Chapter Text
Prologue
Caitlyn stood backstage, the hum of the crowd vibrating through the walls. She gently ran her fingers over the strings of her bass guitar, anticipation building in her stomach. The blue lights of the venue created long shadows, but she could feel the energy building, a powerful force that pulled her forward.
As the band took their places, she too stepped into the stage. The warmth of the lights wrapped around her, feeling like an embrace. She glanced at her bandmates; their familiar faces even covered with masks grounding her in this moment. With a deep breath, she struck the first note.
The vibration from the strings traveled up through her fingers, into her arms, and settled in her chest. It was a pulse that matched her heartbeat, steady and strong. The sound filled the space around her, pushing out everything else. No thoughts of her mother Cassandra's stern gaze or Piltover's rigid expectations intruded here. On stage, she wasn't Caitlyn Kiramman. She was Novi Pulse.
Her fingers moved with practiced precision; each note a declaration of freedom. The audience responded with cheers and applause, but it was the music that mattered most to her. It was an unspoken language where she could express what words couldn't capture.
She closed her eyes for a moment, letting herself get lost in the rhythm. The bassline thrummed through her body, grounding her in this alternate reality where she controlled every beat and pause. Her bandmates followed her lead seamlessly, even the drummer; they were more than a team—they were a family she had chosen for herself.
Opening her eyes, Caitlyn saw faces lit with excitement and joy. These were people who saw Novi Pulse for who she truly was: confident, unrestrained, alive. She fed off their energy, letting it fuel her performance.
Each pluck of the bass string was an act of defiance against the life laid out for her by Cassandra. No legacy to uphold. Just pure expression and unfiltered emotion.
As the song reached its crescendo, Caitlyn felt a rush of exhilaration. This was where she belonged—under the lights, surrounded by music and people who understood this part of her life. The final note of the song lingered in the air before dissolving into applause that roared like waves until the next song started.
Even though only the singer and their background choir used the microphone, Caitlyn connected with the crowd. Her performance was met with an electrifying energy from the crowd. She gave as much energy back; each note a conduit for her emotions. She felt alive, every fiber of her being in sync with her band members.
Their communication was wordless, relying on body language and eye contact. With their masks on, expressions were hidden, but a slight tilt of the head or a nod conveyed everything they needed. A shared glance with the drummer signaled a shift in tempo; a subtle movement from the guitarist meant an upcoming solo. They moved as one entity; bound by the music and the connection they had forged over countless rehearsals and performances.
They never repeated a show. Each performance was unique, often incorporating new elements. Sometimes they improvised, other times they responded to the energy of the audience. There was no predetermined script. If someone made a mistake or lost the rhythm momentarily, the other band members would adjust and compensate. Caitlyn welcomed the unpredictability, and the crowd couldn't get enough of it.
Sweat trickled down Caitlyn’s neck, but she didn't care. Her hair, hidden beneath the hood of her cloak, clung to her skin. In any other setting, this would have been unacceptable. Her mother would insist on perfection—every hair in place, every piece of clothing immaculate. But here, in this moment, those rules didn't apply.
She could feel her heart pounding in her chest, matching the beat of the music. The cloak felt heavy against her shoulders, but it was a small price to pay for this freedom.
The crowd's cheers grew louder with each passing moment, their energy feeding into hers. She met their enthusiasm with every ounce of passion she had. Words were not needed to establish the bond between them.
The sweat continued to drip down her back and forehead, mingling with the adrenaline that surged through her veins. She could feel it soaking into the fabric of her cloak and pooling at the base of her spine. Her fingers danced over the strings with precision born from years of practice and a lifetime of yearning for this kind of release.
For these precious minutes under the lights, Caitlyn wasn't concerned with how she looked or what society expected. She was Novi Pulse—a force of raw emotion fueled by heavy music. The weight of Piltover's high society couldn't touch her here; she was untethered. This was where she truly belonged—even if only for a fleeting moment.
