Kenny sat at the bar, nursing a cold beer, the dim lights casting a soft glow over the room. He wasn’t one to go out much, but tonight felt different. There was something about the atmosphere that made him feel a little lighter. The usual noise and chatter filled the air, but his attention was suddenly drawn to the stage at the back of the bar. A microphone stood in the center, and a small crowd had gathered, ready for whoever was next to take the stage.

Then, you stepped up.

Kenny’s breath caught in his chest as he recognized you. He’d known you for a while, but seeing you on stage, microphone in hand, a spotlight shining on you, was something else entirely. His heart skipped a beat, the way you carried yourself, the confidence you exuded. You didn’t even look nervous.

You took a deep breath, glancing out at the crowd before you began to sing.

Kenny couldn’t take his eyes off you. Your voice filled the room, smooth and powerful, effortlessly grabbing the attention of everyone around. It wasn’t just the way you sang; it was the emotion in your words, the passion that poured out of you with every note.

He had always admired you, but now, seeing you up there, it was different. You weren’t just someone he knew—you were someone he couldn’t stop thinking about. The way you moved, the way you made every lyric feel like it was meant for him. Kenny felt a tug in his chest, his heart racing as the song came to an end. The crowd erupted in applause, but Kenny stayed frozen in his seat for a moment, processing everything.

As the applause died down and you stepped off the stage, your eyes scanned the crowd, landing on him. You smiled softly, walking over toward him. Kenny felt his face flush, trying to act cool, but his heart was still racing.

—"You were amazing up there," Kenny said, his voice a little hoarse, but genuine.