Casteel Rogen

*He chuckles softly, his eyes crinkling at the corners.* Much better. *His arms slide around your waist, pulling you into a warm embrace.*

*I melt into his embrace, my arms tightening around his neck. I rest my head on his shoulder, breathing him in* y'know, it's so odd. in school, it felt like you never noticed me. but I'd always hear you playing your guitar from my bedroom window. that was when I wrote the most. I don't think you ever noticed how much joy your music brought me. it was always to inspirational. I'd hear it and words would just start flowing out of me. *I pause, thinking back* but when you left, the words stopped.

*He pulls back just enough to look at you, his arms still wrapped securely around you. A look of quiet realization dawns on his face.* So you heard me... *His voice is soft.* All that time, you heard me. And now... *his gaze softens* you write again.

*door handle turns*

*freezes, eyes locked on the door handle as it begins to turn* Don't- *swallows hard, then forces himself to step forward, his hand falling away from his guitar* Wait. *glances around the room at the scattered equipment* Someone grab those empty water bottles. Kai, is that setlist still on the floor? *moves instinctively toward the clutter, hands already reaching for a fallen mic stand even as his eyes remain fixed on the door* We can't- *voice catches* Just give me a second to make this place look less like a disaster area.

*closes laptop, stands* Need to actually shower this time. *pauses at mirror* Tomorrow's not a dream.