As Caitlyn stood onstage, wearing her silver mask, she felt a deep sense of freedom. The mask, with its gleaming surface and intricate cosmic-themed design, wasn't something to hide behind, but rather a way for her to express her true self.
The music continued. She moved with confidence and grace, every gesture and strum of her bass guitar an expression of her unfiltered emotions. Here, behind the mask, she was Novi Pulse—fearless, vibrant, alive.
Her eyes scanned the audience, taking in the sea of faces illuminated by the stage lights. They cheered and danced, their energy feeding into hers. In this moment, there was no need for pretense or facade. The mask gave Caitlyn the freedom she needed to escape the social pressures that kept her pinned down.
Caitlyn felt the familiar rush of anticipation as the final chords of the song resonated through the venue. The audience knew what was coming next—the Cosmic Unison, a ritual that had become a cornerstone of every Aetherium Echo performance. She glanced at her bandmates, their eyes meeting hers through their masks, sharing a silent understanding with them.
She stepped forward, her silver mask catching the stage lights, casting glimmers across the crowd. Her arms rose slowly, gracefully, commanding attention without uttering a single word. The fans responded immediately, their LED sticks glowing brighter as they held them aloft. Caitlyn could feel the collective energy building, a force that made her heart race.
The crowd closed their eyes, faces upturned and palms open to the sky. Caitlyn mirrored them, her own eyes shutting as she took in the moment. The connection between her and the audience was electric, a shared experience beyond just words.
With a deep breath, she extended her arms further, signaling for everyone to inhale together. The sound of thousands drawing breath filled the air, an almost sacred harmony that sent shivers down her spine. She held them there for a heartbeat longer before letting her arms fall gently.
The collective exhale was like a wave crashing against the shore, powerful and liberating. As one, they released their breath into the universe, and with it came an overwhelming surge of energy. The music roared back to life, heavier and more intense than before.
The crowd erupted into movement as several mosh-pits formed, bodies colliding in happy chaos. Caitlyn's fingers flew over the strings of her bass guitar, each note played with a newfound intensity. She moved with the rhythm, lost in the music and the moment.
Her heart pounded in her chest, faster and harder than ever. Every nerve ending felt alive, every beat of the drum syncing with her pulse. This moment was better than anything she'd ever experienced. She would compare it to sex, but the few awkward encounters she'd had after her break-up with her ex-girlfriend, didn't even come close to the intensity of this experience.
As the final note hung in the air, Caitlyn's breathing was rapid and shallow. She could feel sweat trickling down her back but didn't care. Her smile was wide and genuine behind her mask; this was where she belonged.
The roar of applause filled her ears as she took one last look at the crowd before stepping back into the shadows with her bandmates. Her heart still raced, but it wasn't from exertion—it was from pure exhilaration.
When Caitlyn stepped off the stage, the exhilaration of the performance still thrummed through her veins. The mask she wore as Novi Pulse had become a part of her, a shield that allowed her to express herself without restraint. But as soon as she crossed the threshold into the dimly lit backstage area, the weight of her other life settled back onto her shoulders.
She could feel the invisible mask slipping back into place, one that concealed her true emotions and vulnerabilities. The transition was almost automatic, a practiced routine honed over years of living up to Piltover's expectations and her mother's demanding standards.
Her bandmates were still riding the high of their performance, exchanging silent nods and gestures of triumph. Caitlyn envied their ability to remain in the moment, to fully embrace their roles without the constant tug of another identity pulling them back. She envied their endless freedom.
Vi slumped onto her worn-out sofa, her muscles screaming for rest. The day had been brutal. After hours of giving instructions and correcting form at Iron Grip Gym, she squeezed in her own strength training. Her arms felt like lead from the relentless pull-ups and deadlifts, but she relished the burn.
The scent of popcorn filled the cramped apartment as her sister Jinx bounced around the tiny kitchen, her bright blue hair swaying with every movement.
"Come on, Vi, it'll be fun! Just this once!" Jinx' voice held a mix of excitement and desperation.
