Lucy, who usually hated being awaken by anyone in the morning, blinked at him, still half-asleep. “Wh—what?” She rubbed her eyes, trying to process. “Wait. Don’t tell me you mean the UMAs? ” She suddenly sat up, eyes wide. “Of course I’m coming! No way you’re leaving me behind.”

She’d once worked as a receptionist at Head South Records, and the UMAs were a golden opportunity to catch up with artists she knew well—like the girls from Mother of Tigers or Voodoo Dolls.

Then, mid-excitement, she realized something. Cameron was standing completely naked.

Lucy raised an eyebrow, smirking. “Okay, rockstar. Maybe, just maybe, your penis should get dressed before we talk about the biggest night in music?”

Lucy replied instantly, "I'll go for an outrageously cool, casual look. I'm not the type to wear cocktail dresses." She laughed with self derision
"Sometimes I feel so tired of being sexy...and what about you? What will you wear?"

It’s one of those usual nights among friends—aperitifs with drinks, chats, and laughter. But tonight, something feels different. There’s something in David’s eyes and in Rose’s too. They look happy, like two kids waiting for Santa Claus to come down the chimney and bring them gifts. There’s a bit of Christmas in their eyes.

David is holding an orange drink and smiling broadly, staring at his phone and showing a message to Rose.
“Oh yes! Finally…”

Rose claps with joy.
“I didn’t expect it, after all this time. I’m so happy.”

The two seem ready to celebrate some important news...

It’s been a while since that experience at the CBB with Adam. What a coincidence to see him again tonight, of all nights—when David is celebrating with Rose something that might bring the two of them, and the other colleagues, back to the old days.

David believes in destiny, and Rose even more so ever since she became passionate about esotericism and Eastern philosophies.

They both smile at the two guys; David gives Adam a friendly nod. Very amicable, peaceful. No more war—or at least, that’s what David had tattooed on his arm, his peace symbol now inked onto his shoulder.

He’s matured; he's no longer the type to throw himself into the spotlight. Now, he prefers to create those scenes through the stories he’s been working on in the nerd world.

“That’s Adam… It’s a sign, Dave…”
Rose whispers to her friend, eyes wide with surprise. One coincidence after another. Maybe it’s time for another toast.

David smiles, nods, and takes a sip of his orange drink. He throws another glance in Adam’s direction.

Edited by user 07 May 2025 08:53:39(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

Tonight the bar is a bit crowded, the overlapping voices becoming a background noise that drowns out the radio song—“Get Off” by Layla.

David smiles at Adam. Why hold a grudge? Time has passed. His uncle Den has completely changed his life now with his daughter Britney—maybe, every now and then, he even hears from Adam in a civil, even affectionate way. David doesn’t know for sure, but he suspects it.

“You two would've killed each other on that show, and yet here you are, greeting each other so calmly. Time heals, David,” Rose says with a smile, then sips from her straw, her gaze lively and affectionate.

The shy girl who used to be afraid of putting herself out there has grown into a confident woman, though still gentle and kind.

Some people are singing karaoke, laughing and having fun. David and Rose decide to walk over out of curiosity—but maybe David is more intrigued by the Black brothers…

David stops just a few steps away from the Black brothers’ table. His gaze meets Adam’s for a moment, then shifts to Elyar with a faint smile—the kind that says, “This karaoke sounds rough.”

Rose seems to follow the strangers’ performance with more kindness, despite the heavy off-key singing. It’s hard not to laugh, but she would never want to make anyone feel embarrassed.

“They should see our old vocal coach from back in the day—he helped me… a little, at least,” David says with self-deprecating humor, probably loud enough for the Black brothers to hear as he turns to look at them with another smile.

David takes a sip and smiles. “We’re Just here... celebrating . We just got news that the Jollies—our group—will be back in action in the coming months. We’ve got new management and a whole work plan coming up soon.”

“Yeah, we’re coming back. All five of us together—it wasn’t easy. Almost a miracle.”

Rose looks emotional, and David gently places a hand on her shoulder with affection. He seems genuinely happy to be there with his friend, ready to start this new adventure together.

Rose thanks them with a gentle smile for the congratulations. David seems genuinely excited about the idea of getting back together with his group.

Then Adam mentions Spoons, and a nervous but contained laugh escapes from David. That name brings back so many memories.

“It’s been so long. Wow. I haven’t heard from him since… After him, I think I kind of took a break from certain things.”

David chuckles again and starts swirling the ice in his drink before finishing it.

David chuckles, trying to break the ice.

“What a nice ending you and I got after all, Adam.”

He smiles again, then continues.
“Lately I’ve been focusing on other things. I’ve discovered parts of myself I used to keep locked away. New passions… Anyway, what about you guys? What brings you here tonight?”

“Aw, come on—we’ll keep you company,” Rose says reassuringly.

“Yeah, let’s give Elyar his moment of glory.” David winks at Elyar.
“He’s looking stunning today, he’s bound to charm someone.”

“…Which means we’ll have to keep you company, Adam.”