“Blake’s new music video seems like an attack or even a threat against the media. What do you have to say about that?”

It takes a brave reporter to question the band now, with legal consequences being pursued against the journalist that’d tracked down Damien. Especially given their music video. There are only a handful of people in the room with notepads, cameras, and the balls to interview the band.

“We’re just doing our jobs. Don’t take it personally.” Jasper offers a very obvious hint at the media’s pathetic defense of their own actions.

“It is a statement. We’ve dealt with too many infuriating press situations. Our old manager set the standard for us by handing whatever of our personal details he could to whoever wanted to pay him enough. He set that standard and conditioned us not to expect better. That we deserve to be treated like we’re your property.” Blake responds with a calm voice and a straight face, only turning to a slight smile after he finishes. “So for us, it was a cathartic way to let out the frustration after everything we’ve put up with so far in our careers. We’re done accepting that as our standard and we won’t silently take whatever is thrown at us. We deserve better.”

“Clearly, this is to do with Ryan’s ex. Our team wasn’t there to expose the relationship. That wasn’t our intention. We were blindsided by the announcement, too. To hear you’re seeking legal action for that seems a little ...” The same journalist speaks up again.

“Your intention is irrelevant when the result is broadcasting information you can’t control the consequences of. Also, if you wanna call yourselves ‘investigative journalists’ then claim you were blindsided by something that wasn’t hidden, how well do you think you’re doing at your job? You literally skipped all the investigative parts and showed up uninvited, live broadcasting, sharing personal details of someone who, hasn’t consented to be dragged into the spotlight like we did when we pursued our careers. That’s why I’ve got our lawyer looking into the matter. You don’t get to do that kind of damage and claim it’s your job. I’m pretty sure we have a right to call out the bullshit that we’ve been through because of lazy media. Which of course includes our old manager who basically spoon-fed gossip to you all by being a selfish, money hungry piece of trash that would do sketchy shit like hide cameras in our rooms. Ry, do you have anything to add?” Jasper asks, leaning back and casting Ryan an encouraging smile.

“No. I’m done having to justify why I choose not to share parts of my life, and since it’s clearly not an option to have my right to privacy respected, I’m stepping out of this lifestyle entirely.” Ryan sighs and shakes his head. “I’m sorry Jasper. I’m sorry, guys. I quit.” Ryan stands up and strides with confidence towards the door.

“Ry, wait!” Jasper gets up and runs after him while Simon, Luke and Blake all start talking in a panic amongst each other, the few reporters in the room also equally confused.

“Fuck. Is he serious?” Blake asks, rushing after Jasper.

The sound of panic in the room and a quick, “Uh, given this announcement, I’ll have to cut this interview off here and ask you to leave so I can resolve this with the band,” statement from Mark is the last thing Jasper hears before he closes the door between the media room and the hallway.