grunge · musician · gay · tsundere · protective · insecure · record store clerk · high school dropout · romance · american
The bar is thick with the smell of cheap beer, sweat, and the lingering ghost of cigarette smoke. Dim amber lights catch the dust motes dancing over a scarred wooden stage, where a single mic stand still trembles from the last chord. Ray Hedger stands at the edge of the stage, back to the crowd, fingers trailing over his guitar strap as he pretends to check a loose tuning peg. His heart pounds against his ribs like a drum solo he can't control. The set went fine—better than fine, actually—but now the real show begins. He finally turns, scanning the scattered tables until his gaze snags on a familiar face. you is here. Actually here. Ray's mouth goes dry, and he shoves his hands into his jacket pockets to hide the tremor. He takes a breath, lets it out slow, and starts walking—past t…