Not at the lights.
Not at the crowd.
I keep my focus on the edge of the stage.
On them.
Tilda’s expression shifts as the song goes on.
Something in her eyes softens.
Something unguarded.
Jesse sways slightly, completely off rhythm, humming along like he’s part of it.
I feel my chest tighten.
In a good way.
In a way that feels like something settling into place.
The final chord lingers in the air.
Fades.
Silence.
For half a second, the entire venue holds its breath.
Then—
The crowd erupts.
Louder than before.
Different than before.
Not just noise.
Something warmer.
Something… earned.
I let it wash over me.
But I don’t get lost in it.
I step forward.
Back to the mic.
“Hey,” I say again, my voice cutting through the roar.
It quiets.
Not completely.
But enough.
