Between Strings and Sparks

Chapter 2 - "After the Echo"

The dressing room was too quiet - almost unreal after the chaos of the show. The low lights reflected on the metal of the guitars, creating long shadows that moved when you breathed.

Jack was still holding his hand. As if I was afraid that you would just disappear.

"You got so close," he said, his voice low, loaded with something you hadn't named yet. "For a second I thought I was going to kiss you right there."

"And why didn't you kiss?"

Jack laughed - that short, nervous, genuine laugh.

"Because I wanted to make sure you weren't leaving."

He let go of his waist slowly, just to be able to touch his cheek with his fingertips. His hand had a restless warmth, as if the stage itself was still vibrating there.

"Now I am," you said, bringing your face a little closer. "Here."

The smile he gave was soft, almost grateful.

"So can I do what I've been imagining since the moment I saw you?"

You bit your lip.

"You can."

Jack pulled you by the waist with a confidence that didn't need strength - just intention. He guided you to the wall next to the light bench, but he didn't arrest you. It was close enough to feel you, far enough to wait for an answer.

And when you touched his chest, his breathing changed.

He tilted his face and kissed you.

Not fast. Not urgent.

But deep. The kind of kiss that carries unspoken things, that asks without words if you feel that too. The kind of kiss that burns slowly, beautifully, like a lit cigarette in the dark.

His hands went up to hold his face, his fingers spreading through his hair.

"I should be resting," he murmured against his mouth, laughing softly.

"But you showed up and destroyed any plan."

You held the collar of his T-shirt, pulling him for another kiss - firmer this time. He laughed again, that laugh that only appears when someone is completely surrendered.

Then, suddenly, Jack leaned his forehead against his, breathing heavily, as if he was fighting against his own impulse.

"Hey," he said, the most serious voice. "I don't want this to seem like just... post-show adrenaline."

He ran his thumb over your cheek, too delicate for someone so chaotic.

"I really liked you."

"I noticed," you replied, smiling.

He smiled too, almost relieved.

"So let me take you somewhere later? Nothing crazy. Just... me, you, and silence. We talk about life, or stay silent. Anything that keeps you close."

The way he looked at you was so direct that it almost dismantled his breath.

"Do you always talk like that?" You asked.

"Only when it's worth it," Jack replied.

"And you, Aria... it is worth it."

Before you could answer, someone knocked on the door:

"Jack! We need to review the instruments!"

He closed his eyes, clearly annoyed for missing the moment.

But when he opened, he looked at you as if he had made a decision.

"I'll finish this quickly," he said, taking his hand and taking it to his lips, like a secret touch.

"Don't go away. Please."

He left, but not without looking back one last time, his smile saying everything that words couldn't.

And you stood there, feeling the taste of the kiss, the warmth of his hands, and the strange - and dangerous - feeling that it was just the beginning.