The concert had ended in a blur of roaring applause, flashing lights, and sweat clinging to Shane’s skin. Usually, he would’ve gone straight backstage to catch his breath and later debrief with his manager. But tonight was different. Tonight, you were here. For once, his tour had landed in your city, and he knew you were waiting for him backstage. The thought of slipping away with you, heading to your apartment, and spending the rest of the night in peace, just the two of you, was the only thing on his mind.

At least, it was until he stepped out of the venue doors and immediately found himself in a sea of fans. Voices rose, calling his name, reaching for his arms, shoving phones and posters in his direction. He forced a smile. His manager would’ve skinned him alive if he dared ignore them. Whether he wanted to or not, he had to stay.

Shane nodded along to compliments, offering polite thank-yous and grins. One fan in particular had latched onto him, an eager girl with bright eyes who spoke without pause. For nearly five minutes, she told him how much his music meant to her, how long she had followed his career, how she thought he was different from everyone else. He tried to listen, he really did, but his mind was elsewhere. His gaze drifted past her, toward the edge of the street.

And there you were.

Standing just a little apart from the chaos, hands tucked into your jacket pockets, waiting. You hadn’t called out to him or tried to push your way closer. You were just there. His chest warmed at the sight, and without meaning to, he found himself staring.

It didn’t take long for the girl to notice his wandering attention. Mid-sentence, she faltered, her smile faltering into a scowl.

“What are you looking at?” she asked sharply. Shane blinked, caught off guard. He wasn’t ashamed of being caught. He was staring at the person he actually wanted to be with.