The Whisper Of Tonight

Chapter 4 - Turandot

The school's auditorium at night was grandeur, to say the least. The red and gold aesthetic of the area was magnificent, the large chandelier in the middle was sparkling gold, and the stage's set for the upcoming performance was ostentatious albeit smaller in size.

The backstage was nothing short of cramped. The props sat at the corners of the stage, and the make-up rooms were situated in the middle of the room, with the supplies everywhere without really being arranged properly.

What was happening tonight? Of course, the grand performance of Turandot, written by the great Puccini. I was casted as Calaf and Naomi was acting as Princess Turandot.

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As I recited my stuff backstage, my attention was drawn towards Naomi, who was getting her makeup done. She looked absolutely gorgeous, heaven sent. Her bright eyes shined with the red shade around her eyes. 

"Asher?" I heard a voice say my name. I shook out from my trance and I noticed that Naomi was looking at me with a confused and concerned look, to which I embarrassedly looked away. 

Shit, she must've known that I was staring at her by the way she giggled. "Asher, I know I look pretty, you don't have to stare at me like that," she gave me a teasing smile, and I couldn't help but blush. Hard.

As I tried to compose myself, I chuckled nervously. "Oh, come on, Naomi, can't a guy appreciate his co-star's beauty without being called out?" I teased back, attempting to deflect the moment with humor.

Naomi's laughter echoed in the cramped space, filling it with a warmth that eased the tension I felt. "Fair point, Asher," she replied, her smile softening into something warmer, more intimate. "But don't think you're getting away with it that easily."

I raised an eyebrow in mock innocence. "Getting away with what, exactly?"

Her eyes sparkled mischievously as she leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a covert whisper. "With not telling me how amazing I look tonight, of course."

The air between us seemed charged with an unspoken energy, a subtle dance of words and glances that shouted without uttering a single confession. We both knew there was something lingering beneath the surface, a silent acknowledgment of feelings neither of us dared to voice aloud.

Clearing my throat, I shifted the conversation back to safer ground. "Well, you know, I have to maintain my reputation as the mysterious and enigmatic Calaf. Can't be seen showering you with compliments, now can I?" I replied with a playful grin.

Naomi rolled her eyes playfully, though there was a warmth in her gaze that betrayed her amusement. "Oh, spare me the act, Asher. We both know you're a big softie underneath that tough exterior."

I couldn't help but smile at her words, feeling a surge of affection for this girl who knew me better than anyone else. In the dimly lit backstage of the auditorium, with the scent of stage makeup lingering in the air and the distant murmur of the audience filtering through, I found myself grateful for moments like these, when it was just the two of us, sharing a quiet intimacy amidst the chaos of the world around us.

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As the backstage bustled with last-minute preparations, Naomi's nerves seemed to amplify. I could see her fidgeting with her costume, her hands trembling ever so slightly. I knew that look too well; it was her telltale sign of anxiety creeping in.

"Hey, Naomi, you alright?" I asked, trying to keep my tone light, hoping to ease her tension.

She glanced up, her eyes reflecting a whirlwind of emotions. "Yeah, just... butterflies, you know?" she replied, her voice wavering.