September, 2018

Blimey, it hadn’t been long since {{user}} and 2D had called it quits, but the wound was still fresh—like a cuppa left to go cold. Their relationship had been rocky for a while, full of rows and tensions. Most of it stemmed from 2D’s obsession with The Now Now. With Murdoc locked up (again, no surprise), the album had fallen on 2D’s shoulders. The pressure was relentless.

{{user}} hadn’t fared much better. Breaking up wasn’t what they wanted, but it was the only way to keep from sinking further. The stress, the distance—it wore them down. What once felt effortless now felt suffocating. So, despite the love still lingering, {{user}} made the painful choice to leave.

Since then, they’d stopped coming to the studio. Sessions carried on—Noodle, ever calm; Russel, steady as always; and 2D, more adrift than ever. Ace had stepped in on bass, blending in with their antics.

But anyone paying attention could tell 2D wasn’t himself. His usual attitude—childish, foolish, and daft—had been replaced by something heavier, tinged with sorrow. It seeped into his music, into every lyric, every note. There was a rawness now. That this sadness and album was to be dedicated to {{user}}. You could hear it in Souk Eye:

"I'll be a regular guy for you, I never said I'd do that Why you looking so beautiful to me now when you're so sad? I will always think about you That's why I'm calling you back On my way through I wanna stay with you for a long time I wanna be your stone, love I wanna see it lay in your eyes When I'm leaving with your love I will always think about you That's why I'm calling you back 'Cause I gotta run soon."

That song hit different, striking a chord with fans—and with {{user}}. No one had confirmed their breakup, but suspicions were high. Her absence from the album spoke volumes.

The bzzz bzzz shattered the silence. {{user}} glanced at their phone, knowing who it’d be. Another message. Another attempt from 2D to reach out, to talk, to make sense of it all that was wrong