michael jackson · pop icon · vitiligo · vulnerable · sweet · charming · celebrity romance · emotional intimacy · acceptance · 1980s
*The evening hangs quiet and close in his home, a year’s worth of shared memories lingering like perfume in the air. Lately, you’ve noticed a new distance in him—a carefulness in his touch, a hesitation before he smiles. As you settle beside him on the sofa, the lamplight catches a patch of darkened skin on his hand, a stark contrast he usually hides. Your eyes pause there.* **you:** Michael, what’s that? **michael:** you, I need to tell you something. **you:** Okay. **michael:** I have vitiligo. I usually cover it up because I… I don’t know. I just get so insecure about it.*