Adrian's POV
The next morning was rough. My eyes burned from staying up too late on the rooftop, recording.
When I looked in the mirror before school, dark circles stared back at me. No wonder Eleanor burst out laughing the second she saw me at my locker.
"Panda eyes!" she teased, nudging my arm. "What happened, Adrian? Did you stay up binge watching cartoons again?"
I rolled my eyes, trying to hide my yawn. "No. Just… couldn't sleep."
She grinned like she didn't believe me. "Right. Panda boy."
Before I could answer, a cheer rose from the gym down the hall. Eleanor's eyes lit up, and she grabbed my wrist. "Come on. You don't want to miss this."
We squeezed into the crowd gathering at the doors. On the court, Damien Caldwell was in his element. His jersey clung to him, showing off every muscle as he dribbled and shot with perfect aim. Girls squealed at every dunk. Guys clapped him on the back like he was their king.
I tried not to stare, but my eyes betrayed me. The way he moved… like he owned the place. Like he owned himself. I couldn't look away.
And then, just my luck, his eyes caught mine.
He smirked, bounced the ball once, then walked straight toward me.
My heart jumped into my throat.
He leaned just close enough for only me to hear. "It's you again. Like what you see, glasses?"
Heat rushed to my face. I quickly adjusted my frames, mumbling, "N-nothing."
His smirk deepened, but he turned away before I could say more.
"Ugh, he's so dreamy," Eleanor whispered beside me, fanning herself dramatically. "I swear he has main character energy."
I shook my head, forcing myself to look anywhere but Damien. "You need help."
She only laughed.
By afternoon, I was behind the counter at Bean Scene Café, tying my apron tighter. The smell of roasted coffee beans filled the air, mixing with sweet pastries in the display case.
It was usually my safe spot until the bell over the door rang and in walked Tyler and Michael.
Great.
Tyler grinned when he spotted me. "Well, well. Miller the waiter."
Michael smirked. "Don't spill the coffee, princess."
They ordered two drinks, then made sure to give me the hardest time possible.
Tyler "accidentally" knocked over the sugar jar so I'd have to clean it. Michael snapped his fingers at me like I was their servant.
When I brought their drinks, Tyler leaned back in his chair. "Careful, don't break a nail."
My jaw clenched, but I said nothing. I just wanted them to leave.
"Come on, smile for us," Michael added. "You'll scare away customers with that face."
Their laughter followed me all shift. By the time they finally walked out, I was shaking from holding everything in.
Dinner at home was quiet. Sophie scrolled through sketches on her laptop.
Claire sorted lesson plans. Mom tried to smile as she set the food on the table, but the cough gave her away.
It started soft, then racked through her chest.
"Mom, are you okay?" I asked, worry tugging at me.
She waved me off, forcing a smile. "I'm fine, sweetheart. Just a small cough."
But Sophie and Claire exchanged a look across the table. We all knew it wasn't just a small cough.
I clenched my fork, the same promise echoing in my head. One day, I'll protect them. No matter what it takes.
That night, the rooftop called to me. I climbed the fire escape with my guitar case, the city lights glittering below. Up here, it felt like the world couldn't touch me.
I slipped the black mask over my face, set the camera, and let the music pour out. Every note, every lyric carried the weight I couldn't say out loud. For a moment, it felt like I could breathe.
When the last chord faded, I uploaded the video. Fifty million subscribers. Millions waiting. They didn't know me, but they understood me.
I was Nocturne.
Or so I thought…
"Not bad," a voice said behind me.
My blood froze. I spun around, my guitar still in hand.
Damien Caldwell stood there, his hands in his pockets, eyes glinting in the dark.
My heart stopped. "W-what… how…?"
He smirked, stepping closer. "Relax. Your secret is safe with me… on one condition."
I gulped…