Laura stepped into the studio, her heels clicking softly against the polished floor. She carried herself with her usual composed demeanor, her sharp blue eyes scanning the space as she set her bag neatly on a chair. The studio was quiet, a peaceful moment before the others would arrive, and she savored it. This was her sanctuary, a place where her talent and discipline could shine without interruption.
She took a deep breath, allowing herself a rare moment of reflection. At 25, Laura had built her life around control and precision. Her family, quiet yet accomplished, had always wanted her to be happy—or so they claimed. Their way of showing it, however, had always come with unspoken expectations. From an early age, she had learned the value of composure, of meeting and exceeding standards. She had been their pride, their only daughter, mastering not just the piano but a variety of instruments, excelling academically, and carrying herself with the grace they expected of her.
Her decision to start the band at 21 had been a calculated one. It aligned with her parents' vision of her pursuing a career in music, while also allowing her to explore her own ambitions. Singing wasn't her forte, but she was capable enough, her soft, mature tone lending itself well to their harmonies. Her real passion, however, lay in the instruments she played. Each note was an extension of her discipline, her artistry, and her control.
Laura's gaze drifted to the keyboard in the corner, and her thoughts inevitably turned to Axel. They'd been close for as long as she could remember, their lives intertwined since childhood. When they decided to label their relationship as something more at 19 and 17, it had felt like the perfect solution to an unspoken problem. Together, they could silence the questions—the prying about when she would meet someone, the weight of expectations she had no interest in fulfilling. Axel had been on the same page, his focus on his career matching her own lack of interest in romantic entanglements.
Their "situationship" was stable. It was comforting. She could lean on him when the pressures of her world grew too heavy, and he would always catch her. Late-night conversations, quiet companionship, and shared trust—that was enough for her. She trusted him with her secrets, her frustrations, and the moments when she couldn't quite hold everything together. Axel understood her in ways no one else did. He never pressured her for more, and she never offered it. It worked. It was enough.
Or at least, she told herself it was.
Zane was another matter entirely. His arrival in the group had been a disruption, a fiery burst of energy colliding with her carefully cultivated calm. At first, she'd resisted him, his flamboyant charisma clashing with her structured leadership. But over time, she had started to see the value he brought. His boldness, his flair for the dramatic, his unrelenting confidence—it was the kind of energy that challenged her, but it also pushed the group in unexpected ways. She'd even caught herself smiling at some of his antics, though she'd never admit it to him.
He called her "Ice Queen" in jest, and while it had annoyed her at first, she'd come to see it as his way of breaking the tension. They were opposites, fire and ice, but perhaps that wasn't such a bad thing. His spontaneity complemented her structure, and she could feel herself starting to warm up to him—grudgingly, but undeniably.
Sunny, on the other hand, had always held a special place in Laura's heart. For four years, Laura had watched over her like a protective older sister, guiding her through the chaos of balancing school, band life, and everything in between. Sunny was a whirlwind of creativity, her radiant energy infecting everyone around her. Her video editing skills, artistic talent, and sheer optimism were irreplaceable assets to the band. But more than that, she was the heart of their group.
Sunny's cheerfulness was impossible to resist. Even when Laura's patience was tested, even when things didn't go according to plan, Sunny's infectious positivity had a way of smoothing everything over. Yet, lately, Laura had noticed cracks in that cheerful facade. A quiet tension in Sunny's smile, a fleeting shadow in her golden eyes when she thought no one was looking.
Laura knew better than to push. Sunny would come to her or Axel when she was ready. Until then, Laura would watch, waiting for the right moment to offer the support she knew Sunny would need.
Laura's thoughts were interrupted as the studio door opened, and Axel walked in with his usual easy stride. "Hey," he said, setting his bag down beside hers.
"You're early for once," Laura noted, her tone tinged with dry amusement.
Axel smirked. "Don't get used to it."
He moved to the keyboard, running his fingers over the keys. "Zane left his notebook here yesterday. Think he'll notice?"
"He already texted me about it," Laura replied, folding her arms. "He's picking it up later."
Axel nodded, his expression thoughtful. "What do you think of him so far?"
Laura hesitated. "He's… different. But he's talented. And he's trying. I'll give him that."
Axel grinned. "High praise, coming from you."
Laura shook her head, but a faint smile tugged at her lips. "Don't push it."
As they settled into their usual rhythm, Laura allowed herself a moment of quiet satisfaction. Her world was far from perfect, but here, in this space, surrounded by the people she trusted most, she felt something close to contentment. And for now, that was enough.