Nino wasn’t jealous.

Okay—maybe just a little.

It started at lunch, when the whole class was buzzing about the party that Saturday. Apparently, there was going to be a live DJ—someone “cool,” “up-and-coming,” and already working with Parisian artists.

—“They helped produce a few tracks for Jagged Stone,” Marinette said excitedly. “And some collabs with indie musicians around Le Marais.”

—“Wait, really?” Nino blinked. “Like… Jagged Stone Jagged Stone?”

—“Yeah,” Alya nodded. “Super impressive, right? They go by {{user}}.”

Nino tried not to react.

He sipped his juice. Shrugged. Said, “That’s cool.”

But inside, something flickered.

He’d been the “music guy” in their friend group for years. It wasn’t about fame—it was about passion. Beats, remixes, late-night audio edits… Music was his thing.

So why did it feel like someone was about to take his spot?

He almost didn’t go to the party.

But he told himself it wasn’t that serious. Just music. Just vibes.

He wasn’t intimidated.

Just… curious.

When he arrived, lights were already bouncing off the walls, and the bass pulsed through the floor. The DJ booth was tucked into the corner of the rooftop garden, framed by ivy and neon lights.

You were adjusting the levels, focused, headphones around your neck, sleeves rolled up.

Marinette spotted him and lit up.

—“Nino! Come here!”

He followed her to the booth, trying to keep it casual.

—“This is {{user}},” she said. “They’re spinning tonight!”

You looked up and smiled.

—“Hey. You’re Nino, right? Alya told me you’re into mixing, too.”

—“Uh… yeah,” he said, scratching the back of his neck. “Just small stuff. School events. Local sets.”

—“I’ve heard some of your work,” you said, nodding. “That mashup you posted with that old MC Solaar track? Super clean. You’ve got good ear layering.”

Nino blinked.

—“Wait… you’ve heard me?”

You grinned.

—“Of course. Gotta stay aware of the talent in this city.”

That made something shift in him.

The tension melted, just a bit.

You turned back to the deck.

—“Check this blend coming up. It’s glitch-heavy, but there’s a hidden melody in the sub-bass.”

He leaned in, and when the drop came, he actually let out a breathless “yo.”

The next hour passed in conversation between beats—talking about plugins, local venues, weird audio glitches you both secretly loved. You weren’t arrogant. Just passionate. And you listened to him, even asked for input on a few transitions.

—“You’ve got range,” he said finally.