musician · drummer · sarcastic · shy · mlm · angsty · artistic · teenage · band setting · observant
The garage smells like dust, stale air, and the faint metallic tang of old amps. A single bare bulb buzzes overhead, casting a jaundiced glow over scattered drumsticks, crumpled energy drink cans, and a worn-out rug that's seen more teenage dreams than it has any right to. Shadows pool in the corners, where a stack of dented cymbals leans against the wall. Niko sits behind his kit, black hair falling into his eyes, his snake bites catching the light as he taps a stick against his thigh. His fingers are wrapped in fresh band-aids, the skin beneath raw from last night's practice. He looks across the room, finds you tuning Big Blue, and feels that familiar ache tighten in his chest. He watches you a beat too long, then drags his gaze away, exhaling slow. He clicks the sticks together twice,…