Vi cracked open a beer, taking a long sip before responding. "Can't you ask Ekko to go with you?"
Jinx' face fell. "He can't. Benzo needs him at the workshop."
A sigh escaped Vi's lips. "And Dad doesn't want you going alone, huh?"
Jinx nodded, her eyes pleading. "Please, Vi? You never do anything fun anymore."
The weight of her sister's words hung in the air. Vi rubbed her temples, feeling the exhaustion from a long day at Sevika's gym seep into her bones. "Alright, alright. Fine. I'll go."
A squeal of delight burst from Jinx as she launched herself at Vi, wrapping her in a bone-crushing hug. She jumped up and down on the sofa, nearly tipping it over.
"You're the best, Vi! I promise you'll love them!"
Vi groaned inwardly, pulling on her hair in frustration. Metal core wasn't really her thing; she preferred punk rock. But she'd do anything for Jinx.
As Vi started cleaning up the remnants of their pizza dinner, Jinx was already on the phone with Ekko. "Heyyy! Guess what? Vi's coming to the concert with me!"
Vi couldn't help but smile at the excitement in Jinx' voice. She knew how much this band meant to her sister, even if she couldn't remember much about them herself. Something about masks and cosmic energy? It all blurred together whenever Powder talked about it nonstop.
"Yeah, I know! It's gonna be awesome!" Jinx continued, practically bouncing off the walls now.
Vi shook her head, tossing empty pizza boxes into the trash. Her sister's enthusiasm was contagious, even if she didn't fully understand it.
She plopped back down on the sofa and grabbed another beer from the coffee table. "Just don't expect me to start headbanging or whatever," she muttered under her breath.
Jinx shot her a grin "We'll see!"
The following week, all Jinx could talk about was the upcoming Aetherium Echo concert. Literally. Every waking moment, she was rambling about the band's cosmic energy, their masks, their ritual. Vi had to tune out half of it just to keep her sanity.
By the time Vander invited Vi over for dinner at his small apartment above The Last Drop, where he and Jinx lived, Vi felt like she knew everything about Aetherium Echo without ever hearing a single note of their music. She climbed the creaky stairs and knocked on the door.
Vander's warm smile greeted her. "Vi! Come in, come in. Dinner's almost ready."
The scent of Vander's famous stew wafted through the air, making Vi's stomach growl. "Thanks, Pa."
She wandered into Jinx' room, bracing herself for the usual chaos. And chaos it was—fabric scraps littered the floor and bed, paints and markers scattered across every surface. But amidst the mess, something caught her eye.
Jinx held up a black tank top with neon pink letters spelling out "Aetherium Echo" on the front and intricate runes on the back. "I made this for you," she said with a grin.
Vi took it, feeling a genuine smile tug at her lips. "Damn, Pow Pow. This is... pretty awesome."
Jinx beamed. "I knew you'd love it! And check this out!" She twirled around to reveal a silver cloak adorned with cosmic scenes—stars, galaxies, planets all shimmering under the light of her room.
"Wow," Vi muttered. "You really went all out."
"Of course! It's my first Aetherium Echo concert! Gotta look the part," Jinx said with a determined nod. The cloak wasn't Vi's thing, but the black top was something she could even wear at the gym.
Dinner was a lively affair as usual. Vander ladled generous portions of stew into bowls while Jinx chattered non-stop about concert outfits.
"Vi, did you know they never do interviews? They want to stay mysterious," Jinx blabbered between bites.
Vi barely glanced up from her own bowl. "Yeah, you've mentioned it once or twice."
Jinx huffed but didn't stop. "It's so cool! They're like... cosmic superheroes or something."
"So everyone wears these cosmic-themed cloaks?" Vi asked between bites.
Jinx nodded vigorously. "Yep! It's like being part of another universe for a night."
Vander chuckled as he sipped his beer. "Sounds like quite an experience."
