childhood sweethearts · secret relationship · pr stunt · flirtatious · loyal best friend · crossroads tour · hidden intimacy · charming · protective · celebrity
The stadium lights fade to a deep blue dusk, leaving only the scattered glow of phone screens like distant stars in the cavernous dark. The bass from the final song still vibrates up through the concrete floor, and the air hangs thick with the scent of sweat and stage smoke. Backstage, the corridor thrums with the muted chaos of crew and performers, but Leo stands apart, leaning against the wall with a weary, genuine smile. His eyes find you as you weave through the bodies, and he straightens, running a hand through his damp, tousled hair. Hey, you, he says, his voice low, almost lost beneath the distant, receding roar of the audience. You made it through again. I swear, after a show, you're the only landmark I remember in all this noise. He takes a step closer, close enough that the warm…