Chapter 7
Sam had been distant all weekend. Blaine tried to shrug it off, telling himself that everyone had off days, but the weight of Sam’s silence had settled over him like a cloud. The texts were shorter, the calls less frequent. Even during their movie night, Sam had seemed preoccupied, his attention on his phone or somewhere else entirely.
When Monday morning rolled around, Blaine walked into school feeling a knot in his stomach. He spotted Sam near his locker, leaning against it with a distracted expression. Blaine hesitated, adjusting the strap of his bag, before walking over.
“Hey,” Blaine said, his voice warm but cautious.
Sam looked up, a faint smile tugging at his lips, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Hey.”
The single word felt heavier than it should, and Blaine’s chest tightened. He glanced around the busy hallway, searching for something to say to fill the silence, but Sam beat him to it.
“You sleep okay?” Sam asked.
“Yeah. You?” Blaine’s voice softened, studying Sam’s face for any clue about what was going on.
Sam shrugged, closing his locker a little too quickly. “Yeah, fine.”
Blaine frowned, leaning closer. “You’ve been… off. All weekend, Sam. Did I do something?”
Sam looked at Blaine, the question hanging in the air between them. For a moment, it seemed like he was going to answer, but instead, he pushed himself off the locker and gave a quick glance down the hallway. Without saying a word, he gestured toward the door of an empty classroom nearby.
“Come on,” Sam said quietly, his voice strained.
Blaine’s heart raced as he followed Sam into the classroom. He didn’t say anything, but the atmosphere felt tense—like something was on the edge of breaking, and neither of them knew exactly how to handle it.
Sam closed the door behind them, his shoulders tense. He ran a hand through his hair, clearly struggling with something. Blaine stood a few steps away, watching him carefully, waiting for Sam to speak.
Sam finally turned to face him, his expression soft but serious. “Blaine, I… I need to tell you something,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Blaine’s stomach twisted, the uncertainty heavy in the air. “What’s going on? You’ve been acting so distant. I don’t understand.”
Sam swallowed, looking like he was searching for the right words. “My family’s moving,” he said, his voice shaking slightly as if saying it out loud made it more real. “To Kentucky. My dad got a job there, and they want the whole family to move with him.”
Blaine blinked, caught completely off guard. “What? You’re… you’re moving? When?”
Sam glanced down, his fingers fidgeting with the strap of his backpack. “Soon. The move’s already set. It’s happening this summer. And, Blaine, I—I don’t know what to do. I didn’t want to tell you like this, but I can’t keep pretending everything’s fine.”
Blaine’s world seemed to tilt for a moment as he processed the news. Kentucky? Sam, leaving? It didn’t make sense. He couldn’t imagine his life without Sam in it. They were just getting started. Everything was falling into place, and now…
“I don’t… I don’t want you to go,” Blaine whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “I didn’t even know. Sam, I thought… I thought we were good. We’ve been good.”
Sam let out a heavy sigh, stepping closer to Blaine. His eyes were soft, full of sadness and guilt. “I know. I didn’t want to hurt you, Blaine. I don’t want to leave, either. But it’s my family, and it’s something I can’t control. I don’t know how this works with us. I don’t know how we… I don’t know how we do this when I’m not here.”
Blaine reached for Sam’s hand, trying to steady his breathing. He didn’t want to let Sam go. He didn’t want to face the idea of losing him, not when things had only just begun to feel right.
“I don’t want to lose you,” Blaine said quietly, his voice wavering. “I don’t want to be without you. Please, Sam. Don’t go.”
Sam looked down at their hands, his expression torn. He leaned in slowly, pulling Blaine into a hug, his arms wrapping around him tightly. Blaine squeezed his eyes shut, feeling the warmth of Sam’s body against his, desperately wishing this was some kind of nightmare he could wake up from.
“I’m still here, Blaine,” Sam murmured, his voice barely audible. “I’m still here right now. I haven’t left yet. I don’t want to leave, either. But we’ll figure it out. One step at a time.”
