Everyone was captivated by Ian's singing, but my focus was firmly on Noah. He looked incredibly cool up on that stage! There was something serious and mysterious about him that drew me in.
As Ian sang, cheers erupted from the crowd, all eyes glued to the stage. I watched Noah's headbang in time with his guitar strums, amazed by how quickly his fingers moved across the strings.
I felt like I was in a trance, unable to tear my gaze away from him. I certainly didn't come here to admire someone this much. I had moved here to start fresh, yet here I was, feeling butterflies I couldn't quite explain.
While the crowd was enveloped in the vibrant energy of the performance, I glanced over and noticed a small group of girls eagerly inserting colorful letters into a heart-adorned box.
The black box, decorated with cheerful pink and red hearts, prominently displayed the words "Fans' Letters" in bold lettering.
So, this is where they drop off their messages for the Chainz? I imagined that most of the contents were overflowing with affectionate notes. An idea sparked in my mind: I wanted to write one for Noah.
"What? Are you considering writing one for Noah too?" Ashly interjected, her eyes wide in surprise.
How did she know what I was thinking? Was she some sort of mind reader?
"It's just a love letter, Ash," I replied, trying to brush off her teasing.
"Yeah, that's just the beginning. I wouldn't be shocked if next time you make a giant banner. What's next? You'll become the president of the fan club?" she said with a smirk, crossing her arms defiantly.
I grimaced at her insinuation, feeling a mix of embarrassment and defiance. Hmm.
"See? I'm right on the money! But come on, don't you think it's a bit silly? Their lead vocalist is our cousin, so you're technically closer to them than anyone else. You don't need to join a club; we're above that!" She gestured dramatically as if to emphasize her point.
"But I don't care about Ian. And Ash, they're not just fans—they're passionate about their music," I insisted, feeling a sense of conviction rise in me.
"Whatevah!" she huffed, "Let's drink!" Ashly exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she handed me a colorful cocktail.
"They're incredible up there!" I said, gesturing toward Chainz, who was performing energetically on stage. A smile spread across my face as the infectious rhythm filled the air.
"Sar! You have to come next time," Tina said warmly, her enthusiasm evident as she leaned in closer, her laughter mingling with the music.
"Absolutely! And then we can party afterward," Ashly declared, raising her glass high before downing the entire shot in a single, bold gulp.
I stood up, ready to bid farewell as I headed toward the restroom, when, out of nowhere, a woman jostled into me, sending me sprawling to the floor.
I could feel the eyes of the crowd on me, and a wave of embarrassment washed over me. The woman simply laughed, a mocking sound that made my skin prickle.
"Sorry, girl!" she chuckled, her tone dripping with amusement.
Fueled by anger, I impulsively shoved her, watching as she stumbled backward and crashed into the Chainz banner. The scene quickly descended into chaos, with startled gasps echoing around us.
"How dare you!" the girl shouted, her face flushed with fury.
"Hey, hey, what's happening?" Alex called out, stepping between us as if to create a barrier against the rising tension that hung thick in the air.
The performance had come to an abrupt stop, leaving the audience buzzing with curiosity.
"She pushed me!" the girl said, her face scrunching up into a dramatic pout. She shot me a look filled with mocking outrage, making her look like she was the victim.
"You insecure bitch! You did it first!" I countered, my finger jabbing toward her. My heart raced as my gaze locked onto hers, a fierce intensity pulsing through me, fueled by anger.
"Sar, you should go home. You're causing a scene," Sam said, wrapping a steady hand around my arm as if trying to pull me back.
"But she pushed me first!" I reiterated, my voice rising in urgency, the frustration spilling over like an overflowing bowl.
"Sam's right. You need to leave," Noah added, each word laced with impatience. His brows were knit tightly together, indicating his anger and disappointment. I could feel his gaze on me, heavy with frustration.
At that moment, my heart plummeted. Why does it feel like everything is my fault? Why is Noah looking at me like that?
"You're distracting everyone. Just go," he urged the finality in his voice, leaving no room for argument. His words struck me hard, piercing through my defenses.
"But I'll cheer for you guys!" I exclaimed, my voice trembling as the desperation seeped into my tone.
I felt my resolve weakening, each word slipping from my lips like sand through an hourglass.
"Sar, let's go," Ashly whispered, her voice soft yet filled with urgency.
"You're making a scene here, aren't you embarrassed?" Noah's brows furrowed.
A heavy numbness enveloped me; it felt as if I were watching this scene unfold from outside my own body, a spectator to my heartbreak.
The ration crashed over me like a cold wave—he wanted me to leave… to step away from everything I had been a part of just moments before.
That night, under the dim light of my desk lamp, I decided to go ahead and write the love letter.
My hands trembled slightly as I put pen to paper, nerves swelling in my chest at the thought of handing it to him.
Morning light filtered through the window, casting a warm glow that contrasted with the fluttering nerves in my stomach.
As I made my way toward him, I noticed him sitting at the table, his laughter ringing out like music while he chatted animatedly with Ian, their camaraderie evident in the way their eyes sparkled.
"Um… Noah, hi!" I stammered, my heart racing as I struggled to find the right words.
It felt as though my tongue was tied in knots, each syllable trembling on the tip of my lips, held back by a wave of anxiety.
He looked up at me, his brows arching in curiosity, a hint of impatience mingling with intrigue in his expression. "What?" He asked.
I nervously handed him the letter, my heart racing, and then I dashed away, feeling both exhilarated and terrified.
I slipped behind the wall, my breath coming in heavy gasps as I listened intently to their conversation. The sounds of their laughter echoed in my ears, mixing with the pounding of my heart.
"What was that?" Sam chuckled, a teasing note in his voice.
"She's your fan," Alex replied with a laugh, his fingers dancing over the strings of his guitar, the music light and carefree.
"Are you going to read it?" Ian asked, curiosity lacing his tone.
I couldn't help but peek around the corner to catch a glimpse of them, but what I saw crushed me. He simply walked all over it.
"I'm not interested," he stated, his voice devoid of any emotion, and in that moment, my hope shattered.
I couldn't control myself. My body just went and faced him.
"Why are you so insensitive, Noah? Don't you understand how to appreciate your fans?" My voice surged with emotion, betraying the mix of frustration and hurt that churned within me.
Noah stood before me, arms crossed, his expression as hard as iron. It struck me that he was like a frigid winter morning—beautiful but biting.
"I like you, Noah." I bit my lip.
Loving him was much like trying to embrace a cactus; the sharp spikes of his indifference dug under my skin, reminding me of the risks involved in reaching for something that seemed out of reach.
I knew he could be cold-hearted, yet the magnetism of his talent kept me ensnared, an unwavering admirer amidst all the prickles.
"If you love our music, then all of you can listen. If you want to support our band, then support all of us. Not just me," he declared, his voice steady and unwavering, echoing in the tension-filled space between us.
His words resonated with a harsh clarity, almost as if he were casting aside the affection from his fans as if it were nothing more than an unwanted trinket.
My eyes widened in shock, and I felt my breath catch in my throat as the sting of his words sank in.
What on earth was his problem? How could he remain so detached from the very people who poured their hearts into supporting him?