⚠️𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐍𝐒𝐅𝐖⚠️
𝐕𝐨𝐱'𝐬 𝐏𝐎𝐕:
As we settled into Velvette's studio, the mood shifted from the hustle and bustle of the show to a more relaxed and celebratory atmosphere. Glasses clinked together as we raised them in a toast, the sparkling liquid inside catching the light.
"Here's to a damn successful show!"
Velvette declared, her voice tinged with satisfaction as she took a sip from her glass.
Valentino wasted no time in getting comfortable, casually draping an arm around my waist. I tensed up at first, caught off guard by the sudden intimacy, but Valentino's whispered reassurance in my ear urged me to relax.
"Relax, Voxxie,"
He murmured, his voice low and soothing. "We're all here to have a good time tonight."
I let out a slow breath, allowing myself to lean into his touch, the tension slowly dissipating from my shoulders. Velvette, seated beside us, observed the scene with a knowing smirk, her eyes sparkling mischievously.
We sat in companionable silence for a moment, the only sound the soft murmur of conversation and the clinking of glasses. In that moment, surrounded by the warmth and support of my friends, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude wash over me.
As the evening progressed, the atmosphere in Velvette's studio grew increasingly relaxed, the tension of the show fading into the background as we basked in the glow of our success. Glasses were refilled, laughter filled the air, and for a moment, it felt like nothing could dampen our spirits.
But as the conversation turned to more personal matters, Velvette's curious gaze settled on Valentino and me, a knowing smile playing at her lips.
"So, boys,"
She began, her tone casual yet probing.
"What's the deal between you two?"
I felt my screen flush with heat, caught off guard by the directness of her question. I stole a glance at Valentino, his features softened by the warm glow of the studio lights, his eyes betraying a vulnerability that mirrored my own. It was clear that we both felt something, something more than friendship, but the fear of admitting it aloud hung heavy in the air like a weight around our necks.
"We're just friends,"
I blurted out, the words feeling hollow on my tongue. But even as I spoke them, I knew they were a feeble attempt to deny the truth, to shield myself from the vulnerability of admitting how I truly felt.
Valentino's gaze met mine, a silent plea for understanding passing between us. I could see the conflict raging behind his eyes, the desire to speak his truth warring with the fear of rejection.
"It's complicated,"
I added, my voice barely above a whisper. And in that moment, I felt the weight of our unspoken longing pressing down on me, threatening to suffocate us both in its grasp.
Valentino nodded in agreement, his expression clouded with uncertainty.
"Yeah, I- uh, I guess you could say that,"
He murmured, his voice tinged with resignation.
As the words hung in the air between the three of us, a heavy silence settled over the room, punctuated only by the soft hum of the studio lights. I could feel the tension thickening, wrapping around us like a suffocating blanket, trapping us in a web of uncertainty.
Valentino's gaze remained fixed on mine, his eyes searching for something, anything, that would ease the ache of our unspoken desires. But as much as I wanted to give him reassurance, to offer him the comfort he sought, I couldn't bring myself to speak the words that hung on the tip of my tongue.
"You two should probably get going,"
Velvette interjected, her voice breaking the tense silence that had descended upon us.
"It's been a long day, and we all could use some rest."
