High above the ground, hunched in the lattice of steel and old dust that the city didn't bother to keep clean, Noah observes.
Doesn't blink. Doesn't breathe too loudly.
The music spills out below like waves of heat—Neon-Hype alive, electric, louder than it's ever been.
Kai center stage, bathing in colors Noah once knew word for word.
And for a moment…
he seems content.
That should have been enough.
But Noah's grip on the railing tightens.
His gaze reaches beyond the lights to seek out the flicker he's anticipating—
the change.
The deceit behind the happiness.
For he knows Kai.
Knows that mourning has a disguise of celebration.
But tonight it fails.
Kai and Ash are laughing together.
East slinging an arm across his shoulder.
Mick moving to the rhythm with that silent, stabilizing beat only he can maintain.
And Noah…
He's a phantom in his own narrative.
He recalls that rooftop.
Recalls the choice which tore his soul in two.
