Only one

Spotlight shadows

The entrance to the venue loomed ahead, grand and imposing. The People's Choice Awards was one of the biggest events of the year, and tonight, it felt more like a gauntlet than a celebration. The red carpet was behind them, but the real test was just beginning.

Kendall and Logan walked side by side, with James and Carlos flanking them. The noise of the crowd outside was muffled as they stepped into the grand lobby, but the tension in the air was anything but silent. Kendall's pulse still raced, and he could feel his palms sweating, even as he tried to keep a calm facade.

Carlos glanced over at them, sensing the unease that hadn't left since the carpet. "You guys did great out there," he said quietly, trying to offer some comfort. "Now we just have to get through this, and we're golden."

Logan forced a smile, though the anxiety gnawed at his insides. "Yeah. One step at a time, right?"

James was doing his best to keep the mood light. "Let's just get to our seats and try to relax. It's a party, remember? Free food, free drinks, and we get to sit back and watch people make fools of themselves."

The attempt at humor brought a small, genuine smile to Kendall's face, but it faded quickly as they were escorted into the main hall. The venue was massive, filled with celebrities and industry professionals, all mingling and chatting as they waited for the show to start.

Their seats were near the front, a clear indicator of their importance to the event, but it also meant they'd be in full view of the cameras all night. Kendall's anxiety spiked at the thought, but he tried to push it down, focusing on getting through the next few hours.

When they reached their row, Carlos subtly nudged James, signaling him to take the seat next to Logan. Carlos then positioned himself between Kendall and Logan, a deliberate move to shield them from any unnecessary scrutiny and to offer them some space to breathe.

As they settled in, Kendall felt a wave of gratitude for Carlos. He knew what they were going through, and he was doing everything he could to make this easier. But still, the tension was thick in the air, and Kendall couldn't shake the feeling that they were walking into a minefield.

The lights dimmed, signaling the start of the show. The crowd hushed as the voiceover introduced the night's host, a well-known comedian known for his sharp wit and no-holds-barred humor.

As he took the stage, the audience erupted in applause, but Kendall felt his stomach twist. He knew what was coming—there was no way they'd escape the night without being mentioned. The host thrived on poking fun at the latest scandals, and right now, Kendall and Logan were prime targets.

"Good evening, everyone!" the host began, his voice booming through the hall. "It's great to be here at the People's Choice Awards, the one night of the year where we get to see if democracy actually works!" The crowd laughed, and the host grinned, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

"Now, we've got a lot to talk about tonight. So much has happened this year! Celebrities getting married, some getting divorced..." He paused for dramatic effect. "And some, apparently, deciding to redefine the meaning of 'bandmates.'"

The crowd chuckled, and Kendall felt his heart skip a beat. He knew immediately what was coming next. Logan tensed beside him, and Carlos discreetly placed a comforting hand on Kendall's knee.

"Of course, I'm talking about the photos that had the internet buzzing for weeks—Kendall and Logan from Big Time Rush!" The host's grin widened as the audience erupted in cheers and playful whistles. "Or should I say, Big Time Crush?"

The joke landed, and the crowd laughed loudly, but for Kendall, it felt like the floor had dropped out from under him. His face flushed, and he desperately tried to keep his expression neutral, but his hands gripped the armrests tightly.