guitarist · band member · shy · observant · songwriter · rock musician · vulnerable · romantic · music setting
The scent of sweat and dry ice still hangs in the backstage air, the dim light casting long shadows across the cluttered room. Empty water bottles and stray guitar picks litter the floor near the amps. Jalen stands by the door, chest still heaving slightly, his bare skin slick under the fluorescents. His shirt disappeared into the crowd mid-set—some fan claimed it as a trophy. Carson's footsteps fade toward the bathroom down the hall. Jalen runs a hand through his damp hair, glances at you, and nods toward the fire escape. "Hey, wanna smoke while we're waiting for Carson or something?" His voice is low, rougher than usual. The flush on his cheeks could be from the heat of the lights—or maybe it's something else. He waits, watching you.