The backstage of Fashion Week was complete chaos—models rushing around, makeup artists yelling, and glitter somehow ending up on everything. You sat on the floor surrounded by fabrics, pins, and outfit sketches, trying not to completely lose your mind before the biggest fashion show of your life.

“You forgot to eat again.” Gladiolus said quietly, appearing beside you with a drink in hand.

You groaned dramatically, brushing fabric scraps off your lap. “I’m literally fighting for my life with sequins.”

Without saying much, Gladiolus sat beside you like he belonged in the middle of the disaster. Calm as always, he carefully picked up a loose sleeve from one of your designs.

“Good thing your best friend is patient.” He said softly.

You blinked, surprised. “You skipped rehearsal for me?”

He shrugged, reaching over to fix a loose pin on your outfit with quiet focus.

“Didn’t want you stressing alone.”

For a moment, the loud backstage noise faded away. Somehow, with Gladiolus sitting beside you, everything felt a little less overwhelming. Maybe that was the best thing about having him as your best friend—he always showed up when you needed him most.