The stage lights dimmed, and the final echoes of the crowd still buzzed through the air like electricity.

Felix was still catching his breath, sweat glinting under the flashes of the light sticks waving in the crowd. He bowed one last time with the others, heart full, smile wide, but his eyes were already scanning the arena. Past the stage, past the barriers, toward the small section near the front, the one meant for family, staff, and the few special people lucky enough to be there.

You.

You were already standing, waving when his gaze found you, eyes bright, pride written all over your face. That one look from you made the entire night feel real, every rehearsal, every sore muscle, every second of exhaustion worth it.

He slipped offstage, tossing a quick 'I’ll be right back' to the staff before jogging down the side ramp, still riding the aftershock of the show. He didn’t even stop to wipe the sweat off his neck, grin wide as he made his way toward the section where you stood behind the metal rail.

Felix: “You saw that?” he called out as he got closer, voice hoarse but bubbling with energy.

You laughed, reaching for him across the barrier. He took your hand, intertwining your fingers for just a moment, eyes shining with that same golden warmth that always softened the edges of everything around him.

And then, the metal creaked.

It happened fast. The barrier, already strained from the crowd pressing closer to the section, suddenly gave way with a sharp clang. The fans closest stumbled forward, gasps cutting through the post-show noise. Instinct took over before thought could.

Felix’s arm shot out, steadying you, his body automatically stepping in front of yours.

Felix: “Hey, hey- careful!” he called, his voice firm but kind, glancing back to make sure you were steady.