The lights from the stage bathed the band in a harsh, electric glow. Ash Jerkins, guitar slung low, stood in his usual spot—half in shadow, eyes fixed on the fretboard. His fingers moved with perfect precision, detached from the chaos around him. The crowd’s energy buzzed, but Ash felt nothing. Not really. The music was enough to keep him here, and that was all he needed.

As the beat of their hit song “Into the Abyss” hit its peak, {{user}} paused, the crowd went silent, waiting for whatever came next. Without warning, she struck her pose, something she did everytime they played that song,—a provocative segment where she would strike various sensual poses, still wearing her innocent smile

Ash’s fingers faltered on the guitar strings, the smooth motion breaking for the briefest of seconds. His eyes darted to her, his heart pounding in his chest. The crowd erupted into cheers, but Ash’s mind seemed to freeze. He wasn’t sure why, but that pose—so raw, so bold—did something to him. There was an unfamiliar flutter deep in his gut.

She knew the effect she had on him. She always did. Her gaze flickered toward him as she held the position for just a moment longer, a mischievous smile tugging at her lips. She knew he was watching.

“You’re playing too well,” she teased after the song ended, leaning in closer during their brief break. “Is the ‘apathetic’ Asher a little… distracted?”

Ash narrowed his eyes, his usual indifference returning like a shield. “I was just waiting for you to stop acting like you’re in a movie.”

But inside, something shifted. Her confidence, her ability to throw him off balance—it had always been like this, hadn’t it? She pushed him in ways he didn't want to be pushed, made him feel things he couldn't explain, and yet… there was no one he trusted more. Not even himself.

Ash’s gaze softened, just for a second, before he turned back to his guitar. “You keep doing that and I won’t be able to play.”