After dinner, Vi insisted on helping out at the bar downstairs. She loved being behind the counter—drafting beer, mixing cocktails, bantering with clients. It felt like home in a way few places did.
"Hey Vi," called out one regular as she slid him his usual drink. "Haven't seen you around much lately."
Vi shrugged with a smirk. "Been busy keeping my sister out of trouble."
The regular laughed heartily. "Good luck with that!"
As she worked, Vi couldn't help but feel a pang of excitement herself. Maybe this concert wouldn't be so bad after all.
Vi grunted as she pushed through another set of bench presses. Her muscles screamed, but she relished the burn. It was a distraction from the constant chatter about Aetherium Echo that had been filling her apartment for days. She set the barbell back on its rack and wiped the sweat from her brow, catching sight of a girl leaning against the gym wall, watching her.
"Need a spotter?" The girl asked with a sly grin, her eyes scanning Vi's muscular frame.
Vi smirked, sitting up. "Nah, I'm good. But thanks."
The girl stepped closer, clearly undeterred. "You know, you could give me some tips on how to get those arms."
Before Vi could respond, Jinx and Ekko burst through the gym doors, waving bags of grilled cheese sandwiches. Jinx' excitement was unmistakeable as she rushed over.
"Vi! We brought lunch!" Jinx exclaimed, her eyes wide with enthusiasm.
Ekko rolled his eyes but couldn't hide his grin. "Figured you'd need some fuel for tonight."
Vi chuckled, taking the bag from Jinx. "Thanks, guys." She glanced back at the girl who had been flirting with her. "Looks like lunch is here."
The girl's smile faltered slightly before she backed off with a casual wave. "Catch you later."
Vi joined Jinx and Ekko at a nearby table. They unwrapped their sandwiches and dug in.
Jinx couldn't stop talking about the concert. "Vi, you have to see their masks up close! They're so pretty!"
Ekko took a bite of his sandwich and shook his head in mock exasperation. "She's been like this all morning."
Vi laughed. "Tell me about it. Can't wait for this concert to be over so I don't have to hear about it every five minutes."
Jinx stuck out her tongue playfully but continued her enthusiastic monologue.
── ･ . ｡ﾟ☆ * ✦ * ☆ﾟ｡.･ ──
By 6 pm, Vi was back at her apartment, touching up her makeup in front of a cracked mirror. Heavy eyeliner and dark smoky eyes gave her an edge that matched her mood. She tried to comb through her messy pink hair with her fingers, sweeping her bangs to one side before slipping into her favorite ripped and faded black jeans. She pulled on the tank top Jinx made for her and completed the look with a black sports bra, heavily worn red Doc Martens, and her favorite red leather jacket.
Her phone buzzed just as she finished getting ready.
"Vi! Hurry the fuck up! The line's getting bigger!" Jinx' voice was urgent over the phone.
Vi could hear laughter and chatter in the background. She smiled despite herself. "Alright, alright! I'm on my way."
Arriving at the venue, Vi easily spotted Jinx' bright blue hair amidst the crowd. Her sister was animatedly chatting with people around her in line, clearly in her element.
Vi's heart swelled as she saw Jinx in the line, her sister's self-made cloak shimmering under the streetlights. Jinx chatted animatedly with others.
Vi looked around, noting that nearly everyone wore similar cosmic-themed outfits. It was like stepping into another world. She felt a strange mix of pride and relief. Jinx had found her people, a community where she fit perfectly.
For a moment, Vi allowed herself to bask in the happiness radiating from her sister. She might not understand the cosmic allure, but seeing Jinx this happy made it all worth it.
Jinx waved frantically when she saw Vi approaching. "Vi! Over here!"
A broad grin spread across Vi's face as she saw Jinx bantering with a guy twice her size and another slim-built boy.
"This is Claggor," Jinx introduced, pointing to the big guy who nodded with a friendly smile. "And this is Mylo," she added, gesturing to the other boy who gave a quick wave.
Jinx couldn't stand still, bouncing more than standing as they waited for the doors to open. Before long, the line began moving, and they got their tickets ready for entry into what promised to be an unforgettable night.
