"Guys, this is sick! We're going to high school together!" Paxton says, his eyes lit up with excitement as he sits down with them. "I can't believe this is actually happening."

"I can't believe we're going back to high school," Daisy says, shaking her head. "It's going to be weird being back there. I never thought I'd see the inside of a high school again. It feels like a lifetime ago." She let out a sigh, running a hand through her hair. 

They hadn't been in school since they were freshmen. They had become an overnight sensation and after that their lives weren't the same anymore and high school was the last thing on their minds. They had always been passionate about their music, and when they started playing together as a band, they knew they were onto something special. Their unique sound and energy on stage quickly won over audiences, and their popularity grew with every show. Soon, they were headlining their own tours and selling out venues around the world. But even with their crazy schedule and growing fame, they never lost sight of their roots or the importance of staying true to themselves.

"I can't believe they're making us do this. We're successful musicians! We have our own tour bus and everything. This is insane!" Aspen groans, leaning her head on Daisy's shoulder since Daisy sat next to her. "We don't need high school." She complained.

"Technically, we kinda do." Connie speaks up sheepishly. "I mean, we're seventeen and we missed our sophomore and junior year because of our tour and all our success." She shrugs. "Maybe this will be a good thing."

"What are you talking about? It's going to be torture." Aspen groans, rolling her eyes dramatically. "I mean, I get that we need to finish school, but can't we just do it online or something? This feels like a punishment."

"I get it, I'm not happy about it either." Daisy mutters, running a hand through her hair and leaning back into the couch. "But we don't really have a choice. And we can still focus on our music while being there. I know this is not what any of us want, but we have to make the best of it." She sighs, closing her eyes. "This will be good for us...Maybe. We'll find out soon enough, I guess."

Paxton grins, nudging her arm. "At least we'll be together." He reminds them. "That's the silver lining in all this. We'll have each other."

Aspen lets out a scoff, rolling her eyes again. "I still think this is ridiculous. But if I have to go back to high school, at least it'll be with you guys." She relents, giving a small smile. "But I still think this is bs."

"It's not the end of the world." Connie reassures her. "I'm sure we'll be fine and we'll make some great memories along the way. Plus, think of all the new experiences we can have! We can attend school events, make new friends, and even participate in clubs or sports. It might surprise you how much fun we can have together."

Aspen raises an eyebrow, her skepticism softening. "You really think so? I mean, I don't want to be treated like some celebrity. I just want to be a normal kid for once. I have a feeling we will not be treated like everyone else if we go to school together. People are going to be all over us. It's going to be impossible to blend in."

"I get that," Daisy agrees, her voice thoughtful. "But think about how much we've missed out on. We've always been in the spotlight. This might be our chance to experience some normalcy, even if it's just for a little while."

"I'm sure we can figure something out." Paxton reassures her. "We're creative. We'll think of something."

Aspen rolls her eyes but she can't help smiling. "I guess we can give it a shot. But I'm not promising anything."

"That's all we're asking." Connie grins, a glint of mischief in her eyes. "Come on, Aspy. You're always up for an adventure. Think of this as just another adventure."

Aspen lets out an exasperated sigh but gives a slight nod. "Fine. But only because you asked nicely."

Daisy smiled, feeling a glimmer of hope. Maybe things wouldn't be so bad after all. With renewed energy and a shared sense of purpose, the friends prepare to face the next chapter in their lives together, knowing that as long as they have each other, they can handle anything that comes their way. 

****

"Can you believe that DCap is going to school here! We'll be in the same building, maybe same classes as them." Spencer excitedly said.

"Oh, no, he's fanboying again. This can't be good." Daniel murmurs to Lincoln as the trio walks to the school together. "I thought he would've calmed down by now."

Lincoln chuckles, shaking his head. "I think you've officially lost it, Spencer. They're just regular kids like us now. Well, sort of regular."

"I can't help it. I'm a fan. That's what fans do." Spencer points out, giving a small shrug. "And it's not every day that a famous musician goes to school with you. This is a pretty big deal. It's the talk of the whole school."

"Yeah, no kidding. It's all over the internet." Daniel sighs, running a hand through his hair. "Everyone's already freaking out about it. You'd think these kids would have something better to talk about."

"What do you expect? We're teenagers. Drama and gossip are practically our specialty." Spencer grins, nudging his friend playfully. "Besides, you can't tell me you're not excited to meet them. Come on, admit it. You're just as curious and starstruck as I am."

"Him? The grump?" Lincoln laughs, gesturing towards Daniel. "I doubt it."

