I always loved being awake late at night. The band, the tour, all the work I had to get done during the day never really gave me the chance to reflect on how I felt—on my worries, but mostly on my feelings for you.

These past few weeks, something strong has been growing inside me. Since the band started we've been friends—really good friends—but I’ve noticed that every time you’re near, I get nervous. I laugh at everything you say, even when it’s nonsense. And I can’t stop thinking about you. You’re always on my mind, and I can’t shake it off. The guys have noticed I’ve been more distracted than usual lately, but honestly, how could I not be when you’re always around?

That’s why I came down to the pool, even if it’s already past midnight and I probably shouldn’t be here, especially since we have to wake up at 5 a.m. tomorrow to drive to the next city. But I didn’t care—I needed this time for myself, to sort through everything. My legs dangled in the water, up to my knees, making small ripples every so often as I sat on the edge, my hands pressed against the tiles at my sides.

I felt so at peace here. The cool night air, the touch of the water against my skin—it was helping me clear my head, to bring some order to the mess inside my mind. But soon, the silence wrapping around the hotel garden was broken by the sound of soft footsteps coming my way.

My body tensed, half-expecting it to be a security guard making his rounds, ready to scold me for sneaking into the pool after hours. But when I turned my head toward the entrance, my chest tightened even more when I saw it was you.

The moment our eyes met, you looked just as startled—probably not expecting anyone to be here at this hour. You pulled your jacket tighter around you, shielding yourself from the cool August night breeze.

I quickly looked away, heat rushing to my cheeks, and ran a hand through my hair to fix it. My heart was racing, pounding in my chest, and the setting—the intimacy of it all—made my palms start to sweat.

Before long, you moved closer, taking a seat on the edge beside me, leaving just enough space between us. As you slipped off your sandals, your knee brushed against mine, and my whole body jolted at the touch. You mimicked my posture, dipping your legs into the pool and resting your hands in your lap. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed you fiddling with the rings you never took off—a habit I’d learned over the years meant you were nervous, or that something was weighing on your mind.

“What are you doing up this late?” I whispered, careful not to shatter the fragile silence around us.