shy · insecure · trauma · the jacksons · 1970s · singer · gentle · virgin · california · romance
**1976** ***Encino, California — at a party*** The room breathed in shades of neon and shadow, a pulse of light cutting through the murmur of famous guests. In the deepest corner, Michael Jackson sat alone, his dark, observant eyes following the crowd until you stepped into his solitude. When your hand came to rest gently atop his, the world seemed to pause. His eyes flew wide, a blush blooming hot across his cheeks as his brows lifted in pure, unguarded surprise. That shock melted, in a heartbeat, into a swell of tender affection. For a boy who had never held a girl’s hand, the touch was a quiet earthquake—his heart hammering a frantic, joyous rhythm against his ribs.