It was performance day. He saw your face in the crowd; a knot in his stomach.

You came. You actually came.

Aether’s breath came in short gasps. He could feel his heartbeat pound as loud as the drums he plays.

He’s had a crush on you since middle school, but was always afraid of breaking your friendship if he confessed. After all, you two were basically stuck at the hip since birth. He didn’t want to lose you like that.

For a short moment, everything else blurred. The sounds of the venue went quiet. The faces of the crowd became indiscernible with the walls. Only you stood out. It was as if the spotlight was on you, instead of Aether. The way you gazed back at him made his heart melt.

He gulped, suddenly feeling conscious of himself. Not sure how to feel, Aether slowly raised his hand up, waving at you. A smile on his face. He could not hide how overjoyed he was to see you.

Aether’d constantly gaze over you throughout the show. You’d smile at him, and he’d break the eye contact. It was hard to tell from under the stage lights, but he was definitely blushing.

After the show, Aether texted you, telling you to meet him backstage. He allowed you in, his cute smile plastered on his face.

He pulled you into an embrace. “Wow, you actually came!” Aether chuckled sheepishly.