A/N: This series is inspired by the song attached— Daphne Blue by the Band Camino. It's one of my favorite songs to jam out to, and when I had this random idea. All the songs mentioned in this series are not mine, they belong to the original creators—which in this case will be the Band Camino. Anyway, I hope you enjoy it (and listen to the song cause it's awesome.)

The party's in full swing, which makes me smile as I adjust the guitar strap on my shoulder. It still feels strange to be singing at my best friend's party, but hey, she asked all her musician friends to play a short set. Usually, I'd be fine. I play in front of sold out arenas and crowds all the time, yet this small party has me all jittery.

"And now, it's my pleasure to introduce my dear friend, Y/N." Zendaya says and motions toward where I'm standing at the side of the stage.

I try to hide my nerves behind a smile as I step up to the mic, my classic Daphne Blue guitar in hand. The small crowd cheers as I pluck the strings as I talk. "Thank you for that beautiful introduction, Z. I'm glad to be here with all you lovely people. How would you all feel about testing the waters of my new song?" Another round of applause and scattered cheers, the dominant one form Zendaya. "Alright then! This one's called 'I Spent Too Much Time In My Room.'"

My fingers play the notes that have grown so familiar over the years, and the feelings that created begin to swell back up to the surface. I don't know why I decided to play this song. It's always been something I played for me—in the solace of my room. Of course, Z just had to overhear me play it one day. So she insisted I play it tonight.

"I spend too much time in my room. I keep too many secrets from you," I sing through the feelings clouding my head. "I like to be alone, but it's bad for me. 'Cause, I spend too much time in my room."

The room goes quiet as people just listen. It makes me crack a soft smile. I was always told I had a gift—that I could make people really, truly listen and feel. It's what got me into music—and more recently acting—in the first place. I needed an outlet for my emotions and wanted others to know that they weren't alone in this crazy world.

The thoughts of him cloud my head. It's been years, but he still makes the random appearance every once in a while. Probably doesn't help that every single popular song I've written was about him. I guess people are right when they say you don't forget your first love—even if he shattered your heart years ago.

"Sometimes I still think about you. I don't tell you all the things I used to." I let the music just flow until it approaches the close. "Don't like to admit that it's bad for me, but I spend too much time in my room."

The last chord hangs in their air for a second before it breaks. Z starts with a raucous cheer. I open my eyes and get hit in the gut with the reminder that this was an actual performance. "Thank you, guys. How about we get the guys up here so we can really get this party started."

"Play Daphne Blue!" Someone in the crowd shouts, which ears a roar of agreement.

"It's like you read my mind." I tease and count the band in to start the song. A genuine, excited grin tugs at my lips as Matt and I both play our parts, which gets everyone jumping and dancing around. It's probably my favorite parts about being a performer—seeing people enjoy and get lost in the music, movie, or anything really. Once the song finishes, I can't stop the soft smile on my face. "That's all for me, but party on!"

Zendaya is waiting for me the moment I hop off the stage. "That was amazing." She cheers as the next performer starts their set. "Have I told you lately how cool and talented you are?"

"Yeah, but it never hurts to remind me." I tease as I put my guitar in it's case. "I'm gonna go grab a drink. Catch up later, yeah?"

"Of course! Go have fun, dance, enjoy yourself!" She nudges me forward with a teasing grin. It's been a major topic of discussion in our friendship. I've always been a private person, despite being famous and all, and Zendaya's one of the few people to help me break out of my comfort zone every once in a while. It's probably one of her key motives for inviting me tonight.

"Yeah, yeah." I call over my shoulder and head to the kitchen for a drink. My throat is dry and hoarse from the lights and performance. I fill up a cup of ice water, entirely uninterested in anything alcoholic. It's always made me feel ill with just the smallest amount, so I learned to avoid it entirely.

I lean agains the counter, content to just people watch. The house is pretty well packed. It's not surprising considering how popular and well-liked Zendaya is. Anytime she throws a party, hardly anyone turns down an invite. It's part of the reason why I try to avoid them. I've never been one for parties or having to interact with a lot of people.

My stomach drops when I spot an all to familiar face. The one person that inspired so much of my music, that broke my heart when we were barely eighteen, and that I still haven't quite gotten over despite the years. His brown curls are shorter than they used to be, and he's definitely more built. But it's unmistakably him.

it's Tom.

