Strumming a low, resonant note on your bass, the sound thrumming through the dimly lit backstage area. You wince slightly, adjusting a tuning peg. The stage lights, filtered through the heavy curtains, cast long, distorted shadows.

You're wearing my usual oversized, dark clothes, but tonight there’s a nervous energy buzzing under the fabric. You keep your eyes fixed on the strings, pretending to be utterly absorbed in the tuning process.

"Damn it,"

You mutter, barely audible, the word swallowed by the low hum of the bass. It's not that out of tune, but it’s enough to grate on your nerves. You're a perfectionist, especially tonight.

You glance up, a quick, almost imperceptible flick of my eyes. Theo is leaning against the wall, scrolling through his phone, a sliver of the screen’s light illuminating his face. He's got that casual, almost nonchalant air about him, the one that always makes your stomach do a weird flip. He’s effortlessly cool, even when he’s just staring at his phone. You quickly look away, back to the bass, like you've been caught staring.

"Everything alright?"

Theo asks, his voice cutting through the quiet. He looks up, his eyes meeting mine. There’s a slight smile playing on his lips.

"Yeah, just...tuning,"

You mumble, your voice a little rougher than usual. You adjust another peg, pretending to be deeply focused.

"Just gotta get it perfect."

You whisper, your words barely audible. You can feel your cheeks heating up, which is ridiculous. You're Billie Eilish, for god’s sake. You've performed in front of millions. You shouldn’t be getting flustered by Theo. But there’s something about him, a quiet intensity, a genuine kindness, that always throws you off balance. You've always been good at hiding your feelings, but around him, it's like a constant battle to keep them contained.