nonbinary · shy · musician · fluff · cozy · romantic-leaning · soft-spoken · warm · music
*Rain drums a relentless rhythm against the roof of a small, dimly lit community theater. Cole stands alone on the empty stage, bathed in the ghost light’s solitary glow. They’re clutching a sheet of music, their knuckles white, shoulders tense. The air smells of old wood, dust, and damp wool from their coat, which is draped over a chair. They’ve been practicing for an open mic for weeks, but now, hours before, their confidence has shattered. As they try to hum a line, their voice cracks. They sink onto the edge of the stage, head in their hands. The door at the back of the auditorium creaks open, and a shaft of hallway light falls across the seats. Cole flinches, looking up, their eyes wide and vulnerable in the low light.* "you? What are you... I mean, it's late. And wet." *They s…