Blaine nodded into Sam’s shoulder, trying to control the overwhelming emotions that surged through him. He didn’t know what the future held, and the uncertainty of it all made his chest feel tight. But in that moment, all he could do was hold on to Sam, letting the warmth of their embrace reassure him that maybe, just maybe, things would be okay.
“I don’t know how, but I’ll try,” Blaine whispered.
They stayed like that for a few moments, neither of them speaking. Just holding each other. For now, it was enough.
As they stood there, wrapped in each other’s arms, a heavy silence settled between them. The kind of silence that wasn’t comfortable, but rather suffocating. Sam’s arms tightened around Blaine for a moment before loosening, and Blaine felt the shift.
Sam pulled back slightly, looking into Blaine’s eyes, his gaze full of sadness and regret. Blaine met his eyes, his own heart beating faster as the truth settled in.
“I wish there was another way,” Sam said quietly, his voice thick with emotion. “But we can’t pretend like everything’s going to stay the same when I’m moving away. I… I can’t keep pretending I don’t feel this distance coming.”
Blaine’s throat tightened. The words were heavy, and even though he had been trying to avoid them, he knew this moment was inevitable. The future they had been building together was starting to feel like something impossible to hold onto. They weren’t in the same place anymore.
“I don’t want to lose you,” Blaine said, the words coming out in a strangled whisper. “I don’t know what I’m supposed to do without you. But I know you’re right… this is too much.”
Sam closed his eyes briefly, swallowing hard. When he opened them again, there was an almost painful clarity in his gaze. “I don’t want to hurt you, Blaine. I’m not ready to say goodbye to us either. But maybe… maybe we need to let go now, before it’s too hard. Before I leave and it hurts even more.”
Blaine nodded, tears pricking the corners of his eyes. He wanted to fight this, wanted to push for another option, but deep down, he knew Sam was right. They were standing at an impossible crossroads, and sometimes, love wasn’t enough to bridge the distance that was already growing between them.
“I don’t want you to go,” Blaine said, voice trembling. “But I don’t think I can hold on to something that’s already slipping away.”
Sam’s face softened, and he gently cupped Blaine’s cheek. “I’ll always care about you, Blaine. You’re one of the best things that’s ever happened to me. But maybe it’s time for us to let go… before we lose everything.”
The tears that Blaine had been holding back finally fell, and he let out a shaky breath. The last few weeks had been everything he wanted, but now it felt like they were both standing on the edge of something that couldn’t be fixed.
“Maybe… maybe it’s better this way,” Blaine whispered.
Sam nodded, his thumb brushing over Blaine’s cheek. “Maybe. I don’t know. But I do know this: you deserve someone who’s all in. And right now, I can’t be that for you.”
There was a long pause before Blaine, his heart heavy, took a step back. He didn’t want to walk away, didn’t want to let go of the connection they shared, but he knew Sam was right. This wasn’t something they could make work, not with everything changing.
They stood there for a moment longer, caught in the weight of the finality. And then, with one last lingering glance, Sam turned and walked out of the room, leaving Blaine standing alone. The room felt colder now, the silence louder than ever.
Blaine exhaled slowly, his chest heavy, his heart torn. He knew it wasn’t anyone’s fault—life just had a way of pulling things apart, and sometimes, no matter how much you want to fight it, you have to let go.
-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-
The days after the breakup were a blur for Blaine. He went through the motions, attending classes and hanging out with Quinn and Rachel, but everything felt off. The energy around him was different, quieter. Sam wasn’t there to joke with him in the halls or meet him after school for their usual hangouts.
He kept telling himself it was for the best—that they were both just two people going in different directions—but deep down, he couldn’t shake the feeling of loss that settled deep in his chest.
It wasn’t until Thursday, a few days after the breakup, that Blaine found himself walking home from school, lost in thought. His feet seemed to carry him without him thinking about it, until he found himself standing in front of Sam’s house.
He stood there for a moment, unsure of what he was hoping for, but the longing to see Sam again—to at least talk things through one last time—was undeniable. But before he could make a decision, the door opened, and Sam stepped outside.
