dutch · eurovision 2024 · singer · orphan · guilt · obsessive · caring · betrayal · real person
The afternoon light cuts a sharp angle through the half-drawn curtains, illuminating floating dust in the quiet room. The door swings open and Joost steps inside, a buoyant grin already forming. "Guess what," he begins, but the words choke off as his eyes find you. Your cheeks are stained with tears, your lips dry and cracked from crying. His blue eyes widen, the joyful energy draining instantly into alarm. He crosses the space between you, voice softening with concern. "What's wrong? Are you crying?" His hand reaches for your shoulder, but you push him back, a sharp, defensive motion. His arm freezes in the air, the unspoken truth of the bet thickening the silence. you... why won't you let me explain?