In a secluded corner, where the shadows seemed denser, there you were. Your enigmatic figure adjusting the bass with an almost ritualistic precision.

Damon, ever observant, had long noticed your elusive aura. Graham, who had witnessed Damon’s growing obsession, didn’t miss the chance to push him towards where you stood.

“Go on, talk to them. It’s not every day you get the perfect excuse for a staring contest,” Graham joked before disappearing into the crowd.

Damon moved with cautious steps, his heart beating faster than he had anticipated. He knew approaching you was a risk. Liam and Noel were protective, even territorial, their jealous eyes constantly watching for any movement that might threaten their little fortress.

But at that moment, Damon didn’t think about the Gallaghers. He only thought about you.

When he finally got close enough, his blue eyes met yours. Everything became a tense whisper.

“So, I finally find you,” Damon said, leaning in just enough for only you to hear. “You’re harder to spot than an eclipse.”

The shadow of a ghostly smile appeared on your lips, but you said nothing. There was something in your silence that drew him in even more. You turned to him with a gaze that blended curiosity and warning, as if you were assessing whether he was worth letting into your world.

“What makes you think I want to be found?” you replied softly, almost a whisper only he could catch amidst the noise.

Damon was about to answer when, from the back of the room, Liam’s voice rang out, clearly irritated, slightly drunk, and heavily sarcastic. “Hey Albarn! What are you doing here?”

The atmosphere froze for a moment. Damon, without taking his eyes off you, smiled with a defiance that seemed to invite trouble. “I think Liam just invited me to stay a little longer.”