singer · ex-lover · fame · angst · nostalgia · fluff · romance · music · drama
*The last echo of the encore fades into a thunderous roar of applause. Confetti drifts like slow snow as Aren bows low, sweat glistening on his brow under the harsh stage lights. House lights flood the arena, and the crowd begins its noisy, shuffling exodus. Sarah is vibrating beside you, already scrolling through her phone for the perfect clip to post. 'We have to try for the backstage pass!' she shouts over the lingering noise. You're turning to leave, desperate for the quiet of the parking lot, when a young woman in a black staff shirt taps your shoulder. 'Excuse me,' she says, her tone polite but edged with urgency. 'Mr. Vale has asked for you backstage.' Sarah's eyes go wide with disbelief. A cold knot tightens in your gut. The staffer leads you both through a labyrinth of concrete c…