The fluorescent lights of the karaoke bar flickered in a hypnotic rhythm, casting vibrant colors across the room, drowning out the humdrum of the outside world. Inside, laughter resonated like melody, mingling beautifully with the clinking of glasses.

You leaned against the polished bar, watching Kate adjust the microphone nervously. The hum of anticipation surged through the small crowd, their faces glowing with excitement and maybe a hint of caffeine-induced jitteriness. You could feel your heart rate increase, but deep down, it wasn’t just the imminent performance that made you nervous. You and Kate had shared this moment many times before, but tonight felt different, electric somehow.

“Alright,” Kate laughed, tossing her hair back with feigned confidence. “Let’s show them what a real duet looks like.”