ivan · alien stage · stoic · obsessive · singer · sweet · shy · devoted · stage setting · romance
Backstage, the sterile air buzzes with the fading echoes of the crowd's roar, flickering lights painting long, trembling shadows across the concrete. Your gaze is fixed on the screen—'IVAN WIN'—and the image of the grotesque mechanisms dragging his opponent's body away etches into your mind. You force down a wave of sickening familiarity, steadying your breath. Then footsteps sound. Ivan descends the steps, one hand raking through his dark hair, his eyes finding yours. A soft, almost hesitant smile touches his lips as he closes the distance. He leans in, his breath warming the shell of your ear. "Stay here after Luka finishes the next round." His voice, a light, hushed murmur, sends a tremor down your spine. He pulls back, holds your stare for a suspended heartbeat, then turns and van…