𝔘𝔫𝔰𝔠𝔯𝔦𝔭𝔱𝔢𝔡. || 𝔗𝔯𝔦𝔭𝔭𝔦𝔢 ℜ𝔢𝔡𝔡

𝔘𝔫𝔡𝔢𝔯 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔏𝔦𝔤𝔥𝔱𝔰

Under the Lights

"You can romanticize me all you wish, but the devil wrapped in silk is still the devil."

The energy in the room was crazy tonight. Lights flashed all over the crowd, cameras aimed at the biggest names in the game, everyone buzzing with that kinda hype you only feel at the VMAs. The whole night had been a blur of cheers, flashing lights, and shoutouts, but I could sense something was off, like a storm brewing just under the surface.

Michael was right beside me, his arm draped around my chair, looking calm, but I knew better. The tension in his body was obvious, like he was always one step away from snapping. We had front row seats, practically on display for the whole world to see. The lights were relentless, flashing across our faces with every new wave of applause.

Stokeley, Jahseh, Jarad, and Chris were all scattered around us, posted up like they owned the place. Koryn was next to Jahseh, leaning into him, their energy magnetic even in the chaos. They just had that natural connection, playful but solid—nothing phased them.

"Yo, this place is wild," Stokeley said, glancing around. "You see who just walked in?"

Jahseh chuckled, shaking his head. "Vro, every time we out here, you act like you ain't used to it by now."

"Hey, look at the drip tonight though," Stokeley nudged Jarad, smirking. "Everyone tryna outdo each other."

Jarad grinned, laid-back as ever. "Man, let Stoke enjoy it. He's still starstruck."

Michael leaned over to me, his voice low. "You good, baby?"

I nodded, but my mind was on edge. Coi was here too, nominated for an award. I hadn't seen her yet, but her name had been swirling around us ever since we got here. I tried to shake it off, but it was hard to ignore when the tabloids were always dragging her into our business.

As the show went on, the performances lit up the stage, and I tried to lose myself in it. But I could feel Michael's leg bouncing next to mine, and I knew he was feeling it too. Everyone around us seemed to be having a good time, but the tension was thick, even if no one else picked up on it.

When they called out the nominations for "Best Group Album," the cameras zoomed in on our table. The crowd went wild, cheers echoing through the place. Chris held up his glass, toasting to the moment, and everyone followed suit, their smiles breaking the tension for just a second.

"Let's go, let's go!" Chris shouted, clinking glasses with everyone.

Michael leaned in close, his words hot against my ear. "We got this, lil baby."

I felt a little spark of relief at his words, but it wasn't enough to shake the feeling that something was about to go down. As the night rolled on, the awards kept coming, and then, it happened.

Michael leaned over to say something to Chris, then got up, excusing himself. I watched him walk towards the hallway, his shoulders tense, like he was trying to shake something off. I glanced at Koryn, who raised an eyebrow.

"He alright?" she asked, a hint of concern in her voice.

"Yeah," I replied, trying to keep it casual. "Just needs some air, I guess."