"Ok all good?"

Dan asked, his right hand hanging onto the rim of his van's trunk. Down below, Dominic and Tyler were lifting a Fender and an amp into the car. After they finished, they rubbed their hands like a fly scheming to annoy the rest of humanity.

Nodding in assurance, Hunt replied, "I think we're all good," then turned his head back and called out to Liam and Val, who were just descending the stairs, leaving the bar. "All out?"

Skipping a few steps, Liam shouted, "Yeah! All good!"

Turning back to Dan, Dominic nodded and let Dan close the trunk. Resting his hand on the cup, Dan looked over at him and asked, "Alright—so you really aren't coming with us? Still fits for two more,"

"Nah, I'll catch up later. Need to warm up the car anyway—baby's been collecting dust," Hunt said, patting the hood.

Dan raised a brow. "Hasn't it been like—your daily ride for the month—"

"Well she needs even more TLC," he grinned, brushing it off.

Still looked unconvinced, Dan tilted his head in confusion—before nodding to Tyler, who's been holding back a laugh, proposing, "Just let the duo take it bro, we need to review anyway—"

"Naaah, not trusting her with them," Dominic replied with a big grin, adding, "besides—Ren's still gonna be late. I could review 'em with her first—"

"Come on she'll be out in 30—ok, how about we wait—"

"Bro, drop it."

When Tyler cut him off, a hand already placed on Dan's shoulder, nodding for him to just get the hint and leave the fuck out.

From the back, Val walked past, casting Hunt a narrowed, knowing look, a mischievous smile spreading across his face. Just then, Wyatt walked by and gave him a playful jolt to the head, laughing, "Zip it, Dan. You act like you've never been in love before."

Val chuckled and climbed into the van, but Dan still stood there, eyes darting between them, confused—until realization finally dawned. "Wait—" he started to piece it together, but Tyler, still grinning, was already dragging him into the driver's seat. Once he was seated, Dan mouthed to Tyler, "Him and Paradis? No way—they're mortal enemies—"

"Dan you're a fucking dipwit." When from beside him, Val gave him an exasperated look.

"Quit it." Dominic finally walked over with his arms folded, acting unbothered. Next to him, Liam had his arm casually slung around Dominic's shoulders, an amused grin on his face. The sunlight cast a halo-like glow around the two blonds, like they were angels—albeit very mischievous ones.

Behind Dan's dumbfounded look, Val leaned out of the van's window. "Alright, meet us backstage later," he said, smirking.

Hunt nodded, "Got it. Drive safe you guys."

The three musketeers waved as the van pulled away, wearing matching grins—but not until Liam dropped a bomb.

"So, where were we?"

Hunt's grin instantly turned into a frown. "Get lost," he muttered, shrugging Wyatt's arm off his shoulders. Cavill burst out laughing, following him as he stormed ahead, leaving the other blonde staring after them with a wtf look—before he groaned and jogged to catch up.

"So you're telling me she's still hung up on her ex—and yet you're ready to dive in? She's a Red flag, my dude!" he warned dramatically, throwing an exaggerated look at Dominic, before shifting his glare to Tyler to say, "Precedent."

Tyler, taking offense, headlocked Liam, while Dominic looked at them with tired, exasperated eyes.

"Don't let your guard down because of a pair of big goo goo eyes!" Liam warned with a dramatic tone—but Dominic wasn't even listening anymore.

Because.. he spotted her.

Looking around in a denim dress—fitted with intricate straps and buckles, ready for the festival. And as she spotted him, her face lit up—long boots stomping on the ground as Renata immediately walked toward him. Her hair neatly braided, cascading down her shoulders as a big grin painted her lips.

Liam continued his babble, squabbling with Tyler, but Dominic's gaze was locked—a grin spread across his face. And as he caught on, following Dominic's line of sight, his face went slack in surprise. "Wait—didn't you say her class ends in thirty minutes?!"

Eyes fixed on you, Hunt's grin grew bigger as he revealed, "Who said she had class?" and without a second glance at them, he slipped away, ignoring their exasperated stares as he made a beeline toward her.

Tyler tried to intercept him, stepping in with a scolding look with a hand placed in front of his face—"Hunt—stay focused. Remember what we told you—" but he didn't care. With a quick sidestep, he brushed past him, pace never faltering. Tyler sighed, glancing over at Liam. "'Bros before hoes' much?"

Liam, though equally annoyed, muttered, "The usual. It's just Dominic Hunt having a little crush."

Meanwhile, Hunt reached her. And as he skidded to a stop, an uncontainable grin lighting up his face.