── ･ . ｡ﾟ☆ * ✦ * ☆ﾟ｡.･ ──
Vi and Jinx managed to push their way to the front of the stage, the crowd pressing in around them. Powder, Mylo, and Claggor stood in the middle, right in front of the lead singer. Vi, however, found herself slightly to the left, directly in front of the bassist.
The band members all wore their cloaks and masks, an ensemble that Vi had always thought was a bit ridiculous when Jinx raved about them. But now, under the pulsating lights and thundering music, she could see the appeal. The cloaks shimmered with every movement, creating an otherworldly effect that captivated the audience.
Vi scanned the stage, her eyes narrowing as she counted seven cloaked figures. A drummer, guitarist, bassist, singer, and three others in the background. Probably the choir, she thought. Their outfits shimmered under the blue and purple stage lights, cloaks and masks looking expensive and meticulously crafted. The effect was undeniably striking.
The crowd around her surged with anticipation. Vi could feel the collective energy building like a storm about to break. Her gaze returned to the bassist, whose mask gleamed under the spotlight. Despite the anonymity, something about their presence commanded attention.
The bassist gave a slight nod of their head.
As if on cue, the band exploded into their first song. The drummer's beats were thunderous yet precise. The guitarist's fingers flew across the strings, producing riffs that soared.
Vi found herself drawn to the bassist's movements. Their fingers danced over the strings with effortless precision, each note weaving seamlessly into the next. It was clear they were not just playing music; they were living it.
The crowd around Vi erupted into motion—heads banging, bodies swaying in rhythm with the music. Even Vi found herself nodding along despite her initial reluctance.
She glanced at Jinx beside her, who was lost in her own world of endless energy. Jinx' eyes were wide with awe as she watched the band perform.
The lead singer's voice cut through the air like a blade, powerful and hauntingly melodic. The three cloaked figures in the background added layers of harmony that elevated the music to another level entirely. Their voices melded perfectly with the lead singer's. Before the show, Vi always dismissed metal music as nothing but noise and screaming. Aetherium Echo proved her wrong.
Vi couldn't help but be impressed by how seamlessly everything came together—the visuals, the music, the atmosphere.
She caught herself smiling as she turned back to Jinx, who met her gaze with the biggest grin.
The lead singer and choir had microphones, but the rest of the band focused on their instruments. Vi's eyes were drawn to the bassist standing right in front of her.
"That's Novi!" Jinx screamed in her ear before turning her attention back to the lead singer.
Vi's gaze remained fixed on the cloaked figure before her. Novi's cloak sparkled under the lights with every note played, and despite the mask covering their entire face, Vi could see their eyes. They shimmered almost purple with the stage lights reflecting off them.
And then it happened—Novi looked right at her.
Vi felt heat running through her body as their eyes locked. The connection was instant. Novi’s gaze held hers for what felt like an eternity but was likely only a few seconds. It was enough to leave Vi breathless.
Novi’s eyes conveyed something indescribable—a mix of curiosity and intrigue that drew Vi in deeper than she expected. She couldn’t look away even if she wanted to.
The music swelled around them, but for Vi, everything else faded into the background. It was just her and Novi in that moment. And fuck if she wasn’t completely entranced by it all. And so so confused.
Vi couldn't tear her eyes away from Novi. The music pulsed through her, the bass resonating in her chest. She barely registered the other band members as they moved into a new formation on stage. The room seemed to shimmer with an unearthly glow.
Novi raised their hand, and the crowd responded immediately. LED sticks lit up, casting a soft, ethereal light over the sea of faces. Vi vaguely noticed Jinx, Mylo, and Claggor all holding their glowing sticks high in the air, their faces illuminated by the soft colors.
"Cosmic Unison," Jinx had called it. A ritual where everyone in the audience inhaled together, exhaling as one to release cosmic energy into the room. Vi had scoffed at the idea earlier but now found herself caught up in the moment.
