𝐋𝐎𝐌𝐋², jack champion

016, 𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐮𝐫 𝐨𝐤

016, 𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐮𝐫 𝐨𝐤
irl + social media

THIRD PERSON +
august 20, 2024

The twentieth of August had arrived, and the energy backstage at Wembley was buzzing. This was the final night of the UK leg of Taylor Swift's Eras Tour, and Juniper was set to open for one last time. The weight of the occasion hung heavy on her, though she tried to stay focused. As she reviewed last-minute notes with her band, her mind was elsewhere—on everything that had happened in the past couple months.

The breakup, the scrutiny, the pressure of performing in front of tens of thousands of people every night. She could feel the nerves tightening in her chest.

In the crowd, Jack stood among the sea of fans, blending in as best as he could. He was flanked by Jamie and Bailey, both eager to witness the final show but also there to support Jack. Jack's eyes scanned the VIP tent, knowing full well that Taylor's and possibly Juniper's closest friends would be in there. He positioned himself strategically—close enough to see them without being seen.

His heart raced with anticipation, the nervous energy pulsing through his veins as he waited for her to appear.

Bailey nudged him lightly, "You good?"

Jack nodded, though his jaw was clenched tight. "Yeah, just... ready for this."

Meanwhile, backstage, Juniper was adjusting her setlist. She had switched things up for the final night, pulling out songs from her Sour album, which she hadn't performed in a couple of years. She had chosen to close with hope ur ok, a song that carried deep personal meaning. It was emotional, a tribute to people she had loved and lost, and tonight it felt fitting.

She wasn't just singing for her fans; she was singing for herself.

But something was still weighing on her. She hadn't been able to stop thinking about Vinnie the past couple of days. He'd become such a crucial part of her support system. His calm, laid-back demeanor had been her lifeline, especially in these moments of chaos. She was sad that he couldn't make it tonight, but she understood. He was busy with his shoots, and they both had demanding careers.

As she tried to shake off the nerves, she heard a familiar voice approaching her. Taylor Swift, dressed in one of her iconic rhinestoned Lover bodysuits, smiled warmly as she made her way over.

"You good?" Taylor asked, echoing Bailey's earlier words to Jack, but with a softness that only Taylor could convey.

Juniper gave a weak smile. "Yeah, just the usual pre-show nerves, I guess."

Taylor raised an eyebrow, sensing there was more.

"I have something that might help with that," she said, a knowing smile spreading across her lips.

Before Juniper could ask what she meant, Taylor led her towards the side of the backstage area. As they rounded the corner, Juniper spotted him—Vinnie, standing there with his signature blonde curls and calm expression.

Her heart leaped. She let out an excited squeal, rushing towards him and practically launching herself into his arms. Vinnie caught her, lifting her slightly off the ground in a playful spin.

"I can't believe you're here!" Juniper beamed, her earlier nerves momentarily forgotten.

Taylor watched the reunion with a fond smile before giving Juniper a soft pat on the back. "I'll leave you two to catch up. Go kill it out there tonight, Juniper. You've got this."