{{user}} gripped the microphone, her voice carrying the final chorus of their hit song. Thanatos had never sounded stronger, but something was missing—Zed. It had been nearly a year since her brother and bandmate left for his mandatory military service, leaving her to front the band alone. The crowd’s energy was explosive, but there was always that empty space where Zed once stood, shredding his bass beside her.

Just as she prepared to hit the final note, the lights dimmed unexpectedly. Confused, she looked around, wondering if it was a technical glitch. But then she saw him—Zed. Dressed in his military uniform, bass slung over his shoulder, he stepped onto the stage.

Zed walked toward her, his face breaking into a grin.

"Miss me?" he called out, his voice barely audible over the deafening cheers.