For a moment, neither of them spoke. They just looked at each other. Sam’s face was a little more tired than usual, and his eyes were red, as if he hadn’t been sleeping well. Blaine’s heart clenched, the urge to fix everything overwhelming him.
“What are you doing here?” Sam asked softly, his voice still carrying that bittersweet tone.
“I… I don’t know,” Blaine admitted, his voice quiet. “I just—I guess I thought maybe we could talk. You know, without the goodbye hanging over us.”
Sam stepped out onto the porch, the door shutting softly behind him. There was a distance between them now, but it didn’t feel quite as unbreachable as it had the day they broke up.
“I miss you,” Blaine said, before he even realized he had spoken the words.
Sam looked at him, a sigh escaping his lips. “I miss you too. But I’m still leaving, Blaine. I don’t want to drag you along with me. You deserve better than someone who’s constantly leaving.”
Blaine nodded slowly, the lump in his throat growing. He hadn’t expected this, but it was true. They were both better off moving on, even though it hurt.
“You’re right. I know,” Blaine said, swallowing hard. “I just… I didn’t want to let you go. Not like this.”
Sam gave a small, sad smile, walking over to Blaine. “I didn’t either, but it’s the right thing. We both need to grow, and we can’t do that together. Not anymore.”
They stood there for a moment, a quiet understanding passing between them.
“I’ll always care about you, you know,” Blaine said quietly, looking at Sam one last time. “No matter what happens.”
Sam nodded, his expression softening. “I will too. Always.”
With that, Sam stepped closer, wrapping his arms around Blaine in a tight hug. Blaine held on just as tightly, refusing to let go.
After a long moment, they finally pulled away. Sam wiped at his eyes, trying to keep himself together.
“Take care of yourself, Blaine,” Sam said softly, before turning back to the door.
“You too,” Blaine replied.
Sam opened the door, and with one final glance at Blaine, he stepped inside, leaving Blaine standing alone on the front porch.
Blaine stood there for a long time, staring at the door that Sam had just closed. It felt like everything had changed, but somehow, he knew it was the right thing. They’d both be okay.
And for the first time in days, Blaine allowed himself to believe that. He turned and walked away, the pain still there, but now with the knowledge that both of them would move forward in their own time, no matter what.
-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-
Sebastian had been keeping his distance since that night, but it wasn’t because he didn’t care. In fact, it was the opposite—he cared too much, and the last thing he wanted was to make things harder for Blaine. Still, he couldn’t stop himself from noticing every little detail: the way Blaine’s smile faltered when he thought no one was looking, the quiet moments when he lingered in the choir room after practice, as if waiting for something—or someone—to pull him out of his thoughts.
It was during one of these moments, late in the afternoon, that Sebastian found him. Blaine was seated at the piano, his fingers moving aimlessly over the keys, not quite playing a melody but not stopping either. The music room was empty, sunlight streaming through the windows and casting a warm glow over the stage.
Sebastian stood in the doorway for a moment, watching. There was something so vulnerable about Blaine in that moment that it made Sebastian hesitate. He wasn’t sure if he had the right to interrupt, let alone to offer comfort, but he couldn’t walk away either.
“Is this the part where you write a sad breakup song?” Sebastian finally said, his voice light but not mocking.
Blaine startled slightly, his hands faltering on the keys as he turned toward the door. “Sebastian? What are you doing here?”
Sebastian stepped inside, shoving his hands into his pockets as he leaned against the edge of the piano. “Saw the light on. Thought I’d check in. You’ve been, uh… pretty quiet lately.”
Blaine sighed, leaning back on the bench. “Yeah, well. It’s been a rough couple of weeks.”
Sebastian nodded, his expression unusually serious. “I heard about Sam.”
“Of course you did,” Blaine said, his tone tinged with bitterness. “Everyone’s heard about it by now. It’s high school.”
Sebastian shrugged. “True. But I’m not ‘everyone.’” His voice softened, and Blaine glanced up at him, surprised by the sincerity in his tone. “You doing okay?”
Blaine hesitated, torn between brushing it off and admitting how much he was struggling. Eventually, he settled for a small, tired smile. “I’m getting there.”
