Backstage Reunion

Liam had recovered enough to meet the band for a pre-concert rehearsal, even though his ribs still throbbed with every deeper breath. Max wasn’t convinced this was smart, but Liam insisted he could handle it.

Int. Sophie’s Apartment – Afternoon

Sophie sat by the window, restless. The apartment felt too small, too quiet. Every buzz of her phone, every new notification about the film teaser, only tightened the knot in her chest. She needed to get out. She needed to see him. She needed the concert, the crowd, the music, the proximity.

The door opened, and she flinched. Claire stepped inside, composed as always, her sharp gaze sweeping over Sophie like an inspection.

“I want to go to the concert,” Sophie blurted, unable to hold it back. “I need to see him. It’s been days.”

Claire tilted her head. “Sophie… that’s not a smart idea. And you know why.”

“I know,” Sophie said quickly, desperation creeping into her voice. “But I can’t just sit here. I need to—”

“Pleassseeee,” she whispered, her voice cracking.

Claire exhaled, her expression softening only by a fraction. “Fine. But we do this my way. You go disguised. No one recognizes you. I’ll go with you and control the situation. No surprises. No headlines. Clear?”

Sophie’s face lit up. “Yes! Thank you, Claire. I’ll follow everything.”

Claire nodded sharply. “Good. Let’s go before I rethink this.”

She texted Max, telling him she and Sophie were coming. He responded instantly, promising to get them inside since the concert was otherwise sold out.

Sophie sprang up, already assembling her disguise in her head. Tonight, she would finally be close to Liam again—even if hidden.

Ext. Concert Venue – Night

The night buzzed with electricity. Neon lights flickered across the packed crowd, the bass pulsing through the ground. Disguised in a hoodie, sunglasses, and a blonde wig, Sophie followed Claire through the VIP entrance. Every movement was cautious, quiet, deliberate.

They reached a discreet spot beside the stage. The roar of the audience was muted compared to the pounding in Sophie’s chest.

Then the lights dropped.

Spotlights cut the haze, revealing Liam. Guitar strapped across his chest, microphone ready, Grey Meadow bursting into life behind him.

The first chord hit. Sophie’s breath caught. A shiver ran through her as Liam poured himself into the music, every note sharp with emotion. She had heard him play in private in so many ways: through the crackling speaker of her phone, on set, in the trailer, in the hotel. But on stage, he was something else entirely. Alive. Wild. Untouchable.

Her skin prickled with goosebumps. Every lyric struck something deep within her.

Claire noticed Sophie’s unwavering stare. “He’s incredible, isn’t he?” she said quietly.

Sophie didn’t answer. She couldn’t. She just soaked in the music, memorizing every movement, every shift in his expression, every spark of passion.

When the chorus hit, she gripped the railing, her breath hitching. She would never forget this moment.

Ext. Concert Venue – Night – Backstage Plan

The audience’s roar felt like a storm as Claire guided Sophie through a hidden path. Every step was controlled.

“Max will clear the entrance,” Claire whispered. “As soon as the set ends, we move backstage. Stay quiet. Stay invisible.”

Sophie adjusted her blonde wig, hoodie, and leggings—the same disguise she’d worn the night everything started. Almost poetic.

Max waited near the main entrance, blending in with the staff, ready as their shield.

The final chord of the encore hit, the crowd exploding with cheers. Liam’s voice still echoed as Sophie slipped behind the velvet ropes with Claire, unseen.

When the stage lights dimmed, they navigated the backstage corridors. Sophie’s heart hammered, fighting the urge to just run to him.

They reached the hallway to the green room. Sophie peeked around the corner.

There he was. Alone. Sweaty. Breathless from the show.

Liam’s eyes widened when he saw her. The Hoodie. Blonde wig. For a split second the world lurched, and a memory slammed into him: that night in the club, the blur of lights, her laughing in that same disguise, the way he’d drove her home without knowing her name, the way she had leaned in and kissed him before either of them had a clue who the other really was.

Sophie felt it too. Her breath caught.

She stepped forward, whispering, “Hi… surprise.”

For a heartbeat, nothing existed except the two of them, suspended between past and present, each recalling the stolen night neither had ever forgotten.

“You’re here,” Liam said softly, shock melting into joy.

“I told you I’d come,” she replied. “Claire and Max made sure no one saw me.”

His smile was small but real, filled with relief and something deeper. “I didn’t expect this. Not tonight.”

She moved closer. The air between them buzzed.

Liam’s eyes shimmered with tenderness and concern.

“You really came,” he whispered.

Sophie nodded, her pulse racing. “I couldn’t stay away.”

He reached out, slowly, gently, until his fingers wrapped around her hand.

She held her breath. His touch warmed her entire body.

“Are you okay?” he asked quietly.

“Better now,” she whispered, squeezing his hand.

He stepped closer, careful and hidden from view, their faces inches apart. Their breaths synced. They didn’t need to touch more—just being near him felt like enough.

He squeezed her hand again, a silent I’m here, it’s okay.

They finally stepped back, though their connection lingered in the air. Claire watched from the shadows and gave a subtle nod, allowing the moment to live.

Backstage – Night

Still close, Sophie lifted her fingers to the horse pendant on Liam’s necklace. He glanced down and then at her again.

He leaned in. Their lips touched in a quiet, meaningful kiss. She held the pendant while kissing him, grounding herself in him, in the moment, in everything they weren’t allowed to say out loud.

They separated slowly, breath mingling, hands still brushing.

Backstage – End Of Show

When Claire stepped closer, Sophie loosened her grip on his hand.

“You should go with Claire,” Liam murmured. “Security will flood this place soon.”

Sophie nodded, though her chest ached. “I know.”

He leaned in, voice lowered. “We’ll see each other soon. The second part of filming starts in a few days. I’ll be there. You’ll be there.” A soft smile. “No disguises this time.”

Her breath warmed. “Good.”

He kissed her forehead, gentle and brief. “Go. Before she drags you.”

Claire raised an eyebrow but didn’t argue.

Sophie took one last look at him, glowing with post-concert adrenaline, guitar slung over his shoulder, the pendant resting against his chest.

Then she followed Claire down the dim hallway, the noise of the concert fading behind her, replaced by the promise of what waited ahead.