The day had felt like a careful balancing act. One wrong move, one glance too long, and someone could notice. Someone could recognize him.
Aiden slipped through the hallways with his backpack slung casually, keeping his head down. The math class with Sara had been… easier than he expected. She didn't know who he really was, and for that brief period, he could almost forget about the fame, the screaming fans, the constant pressure.
Once the last bell rang, the hallways emptied quickly. Most students rushed out, eager to leave. He stayed behind, pretending to check his schedule, scanning the quiet corridors. Relief washed over him — almost no one was left.
Alone, he made his way to the music room, that small sanctuary where the world outside couldn't reach him. The piano waited, its polished keys familiar under his fingertips. He hesitated, listening, then let himself play and sing, just for himself. The sound of his own voice — powerful, raw, unrestrained — filled the empty hallway. His anxiety eased slightly, replaced by the pure joy of music.
He closed his eyes, letting the melodies carry him away. For a few minutes, he wasn't Aiden Rivers, the cautious transfer student. He wasn't Riot Nova's lead singer, constantly chased by paparazzi and screaming fans. He was just… him.
Eventually, the notes faded, and silence returned. He ran a hand through his hair and let himself relax for the first time all day. Alone, he savored the quiet and the rare feeling of being normal.
When he finally made his way outside, he saw Sara walking toward the exit. Calm. Casual. Completely unaware. He smiled and waved, keeping his tone light and ordinary.
The sleek black car waited nearby, engine running silently. Two large men in suits stood beside it. To anyone else, it looked like a luxury Uber, but the driver was actually one of his security guards, trained to keep him safe, and the "uncle" who had ordered the ride? That was really his manager, making sure his first week at the new school went smoothly. He kept all that hidden, letting Sara see only a casual, ordinary interaction.
"Uh… is that your Uber?" Sara asked.
"Yeah," he said casually. "My uncle ordered it for me. I'm new here, so… he thought it would be easier than figuring out the town by myself."
She laughed. "Wow… your uncle must be rich to order an Uber like that."
Aiden shrugged lightly, smiling faintly. "Yeah… he's… generous Would you like a lift?"
She shook her head, politely declining a ride. He nodded, relieved that she hadn't seen through any of it. For a brief moment, it was normal — a small interaction with a classmate, nothing complicated, nothing dangerous.
But deep down, he knew the day's quiet moments were fleeting. The music room, the hallway, the friendly smiles — they were all temporary. Tomorrow, he'd have to wear the mask again, and the tightrope would resume.
Still, for now, just for a few minutes, he could breathe.