The Art of What-If: A Drabble Collection

with you (KS)

"I think we should focus more on 'The Door, the Weather, and a Good Day' as a preface to what comes next, you know? With the first two solo songs, I can enter the first batch of guests. That's still the plan right?"

"Yeah, Krist," the stage director replied, going back to his notes and proceeding to talk with the lighting director, reiterating the plan that was forming.

He felt a tap on his shoulder, and he turned to see New looking at him with a little concern, "Hey, we're in the last stages of prep, right? Are you sure you're okay?"

"Yeah... yeah I'll be fine. Thanks," Krist smiled weakly at him. He was currently sitting on an uncomfortable black leather couch that was getting on his nerves with every squeak. His mind was in overdrive and he had to think about this.

New left and he could see Tay also looking at him and sent him a look to which Krist waved off and did the same thing he did with New. This is something he should also focus on not getting people to worry about him.

The last thing Krist wants is to be a burden on other people especially since they've already done so much for him, it's the least he could do.

His foot was subtly continuously tapping on a rhythm he had practiced for their new rendition of 'You're so Beautiful' and he had to nail it because it had a new kind of beat that he can't miss.

His eyes were a little red and his vision was blurry. He had to wear glasses to keep his vision clear. It's less than a week before the show and he's literally counting down the hours.

He barely gets enough time to rehearse, and especially get all of the guests present, considering their schedules. In all honesty, Krist is starting to hate coffee.

For the past week, he's been drinking coffee nonstop and it's messing up his anxiety and functioning but it's the only thing that can keep him awake for more than 18 hours a day.

Even if he's at home, laying on his bed, he still can't sleep because he's too busy thinking about his mistakes, or his soon-to-be fuck-ups the next day.

He knows what he needs, but he can't bring himself to actually address it.

Krist looked up and saw someone offering him a small cup of iced coffee. That was the last thing he needed and at the same time, the thing he needed most, and he was thankful it was more milk than coffee this time. God forbid he drank another one of those Americano drinks.

He smiled at Gawin, taking the coffee and putting it on the side table after taking a sip, murmuring, "Thank you."

"You're welcome. Don't be too hard on yourself, okay? Just call us if you need us. Group rehearsals are in 30 minutes, so take the time to relax," Gawin says, patting him on the shoulder and going to Tay and New, who had called him to check out a new game they were trying out.

Krist smiled and nodded. Briefly glancing at the couple who called Gawin and chuckling at their antics.

Krist sat back on the seat, grimacing as he heard the annoying squeak again and tried to ignore it as best as he could as he went on his iPad scratch notes, trying to piece out the program and finally figure out how to finish it and make it complete.

He had heard the door open and close once more, and was a little startled as a hand firmly ruffled his head of messy hair, "Krist! Man, relax a little. Sometimes you scare me with those glasses of yours."

"Papii, stop disturbing him. Krist, watch yourself, okay? You should rest for a bit. Your eyebrows are scrunched, and even Papii notices that. Do you want some water?"

Krist shakes his head but smiles anyway. He loved seeing these two, and even for a second, his thoughts relaxed.

He warmly thanks them as they join the group on the far side of the rehearsal room.