Sooo, it's kinda my birthday👉🏻👈🏻
And maybe I'd like to receive your comments and votes as a gift?

The morning in New Jersey carried a crisp bite, the air cool and fragrant with the promise of fall. The streets were littered with leaves of amber and gold, crackling underfoot as Noah and Nalani made their way out of the hotel, dressed in their best attempt at casual anonymity. Noah's beanie was pulled low over his dark hair, and he wore sunglasses that hid his eyes. Nalani had opted for a plain baseball cap and a scarf wrapped snugly around her neck.

"Are you sure this doesn't look suspicious?" Nalani asked, a smile playing at her lips as she adjusted the cap further down her forehead.

Noah chuckled, reaching out to tuck a stray strand of her hair back under the brim. "We look like we're on the run, but that's kind of fun, isn't it?"

"Fun is one way to put it," she replied, rolling her eyes but unable to hide her grin. "But if we end up on some gossip page titled 'Mystery Woman Spotted with Bad Omens' Lead,' I'm blaming you."

"Fair," he laughed, the sound rich and warm. "I'll take the fall. Always wanted to be a villain in a scandal."

They crossed into a quieter part of town where brownstone buildings lined the streets and the hum of traffic was a distant murmur. It felt safe here, as if they were in a pocket of the world untouched by the spotlight that usually followed them.

Nalani glanced sideways at Noah. He had one hand in his pocket, the other swinging loosely at his side, brushing against hers with each step. She swallowed the butterflies that fluttered at that small touch, not wanting to seem too eager, but he noticed. Without a word, he laced his fingers through hers, their hands fitting together as naturally as the leaves finding their way to the ground in autumn.

"Middle of October," Noah said suddenly, his thumb stroking the back of her hand. "Can't believe how fast this year's flown by."

"Yeah," Nalani agreed, squeezing his hand. "It's been a whirlwind. But... some good things have come out of it." Her voice was soft, almost tentative.

He turned his head to look at her, the hint of a smile pulling at his lips. "Some very good things," he echoed, eyes glinting beneath the tinted lenses of his sunglasses.

"Can you believe that it's been 5 months since we met each other on Rock and Die festival ?" Nalani asked, a wide smile on her face.

"Five months fulled with your annoying behaviour," he laughed, shaking his head.

"Hey ! The only one, who's been annoying all this time—is you, Sebastian," she pointed at him with a laugh.

They walked in comfortable silence until they reached a small park tucked between rows of old buildings. It was nearly empty, save for an older couple sitting on a bench and a few joggers passing by. Noah led them to a secluded spot under a towering oak tree that had already shed half its leaves, the ground below a patchwork of fiery colors.

"So, New York tomorrow," Noah said, leaning against the tree and gently pulling her towards him. "Excited for Fallon?"

"I'm trying not to think too much about it," Nalani admitted, a hint of nervousness creeping into her voice. "If I think too hard, I'll freak out and mess something up."

He chuckled, the vibration of it resonating against her. "You won't mess up. You're brilliant on stage, and you know it. Besides, I'll be watching. I'm your biggest fan, remember?"

Nalani's cheeks flushed as she met his eyes. "I remember," she whispered, a small, bashful smile spreading across her face. "It helps, you know... having you support me."

Noah's gaze softened. "Always," he said, his voice low and sincere. He leaned down, brushing his lips against her forehead, and she closed her eyes, letting herself sink into the comfort of his presence. The world around them faded away; the distant noise of the city, the sharp coolness of the breeze, everything else became background to this moment.

When she opened her eyes, he was still looking at her with that warm, unreadable expression. "I wish we could stay like this longer," she said, leaning into him. "Feels like time's always against us."

"Then let's steal as much time as we can," he replied, a playful glint lighting up his face. He leaned in, catching her lips in a kiss that was soft at first but deepened as she responded. It was the kind of kiss that spoke of everything they hadn't said out loud yet — the stolen moments, the laughter, the way their hearts beat in sync.

When they finally pulled away, Nalani let out a breathless laugh. "You're trouble, you know that?"

"Only for you," he teased, brushing his nose against hers before leaning back against the tree. "So, what's the plan today, besides avoiding the paparazzi and not getting caught by our friends?"

She sighed, the contentment in her chest spreading to her smile. "Maybe a late lunch? I think we deserve a break before we dive into the chaos again."

"Sounds perfect," he agreed. He glanced down at their intertwined hands, the corners of his mouth lifting.

"Sometimes it feels like we're in two different worlds, you know? But moments like this remind me that it's worth it."Nalani said, her voice soft.

"It's always worth it," Noah said, and there was something in the way he said it that made her heart race. He paused, as if debating whether to say more, but instead, he lifted her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles, sending a shiver down her spine.

As the afternoon light melted into shades of orange and gold, Nalani and Noah made their way back to her hotel room, their laughter still echoing from their stroll through the city and impromptu lunch at a quiet café. The comfortable silence that followed felt like a shared secret, a little bubble that surrounded just the two of them. Nalani unlocked her hotel room door and pushed it open, casting a warm glance back at Noah.

