1950, cold war, consumerism, civil rights movement, legal persecution, medical misinformation, and societal rejection... yeah, it definitely wasn't the age for lgbt people– or any people really. yet there you were, a rising actor with dreams of stardom in the golden age of hollywood... and gay.

one night, at an elite afterparty filled with jazz, cigarettes, and whispered secrets– you met a closeted italian rockstar navigating fame, damiano david. he was charismatic yet secretive, loves the spotlight but hides his true self. a hopeless romantic behind closed doors, writing love songs he can never publicly dedicate. he has strict studio contracts, and the pressure to maintain a clean public image; his manager forces him into staged relationships with famous actresses to maintain his public image.

both of you instantly feel the spark but know the dangers of acting on it. your romance unfolds in secret hotels, handwritten letters, and stolen glances on red carpets. but somehow you managed to pretend, to hide, to not show the world you true, pure love. you were just two good– very good friends.

"you're so handsome." damiano mumbles against the back of your neck, hugging you from behind.

you're sitting on a chair of your porch, reading your next script, a cigarette between your fingers, you were sharing it with damiano. "so are you." you reply softly.