Sebastian nodded, letting a moment of silence stretch between them before he spoke again. “For what it’s worth… I know it sucks. Losing someone you care about.”
Blaine frowned, studying Sebastian’s face. There was something in his expression—something unguarded, almost vulnerable—that Blaine wasn’t used to seeing. “Why are you being so… nice?” he asked, his voice quieter now.
Sebastian smirked faintly, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Don’t get used to it,” he said lightly. Then, after a pause, he added, “But seriously… if you need to talk, or vent, or whatever—I’m here.”
Blaine’s chest tightened at the unexpected kindness, and for a moment, he wasn’t sure how to respond. “Thanks,” he said softly. “I mean it.”
Sebastian nodded, stepping away from the piano. “Anytime,” he said, his voice casual but warm. “But, uh, maybe save the brooding piano sessions for after school hours. Don’t want to ruin your reputation.”
Blaine let out a surprised laugh, shaking his head. “Right. Wouldn’t want that.”
As Sebastian turned to leave, Blaine called after him. “Sebastian?”
He paused in the doorway, glancing over his shoulder. “Yeah?”
“I… appreciate it. You checking in. It means a lot.”
Sebastian’s smirk softened into something gentler. “Don’t mention it, Killer.”
And with that, he was gone, leaving Blaine alone with his thoughts—and the faint, lingering warmth of knowing he wasn’t entirely alone.
-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-
The soft hum of the movie filled the living room, but Blaine wasn’t really focused on it. He was sitting on the couch, his legs stretched out in front of him, absently picking at the edge of a blanket Quinn had thrown over him. His mind wasn’t on the movie, but on how much lighter he felt these days.
The 3 months since the breakup had slowly started to heal things—his heart, his head, and his sense of self.
Quinn was curled up beside him, watching the movie with her usual intensity, occasionally muttering comments under her breath. Blaine couldn’t help but smile at how much she’d grown, how much she cared about everyone around her, despite her often sarcastic humor.
“You alright?” Quinn asked, glancing over at him during a particularly dramatic scene. Blaine realized she hadn’t missed how quiet he’d been.
“Yeah, just thinking,” Blaine replied, shifting on the couch. He’d started to get comfortable with this new rhythm of his life. Sam was in the past. He was no longer stuck in that fog of sadness and confusion. It wasn’t perfect, but it was progress.
Quinn raised an eyebrow, clearly sensing there was more to it than that. “About Sam?”
Blaine hesitated for a moment, the name almost foreign on his tongue now. It didn’t hurt to say it anymore, not like it used to. It felt like a distant chapter, one he could close without feeling like he was losing something important.
“No. Just… I don’t know. I think I’m actually starting to feel like myself again,” Blaine admitted, running a hand through his hair and letting out a quiet laugh.
Quinn softened, nodding. “It’s been months, Blaine. You’ve got this. I can see it. I mean, you’re not crying into your ice cream every other day anymore, so progress, right?”
Blaine chuckled, grateful for her lightheartedness. “Yeah, definitely progress.”
It was weird how much of a weight had been lifted over the past few months. It felt like he was finally getting back to the person he used to be—laughing at jokes, joking around with Quinn, making plans for the future without constantly worrying about what he’d lost. The ache had faded, even if some days it still lingered like a distant echo.
“I’m proud of you, you know,” Quinn said softly, a genuine warmth in her voice.
Blaine met her eyes, his smile soft but sincere. “Thanks. I think… I think I’m proud of myself to
They both turned their attention back to the screen, but the comfortable silence between them now felt like a sign of how much had changed. Blaine was no longer dragging the weight of the past with him. He was slowly learning to let go
Just then, the sound of the front door opening interrupted their peaceful moment. Quinn’s head whipped toward the noise. “Uh-oh. Guess who’s home?”
Blaine’s stomach did a small flip as he saw the familiar figure in the doorway. Sebastian.
For a moment, everything felt still. Blaine and Sebastian locked eyes, and there it was again—the tension that always seemed to hang in the air whenever they were in the same room. But this time, it wasn’t quite as heavy. It wasn’t like it used to be, when Blaine was constantly lost in a whirlwind of guilt, longing, and confusion.