"Hi."

Tilting her head, Paradis couldn't help but smile back. "Hi." she replied, now grinning.

The two of them chuckled for a moment, before he jolted—quickly tapping the strap on her shoulder. Realizing what he meant, she gave a little gasp before rapidly putting them down, and he effortlessly took it from her—carrying her bag with ease.

"Wow amazing, it's light," he sarcastically blurted. She gave him a side eye—but still.. a slight smirk can't help but slip off from her face.

From afar, Cavill and Wyatt watched the whole scene, jaws practically on the ground. "A little crush, you say?" Cavill muttered.

As the two walked past them, Renata greeted, "Hey Ty! Lili! Are you coming with us too—?"

"No they aren't." Hunt cut in quickly, face turning panicked as he shot them a look, clearly hoping they wouldn't say anything stupid. But—fortunately—they were too stunned to speak even Dominic tilted his head in confusion. Shaking his head, he eagerly took the chance to gently steer her away, an arm wrapped protectively around her shoulders.

From a distance, they watched the two of you head toward the red Mustang. Eyes fixed even though all they could hear was mumbles as she was already too far away from them.

"Are they.. okay?" she asked, reluctantly casting a curious glance back.

"Just being dumb and dumber, the usual," Dominic whispered playfully in her ears. Normally, they'd beat the hell out of him. But this time.. the scene was too blinding for all of that.

She chuckled, "So the gang already there?"

"Yeah, they wanted to check the waters first. We'll meet them backstage." Dominic lied—explained as he went to open the passenger door for her.

Tyler and Liam were still rooted to the spot, jaws dropped as they watched their bro reach over to shield Renata's head so she wouldn't bump it as she got in—then he jogged to the driver's side, face glowing with a big grin.

As they drove off.. finally, Liam found his voice. "Did she just call me by a fucking flower?"

Still with googly eyes, Tyler replied, "Yes she did—"

"And did I just see him carrying her pink—bag?"

"Yes you did.."

"And when he shielded her head—"

"Yes."

Liam stared after the now-distant car, shaking his head in disbelief before muttering,

"Oh he is fucked."

"Have you ever thought about how.. people's lives are far from normal?"

The sun began to set, casting a warm orange glow across the sky. The road stretched on the horizon, orange hues painting the skies as Dominic chuckled behind the wheel. His Oakley sunglasses glinted in the light, though they couldn't hide the amusement twinkling in his eyes.

"Oh I figured that out since a loooong time," he boasted with a grin.

Enthusiastic, you turned in your seat to face him. "Care to elaborate?"

With a lopsided grin, he leaned in closer, making you scoot in eagerly.. until he said, "Remember the girl who sabotaged the rec room just so she could get back at her professor? What's normal about that?"

And you shoved him in annoyance, scoffing—getting a loud laughter from him. He checked on you, already to find you pouting, glaring at him. He leaned again, but this time.. it's to ruffle your hair.

"Don't be maad~ Just kidding, love,"

Only to quickly shift his focus back to the road, leaving you staring at him with googly eyes. Caught off guard by the sudden gesture, you felt your cheeks warm and quickly turned your seat back to the road. Collecting yourself, the only thing you could say was, "You're so annoying."

He chuckled, but then, trying to pay off his debt, he shrugged, "But really—nothing's ever normal. Everyone's got.. something."

Looking at him, you purse your lips in an approval pout—before you turn your head back to the front, nodding as you raise a brow. "Alright, Socrates," you teased while he bounced his eyebrows proudly. But then, being no man's peace, you shoot, "Ok now—"

"Man, you're being so fucking random right now—"

"Just listen!" you grinned, "How could you be heartbroken and happy at the same time?"

Mincing his eyes behind his sunglasses, Dom protested, "Heartbroken and happy at the same time—what is that bull?"

"You haven't noticed?! You haven't—come on! You must've felt it, once?"

He retracted his head, seemingly continuing to disagree, "No. I haven't. What's that bullshit—"

"Hey! No judge! This is golden hour session!"

He slowly turned to you in a mocking manner before he scoffed, "Golden hour session—oh my God what did I ever done wrong to deserve this—"

"You're being—ironic," you scoffed, crossing your arms, "what did I ever do to have a ride with you to some middle of nowhere festival—"

"Exposing your professor—"

"OH COME ON!"

And he laughed. again. You slumped back to the seat in resignation. After a short silence, his familiar smirk remained.. only for him to mutter, "I know I'm not the only one enjoying this."

