The evening hummed electric — a thousand flashes, a thousand voices, all crashing into one brilliant, thunderous instant.
Kai was at the forefront of the big stage, lights bleeding gold and white across his features, the heavy award nestled in his palms.
Best Artist. Billboard Music Awards.
Best Group. World Music Awards.
Neon-Hype's name screamed from every screen. The cheers were deafening.
Ash threw his arms around Kai's shoulders, nearly knocking the trophy loose, while East and Mick laughed breathlessly beside them, fists raised high.
Kai smiled, he had to smile — the cameras demanded it, the crowd demanded it.
It was supposed to be the happiest night of his life.
And yet—
In the middle of that glittering chaos, his eyes caught something.
Someone.
Frozen.
Everything else blurred out.
Standing half in the shadow of the far wings, not daring to step into the light —
was Noah.