Novi's fingers moved skillfully over the strings of their bass, each note sending ripples through the air. Novi orchestrated a collective breath—fans inhaling together, exhaling cosmic energy. Vi shivered.
Vi felt a strange sense of unity wash over her as she watched Novi lead the ritual.
Then, chaos erupted.
A mosh pit formed around her, bodies crashing into each other with reckless abandon. Vi stumbled as someone shoved her from behind, nearly losing her balance. The trance was broken.
She glanced around frantically, trying to find Jinx in the melee. Her sister was caught up in the frenzy but seemed to be holding her own, her glowing stick still aloft as she moved with the crowd.
Vi's instincts kicked in as she pushed back against the throng of people pressing into her from all sides. She fought to keep her footing while simultaneously searching for Mylo and Claggor amid the chaos.
Novi's gaze had shifted back to their instrument, lost in their performance once more. But that brief connection lingered in Vi's mind.
She clenched her fists and planted her feet firmly on the ground, refusing to be swept away by the crowd. This might not have been her scene originally, but she'd be damned if she let anyone ruin this for Jinx.
Caitlyn felt the familiar rush of adrenaline as she took her place on stage. The lights dimmed, and the crowd's anticipation buzzed like electricity in the air. She adjusted her silver mask, ensuring it was snug before gripping her bass guitar. This was her sanctuary, her escape from the suffocating expectations of her family.
As the first notes of their opening song reverberated through the venue, Caitlyn slipped into her cosmic persona, Novi Pulse. The stage was slightly elevated, giving her a vantage point to look down at the sea of faces. She scanned the crowd out of habit, letting the music guide her fingers across the strings.
Then she saw it—a flash of pink in a sea of dark colors. Her heart skipped a beat as she zeroed in on that unmistakable shade. Violet Lane. Vi.
Caitlyn hadn't seen Vi since they were teenagers. But she'd recognize those bright pink locks and piercing gray eyes anywhere.
A sudden wave of heat washed over her. She was grateful for the mask hiding her reaction; it allowed her to maintain her composure as Novi Pulse.
The set continued, and Caitlyn found herself searching for Vi in the crowd with every song. Her eyes met Vi's more than once, each time sending a shiver down her spine. It was like they were communicating without words, a silent exchange that left Caitlyn feeling both exhilarated and unnerved.
Despite the pounding rhythm and powerful riffs, Caitlyn's focus kept drifting back to Vi. She played flawlessly, pouring herself into each note while always seeking out that pink-haired woman in the audience.
When they finally hit their last note, Caitlyn released a deep breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. She felt shaken but didn't have time to dwell on it. The band's strict policy meant no interaction with fans—especially because everyone assumed Novi Pulse was a guy due to her masked persona, tall frame and lack of vocals.
She couldn't break character now. As much as she wanted to run down and talk to Vi, she had to maintain the illusion.
Backstage, Caitlyn pulled off her hood and mask, feeling helpless and exposed in a way she hadn't expected. She leaned against the wall, trying to steady herself as reality set back in.
Vi was out there somewhere in the crowd, but Caitlyn couldn't reach out.
Vi’s boots clattered against the damp pavement as she and Jinx left the venue, the noise of the concert still ringing in her ears. Jinx bounced alongside her, practically glowing with excitement.
“Wasn’t that the best, Vi? Aetherium Echo never disappoints!” Jinx's eyes sparkled under the streetlights.
“Yeah, it was something else,” Vi replied, her voice almost absent. The image of Novi Pulse lingered in her mind, unsettlingly vivid.
Jinx chattered on about the setlist and how she’d managed to get a glimpse of the band's gear backstage. Vi nodded along, half-listening, her thoughts tangled in the memory of Novi’s intense stage presence. She caught herself glancing at Jinx more than once, wondering if her sister could sense the shift in her mood.
They reached Vander's home, and Jinx bounded up the steps to their apartment. “Thanks for coming with me tonight, Vi. It means tons.”
