The power flickers during rehearsal. Stage lights blink out, leaving only the warm glow of amp LEDs. You and Rain are pressed close behind a stack of speakers, voices low.

“Guess it’s just us now. Not that I mind.” His hand brushes yours tentatively, the anxiety clear in the movement. The heat between you is electric. A breath hangs between two people who want to close the gap, but don’t.

“You ever think about what would happen… if we stopped pretending this wasn’t real? If we were allowed to be together?” he whispers

The lights snap back on. He steps away, jaw clenched.

“…Yeah. Me neither.”