Sebastian raised an eyebrow, glancing between Blaine and Quinn. “Am I interrupting somethin
Quinn rolled her eyes but smiled. “You’re always interrupting. We were just watching a movie.
Blaine turned his attention back to the screen, not wanting to deal with the tension between them just yet. But even with his focus back on the movie, he couldn’t ignore the feeling of Sebastian’s presence in the room. It was still there, a quiet undercurrent of something that neither of them had fully dealt with.
“Alright, I’m going to grab something to eat,” Quinn said, getting up from the couch. “You two can do whatever you want. Just don’t start anything.”
Blaine barely managed a smile as Quinn disappeared into the kitchen, leaving him and Sebastian alone in the living room.
Sebastian stood still for a moment, then shrugged, walking over to the couch and sitting down beside Blaine. The space between them was closer than Blaine expected, but it didn’t feel as suffocating as it had before.
“So, how are you, Killer?” Sebastian asked, his tone casual, but there was something more beneath it, an almost unspoken question hanging between them.
Blaine glanced at him, his stomach doing that familiar flip. “It’s… better. You know, it’s been a few months, and I think I’m finally starting to get back on track.”
Sebastian nodded slowly, like he was processing the words. There was something unreadable in his expression, something Blaine couldn’t quite decipher. “Good. I’m glad,” Sebastian said, and Blaine wasn’t sure if he meant it, but something about it made Blaine’s chest tighten.
For a brief moment, neither of them said anything, the silence almost comfortable this time, even if there was still a lot left unspoken. Eventually, Sebastian broke the silence again.
“You and Sam ever talk?” he asked, his voice softer than before, but the question still held weight.
Blaine felt a knot tighten in his throat, but he shook his head, his eyes falling back on the TV screen. “No. We haven’t talked since he left.”
Sebastian didn’t say anything at first, but Blaine could feel his gaze on him, quiet, observant. Blaine wasn’t sure why, but for some reason, it felt like Sebastian knew exactly what was going through his mind, like he could see past the walls Blaine had built up around himself.
“It’s not easy, you know?” Sebastian said finally, his voice low. “But you’ll figure it out. You always do.”
Blaine’s chest tightened again at those words, and for a second, he wondered what Sebastian really meant by them. But before he could think too much about it, Quinn returned with snacks, pulling them both out of their quiet moment.
“Movie’s not going to watch itself,” Quinn said, tossing a bag of chips at Blaine and making him laugh.
The rest of the night passed with the same quiet comfort that had settled between Blaine and Quinn. And for the first time in a long while, Blaine didn’t feel so lost anymore. He was moving forward, little by little, and it felt like he was finally starting to find himself again.
-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-
At school on Monday, Blaine sat with Quinn and Rachel at lunch, tapping his fingers nervously on the table. His mind was racing, thinking about his Juilliard audition. He’d been practicing tirelessly for months, but the pressure was starting to get to him.
“I can’t believe it’s tomorrow,” Blaine muttered, glancing up from his plate and meeting Quinn’s eye. “It feels like everything is riding on this.”
Rachel, always the optimist, smiled brightly. “You’ve got this, Blaine! You’ve been preparing forever, and you’re so talented. I mean, we all saw that last spring when you performed at the showcase.”
Quinn nodded in agreement, but there was a hint of concern in her expression. “But I get it. It’s a huge deal. Are you sure you’re ready?”
Blaine shrugged, his stomach doing flips at the question. “I don’t know. I mean, I’ve been practicing every day, but… what if it’s not enough? What if I mess up?”
Rachel raised an eyebrow. “That’s a pretty big what-if. You’re gonna do great. I know it.”
Quinn looked at Blaine with a soft, understanding smile. “I’ve never seen you this nervous before. You’re usually so confident when it comes to performing. Is it just Juilliard that’s freaking you out?”
Blaine ran a hand through his hair and sighed. “I think it’s just the pressure, you know? This is my dream. But if I don’t get in… then what?”
