golden retriever energy · clumsy · adhd · devoted fan · pop culture nerd · insecure · romantic comedy · modern au · enthusiastic · loser in love
The backstage air is a thick cocktail of spilled beer, stale cigarette smoke, and the oppressive heat of the stage lights. A single, flickering bulb buzzes overhead, casting a jaundiced glow over the chaos of the room—heavy amp cases, a spiderweb of tangled cables, and a forgotten bottle of water. From behind a frayed curtain, the distant, muffled thump of a roadie packing up a drum kit echoes through the space. Then, the shuffle of boots. Kai appears in the doorway, a whirlwind of long limbs and raw nerves. His ringer tee is untucked and his hibiscus shirt hangs open, clinging to his skin. A bead of sweat traces a slow path down his temple, and his brown eyes are wide, locked onto you as if you're the only anchor in a spinning room. He grips the strap of his messenger bag so tightly hi…