Time-Twisted Melody (Boruto - Twinkling Watermelon AU)

Chapter 7

 Boruto POV

The stage lights blazed down on me, the heat seeping through my skin, but all I could feel was the pulse of the crowd—their energy, expectations, and anticipation. My heart was pounding in sync with the beat of the music that hadn't even started yet. This was it. My debut. It was the moment I had been dreaming about and dreading all at once.

'This is it... Mr. Sasuke.'

I glanced over at Mitsuki, who was calmly adjusting the strap on his bass guitar. Inojin, at the keyboard, gave me a nod, his usual cool expression softened by a rare, genuine smile. Even Shikadai, who always seemed too lazy to care about anything, looked focused as he twirled a drumstick between his fingers, waiting for the cue.

This was our moment, our band, our music. But it was also mine. For so long, I had hidden behind the shadows of expectations, drowning in the weight of my responsibilities. But now, standing here with my guitar slung over my shoulder and the mic just inches from my lips, I felt something different. It wasn't just nerves—it was a fire, burning hotter than ever before.

The crowd quieted as the lights dimmed, leaving only a spotlight on me. I could feel their eyes, thousands of them, all focused on me. I took a deep breath, gripping the neck of my guitar like it was the only thing keeping me grounded.

I was ready.

I leaned into the mic, letting my lips brush against it as I spoke. "Good evening, Konoha! We're going to take you on a journey tonight, so hold on tight."

As the words left my mouth, I felt a rush of adrenaline, my fingers moving to the strings as if on autopilot. The first chord rang out, strong and clear, filling the space between us and the audience. Mitsuki's bassline kicked in, smooth and steady, grounding the melody that began to build with each passing second. Inojin's keys added an ethereal layer, something almost magical that lifted the song to another level. Then Shikadai came in with the drums, each beat resonating through my chest like a second heartbeat.

And then it was just me and the music.

"As I stared up at something in the sky

You told me they were stars

Just like us, they nestle close

At times crying, laughing, and connecting."

The lyrics flowed from my lips, a confession wrapped in melody, my voice carrying all the emotions I'd kept bottled up inside. Every word was a piece of me—a reflection of the pain, the anger, the love, and the hope I had been carrying for so long.

"We found each other, pulled towards each other

Under the same sky

When we shine, we'll do it together

So we promisеd

Far and away, a never-ending Betelgeuse

Magic that connects one to another."

My fingers danced across the strings, each note striking with a force that seemed to reverberate through my entire being. This wasn't just a performance; it was an exorcism, a way to purge everything that had been holding me back.

"We stand shoulder to shoulder, hand in hand and

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