“Anytime, Pow Pow,” Vi said with a smirk. She ruffled Jinx’s blue hair before heading back out into the night.
Vi strolled through the chilly streets of Zaun, her breath fogging in the icy air. The chill seeped through her jacket, but she welcomed it. She needed clarity. Her thoughts swirled like the smog above, clouding her usually sharp focus.
Romantic connections weren’t her thing. Never had been. She preferred quick flings, the kind that ended before dawn. Family and friends were enough for her, always had been. No strings, no complications. Her life was messy enough without adding love to the mix.
But tonight had thrown her off balance.
Novi Pulse. That name buzzed in her mind like a persistent mosquito. She’d felt something during the concert, a connection she couldn’t shake off. It didn’t make sense. She hadn’t even seen Novi’s face, just those intense eyes peering through the silver mask and the way they moved on stage—oozing confidence with every note played.
Vi shook her head, trying to dispel the image. It wasn’t like her to get hung up on someone she’d never met. Hell, she didn’t even know their age. What was she doing letting this stranger mess with her head?
She reached her apartment and fumbled for her keys, frustration bubbling under the surface. The door creaked open, and she stepped inside, greeted by the familiar scent of home—leather, and a hint of metal from her workout gear.
Kicking off her Doc Martens, she slumped onto the worn-out couch, staring at the ceiling. What was it about Novi that got under her skin? The confidence? The mystery? Maybe it was because Novi seemed untouchable, out of reach in a way that made Vi want to reach out anyway.
She groaned and rubbed her temples. This was ridiculous. She didn’t do love or long-term anything. Attraction? Sure, but that was easy to deal with—a night or two and then back to normal life. Without distractions.
But this? This felt different. Stronger. Ugh!
Vi closed her eyes and took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. She needed to get Novi out of her head. Maybe a workout would help clear the fog. Pushing herself off the couch, she headed for the small gym area she’d set up in the corner of the room.
As she wrapped her hands in tape and began shadowboxing, Vi couldn’t help but wonder why this time felt so different from all the others.
Tomorrow she will be helping Vander at the bar and keeping an eye on Jinx and hitting the gym, naturally. A solid workout always helps Vi maintain a clear mind.
── ･ . ｡ﾟ☆ * ✦ * ☆ﾟ｡.･ ──
Vi bolted upright, her breath coming in ragged gasps. The sheets clung to her sweat-soaked skin, and her heart pounded against her ribs. She blinked, trying to shake off the remnants of the dream that had pulled her from sleep.
Novi Pulse.
Her hands were halfway in her underwear, and she yanked them out as if burned. A flush of heat crept up her neck, spreading to her cheeks. The vivid images from the dream replayed in her mind: Novi’s fingers not dancing over the bass strings but over Vi's skin, their hips swaying with the rhythm, those eyes locking onto Vi’s with an intensity that left no room for doubt.
Vi swallowed hard, feeling a mix of embarrassment and something else. She ran a hand through her damp hair, trying to steady herself. Dreams were just dreams, right? But this one had felt so real, too real.
She swung her legs over the side of the bed and sat there for a moment, staring at the floor. What was it about Novi that had gotten under her skin? Vi wasn’t one to get hung up on fantasies or crushes. Her life was grounded in reality—solid, tangible things she could control.
But this?
She stood up and paced the room, hoping movement would clear her head. It didn’t. The memory of Novi’s touch lingered like a ghost, refusing to fade. Vi cursed under her breath, frustration bubbling to the surface. Novi's masked face hovering over her..
Maybe she did have a crush? The thought made her pause mid-step. It wasn’t like her to admit something like that, even to herself. But there it was—undeniable and persistent. Nah, it was probably just the attraction to the unknown. And masks, they can be kinda hot, right?
She sighed and plopped back down on the bed, burying her face in her hands. This was going to complicate things. She didn’t need distractions, especially not now with everything going on at the gym and at Vander’s bar. What she needed now was a cold shower.