Hands folded before your chest, you turn to the window and sassed, "In your dr—"

"Yours."

Breaking into a grin, you roll your eyes. When you finally glanced over.. you found him already had his sunglasses over his head, a lopsided grin on his face as he stared at you like a hawk. Knowing there's no backing down from his side, you finally break into a laugh, "Okay okay—eyes on the road please—"

"I gotta hear it, love—"

"I enjoy this."

Satisfied, he turned back to the road with a grin, slipping his sunglasses down in one smooth nod. Shaking your head in disbelief, you scoffed as you leaned back, letting the breeze wash over you. Closing your eyes as you hear the sound of the horse engine like a steady heartbeat as you're getting near.

"So.. is there a story behind this beaut?" you asked, nodding as a gesture while fingers glazing the smooth red leather glove box in front of you.

A small smirk formed on his lips as he replied, "Ah, this one I got when I was 18."

You gasped, body gradually turning to him in disbelief, "Wait—at 18 you get a GT while what I got—was a cake? Not fair."

He chuckled, "I never got a cake, though." You're about to question—but thank God for your sudden quick wit, you fell silent. You wouldn't even notice if it wasn't because of how bitter it sounded. However, sensing the shift, he remorsefully filled in, "Ah—it's normal! It stopped when I was like.. twelve? When my mom passed."

And fuck did it got worse.

An apologetic expression softened your face as you leaned on the seat, turning to face him. In a quiet voice, you reluctantly asked, "What happened..?"

"An accident." His lips curved into a small, distant smile as he spoke, his gaze fixed on the road.

"I'm so sorry.." you whispered, brows knitted thoughtfully. But a silent so choking made you realized how you might've hit the wrong spot—"I'm so sorry I didn't mean to brought this up—"

"No no no—it's fine," he glanced at you, reassuring you before continuing, "remember the car you liked? In the garage?"

A look of apprehending dawned on you as your eyes widened, mouthing a "No.."

"Yeah," he shrugged, "it was her favorite. She loved exploring new paths, you know—listening to Speechless.." he smiled, slightly turning to you, "you know, the one with Tori on it? It was her favorite. She'd blast them all day all night—she's like that—was like that. If she likes anything she'd tune it till she gets bored."

You can see his smile faltered when he continued, "But one day she was driving through the canyons—the weather was good but—when she got home, suddenly a big storm came, a tree fell and—" and he paused, a flash of grief flickered on his eyes as he unintentionally relive the past. Exhaling the bitter memory away from his systems, he muttered, "I wanted to fix them for years but—yeah.."

You stared at him, noticing how his jaw tensed and then relaxed. It's not like how you pictured how he was—the Dominic Hunt people used to talk about. The rich kid who could get everything he wanted. The snobby kid you thought was so unreachable. The shallow boy who'd do whatever he wanted as long as it benefited him. The angry boy who'd thrown away anyone who'd annoy him. Right now.. for the first time..

He felt real.

"Hey.. listen, I read this phrase a while back, but.." you hesitated, calculating, afraid this might come out cringe. But he was already raising his eyebrows, waiting. You gulped. The cat's out of the box, I guess.

"As long as there is love and memory, there is no true loss."

For a moment, Dominic was silent, absorbing your words. When a smile perked up on the corner of his lips, he teased, "Wow, Renata Paradis, philosopher of the century, huh?"

"Perks of being a bookworm, I guess," you replied, grinning awkwardly.

But then, you felt his large hand rested on top of your head like a light cushion. It's not like you haven't felt this before but—still, you froze. His thumb stroked through the little hairs standing on your head.. and it felt.. warm.

This is nice.

Staring at his majestic presence, a little blush started to appear on your cheeks. He turned his gorgeous face towards you, his dark golden hair catching the light of the setting sun. A wide smirk spread on his lips as he gazed at you behind his glasses. And.. with a soft voice as the gentle warm sun.. he said,

"I guess I already have one."

"Ok guys, just like we practiced, yeah?"

Backstage, the four of you gather in a huddle, hands stacked and heads close, ready to face the crowd. Dan leans in, ever the leader, eyes darting between each of you for reassurance. Even with jitters evident on everyone's faces, you all nod, determined. And together, you let out a triumphant chant, "Go go Emporio, we—"

"SLAY."

Only for Dominic to immediately side-eye Val with a deadpan expression at the change. But instead, Val gave him the slay face—pouting and blinking in a crazy manner, and the circle laughed. Finally breaking away, Dan and Val tuned in their instruments one last time.. while Dominic stood off to the side, pacing slightly, clearly jittery. You could see the tension in his shoulders—or the way his hands tensed as it raked through his golden locks.

