Chapter Twelve. The Return of Renegade Wizard
Chapter Twelve
The Return of Renegade Wizard
[Pretty Boy ]
Hiya! Ik we were gonna practise ASL tonite but could u pls join us in the lobby?
XX
[Pretty Boy ]
( Will and Lachlan jump around while singing; Mateo exudes cool confidence as he destroys his drum solo; and Felix provides backup vocals at the far end of the stage, the farthest he could be from the spotlight.
When the song ends, the café erupts with cheers and wild clapping. DAYDREAM—no, Renegade Wizard thank the audience with sprawling grins. They stumble back to our table, drunk on the thrill of performing.
I stare at them in amazement as they plop into their seats.
“Holy shit,” I finally speak between acts. “You guys were incredible.”
Felix’s grin widens. “Told you— —fun.” A bead of black sweaty hair dye drips from his hairline, leaving a streak on his forehead.
I reach across the table, rubbing the black stain off his glistening skin. I pull my hand away after noticing his small, amused expression and how the other boys are staring at us. “Uh … you guys are a mess!” I awkwardly chuckle. To act casual, I also dab dye off Lachlan’s face.
Luckily, I’m saved when the next act begins.
We watch singer after singer with tired smiles and full hearts.
I can’t understand most of the lyrics, but the energy in the air is electric, each note pulling us closer.
I’ve been invited into something rare and sacred, a glimpse of the boys’ world beyond the spotlight.
Being here with them, sharing this moment, makes me hopeful that we’re not merely surviving this chaos—we’re becoming friends.