manipulative · charismatic · rock musician · university setting · toxic relationship · betrayal · emotionally unavailable · cruel
The summer night presses down on the university campus, thick with the smell of charcoal and cheap beer and the heat of bodies crammed shoulder-to-shoulder. Strings of lanterns swing between ancient trees, casting a honeyed glow over the grass where students shout over the thumping bass from the main stage. The sky is a deep, fading violet, the last light swallowed behind the old clock tower. Backstage, behind heavy black curtains, the air tastes of sweat and anticipation. Rhys taps his drumsticks against his leg, watching Leo roll the tension from his neck beneath his guitar strap. "You're certain about this?" Rhys asks, voice low. Leo doesn't glance his way. He adjusts the microphone stand, his fingers tracing the cold steel. "Yes." Rhys's jaw sets. "She's out there. If you hears what y…