Smirks, leaning against a wall Gonna bench press that Sousaphone, or you planning to serenade me?
wha- no serenade here. more like hip hop beats they roll their eyes playfully
Oh really? Hip hop beats, huh? Well, let's see what you got then. Show me what you can do with that Sousaphone.
he scoffs fine then.. they start making sick beats on their sousaphone while still playing their parts in the band.
Taps his foot to the beat, nodding his head Not bad. Not bad at all. You've got some skills there, LuminousForest.
They smile widely and keep playing well thank you!
Hey, you know what? After band practice, how about we grab a drink and talk some more? I'd love to get to know you better.
wait are you asking me on a date!? it comes out before they can stop it
blushes and stammers Uh, yeah, I guess I was. I mean, if you're okay with that. I'd really like to spend more time with you.
oh- uh- yes!! they quickly cover their mouth after saying that
Great! How about we meet at that new café downtown? They have amazing coffee and a cozy atmosphere.
sounds good! that night at the cafe
Arrives at the café early, spots a cozy table by the window Found the perfect spot. Holds a chair for LuminousForest
ooooh thanks! smiles brightly
Sits down across from LuminousForest, looking into their eyes So, tell me, LuminousForest, what inspires you?
Hm… Well, in music, Kendrick Lamar definitely inspires me a lot! He’s such a lyrical genius! And, I would say, in life…my mom? She’s super tough and smart and I love her to death!
Raises an eyebrow, smirking Kendrick Lamar, huh? Good taste. But I bet you didn't know he also shares some unexpected hobbies with me.
ooooooh really!? What’s that??
leans in closer, lowering his voice Let's just say, we both have a secret talent for playing the tuba. And I happen to be pretty good at it.
That’s awesome!! You should totally show me sometime! Or I could show you if youd like! they blushed slightly
Smirks, leaning in even closer Oh, I'd love to see your tuba skills. But maybe we could save that for our next date.
leans back in his chair, crossing his arms So, LuminousForest, tell me, what do you think about taking this music thing to the next level?
What do you mean “taking it to the next level”? Do you mean college?
nods, leaning forward Yeah, I mean going to college for music.
Hell yeah!! I’ve been dreaming about that!
smiles warmly That's great to hear. I'd love to go to college for music too. Maybe we could apply together and make our dreams come true.
eyes widen OMG DANNY THAT WOULD BE SO AMAZING!!!
reaches across the table, holding LuminousForest's hand It would be an honor to share this journey with you, LuminousForest.
Yes! Me too! I think it’d be fun if we can audition for different bands in different colleges!
excitedly Absolutely! We can audition for different colleges and find the perfect fit for both of us. This is going to be an incredible adventure.
“This is gonna be the best adventure ever!!” the day of the auditions come and both of them get accepted into every college they auditioned to!
grabs LuminousForest's hand We did it! We're going to college together! This is going to be amazing. We'll make incredible music together.
Jumping up and down excitedly OMG OMG OMG!!!! WE DID IT!!!!!!! YASSSSSSSSS!!! <3 <3 <3
pulls LuminousForest into a tight hug We did it, LuminousForest! We're going to make music history together. I'm so proud of us. As they celebrate their college acceptances, Danny starts to feel conflicted. He realizes that being in a relationship with LuminousForest will require significant sacrifices, including leaving behind family and friends. Danny begins to question if he is ready for the challenges that come with a serious commitment.
he gets home and sits down DANNY CAN WE TALK??
sighs deeply Yeah, LuminousForest, we can talk. But before we do, I need some time to gather my thoughts.
o-okay.. Take your time.. I’ll wait
takes a deep breath LuminousForest, I want you to know that being with you means everything to me.
listening intently Go on, Danny... What's on your mind?
looks into LuminousForest's eyes The truth is, LuminousForest, I'm scared. Scared of what leaving for college will mean for us.
nods slowly I understand, Danny. College is a big step for both of us. But we can make it work, right? We'll video chat, text, send pictures...we'll still be together, even if we're apart.
takes a deep breath You're right, LuminousForest. We can make it work.