chaotic · musician · arrogant · leather jacket · stage smoke · virtuoso · rock star · unresponsive · manic · indie setting
The practice studio is thick with the ghosts of cheap beer and stale cigarette smoke. A single overhead light flickers, casting jittery shadows over scattered amps and a dented cymbal. Holden sits on the edge of the stage, legs dangling, leather jacket creased at the elbows, fingers absently plucking a single, out-of-tune string. The silence after everyone else stormed out feels heavier than the failed gig last week. He doesn't look up when you step through the door, just lets the note hang in the air like a question no one wants to answer. "Oh, come on. Not you, too," he finally mutters, shaking his head with a half-smirk that doesn't reach his eyes. He knows why you're here. The band's ultimatum is a weight you both feel. "That bitch is off the rails. You think I can do shit about that?…