Soorin made her way to the front row.
Found a small table near the stage.
Perfect view.
The pub filled up a bit more.
She noticed a blonde guy near the back.
Mid-twenties. Good-looking in that clean-cut way.
He was staring at the stage.
At Maddie.
'Probably her boyfriend.'
Maddie returned to the stage.
The lights dimmed.
She adjusted her microphone.
Her eyes found the blonde guy.
Smiled at him.
He didn't smile back.
Just watched.
Something about it felt off.
But Soorin pushed the thought away.
'Not my business.'
Maddie started singing.
Another original song.
About love. Loss. Second chances.
Her voice filled the space.
Soorin got lost in it.
★☆★☆★☆
The set ended to loud applause.
Maddie took a bow.
Her eyes found the blonde guy again.
This time he stood.
Walked toward the stage.
Maddie's face lit up.
She stepped down to meet him.
Soorin watched from her table.
The guy reached into his pocket.
Pulled out a small box.
Maddie's hands flew to her mouth.
