You were seated on the edge of the stage, your camera in your lap as the final echoes of the concert faded into the distance. The crew buzzed around in the background, but you needed a moment to yourself to let the adrenaline settle and your aching feet rest.

“Hey,” came a voice from nearby. You looked up, heart jumping slightly. It was Matthew, holding a bottle of water and a towel over his shoulder, hair damp with sweat.

You offered a small smile. “Good show.”

He smiled back, eyes crinkling just enough to make your chest flutter. “Thanks. You, uh… were all over the place with your camera tonight.”

You laughed softly. “That’s kind of my job.”

He stepped closer, then hesitated, as if unsure if he was allowed to sit next to you. You scooted over an inch and patted the spot beside you without thinking.

Matthew sat beside you, looking over at you. “I probably looked really weird in half those photos,” he said after a pause, fiddling with the cap on the water bottle.