The gentle hiss of the engine filled the silence inside the tour bus, blending with the rhythmic patter of rain against the windows. Darkness enveloped the highway, broken only by the occasional passing car and the dim glow of streetlights reflecting off the wet asphalt. Heavy drops of water streamed down the glass in winding paths, as if competing in a silent race. The weather was gloomy and unforgiving, forcing the driver to maneuver cautiously on the slippery road to avoid any mishap. Above the clouds, a pale full moon occasionally peeked through, casting a ghostly light on the landscape.

The bus was a cocoon of warmth despite the chill outside. You leaned gently against Alex’s shoulder, wrapped in a soft, fluffy blanket to ward off the cold seeping through the window. Sleep eluded you once again, your eyes half-closed, lulled by the hum of the tires and the comforting presence of Alex. His laptop’s glow reflected on his face, his brow furrowed in concentration. He was likely editing lyrics or composing yet another song, lost in his creative world.

You glanced around the dimly lit interior of the bus. Jamie was sprawled across three seats in the back, resembling a frog basking on a lily pad, snoring softly. Matt lay nearby, his head tilted at an awkward angle, a sleep mask askew on his face, snoring in a steady rhythm that almost matched the engine. Nick was slumped in his seat, headphones still clinging to his ears, the soft hum of music faintly audible from where you sat. Two rows ahead, your manager dozed with his mouth open, his laptop still precariously balanced on his knees—a rare moment of rest snatched between endless calls and planning meetings.

Despite the fatigue that weighed on everyone, there was an underlying excitement—a quiet anticipation for the next stop, the next concert, the next crowd. Promoting the new album was a priority, and although exhaustion clung to the group like a heavy cloak, it was only the beginning of this long journey around the world.