"Hey," you called out, walking over with a small grin, trying to mask how much you were enjoying this moment of him being off his game. "You got this~ Just go on stage, flash that annoying charm of yours, and let them melt over that sexy, raspy voice."

He stared at you for a second.. before he let out a surprised chuckle. "First of all, you're nuts. Second of all," he paused, a smirk forming on his lips, "I kinda dig it."

You grinned back at him, shaking your head. "Wow, that's probably the nicest thing you've ever said to me." But before he could retort, the stage manager called for Emporio. Feeling all the jitters and excitement, you gave a little dorky jump, causing him to give you a wtf look. But then, exhilarated and out of breath, you laughed, "Good luck, Hunt."

He shot you one last look, something softer, maybe even grateful behind his playful smirk.. and with a wink, he whispered,

"Your luck is all I need, love."

You rolled your eyes as Dominic turned, walking toward the stage, his confidence sliding back into place with each step. Watching him disappear into the lights, your heart doing a small flip as the crowd roared in anticipation. A few moments later, the stage lights dimmed, Dan and Val kicking off a smooth, guitar-laden melody. Jogging, you slipped through the side of the stage, finding a spot where you could see them without being noticed.

And Dominic's voice filled the air. His signature raspy tone was like a magnet for attention, and the crowd was hooked. As the song swelled into the chorus, he moved across the stage with ease, eyes scanning the crowd before in a swift intention—he turned and they landed on you.

You stared in confusion as a playful glint appeared in his eyes. He smirked, moving closer to the mic as he reached the line, "Is she with you? Well, I don't mind if she kissed you~" locking in for just a beat too long, making it clear that the line was for you before he turned back to the crowd.

You couldn't help but scoff, a small laugh escaping your lips. Ohmygod—that guy.. you thought, rolling your eyes—but still, you felt a happy blush on your cheeks.

As the song winds down, Dominic stepped to the mic with a smug grin. "And now, introducing my partner in crime, Renata Paradis, everybody!" He gestured to you, inviting you up on stage. Heart pounding, you ran, joining him, singing along as the crowd roared.

The two of you sang, chemistry off the charts as the two of you bumped your head in an intimate way you could hear the crowd ecstatic roar got louder. From the crowd, you could see your friends—Talia with her crowd, screaming at the top of her lungs, Tyler and his girlfriend, alongside Liam with a girl grinning ear to ear.

As the song wrapped up and the crowd's cheers began to settle, you stepped forward, cheering, "Thank you everyone! Emporio signing out—!"

"Alright everybody, listen up!"

But just as you're about to finish, Dominic, mic in hand, jumped in, giving the audience his signature smirk. He raised a hand to signal everyone to quiet down, then started with a playful charm, "I know you guys out here having a great time, and we're loving every second of it too. But tonight, it's more than just the music." He glanced at you, winking, then continued,

"We're raising funds for a great cause. So, who's with us?"

The crowd cheered, and Dominic grinned, nodding. "Alright, we've got QR codes all over the place—scan those babies and it'll take you right to the donation page." He stepped back, a playful smirk on his lips as he threw his arm around your shoulders.. before announcing,

"We're gonna make sure all of it goes straight to the club's projects and events that give back to our community. So, trust me, you're doing something awesome here!"

You glanced at him in surprise, staring at him with googly eyes. Still grinning, he leaned in with a smug smile. "What? You think I need the money?" Satisfied with your reaction, he turned back to the crowd—

But before he could say anything more, you impulsively reached over, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek!

He froze, eyes wide as he turned back to stare at you in shock. In the middle of the crowd's cheers, you gave him a soft smile, saying softly,

"Thank you, Hunt."

He stood there, momentarily stunned, eyes searching yours as his heartbeat seemed to skip a beat. You turned back to the audience, grinning, and he was still watching, caught off guard. Then, as he tried to refocus, he gave your hair a quick gentle ruffle.. before looking back out at the crowd, the smirk now with a hint of something new.

Thank you for reading! Don't forget to vote, comment, and add to your library!

Check out some additional content on social media:

Cecylia Costania @rcpcs

You can elevate your experience by also listening to songs I added to this story's playlist! I'll reveal the Playlist by the end of this story, so.. Stay Tuned!

The song that matches this Chapter's vibe:

Because he spotted you.

https://youtu.be/ptznWGs4GKg

"Your luck is all I need, love."

https://youtu.be/n4mroHkWE4w