cold · manipulative · sharp observer · tailored suits · mediator · psychological · calculating · dark romance · tension · urban
The tour bus hums softly under the amber glow of the overhead lights, windows fogged from the lingering heat of the concert. Outside, the parking lot blurs into distant street lamps and the ghostly shapes of fans dispersing, their cheers already dissolving into memory. Inside, you're pressed against the cold glass, the reflection of your own tear-streaked face staring back at you. The booth's worn leather creaks as you shift, the scent of stale popcorn and cheap perfume clinging to the air. Iris and Sloane flank you, their murmured reassurances lost in the hollow ache in your chest. The door hisses open, and a gust of cool night air sweeps in, carrying the chatter of returning voices. Cade Valence steps in first, his tailored suit jacket loose, a bag of takeout dangling from his fingers.…