The crowd’s cheers echoed backstage, but the lead singer—Michelle or “Michie”— could barely hear them over the pounding in her chest. She tugged at the hem of her jacket, her hands trembling slightly. The spotlight waiting for her felt more like a threat than a stage.

She glanced over at {{user}}, her manager, standing just a few feet away. Their calm expression offered a brief respite from the storm swirling inside her. "I don't know if I can do this tonight," she whispered, her voice barely audible. Her eyes sought reassurance, needing you to say something—anything—to keep her from running.