"Hey, I can appreciate a talented musician. Even if I'm not as obsessed as he is." Daniel retorts, raising an eyebrow. "And DCap are talented. That's undeniable."

As the bell rang, signaling the start of their first day, Daisy took a deep breath, feeling a mixture of excitement and anxiety. "Alright, team. Let's do this." She said, flashing a confident smile to her friends.

Aspen rolls her eyes but couldn't hide the smirk forming on her lips. "If I survive this day without any paparazzi drama, it'll be a miracle."

Connie, ever the optimist, chimes in, "Let's focus on the positive! New friends, new experiences, and we can finally live like regular teenagers for a bit."

Meanwhile, Spencer, Lincoln, and Daniel stood outside the school, their eyes darting toward the entrance. "You think they'll be swarmed as soon as they step in?" Lincoln asks nervously. "I hope not. They're just trying to live their lives like the rest of us."

"Yeah, that'd suck." Daniel agrees. "They deserve to have a normal school experience." He sighs. "But knowing how people are, that's not likely."

"Maybe we should stay nearby, you know...Just in case we need to step in to help them or something." Spencer suggested. He wanted this to be a positive experience for the band. He didn't want their time at school to be a negative one.

"Okay, but try not to embarrass yourself in front of them. No fanboying. You're a cool, level-headed dude. Act like it." Daniel reminded his friend.

"Speak for yourself, Mr. Grouchy Pants." Lincoln teases, a grin on his face. "You're not exactly known for being the friendliest guy around."

"Ha, ha. Very funny." Daniel retorts, giving his friend a light shove. "I'm not grouchy. Just...Not really a people person."

"Clearly." Lincoln chuckled. As the three boys entered the school, they were met with the bustling energy of students chatting and laughing. But even amidst the normal chaos, whispers began to swirl as they caught sight of DCap entering the building. The atmosphere shifted, and eyes turned toward the famous trio making their way through the crowded hallway.

"Looks like the fanfare has already started," Lincoln mutters, nudging Spencer. "You ready?"

Spencer gulped, feeling a mixture of excitement and nerves. He couldn't believe this was actually happening. He pinched himself, wondering if he was dreaming. But the slight pain in his arm told him this was reality. He was about to attend school with one of his favorite bands. He wasn't sure if he was ready for this. He didn't want to be like everyone else, freaking out and bombarding them, but it was hard to keep his excitement at bay. He was a huge fan and was looking forward to getting to know them better. But he also didn't want to overwhelm them, especially not on their first day.

"I guess so." Spencer sighed.

As the band entered the school, it was clear the word had got out since now all students had crowded around and were taking pictures and videos of the band or bombarding them with questions. They were polite and friendly, but the boys could clearly see they were getting upset and overwhelmed. "Everyone, calm down!" The principal calls out as he pushes his way through the crowd to stand in front of the band. "Let them breathe." He continues. "I know you're all excited, but give them some space. They're here to learn just like the rest of you. They're just new students. No need to make a big fuss about it." He said sternly, giving the students a stern look.

The students obeyed and dispersed, allowing the band to move through the halls. The principal turned to them and flashed a kind smile. "I apologize for the chaos. We've never had celebrities attend this school before. But please, know that you're welcome here and if anyone gives you any trouble, let me know and I'll take care of it."

"Thanks, we appreciate it." Daisy admitted, smiling a little at him.

"No problem. Let me know when you guys are ready for your schedules and if you need help with anything else don't hesitate to ask." He then turned and walked to his office. 

Just as he was out of sight, some students bombarded the band again. But it was a smaller crowd compared to before, and the excitement was palpable, though still a bit overwhelming. Spencer chewed on his lower lip, watching nervously as his fellow classmates swarmed the band. He wanted to approach them, but his feet felt glued to the floor, his body frozen in place. He wanted to meet them though with them getting bothered, he felt nervous about doing so. He didn't want to add to their stress and frustration. He decided to hang back and observe for now.

"We're gonna head to class." Daniel said, bringing Spencer out of his thoughts. "You going with us?"

"I'll catch up with you guys later." Spencer assures them, his gaze still fixed on the band. He knew his friends were giving him looks, but he didn't care. He was determined to talk to them. "You guys go ahead. I'll see you at lunch."

"Okay, good luck." Lincoln said, patting his friend's shoulder. 

The two boys then walked off, leaving Spencer alone with his thoughts. He took a deep breath and approached the band. He didn't know what to say, but he figured he would just go with the flow. As he got closer, he could hear the students bombarding them with questions and comments. His gaze fell on Daisy, who he noticed was trying not to seem too panicked, but he could see the unease in her eyes. She ended up slipping away from the crowd, moving to hide in a nearby corner. 

