Slow Beat to the Rhythm

Remind Me How It Used to Be

MICHAEL HAS no clue what he will be if he didn't make it in the band. Probably still working at the restaurant, bussing tables, then eventually getting a different job. But for most of his life, particularly in his high school year, he was curious about his future.

In Cleveland, Ohio, it's a good place with a good-sized population. He's moved around a lot, but he wants to stay in one place where he'll call it home.

Being on the Boy Band show formed friendships, all-around good memories, the feeling of hope and loss, and mostly nervousness but fun. There is no regrets about participating, but Michael knows his life is totally ruined when he has a sort-of crush on his friend/band member. That's unexpected. Michael isn't like that. He isn't gay. Plus, it's more like all of them love each other like brothers. Honestly, though, there's moments that make Michael's breath be taken away.

Amazing singing.

Amazing smile.

Amazing laugh.

Amazing everything.

It's too weird to think about it. Michael admits some guys are attractive, but that's like the truth. This is different, though, from the admiration and maybe jealousy. This is a strange, tingly sort of feeling that makes him smile and get flustered. There's easily vulnerability, the fear of that person hating him or making that person upset.

Even saying the name makes Michael's pulse quicken. Chance. Chance Perez.

-

The band's vacation almost over, only two days left, set all of them to go out and do some shopping. It was totally Drew's idea. With Brooklyn being gone a day before, Chance was sad and mostly stayed by Michael's side. The younger boy could guess this was for another session of song-writing, but they mostly talked about other things.

Already LA is familiar enough for all of them, bringing back nostalgia from the Boy Band days.

Sergio takes pictures in random places, once even passing by a toy store. Michael has no clue what's up with that, but just goes with it. Obviously needing good hair, Michael spends his time in the hair section at a store. He doesn't notice someone going behind him before it's too late.

"Dude!" Michael scolds, dropping a bottle of hairspray on the ground from surprise.

"Sorry." Drew laughs, and makes no assist to pick up the fallen item. "Do you want to swim later? I saw this huge pool near a McDonalds."

Michael isn't sure if that's a good placement for a swimming pool, but nods his head. "Sure. So we're all going?"

"Yeah. Even Chance."

"Uh, why would you think Chance wouldn't come?"

"Because, you know. Sad about Brooklyn not being here. I swear, he is totally a dad. It's sweet."

"Yo, wassup!" Sergio practically leaps over to the duo, grabbing Drew's shoulders for support. "What did Conor say?"

"We're all going," Michael confirms. He doesn't like people using his real name besides for family and close friends, but Sergio usually says it randomly.

"Yes!" Sergio has a huge smile on his face. "Okay, so like, we need to plan it carefully. Make sure there's lots of girls." He notices the unamused look on Michael's face, and quickly adds, "Just kidding! Maybe not. But I don't understand what's so bad about that."

"Michael is obviously shy around the opposite sex," Drew chuckles.

The boy being teased rolls his eyes. "Please, we all know your experience with girls. 'Are you a landscape? 'Cause I wanna sketch you'!"