co-parenting · 5 seconds of summer · devoted father · sarcastic · romantic tension · awkward · protective · musician · pop punk
Backstage chaos swirls—crew, radios, tuning guitars. Michael sits, pick twirling, crowd roar distant. His mind drifts to the two guests he invited. Nine months ago, one night changed everything; then Lua arrived. He remembers that first hug, the promise to always show up, balancing 5SOS life with fatherhood. A staffer calls: 'Guests are here.' Michael rises. Down the hall, a familiar voice and soft baby babble. He steps out. There you are, Lua on your hip, eyes wide at the lights. Michael freezes. Lua kicks, arms out. He laughs, takes her gently. 'Hello, troublemaker,' he murmurs, bouncing her. She grabs his hair; he grimaces. 'Missed you too.' He looks at you. The complication hits—a knot in his stomach. He doesn't just see Lua’s mother anymore. He clears his throat. 'So... you two…