Spencer's heart raced, but he took the opportunity and approached her, hoping to talk to her. Plus he was worried and concerned. He wanted to help her out if he could somehow. His feet moved before his brain could catch up, and suddenly, he found himself standing in front of her. She was hiding in the corner, trying to get away from the attention, her head down. Her breathing was slightly uneven, and Spencer could see the tension in her shoulders.

"Hey, are you okay?" He asked softly, trying not to startle her. He mentally scolded himself. Of course she's not okay, Spencer! Her entire life has been flipped upside down. He could tell she was struggling to hold it together, and he wished there was something he could do to help. Daisy looked up, her eyes widening in surprise as she met his gaze.

"Uh, yeah. Just...A little overwhelmed..." She stammers, he her eyes darting around nervously. Her breathing became more shallow, and her hands fidgeted as she tried to control her panic. "I didn't expect it to be like this. I thought it would be okay, you know? But now...It's just too much." Her voice cracked slightly, and she let out a shaky breath.

Spencer's heart went out to her. He had seen her confidence on stage, but now she looked small, fragile, almost like she was about to crack under the weight of the attention. He could tell she was trying to hold it together, but it was obvious she was struggling. The crowd outside the corner, the constant flashes from cameras, and the questions—it was all too much for anyone so he didn't blame her. 

"Totally get it. This place can be a bit much," Spencer said, trying to lighten the mood. "I'm Spencer, by the way. Huge fan of your music. I mean, it's pretty surreal to see you here." His face flushes when he realized he had been rambling. "Sorry, I ramble when I'm nervous." He admitted, more concerned for the girl in front of him as he noticed she had trouble breathing and was on the edge of a panic attack. He knew what a panic attack looked like and felt like. He dealt with some and helped his friends with some as well. 

"Hey, hey, c'mere, it's gonna be okay." He murmured, gently grabbing her wrist to pull her closer, creating a bit of distance between her and the crowd. Daisy's eyes flickered with gratitude and surprise as he guided her to a quieter spot in the hall. He was careful not to touch her more than necessary, not wanting to make her feel uncomfortable.

Daisy leans against the wall, her breath still uneven but starting to slow. Spencer crouches slightly so he could look her in the eyes without towering over her. "Okay, just focus on me for a second," He said softly, his voice steady but soothing. "Breathe in for four seconds, hold for four, then breathe out for four. You got this." She nodded, mirroring his slow, deliberate breaths. Her shoulders relaxed slightly as the tension in her chest began to ease. Spencer stayed quiet, offering her an encouraging smile as she gained control of her breathing.

"Better?" He asked after a moment, concern and warmth evident in his voice.

"Yeah," Daisy replies, her voice shaky but stronger. "Thanks. I—I don't know what just happened. It's so...Loud and crowded. A—And yeah, I know that I play sold out concerts and should be used to this kind of setting, but—"

Spencer gently interrupts, his voice calm and understanding. "I get it. You're more used to performing on your own terms, where everything is familiar and under your control. This kind of environment—being swarmed by people, the noise, the pressure—it's completely different from the energy of a concert. It can be overwhelming, even for someone who performs in front of thousands," Spencer said with empathy. 

"It's okay to feel this way. You don't have to be fine just because people expect you to be. Everyone has their moments, even the ones who seem unshakable. It can be overwhelming. You're not alone in feeling like that." He pauses, then adds. "Sometimes, all this noise makes me feel like I'm underwater, and I can't come up for air." He wasn't sure why he was confessing this to her. They literally just met and he's confessing this to his celebrity crush. He felt a little embarrassed after he spoke, but he pushed it aside when he saw the way Daisy was looking at him. There was a flicker of understanding in her eyes, a silent acknowledgment of the weight of his words. It made Spencer feel a little less exposed, like he wasn't the only one who sometimes struggled with the chaos around him.

Daisy is surprised that he seems to understand exactly how she feels. Her eyes soften, and she meets his gaze, appreciating his empathy. "Exactly. That's exactly how it feels."

They stood in silence for a moment, the chaos of the hallway muffled by their shared understanding. Daisy straightens up, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "I'm Daisy, by the way." She added, a faint smile tugging at her lips. She wasn't sure why she was somewhat shy with this boy. felt a little embarrassed by her own vulnerability, but there was something about Spencer's calm, grounded presence that made her feel like it was okay to let her guard down.

