Backstage

Part 5 I didn't mean to disturb

I went back to my hotel room, feeling exhausted but happy after a long day. I took a shower, letting the water freely flow and relax my body. Afterwards I changed into my sweatpants and a croptop so I would be cozy and comfortable. I sat on my double bed and began downloading and editing the photos. Most of them turned out pretty great needing only minor adjustments to achieve perfection. I was halfway through my work when I heard a knock on my door. I checked the time and it was half past midnight. I stood up, walked up to the door and took a look through the peephole. There was Joost standing. I was very surprised. As I opened the door his face lit up and I was greeted with a familiar smile.

"I'm sorry, did I wake you up?" he asked with concern in his voice

"No, no, I was just editing the photos from tonight," I replied

"May I come in?" he asked politely.

"Of course, please," I said, stepping aside to let him enter, closing the door behind him.

"Julia, you left without saying goodbye tonight," he said softly, expressing a mixture of concern and curiosity.

"Oh, sorry about that," I responded, starting to feel a little bit of guilt "I was just really tired and couldn't wait to come back and shower. I didn't mean to offend you or anything."

His concern seemed to fade as he shook his head.

"No, no, I understand. I just wanted to make sure everything was okay. I thought maybe I offended you in some way."

I couldn't help but chuckle at the thought. "Offend me? Joost, of course not. You've been nothing but kind to me."

"Well anyways, I thought I'd come and we'd chat for a bit if you're not busy"

I glanced at the half-finished edits on my laptop screen, then back at Joost.

"Actually, I could use a break. How about we sit out on the balcony?" I agreed

Joost seemed very happy. We went out and sat on the chairs. The stars looked amazing tonight and my room had a view to the canal. A soft evening breeze blew and this night seemed like a fairytale.

He whipped out a cigarette and offered me one. I stopped for a sec but I was really tired so I took his offer.

"So," Joost began, breaking the silence, "how's the editing going?"

I smiled, grateful for the conversation. "It's going well, actually. Most of the photos turned out great, just need a few final touches."

"That's good to hear," he replied, leaning back in his chair. "You really have a talent for capturing the moment."

I felt a warmth spread through me at his compliment. "Thank you, Joost. It means a lot coming from you."

"Joost, if you don't mind me asking, why did you decide to enter Eurovision?" I asked, genuinely curious.

"Well, as you know, I lost my parents at a very young age," he began softly. "I remember watching Eurovision together, as a family, and one time I jokingly said to my dad, 'Hey dad, I'll perform there someday.' And this year, I thought, why not make my childhood dream come true and make my parents proud. So here I am."

I sensed the weight of his words. Placing a comforting hand on his leg, I offered my support. "Joost, I'm sure your parents are extremely proud to see what you have grown into."

A small smile played on his lips as he quietly replied, "Thank you."

Turning his gaze back to the canal, Joost lifted a cigarette to his lips, deeply inhaling the thick smoke. Instinctively, I mirrored his action, the shared moment bringing a sense of connection between us.

And so, we sat in comfortable silence, the only sound the soft lapping of the water against the canal's edge. I felt that there was a strong bond forming between us.

Lost in a peaceful moment I completely lost track of time. I don't know how long we sat there but at one point it felt like my eyelids were too heavy. The weight of the day began to settle upon me like a heavy blanket. Joost must have noticed that and rose up from a chair with a soft smile

"Well, I think I should get going. We have a big journey tomorrow"

I escorted him to the door.

"Bye Joost, see you"

"Bye Julia" he said warmly as our eyes locked in once more

Just as he was about to step through the doorway, Joost leaned in and kissed my forehead. A rush of warmth flooded my cheeks as I blushed, a shy smile appeared on my face. He smiled back. I could see the sparkles in his eyes. I slowly closed the door.

After he left I went back to the balcony. As I stood there, the cool night air helped clear my head a little. But still, I couldn't shake the feeling that something had changed between us. It was like a door had opened to a whole new world.

Despite the confusion, there was also a sense of happiness and calmness. I felt grateful for the connection we shared and curious about where it might lead us next. Looking out at the peaceful canal, I couldn't help but feel hopeful about what the future might hold.