The Kings: A Band's Tale

Doncaster's Concert [13]

It was the evening of the concert, and the backstage area buzzed with last-minute preparations. The dimly lit corridor behind the stage was crowded with sound technicians rushing to and fro, fine-tuning instruments and checking equipment. The band members of The Kings stood near their respective instruments, adjusting and re-checking gear, but there was an air of calm beneath the noise-a sense of anticipation.

Uno Winter stood in front of a tall backstage mirror, adjusting the cuffs of his navy blue blazer. He'd already run through the set list twice in his head, and although he looked composed, a slight nervous energy simmered beneath his confident demeanor.

Denise Star approached him quietly, holding a small lint roller in her hand. "You look fine, Uno," she said softly, brushing some imaginary dust from his shoulder. "But you know you're going to drive yourself mad if you keep fiddling with that."

Uno exhaled deeply, managing a small chuckle. "Just trying to look the part, Dee. I can't have a song about kings without dressing like one."

She raised an eyebrow, the corner of her lips curling into a knowing smile. "You've been practicing all week. Trust me, you already have the look down."

Uno took a deep breath and adjusted his tie absentmindedly, though it didn't really need it. Denise stepped closer, nudging his hands away gently. "Here, let me," she offered.

Uno, sensing her closeness, let his hands drop to his sides. "Thanks, Denise," he murmured, his voice dropping an octave as he glanced away.

With practiced fingers, Denise straightened his navy blue tie and smoothed the front of his vest. Her hands moved with a delicate care, as if this small act were part of her own routine-a way to calm him, to help him focus.

"Is it alright?" Uno asked, his voice quiet.

Denise nodded, but her hands didn't stop. She adjusted his blazer, making sure it fit just right on his broad shoulders. Her fingers lingered for a moment, and she let out a small sigh before speaking again. "Uno," she said softly, her eyes meeting his in the mirror. "Promise me you won't overthink tonight."

Uno's expression softened at her words. "I'll try," he replied. He glanced at her reflection and saw her watching him intently, her yellow eyes full of warmth and concern. "You always know how to keep me in check, don't you?"

"It's what I do," Denise replied with a small grin, patting the lapel of his blazer one last time. Then, with a bit of hesitation, she let her hand fall, and her smile faded into something more thoughtful.

Uno, sensing a shift, turned to face her fully. "Denise?" he asked quietly, tilting his head.

She took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. "If you do well tonight," she began, her tone casual despite the hint of nervousness in her voice, "I'll get you a new necktie. A blue one."

Uno's eyebrows lifted, and a slow grin crept across his face. "A new blue tie, huh? And what if I mess up?"

Denise chuckled softly. "You won't. But if you do, well... I'll still get you one," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Uno's smile grew, and he leaned in slightly, his voice low. "What's the occasion? Or is it just an excuse to spoil me?"

Denise felt her cheeks warming but held his gaze. "Maybe both," she replied, her tone teasing but sincere.

Uno leaned back, his blue eyes twinkling with mischief. "Then I guess I'd better make sure tonight goes perfectly, or else I'll miss out on a new tie."

Denise smirked, the playful glint in her eyes reflecting his. "Exactly. But remember," she added, her voice firm but kind, "don't push yourself too hard out there. Just enjoy it."