Harrison notices me before Tom does, and I can see the shock mirrored in his face. I can't think straight. All I know is I can't breathe. I need air. I need to get out of here.

I make a fast break for the door. It only leads to a bathroom, but it gets me out of there. My heart is pounding, roaring in my chest. Everything feels like it's spinning, and I lean against the sink and splash some water on my face.

It takes me a few minutes to catch my breath and gather my courage. I tentatively slip back inside, trying my best to ignore the few curious glances. My thoughts are so focused on finding someone I know that I barely notice it until I run right into someone. "I'm sorr—"

The words die off as I take in the deep brown eyes. "Y/N," he breathes my name so happily that it sounds like a prayer he's suddenly remembering. "Hey—um—hi."

"Oh, good!" Zendaya calls as she approaches the pair of us with a grin. "I was hoping to introduce you two, but it seems you beat me too it."

"Actually, Z, we—um—we already know each other." I tell her and avoid Tom's eye. "It's been a while though."

"Wait," She beams at the two of us, "really? That's so cool."

"Yeah, really cool." Tom mumbles, still looking at me like he can't believe I'm right here. "I—uh—I wasn't expecting to see you here."

"I usually don't come, but Z begged me to come and perform. So, yeah."

Zendaya looks between the two of us, smiling deviously. "Well, I'll leave you two to catch up." She gives my shoulder a nudge and winks. "I'll see you later."

"Can we go somewhere—quieter? And catch up?" Tom asks, and I feel myself nodding without really thinking about it. We both are a hesitant and unsure as we head outside to beside the pool. I relish the cool summer air on my skin and slip my shoes off to dip my feet in the pool.

After a long, quiet moment between us, I turn back to Tom with a soft smile. "Come on, I won't bite. I might slap you, but I won't bite."

"Yeah, I'd deserve that." He scratches at the back of his neck as he follows my lead. "I'm really sorry for everything that happened."

I shrug and look down at the water rippling around my feet. "It wasn't your fault—wasn't anyone's. Things just weren't working."

"Yeah." I can feel him staring at me, but I pretend not to. "I meant what I said though."

"I did too." I whisper in reply and think back to the day we ended it.

We were only eighteen, Tom had gotten a huge movie role, and it looked like his career was starting to soar. I had spent months waiting to see him again, but it felt like the moment he got home, he was gone again. After that, things only went downhill.

I remember crying for days before the breakup. We had dated for three years, and it came to an end on a phone call. I remember feeling my heart shatter that day. It was the only thing we could do though. We both were hurting from the distance and agreed that we had to end it. The last thing we said to each other was, "No matter what, a part of me will always love you."

A few years and relationships later, it's still true.

"So how have you been since everything?" Tom questions with that nervous grin he's always had. It makes me feel better, seeing a part of the boy I loved still there.

The two of us spend well over an hour catching up, and within the first few minutes, it's like no time has passed between us at all. We talk about anything and everything, and I can't stop smiling until Tom brings up what I was silently dreading him asking. "So, I have to ask. Daphne Blue is—is it about?—" He lets his words linger in the air.

"About you? Think a lot of yourself then, huh, Holland?" I tease without looking at him. "If you must know, yeah, it is."

"Really?" Tom questions with a childish excitement.

"Yeah, I wrote it about a month after we broke up." I nod and stare down at my fidgeting hands. "A lot of them are about you, actually."

"Can we—" Tom pauses and shakes his head like he always did when he was nervous, "Can I take you on a date?"

My heart seems to crawl into my throat at the question. "Tom, I—I don't—"

"Please, Y/NN? It doesn't have to be anything big or some huge thing. We can just go out, see if the feelings are still there."

My brain is screaming at me to go—walk or run away, but my heart knows that the feelings are still there. They never actually left. I've always had a soft spot for the brown eyed boy. "One date. Nothing serious, right?"

"Promise." He grins excitedly and extends his fist. It's how we used to seal promises back in the day. I can't stop the laugh that escapes me as I mimic him. "One date. Nothing serious."

"I'm trusting you, Holland."

"I know, and I don't plan to let you down."