Love Like The Galaxy

Backstage Whispers

The backstage area was so different to the electrifying energy of the concert. Empty water bottles littered the floor, discarded instruments lay in cases, and the air hummed with the fading loudness of the music. The band members, exhausted but exhilarated, collapsed onto couches and chairs, relishing the quiet.

Williams, the drummer who had earlier voiced his dramatic sigh, broke the silence. "Bro, how could you just change the song midway like that?" he asked, his voice laced with a hint of accusation. "We practised 'Phoenix Rising' for weeks, and you just… switched it up?"

Oliver, the bassist, chuckled. "Come on, Will, why are you speaking as if you don't know him?" He shot a knowing glance at Maxwell, who was leaning against a wall, a subtle smile playing on his lips. "It seems a new girl's heart is about to be broken," Oliver added with a dramatic sigh.

Maxwell, feigning innocence, shrugged. "What can I say? I felt like changing the atmosphere a bit. The song just… came to me."

He carefully avoided their eyes, hiding the real reason behind his impulsive decision. He couldn't exactly tell his bandmates that he had been struck by a woman in the crowd, her startled eyes and shy smile sparking a melody in his soul. That would open a floodgate of teasing he wasn't quite ready for.

Williams grumbled something about unprofessionalism and the importance of sticking to the setlist, but the fire in his complaint had fizzled out. They all knew Maxwell; his impulsive nature was part of his charm, and his musical instincts were rarely wrong. Besides, the crowd had loved the impromptu song, their enthusiastic response proof enough of its success.

Oliver, however, wasn't letting it go that easily. He raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk on his face. "Just 'changing the atmosphere', huh? Sure, Max. We all believe that." He leaned closer, lowering his voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "So, who is she? The mystery muse who inspired this sudden burst of creativity?"

Maxwell, feeling the heat of a blush creeping up his neck, feigned indifference. "No one special. Just someone in the crowd."

But his bandmates weren't convinced. They knew him too well. There was a spark in his eyes, a hint of something deeper that he was trying to hide. They exchanged knowing glances, a silent agreement to let him keep his secrets, for now. They had a feeling this was just the beginning of an interesting story.

"Well, this New Year has certainly started with a bang," Oliver remarked, leaning back with a satisfied sigh. "A surprise concert, an impromptu song, and now..." he paused, his eyes twinkling, "a potential love story unfolding before our very eyes. What more could we ask for?"

Williams, ever the cynic, scoffed. "A new year, maybe, but Maxwell's still up to his old tricks. Starting the year by breaking someone's heart, as usual."

Maxwell rolled his eyes, a good-natured grin spreading across his face. "Give me a break, Will. It's not like that."

Their playful banter was interrupted by the arrival of their manager, Tom, his usually jovial face etched with concern. "Guys, I have some bad news. Our flight's been cancelled."

A collective groan echoed through the room.

"What? Why?" Williams demanded, his voice rising in alarm.

"Weather," Tom explained, running a hand through his already dishevelled hair. "Apparently, a blizzard's rolling in, and they've grounded all flights out of here until it passes."

Maxwell, surprisingly calm, shrugged. "Okay, that's fine. We can just reschedule."

Williams, however, was not as accepting. "Fine? Fine? Max, we have a tour schedule to keep! Everything's arranged, the venues, the promotions… this throws everything off!"

Tom held up his hands in a placating gesture. "I know, Will, I know. I'm already working on it. We'll find another flight, or maybe even drive to the next city if we have to. But for now, we're stuck here."

The news hung heavy in the air, the excitement of the concert fading under the weight of logistical complications. Maxwell, however, found himself strangely unfazed by the unexpected delay. Perhaps it was the lingering magic of the concert, or maybe the thought of a certain woman with startled eyes and a shy smile. Whatever the reason, he couldn't help but feel that this unexpected turn of events might not be so bad after all. He had a feeling this New Year held more surprises in store, and he was strangely eager to see what they might be.

The walk back home was great with youthful chatter. Mia, Emily, and Henry recounted their favourite moments of the concert, their voices buzzing with excitement.

"Did you see Maxwell wink at the drummer? I think he messed up the solo!" Henry exclaimed, his laughter echoing in the crisp night air.

"And that guitar riff! It was epic!" Emily added, mimicking an air guitar with exaggerated flair.

Mia, her eyes sparkling, turned to her mother. "Mom, wasn't it amazing? I can't believe you actually danced!"

Sora, a warm glow spreading through her, smiled. "It was… surprisingly fun," she admitted, the memory of Maxwell's gaze still sending a pleasant shiver down her spine.

As they reached their doorstep, Mia and Sora bid farewell to her friends, promising to share details and gossip on every moment of the concert later. The door closed behind them, sealing them in the warmth and quiet of their home.

Mia, with a dramatic groan, collapsed onto the living room couch. "I'm exhausted!" she declared, kicking off her shoes. "But it was totally worth it. Best. Concert. Ever."

Sora chuckled, watching her daughter with a fond smile. "I'm glad you had fun, sweetheart. It seems like I even enjoyed it more than I expected."

"I told you!" Mia said, her voice muffled by a cushion. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to have a long, hot bath and dream of Maxwell."

She disappeared down the hallway, leaving Sora alone in the quiet living room. The lingering energy of the concert still hummed in the air, a stark contrast to the peaceful silence of her home. Sora sank into an armchair, a contented sigh escaping her lips.

As she closed her eyes, replaying the events of the evening, Sora couldn't help but wonder what other surprises this new year held in store. And for the first time in a long time, she felt a flutter of anticipation, a sense of possibility that warmed her from the inside out.