Sound of Love

Chapter 81

Kyler's POV.

April 20, 2021 - 11pm

The final wave of confetti settles into the grooves of the stage, catching soft glints of the gold lighting still pulsing overheard. My chest is heaving just slightly from the adrenaline, my shirt clinging to my skin, my throat dry from singing and speaking, but there's this stillness now, a calm warmth washing over me.

The arena is quiet. The fans have officially made their way out, their chatter echoing faintly. But, coming onto the stage, my entire world waits.

Security guides them onto the stage. First it's Kenny, heels off and carrying them in one hand, sprinting across the stage like a little kid. She throws her arms around me before I can even take a breath.

KENDALL: "You killed it, Ky! Like—I don't even have words. That third act?" She mock-fans herself. "Goosebumps. Literally goosebumps."

Then comes Kylie with Stormi in her arms, grinning wide, proud in the quiet, steady way she always is.

KYLIE: "You did that, bubs! From your bedroom to this." She gently places Stormi down, who runs to me and gives me a hug.

STORMI: "Uncle Ky-Ky! You did it!"

I pick her up and hug her tight.

KYLER: "You think so, Storm girl?"

STORMI: Stormi nods so hard her curls bounce. "My favorite was the one about the sky!"

KYLIE: "She's talking about 'Skyline.'" Kylie grins. "She's had that one on repeat."

Soon it's chaos in the best way—Khloe and True, Kim and North and Chicago, Kourtney, Scott, Kris, and all the friends and faces I grew up around like it's a family reunion instead of a post-show cool-down.

Everyone's talking at once.

JUSTIN: "You owned that stage, bro."

FAI: "The visuals? Unreal."

HAILEY: "Act 2 was like watching you bleed on stage. You were so good!"

KELS: "You had everyone going through it. I'm so proud of you, Kyler!"

Each word hits me like a warm, overwhelming wave, and even though I'm soaking it all in, I feel my cheeks getting hot. I rub the back of my neck, smiling sheepishly.

KYLER: "You guys are embarrassing me now." I mumble, and they all laugh.

But the one constant, the one thread through all of it, is her.

Stass never leaves my side. Not once.

She's practically glued to my side, fingers rubbing my back lightly, her other hand occasionally smoothing down my shirt or brushing my hair back. Her touches are gentle, more lingering than usual.

Every time someone pulls me in for a hug or picture, her fingers tug at my shirt from the back, her arms slipping around my waist. At one point she rests her cheek between my shoulder blades while I talk to Kendall and Kels, her hands softly rubbing over my ribs, her chest rising and falling with these quiet breaths I feel more than hear.

She hasn't said much—not her usual teasing commentary or playful quips. Just smiles. Kisses on my jaw. Clinginess that's...tender. Protective. Almost reverent.

I glance down at her, brow slightly furrowed.

KYLER: "Everything okay?"

STASS: She blinks up at me. Her eyes shine under the stage lights, and she nods quickly. "Just...proud. And I missed you."