The tour was a roaring success. City after city, stage after stage, Liam Chase gave the crowds exactly what they had come for a performance they would never forget,word of his arrival sent waves of excitement across towns, tickets selling out faster than ever. Fans screamed his name, sang his songs word for word, and left venues with memories they'd treasure for life.
Liam should've been on top of the world, yet something always tugged at his heart. Nova.
The crew noticed his quiet moments between shows, when the laughter faded and he sat alone, staring at his phone. Nova wasn't with them on this tour and even if she wasn't there speaking to him at the moment, Liam found himself checking her social media, liking the pictures she posted without a second thought. Her absence was like a shadow that followed him no matter how bright the lights on stage shone.
It was during a brief stop before they reached Nova's home city, where she was born and studied, that Liam received a text from Eva.
"Good luck tonight, Liam, you're going to crush it, as always."
A small smile tugged at his lips. "Thanks, Eva, appreciate that."
Their conversation carried on for a while, nothing heavy, just light banter. It was easy, and he was grateful for that, but his thoughts quickly returned to Nova.
When they arrived in her city, something changed in him. The place felt familiar even though he'd never been there before, he imagined her walking these streets, laughing with friends, living her life before he ever knew her, it made him miss her even more, he knew he had to do something.
So he wrote her a song.
Liam poured every ounce of what he felt into it, his longing, the moment that started it all, the way her presence had changed everything.
As his final song of the set faded out and the crowd erupted in cheers, Liam stepped forward, gripping the mic. He smiled at the sea of faces, his usual confident charm lighting up his expression.
"Alright, alright," he said, his voice smooth and teasing.
The crowd roared louder, already anticipating what he'd say next.
"You know, I always say this at every show, but tonight I need you to listen carefully… I prepared something... for someone I know." His tone softened, though the smile didn't leave his lips.
The fans quieted, hanging onto his words.
"She's from this city, she's not here tonight, but I hope…" he paused, looking out into the crowd, "I hope she gets the message and girls... you don't mind me singing for her, do you?"
The crowd screamed, a mixture of playful boos and excited shouts.
"Come on, you know you're all my girls, right?" he added with a cheeky grin, making the fans swoon and scream even louder. "But tonight, I need to sing this one for her."
The cheers gradually quieted as the melody began to play. Liam adjusted the mic, his heart pounding harder than it ever had before a performance.
Liam's voice filled the stadium, his words dripping with raw emotion. To the crowd, it was a beautiful and mysterious love song, but for Liam, it was as personal as it got, As the last notes faded, the arena exploded with cheers, fans chanting his name. Liam closed his eyes for a moment, letting it all wash over him.
Back in her apartment, Nova had been watching the livestream, her hand frozen on her mug. She stared at the screen, Liam's words still ringing in her ears, her smile was soft, her cheeks warm.
After Liam's performance, his phone buzzed, he grabbed it eagerly, seeing Nova's name flash on the screen, with a grin, he swiped to answer.
"Nova," he greeted, his voice still slightly breathless from the stage. "Calling to congratulate me?"
"Wow, bro, you've got some serious nerves," she said, a laugh in her voice.
"Yeah, sometimes," he admitted. "But you don't know what was happening to me up there, I was out of everything breath, mind, voice... I mean, everything… It was like my first time singing"
Nova chuckled. "But still, it was good… I mean, everything you do is good... How in the world do you do that, Liam?"
He leaned back, smirking. "You made me do it."
Her tone shifted, curious but playful. "What now? How am I involved in this?"
"Don't play with me, Nova," he said, his voice dipping into something softer, more serious. "I sang for you... and you know it, don't make me get there and show you by actions that it was meant for you, okay?"
Nova's lips curled into a smile. "Oh yeah? And how exactly would you do that?" she teased.
Liam laughed, shaking his head. "Are you testing me now? Are you trying to make sure you don't sleep tonight?"
"And why shouldn't I sleep?" she asked, her tone challenging.
"Because if I explain what I'd do to you to make you understand, you'll think about me all night," he said smoothly. "Even if you do sleep, you'll end up dreaming about me."
Nova raised an eyebrow, though her heart raced. "Oh, really? And what exactly would I dream about?"
Liam leaned against the wall, his grin widening. "I can't give you all the details now, can I? Gotta leave something for the imagination, but trust me, it would be a dream you wouldn't want to wake up from."
Nova laughed, trying to keep her composure. "You're so full of yourself, Liam."
