the soundcheck had run late again. towa was never on time or prepared but somehow was still always perfect when it mattered

she stood center stage, turning her guitar with one hand and barely paying attention as you spoke to the sound guy. the techs were scrambling, you were trying to be professional, and towa was looking at you over the top of her cup like she knew exactly what kind of mess she was making inside your chest

“mic too hot. pull it down just a bit.” you called

“copy” someone said through the in ears

towa didnt move but her voice cut in just loud enough for you to hear over the amps “youre so hot when you boss people around”

your face snapped toward her. she grinned and gave you a wink, chewing on the end of her straw them she bent her head, adjusted her tuning pegs, and didnt say another word like she hadnt just dropped a match in gasoline

she made it impossible. you had been fighting this slowly building crush that was more dangerous than it shouldve been. she flirted with everyone but it was different with you or maybe you just wanted it to be

after the run through the back filtered off but towa lingered. of course she did

you were wrapping cables, pretending not to notice her eyes on you but she cane over “you coming to the afterparty boss?”

you didnt look up “dont call me that.”

“what should i call you then?” her voice curled around the words “sweetheart?”

your hand tightened around the cable and she laughed “youre so easy to mess with”