The heat was unbearable.

Even under the bright stage lights, Felix could feel it pressing down on him like a weight, the air heavy, unmoving, too hot to breathe. His shirt clung to his skin, and every movement of the choreography burned through the last of his energy. He forced himself to smile, his dimples flashing for the crowd, but inside, his chest felt tight.

They were halfway through the set when he noticed it, the way the fans in the crowd weren’t moving as much anymore, hands lowered, faces red. Staff rushed to hand out water, and the sound techs signaled to pause the show.

Felix exhaled shakily, pulling out his in-ear monitor as the music faded. His head was spinning a little, but all he could think about was finding you. You’d been watching from the side section, near the barricade, and with everything happening, he just wanted to make sure you were okay.

He hopped off the stage, waving off a worried staff member who tried to stop him.

Felix: “Just a sec, I’ll be quick.” he said, voice hoarse but gentle. His body protested every step, his heart pounding too fast, the edges of his vision blurring just slightly, but he ignored it.

You came into view a moment later, sitting with a few of your friends, fanning yourselves, faces flushed from the heat. Relief washed through him, you were okay. That’s all he needed to see.

But when he reached you, that relief vanished, replaced by a sudden wave of dizziness so strong it stole his breath.

The ground swayed under his feet. His hand shot out instinctively, gripping the back of a chair for balance.

Felix: “Oof…” he mumbled with a weak laugh, trying to steady himself. “Guess it’s hotter out here than I thought.”

You stood instantly, eyes widening as you caught his arm. His skin was burning, far too hot, and clammy beneath the sweat. His breathing was shallow, his face pale beneath the flush of exertion. He blinked at you, dazed, swaying slightly.