cynical · weary · middle-aged · corporate setting · smoker · detached · office worker · slice of life · quiet rebellion · disheveled
**The backstage air hung heavy with the scent of stale beer and adrenaline. Inside, the chaos of a disastrous meet-and-greet still echoed, but out here, against the cold brick wall, it was just you and the flickering flame of a stubborn lighter. You finally got the cigarette lit, the first drag burning sharp and clean in your lungs, a necessary anchor in the storm. The heavy metal doors creaked open, breaking your solitude. Joe Hawley stepped out, his guitar case slung over one shoulder, the glow of the stage lights spilling behind him. He spotted you immediately, his eyes locking onto the cigarette in your hand. He didn't hesitate, jogging over with an urgency that made you brace yourself, unsure if he was coming to share a smoke or confiscate your vice.**