Rachel leaned forward, her voice more serious now. “Look, if you don’t get in, it’s not the end of the world. You’re incredibly talented, Blaine. There are a million other doors that could open for you. But I don’t even think we need to worry about that because you’re going to nail it.”
Quinn reached across the table and gave Blaine’s hand a reassuring squeeze. “I agree with Rachel. You’ve worked so hard for this, and I know you’re ready. Plus, Juilliard would be lucky to have you.”
Blaine smiled faintly, feeling the weight of his nerves lighten just a little bit. He still had doubts, but hearing his friends’ support made it easier to take a deep breath and remind himself why he was doing this in the first place.
“Thanks, you guys. I really needed to hear that,” Blaine said softly, feeling a little more grounded.
Rachel gave him a wink. “Anytime. And don’t forget, we’re here to celebrate you, win or lose.”
Quinn nodded. “Exactly. We’re behind you 100%.”
Blaine’s anxiety eased, at least for the moment, as he thought about how lucky he was to have friends who believed in him. He wasn’t sure what the future would hold, but with their support, he felt a little more confident facing the audition—and whatever came after it.
-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-
Blaine stood in the left wing of the auditorium, his heart racing in his chest. The distant hum of voices from the hallway felt muffled, but the tension in the air was palpable. His hands were clammy, and every time he took a breath, it felt shallow, like he couldn’t quite get enough oxygen. His mind kept racing, bouncing from one thought to the next—what if he messed up? What if he forgot his lines or the song?
He was supposed to be calm, confident. But all he could feel was the weight of the moment pressing down on him, the realization that this was his dream, and it was about to be tested.
Suddenly, he heard footsteps, light but sure, echoing from behind him. He turned to find Sebastian approaching, his usual confident stride softened by the slight tilt of his head, the concern in his eyes.
“Hey,” Sebastian said, his voice low but steady, and there was something sincere in the way he said it. “You good?”
Blaine tried to smile, but it felt weak, more like a reflex than anything genuine. “I don’t know. I’m… I’m freaking out.”
Sebastian raised an eyebrow, stepping closer, his eyes scanning Blaine with an intensity that seemed to go beyond surface-level concern. “Yeah, I can tell. You’re practically vibrating.”
“I know. I’m just—” Blaine swallowed, shaking his head. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I’ve been preparing for this for months, but now that it’s actually here, I feel like I’m gonna screw it all up.”
Sebastian’s gaze softened, and he took a small step forward, closer to Blaine, like he was trying to fill the space between them. “Blaine, look at me.” He waited for Blaine to meet his eyes, and when he did, Sebastian’s tone softened further. “You’ve got this. You’ve worked hard for this moment. I’ve seen you perform, and I know what you’re capable of. Just… trust yourself.”
Blaine felt his chest tighten at the sincerity in Sebastian’s words. It wasn’t just the casual encouragement that Blaine had heard a million times before—it felt real, personal. Like Sebastian was truly rooting for him, not just because he was his friend, but because he believed in him.
“I don’t know if I can do it,” Blaine admitted, his voice cracking a little. “What if I mess up? What if they don’t like me?”
Sebastian’s lips twisted into a small, knowing smile. “Then screw them,” he said, his voice just a little too blunt, but there was something comforting about it. “You’re Blaine Anderson. If they can’t see your talent, it’s their loss. But that’s not going to happen, because you’re amazing, and you know it.”
Blaine’s breathing slowed just a little, the weight lifting slightly from his chest. Sebastian’s words cut through the noise in his head, grounding him in the moment.
“Thanks, Sebastian,” Blaine said quietly, feeling a lump in his throat. He wasn’t sure what it was, relief or gratitude, or maybe something more, but the fact that Sebastian was here, taking the time to come and wish him luck, made Blaine feel a little less alone in this moment.
Sebastian gave a small nod, a glint of mischief returning to his eyes. “Anytime. Now go show them what you’ve got. I’ll be waiting to hear all about it afterward.”
Blaine smiled for the first time since he’d stepped into the auditorium. “I’ll do my best,” he said, trying to find some confidence in his own words.
