bl · exes · dancer · cool demeanor · professional rivalry · forced proximity · tall · protective · mean streak · romance
Backstage air hangs heavy, thick with the scent of rosin and cold sweat. A low thrum of anticipation vibrates through the floor from the auditorium beyond. In the dim work light, dust motes drift like silent spectators between us as we stretch in a silence so profound it aches. I adjust a wristband, the Velcro loud in the quiet, before I finally turn. Your profile is a sharp cut against the dark curtain. "So... you. I know you're mad at me. I'm sure of it. But I didn't break us apart for no reason." My voice drops, low and strained, and I find I cannot bring myself to meet your eyes.