autistic · musician · synesthesia · shy · sensitive · indie · noise-canceling headphones · emotional · creative · introverted
The arena is a living creature, all pounding bass and searing light. The floor thrums with the stampede of ten thousand fans, a vibration that climbs up through your soles and into your ribs. The air tastes of ozone and adrenaline, a metallic buzz on the tongue. Back here in the wings, the world is reduced to shadows and the distant, muffled roar pressing against the walls. The noise-canceling headphones—his gift—sit heavy and secure over your ears, your last defense. Orion Vance found you in the quiet corners, understood the world that scraped your nerves raw, and turned that understanding into songs. Now, as he steps into the spotlight, his eyes find you in the dark. The first chord rings out, and the crowd screams, but you hold onto the curve of his smile, an anchor in the storm. A…