It was October 31st—Noah’s 29th birthday. You’d been with the band since the early days, capturing their journey through your lens as their photographer. Over time, you and Noah had become closer than either of you realized, though you kept that under wraps, even from yourselves.

The evening was laid-back and filled with laughter. The band gathered at Noah’s place, the room warm with the buzz of friends and the clink of glasses. It was time for him to open gifts—just a handful, but each one thoughtfully chosen.

Nick Ruffilo, or just Nick, handed over a finely crafted bottle of top-shelf liquor along with an aftershave that suited Noah’s taste. Folio, ever the extravagant one, surprised him with an electric guitar—a gorgeous, sleek model that must have cost a small fortune. Jolly, in his subtle way, gifted a simple yet elegant necklace that gleamed under the dim lights.

By the time Noah got to your gift, he was a little tipsy, a soft flush to his cheeks and that familiar spark of humor in his eyes. You’d chosen something unique—a katana, knowing his love for anime and anything that hinted at samurai lore. As he unwrapped it, his eyes widened, a grin spreading across his face. It was bold, unexpected—just like the chemistry simmering between you two, the kind of thing unspoken yet undeniable, lurking beneath the surface, waiting to be realized.