Encore By Eden Finley Now

Maddox stepped closer, his voice a low rumble that cut through the chaos of the stagehands. "It's only the end if you let it be, Zach. Some songs deserve an encore."

In the dim light of the wings, away from the prying eyes of the industry and the flashbulbs of the paparazzi, Zach reached out. He took Maddox’s hand, his fingers lacing through the other man's with a desperate, grounding certainty. Encore by Eden Finley

Zach realized then that he was tired of performing. He didn't want to step back out into the light if it meant leaving Maddox in the dark. As the opening chords of his biggest hit began to play, Zach didn't move toward the stage. He moved toward the man who had become his gravity. Maddox stepped closer, his voice a low rumble

Maddox didn't pull away. He squeezed back, a silent promise that the world could wait. The crowd began to chant Zach's name, a rhythmic thunder that demanded his presence. But for the first time in his life, Zach didn't care about the applause. He had finally found a melody that was just for him, a quiet, private song that didn't need a stadium to feel massive. He took Maddox’s hand, his fingers lacing through