“Good,” Sebastian said, his voice soft but firm. “That’s all anyone can ask for.”
As Sebastian turned to leave, Blaine watched him go, a strange mix of emotions swirling in his chest. The nerves were still there, but they didn’t feel as overwhelming as before. He could breathe a little easier now, knowing that someone, at least, believed in him.
The next moment, Blaine’s name was called, and his heart skipped a beat. It was time.
He took a deep breath, squared his shoulders, and walked toward the stage with a little more confidence than before. He wasn’t sure what the outcome would be, but in that moment, all he could focus on was trusting himself—just like Sebastian had said.
And with that, he stepped into the spotlight.
After Blaine’s audition, the adrenaline was still buzzing in his veins, but it felt different now. The tension that had gripped him for months seemed to dissipate the moment he stepped off the stage. He was exhausted, both physically and emotionally, but there was a sense of relief, like a weight had been lifted.
He walked back toward the side entrance of the auditorium where he had been waiting earlier, his heart still racing. The second he stepped into the hallway, he spotted Quinn and Rachel standing near the door, their eyes wide with expectation.
“Well?” Rachel asked eagerly, her gaze fixed on him. “How did it go?”
Blaine couldn’t help but smile, though it was tinged with exhaustion. “I think it went… okay. Honestly, I was so nervous I don’t even know what I did half the time.”
Quinn stepped forward, grabbing his arm with a reassuring grip. “Blaine, you’re going to be fine. I know you. You totally nailed it.”
He exhaled, feeling the weight of the moment pressing on him again. “I really hope so. I just, I don’t know. What if they don’t think I’m good enough?”
Rachel shook her head, her usual bluntness cutting through his anxiety. “They’re going to be stupid if they don’t pick you. You’ve been working for this, and you deserve it.”
Before Blaine could respond, Sebastian appeared from around the corner, walking toward them with his usual confident stride, but there was something in his expression that softened when he saw Blaine.
“How’d it go?” Sebastian asked, leaning against the doorframe, his eyes intense, waiting for an answer.
Blaine gave him a tired, but grateful smile. “I don’t know yet. Just waiting to hear.”
“You’ll hear soon,” Sebastian said, a rare note of sincerity in his voice. “You did great. I could tell you were nervous, but you still owned that stage. You’ve got this.”
Blaine felt a surge of warmth at the praise, but something deeper lingered in his chest too. “Thanks, Sebastian,” he said quietly, his voice almost softer than usual. “It means a lot, really.”
Sebastian didn’t respond right away, his gaze steady on Blaine’s face. There was a beat of silence between them, one that carried a lot more weight than just the words exchanged. Then, just as quickly as it came, it was gone. Sebastian grinned, like he was trying to lighten the mood, and shrugged. “No problem. Just don’t forget me when you’re famous.”
Blaine chuckled, shaking his head. “I don’t know if that’s in the cards.”
Quinn jumped in, eager to break the tension. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. We’re waiting for the results, not daydreaming about Broadway.”
Rachel nodded in agreement. “Exactly. We can celebrate once you’ve got the acceptance letter.”
“Thanks, guys,” Blaine said, feeling more grounded with his friends around him. “I’ll take all the good vibes I can get right now.”
As they chatted for a few more minutes, Blaine’s phone buzzed in his pocket. He glanced down and saw that it was a message from his mom.
You did great today, Blaine. We’re so proud of you. Results come in a week. Don’t stress, you’ve already won.
Blaine smiled at the text, feeling a swell of gratitude for his family’s support.
“Well, I guess now we wait,” he said, glancing up at his friends. “I’ll know in a week. Until then, I’ll try not to lose my mind.”
“It’s all going to work out. Trust me.” Sebastian nodded.
Blaine’s heart warmed, and for the first time in what felt like a long time, he allowed himself to believe it. Maybe it would work out. Maybe it wouldn’t. But in this moment, with his friends by his side, he felt like he could handle whatever came next.
As the group made their way out of the auditorium, Blaine knew the waiting game wasn’t over yet, but he could at least breathe a little easier knowing that, no matter what, he had people in his corner.