jooheon. "Perfect! Now how about we go eat? I'm hungry," Jooheon said, making us laugh. Changkyun took my hand and led the way as we left the studio and went upstairs, leaving the house as we went out to dinner. We went to a restaurant and got a private table near the back. Jooheon had sent a message to everyone in the group chat to see if anyone wanted to join us. Shownu and Wonho were busy working out and Minhyuk was at work. Hyungwon and Kihyun were free and said that they would join us. "I can't wait to start staying in the new house," I said, looking at my phone as I checked out social media. "Tired of staying with us," Jooheon teased. "No way," I giggled, "I love you guys. I just don't want to overstay my welcome. Plus these months are flying by and I have to start getting ready to return to WWE. The Royal Rumble is coming up and I have to be there because I'm not missing Wrestlemania." "Didn't you say that it's one of the biggest events," Changkyun asked and I nodded. "I've always wanted to have my moment at Wrestlemania and I feel like next year, I will have it," I said as Kihyun and Hyungwon joined us. "Didn't you also say that there's always guests and artists that show up," Jooheon asked as I nodded. "All of the time. There's a lot of people that show up from time to time. I'll never forget the time that I met Snoop Dogg. It was so cool." "Wait. You met Snoop Dogg," Kihyun asked as I looked through my pictures and found the one of me and Snoop. "I've met a lot of people actually. Snoop, Pitbull, Kevin Hart, The Weeknd, Shaq, Machine Gun Kelly, the guys from Impractical Jokers. I'm friends with a lot of celebrities." "Wow. That's so cool," Jooheon said. "We've always wanted to work with Snoop and Pitbull. That's so awesome," Changkyun said. "Snoop's cousin wrestles and she's my best friend. He's a huge wrestling fan which is so cool. He's such an amazing person." I saw how starstruck they all were which got me thinking about doing something special for them. "Hey, guys," I said, looking around at everyone, "how would you like to make history?" "History? What do you mean," Changkyun asked as all eyes were on me. I smiled as I looked at each of them. "How would you guys like to be the first Korean group to perform at Wrestlemania?" Everyone fell silent as the words I spoke sunk in. "Wait. What do you mean," Jooheon asked. "You want us to perform at Wrestlemania," Kihyun asked and I nodded. "I think that it would be awesome to have you guys perform on a big stage like Wrestlemania. I can call my boss and if he's fine with it, which he will be, and get the okay from your manager then it'll happen. I know that you guys want to perform more in America and since you're working on a new album, why not perform a new song on the grandest stage of them all? Plus, you can perform while I walk out to the ring for my match." "Wait a minute. You want us to perform a song for your match," Changkyun asked and I nodded with a smile. "I think that would be an amazing experience for us," Hyungwon said as I looked at the time. "It'll be morning over there soon. I'll send a message to my boss and get things started," I said, looking around, "but I'll do that once everyone knows what's going on and if that's what you guys would like to do." "I would love to perform for you," Changkyun said as Jooheon nodded. "That would definitely be a lot of fun and I'm sure that the crowd is huge at Wrestlemania, isn't it," Kihyun asked. "Hmm. Hope you don't mind performing in front of more than one hundred thousand people live while millions watch from home," I said, surprising everyone, "Wrestlemania is pretty big for us," I giggled. "I can't wait to tell the others about this," Jooheon said as he sent a text out, telling the others that we have to have a meeting. "Hopefully, everything works out and we can get you guys on that stage," I smiled as we raised our glasses before enjoying dinner. After dinner, we returned to the dorm as the moon shone brightly in the sky. Wonho, Shownu, and Minhyuk were all in the living room as we walked in. "What's this big meeting about," Wonho asked as Jooheon gently pushed me to the front. "Well," I said with a smile as I explained the plan, the excitement of such an opportunity filling the room. "Can you really do that for us," Minhyuk asked and I nodded, "I think that we should do it. We've never had a crowd that large before, especially in America. That would be amazing." "And you can actually get us on it," Wonho asked and I nodded. "I was in the middle of a change anyways so it'll workout perfectly. I just need to know the songs and see what'll work and we can go from there," I smiled as Jooheon paced around. "This would be so cool. We have to do this," he said, pulling me in for a bear hug, "we would love to do it." I laughed, hugging him as everyone talked about the opportunity. I couldn't help, but smile at all of their happy faces. "If you could pull this off, that would be so awesome of you," Changkyun smiled, kissing me. "Just let me get things started and we will see what happens next," I said as everyone started making plans. "Looks like we're going to have to come up with some great songs for the show," Jooheon said, looking over at Changkyun. "Don't worry. I have confidence in you guys," I smiled as everyone soon got ready for bed with a new goal in mind: preparing for one of the biggest events and make history.