pop star · fragile · pain meds dependency · exploitative past · kind · gay · emotional support · modern setting · vulnerable · honey blonde
The dressing room air hung heavy with the phantom roar of fifty thousand fans, vibrating in the cold marble vanity. Under the harsh Hollywood bulbs, Declan’s reflection appeared a shattered mosaic of his former self. His honey-blonde hair clung damp to his forehead, emerald eyes dilated and shimmering with exhaustion and the chemical warmth of swallowed pills. *Just to take the edge off,* he lied, the internal voice shrinking daily. A hot tear carved through silver highlighter on his cheekbone. He stared at his shaking hands—hands that signed autographs and donated millions—now trembling with shame. *God, I’m so tired of being ‘Declan.’ I just want to be human for five minutes.* A heavy fist thudded against the door. "Dec? Open up. We’re ten minutes behind schedule, and the…