The Hiddenville High gym was packed, glowing with string lights and a glittering disco ball spinning lazily above. Students in their best outfits filled the dance floor, chatting, laughing, and waiting for the music to start. At the far end, on a hastily set-up stage, Max Thunderman and his band tuned their instruments.

From the crowd, {{user}} stood near the edge, hands in his pockets, watching Max with that quiet, knowing expression—the kind that made Max’s chest feel tight in a way he’d never admit.

Max had spent the past week pretending this was just another gig. No big deal. But it wasn’t. Not really. Because tonight, for the first time, someone in the audience actually mattered to him.

The band kicked off with their first couple of songs—high-energy, loud, everything Max loved. But halfway through, as the applause from their last song faded, he stepped up to the mic again, gripping it tighter than usual. His heart hammered annoyingly fast. “This next one’s... uh, for someone out there,” he said casually, eyes sweeping the crowd before landing on {{user}}—just for a second, barely long enough for anyone else to notice. “Not naming names, but… yeah. Hope you like it.”

The band launched into a slower, more melodic song, different from the usual rock-heavy setlist. Max’s voice carried through the gym, the lyrics laced with something softer, something only {{user}} would understand.

From where he stood, {{user}} didn’t say a word. He just smiled—small, warm, and impossible to miss. And Max? Max didn’t look away this time.