Falling Between the Notes (Nicholas Galitzine Fanfic)

Chapter 17: Center Stage and Shadows

Jade's POV

Opening night.

I could feel the buzz in the air from the moment I woke up—like a charge of electricity building in the distance, ready to explode. It was the start of something massive, something that had been months in the making, but all I could think about as I lay in bed was the hollow ache in my chest. Nick hadn't texted much today, just a quick "Good morning" message that I had woken up to, followed by a few short replies here and there.

I knew he was busy. The movie shoot was grueling, with long hours, and I didn't expect him to be glued to his phone. But still... today was the first night of my tour, something I'd worked so hard for, and I couldn't shake the feeling that I needed to hear his voice. A little reassurance would go a long way right now.

"Jade, you good?"

I looked up, startled, to find Harry leaning against the doorway of my dressing room, his casual smile grounding me. He had a way of making everything feel lighter, like the world wasn't as heavy as it seemed in my mind.

"I'm good," I said, though I wasn't sure I believed myself. "Just... nervous. You?"

Harry crossed the room and sat beside me on the plush couch, his hand resting casually on my shoulder. "A little nervous, yeah," he admitted, his voice soft, his British accent comforting as always. "But we've been rehearsing for weeks, Jade. You're going to crush it. We are going to crush it."

I smiled, feeling the tiniest bit of tension ease from my chest. "I know. I just—"

"Overthinking?" Harry interrupted, raising an eyebrow playfully.

I sighed, nodding. "Maybe a little."

"Well, stop." He nudged me gently. "We're going to go out there, have the time of our lives, and your fans are going to lose their minds. You've got this."

I appreciated his words, I really did, but there was still something gnawing at the back of my mind. Maybe it was the fact that Nick hadn't called. Or maybe it was just the magnitude of what tonight represented. Either way, I didn't feel settled.

Harry must've noticed my silence because he stood up and, without warning, pulled me into a big hug. It took me by surprise, but I quickly hugged him back, appreciating the intoxicating smell of his cologne. His warmth surrounded me, and for a moment, the world felt lighter.

"Look, I'll be with you on stage for most of the night," he said softly, his chin resting on top of my head. "If you need anything, just give me a look, and we'll get through it together, alright?"

I nodded, my head still pressed against his chest. "Thanks, Harry. Seriously."

He pulled back, giving me that signature grin—the one that always made my mood shift for the better. "Don't mention it. I'll see you in a bit."

Before he could leave, we heard a voice from the doorframe.

"I caught the picture!" came Katy's sing-song voice, one of the dancers from our crew. She stood there, grinning mischievously, her phone held up with a perfect snapshot of Harry and me mid-hug.

My eyes widened, and I couldn't help but laugh. "Katy, really?"

She shrugged with a playful wink, waving the phone in the air. "Oh, don't worry, I'll make sure it goes viral. You two look way too cute."

Harry chuckled beside me, leaning closer to whisper, "Guess we're the next big headline, love."

I rolled my eyes, trying to shake off the blush creeping up my neck. "As if the tabloids needed more fuel."