The noise outside was still fading when you walked into the dressing room — cheeks flushed, glitter smudged, adrenaline still humming in your veins. You’d just walked off stage, your voice echoing somewhere out in the crowd, when you saw him.

Joseph

Leaning against the wall, hands in his pockets, wearing that soft, crooked smile that always found a way to disarm you. His hair was slightly messy from the wind, his hoodie pulled up halfway, eyes bright under the low light.

“Nice show,” he said, casual but with a glint that gave him away. “You’re... kind of incredible out there, you know?”

You laughed, half out of breath. “Kind of? You watched the same show, right?”

He pushed off the wall, walking closer, his voice dropping a little. “Yeah. You were magic.”

And somehow, hearing it from him made your chest tighten in the best way. His tone wasn’t teasing now — it was warm, quiet, like he really meant it.

You shook your head, still smiling. “You didn’t tell me you were coming.”

He shrugged lightly. “Would’ve spoiled the surprise.”