Spencer smiles warmly at her, noticing the slight shyness in her demeanor but not pushing her to open up more than she was comfortable with. He nods, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. "I know. I wasn't kidding about being a fan. Your music—it's incredible."

Her cheeks flushes slightly, but her smile grew. "Thank you. That means a lot."

"Anytime," He said sincerely. Then, glancing at the crowd, he adds, "You wanna get out of here? There's a bench just outside, and it's way quieter."

Daisy hesitates but then nods. "Yeah, that sounds nice." 

 Spencer led the way, making sure to keep a respectful distance while guiding her through the bustling hallway. Once they reached the bench outside, the crisp air and relative quiet seemed to calm her further. She took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the noise and pressure starting to lift as they sat down. The bench was a welcome escape from the chaos inside, and for the time in what felt like hours, Daisy felt a little lighter. She let out a small sigh of relief.

Daisy sat down, letting out a deep breath. "I'm not used to this," She admits. "The whole...High school thing. It's like being dropped into another world."

Spencer sat beside her, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees. "It can be brutal. But it's not all bad. You just have to find your rhythm. Helps to find your people too. The ones who make it feel less...Overwhelming."

Daisy glances at him, her expression curious as she still focused on taking more deep breaths and continue to calm down. "Do you have your people?"

He smiles fondly at the thought of his best friends, a touch of warmth in his eyes. "Yeah. My two best friends, Lincoln and Daniel. We've been through everything together. Music's our thing too. We're in a band, actually."

Her eyebrows lifts. "Really? What kind of music?" She loved the idea of finding someone else who shared her passion for music, especially someone who seemed as grounded and understanding as Spencer.

"Mostly rock, but we like to mix it up," Spencer replies with a shrug. "We're trying to get ready for the Battle of the Bands. It's kind of a big deal for us."

Daisy's smile widens. "That's amazing. I'd love to hear you guys sometime."

Spencer perks up, trying not to show how startled he was by her interest. "Really? That'd be awesome. We're still rough around the edges, but we're working hard. Battle of the Bands could be our big break."

Daisy's smile lingers as she looked at him. "It sounds exciting. Performing is always a rush, even if it's nerve-wracking."

"Yeah, but you've got it down to an art. Me, I'm still figuring out how to play in front of more than ten people without wanting to disappear." Spencer admitted with a laugh.

Daisy chuckles softly. "Trust me, it took me a long time to get comfortable performing. Even now, I still get stage fright sometimes. But it's worth it when you're doing something you love."

Spencer nods, taking her words to heart. "That's a good way to look at it. Thanks."

They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, the sounds of the school faint in the background. Spencer hesitates, then asks, "So, how are you really holding up? You know, with all this...Being in the spotlight and everything?"

Daisy's expression grew more serious as she fiddled with the hem of her sweater. "It's...A lot. I'm grateful for the opportunities, don't get me wrong, but sometimes it feels like I've lost control of my own life. Coming here was supposed to make things easier, but now it's just a different kind of overwhelming."

Spencer tilts his head, his brow furrowing in concern. "That sounds tough. But, for what it's worth, you don't have to do it alone. If you ever need someone to talk to—or to just sit in silence with—you've got me. No pressure, though."

Daisy glances at him, her gaze softening. "That means a lot, Spencer. Thank you."

He gave her a lopsided grin. "Anytime. And hey, if you're ever in the mood to jam, I know a pretty cool attic with a decent setup. Or, you know, just hang out, let me know. I'd like to get you know you better." His nerves come back as he quickly adds, "Though —no pressure! I mean, only if you're cool with that." Spencer felt his face heat up as he stumbled over his words, but Daisy didn't seem to mind.

She smiles, a genuine, warm smile that reached her eyes. "I think I'd like that. It's been a while since I've jammed with someone just for fun. And you seem like someone who gets it."

Spencer relaxes a little, relieved that she didn't think he was being too forward. "Yeah, music's always been my way of dealing with...Well, everything. It's like an escape, but also a way to feel grounded, you know?"

Daisy nods her expression turning thoughtful. "I do. It's like the one thing that's always there, no matter what else is happening."

The bell rang, signaling the start of the next class period. Daisy sighs, standing up reluctantly. "I guess I should try to figure out where I'm supposed to be."

Spencer stands as well, brushing off his jeans. "I could help you find your class if you want. I know this place pretty well."

She nods, looking grateful and smiles at him. "That'd be great."

As they walked back into the building, Spencer couldn't help but feel a spark of hope. Maybe this was the start of something good—for both of them.

A/N ugh i love spencer & daisy so much already