"Maybe," he admitted, his voice light but still carrying that edge of mischief. "But tell me, am I wrong? I bet you're already thinking about me now, aren't you?"
"In your dreams, Liam," she countered.
"Funny you say that," he shot back. "Because I was about to tell you I've already been in yours, don't even deny it, Nova, I can tell."
Nova rolled her eyes, but her laughter gave her away. "You're ridiculous."
"And you love it," Liam replied confidently.
There was a pause, a moment of silence that felt heavier than the rest.
"You know," Nova said finally, her voice softer now, "you're not as clever as you think you are."
Liam chuckled. "Maybe not, but if it gets you to call me and laugh like this, I don't mind."
Nova smiled, shaking her head even though he couldn't see her. "Goodnight, Liam."
"Goodnight, Nova... Don't stay up too late thinking about me, alright?"
"Don't push your luck," she replied, hanging up before he could say anything else.
Liam stared at his phone for a moment, smiling to himself. She might not admit it, but he knew he was getting to her and that was enough for now.
*****
Finally Liam and has crew came back from the tour and they decided to celebrate the success. The venue buzzed with excitement as the crew, friends, and special guests gathered to celebrate Liam Chase's triumphant tour and his birthday.
The space was decorated with strings of lights, banners with "Happy Birthday Liam!" and "Tour of the Year!" in bold letters, and a massive stage for impromptu performances. Music played in the background, laughter filled the air, and the clinking of glasses signaled the start of a night to remember.
Liam entered the room to thunderous applause and cheers, his grin widened when he saw the faces of people who had been with him through every step of the journey.
"Alright, alright, save the screaming for the next show!" Liam joked, raising his hands to quiet the crowd. "But seriously, thank you all for being here, tonight's not just about me, it's about all of us... We killed it on this tour, and I couldn't have done it without every single one of you."
More cheers erupted, and someone shouted, "Speech!"
Liam laughed. "That was the speech, now let's party!"
The DJ cranked up the music, and the celebration began in earnest. The dance floor filled quickly, with people swaying and laughing.
Liam made his rounds, clinking glasses with his band members, hugging crew members, and chatting with guests.
As the evening progressed, a large birthday cake was wheeled out. It was an extravagant creation shaped like a guitar, complete with edible strings and a microphone stand made of fondant.
The crowd gathered around, chanting, "Speech! Speech!"
Liam held up his glass, grinning. "Alright, you guys won't let me off the hook, will you? Fine. Here it goes."
He cleared his throat dramatically. "First, I want to say thank you to this amazing crew for making the tour a massive success… You've all worked so hard, and I'm lucky to have you on my team. Second…" His eyes scanned the crowd as if looking for someone. "…thanks to everyone who came here tonight. This is more than just a party; it's a celebration of how far we've come together and third…" He smirked. "…I'm officially older, wiser, and definitely cooler than I was yesterday."
Everyone laughed and clapped as Liam leaned over to blow out the candles on his cake. After the cake was cut, Liam took a moment to himself, stepping away from the lively crowd.
He wandered toward the balcony, seeking some solitude and a chance to unwind. The noise of the party faded as he sipped his drink, taking in the breathtaking view of the city lights below.
"Finally hiding from your own party?" a familiar voice teased from behind him.
Liam turned, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips as Nova approached. She was glowing, dressed in a simple yet elegant dress, her hair falling in loose curls around her shoulders. The sight of her sent a warmth spreading through him, and he couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of relief that she was there with him.
"I wasn't hiding," Liam replied, his voice playful. "Just taking a breather, It's been a crazy night."
"Crazy good," Nova said, smiling softly. "The party's amazing, you deserve it, Liam, the tour was a huge success."
He looked at her for a long moment, his smile softening, there was something about her presence that grounded him, that made everything feel right.
"Thanks, Nova, means a lot coming from you."
"Well, I'm just here to remind you not to get a big head about it," she teased, nudging him gently with her elbow.
Liam chuckled, shaking his head. "Too late for that, don't you think?"
She laughed, her eyes sparkling with amusement as she leaned against the railing beside him.
"So," Nova began after a moment, her voice softer now. "Any big birthday wishes this year?"
Liam shrugged, his eyes flicking to her with that familiar mischievous glint. "Not really, I've got everything I need right here."
Nova met his gaze, her heart fluttering at his words. For a brief second, it felt like time stood still.