"You really didn't have to come all the way up here, you know," she teased, nudging him playfully as they stepped inside.

"I couldn't resist," Noah replied, leaning against the door frame, a small smile playing on his lips. "Besides, it's not every day I get to see you trying to keep your ice cream from dripping everywhere."

Nalani rolled her eyes, a grin breaking through. "One time, Noah. That happened one time."

Before they could get too comfortable, Nalani's phone buzzed with a new message. She glanced down at the screen to see Nicole's name flashing.

Nicole: Hey, lovebirds. Dinner with the band in an hour. Bring Mr. Rockstar with you. We promise to behave... kind of.

Nalani laughed out loud and showed Noah the message. "Looks like you're in for a treat."

"Should I be worried?" Noah asked with mock fear, raising an eyebrow.

"Oh, definitely," she said, grabbing her jacket. "But you signed up for this, remember?"

The hotel restaurant buzzed with chatter as War in the Hell's members gathered around a large table, already laughing and throwing playful jabs at each other. The second Nalani and Noah walked in, the energy in the room shifted, and all eyes turned to them with knowing smirks.

"Look who finally decided to show up," Jeremy called, pretending to check an invisible watch. "We were beginning to think you two got lost."

"Or ran away together," Edward added with a wink.

"Ha ha, very funny," Nalani said, rolling her eyes as she sat down next to Nicole. Noah pulled a chair beside her, unfazed by the teasing, a small smirk playing on his lips.

"It's good to see you, Noah, with a smile on your face, not furrowed brows," Jeremy laughed taking a sip of his beer.

"Yea, it's good not to accidentally run into you in Nalani's room," Edward teased, making everybody laugh, while Nalani's cheeks turned red.

"You should've seen your face, Ed," Noah laughed, shaking his head.

"Hey ! I wasn't prepared for that !" Edward raised his arms in defense.

"Sure, whatever you say, a big guy," Jeremy elbowed him in the shoulder.

Josh leaned forward, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Do you guys remember how Mr. Rockstar used to glare at us from across the room? I swear, he looked like he was plotting our demise."

"Oh, do I!" Jeremy exclaimed, crossing his arms and lowering his brows in a terrible imitation of Noah's intense stare. "'You're in my way,'" he mocked in a gruff voice, earning a round of laughter from everyone.

Nicole raised her hand, as if she was about to say something important, "Do you guys remember how Mr. Rockstar pretended that he didn't give a fuck about Nalani, but was about to set on fire the whole place whenever someone was around her ?"

"Or that time when Nalani swirled holes with her eyes in the girl's head that was talking to Noah ?" Josh received another death look from Nalani for this statement.

Edward joined in, pretending to puff out his chest and scowl. "Or that time he stormed out after Nalani told him he was too full of himself. The dramatics were Oscar-worthy."

Even Noah couldn't help but chuckle, shaking his head as the memories flooded back. "I'm pretty sure it was mutual. You lot were always snickering at me for no reason."

"No reason?" Nicole gasped, dramatically placing a hand over her heart. "Excuse me, but you were the king of arrogance back then. We had to make it entertaining."

Nalani giggled beside Noah, feeling the warmth of camaraderie spread through her. "To be fair, you were pretty rude, Noah."

"Oh, I'm not denying it," he said, shrugging with a half-smile. "But look at us now—sitting here, not plotting each other's downfall. I'd say we've come a long way."

Mark, who had been quietly enjoying the banter, raised his glass. "To character development," he announced, grinning. The table burst into cheers, clinking their glasses together.

As the conversation shifted, their topics were based on concerts, festivals, interviews, when it suddenly came to Josh and Poppy. Edward smirked, leaning forward with a playful glint in his eye. "So, now that Team Noah has officially won against Team Nick, we have a new project."

"Agreed," Nicole said, eyes darting between Josh and Edward, who got her hints.

"Team JoshPoppy?" Jeremy suggested, waggling his eyebrows. "It's got a nice ring to it."

Josh groaned, his cheeks turning pink. "Oh, come on. Can't you guys give it a rest?"

"Never," Edward said, pointing at him dramatically. "As the original co-founder of Team Nick, I hereby declare that our new focus is you two. I mean, come on, Josh, you're practically glowing."

Mark leaned back, sipping his drink with a sly smile. "Looks like it's unanimous then. The torch has officially been passed. Team JoshPoppy is born."

Nalani watched the scene unfold, laughter shaking her shoulders as she glanced at Noah, who was just as entertained. There was something light and perfect about being here, with their friends, surrounded by jokes and stories. It was a moment she wouldn't trade for anything.

Noah leaned over, whispering so only she could hear. "I think we're safe from their teasing. For now."

"Until they find out about the rest," Nalani whispered back, eyes twinkling.

"Oh, they will," Noah said, chuckling. "But that's a story for another dinner."