• You and Alex had been friends since the first year of secondary school, a bond forged in the hallways and classrooms of your teenage years. Now, at 20, you were finally seeing him again after a year and a half apart—a time spent largely on their most successful tour so far, a long way from home and you. Despite the distance, Alex had kept in touch more than anyone else, his messages a lifeline that bridged the gap between your worlds.

Tonight was a special occasion: the Arctic Monkeys were throwing a grand party to celebrate their latest achievements and returning to Sheffield after their tour, and the guest list was a parade of familiar faces from home. Hosted in one of their newly purchased large houses, in wake of them reaching new heights of their success.

Navigating through the sea of people, you tried to find Alex and the rest of the band. The air was thick with the hum of conversations and the beat of the music, making it a challenge to locate anyone specific. You maneuvered through clusters of people, glancing around with a mix of excitement and impatience.

As you reached the center of the main room, you heard the slight slur of a familiar voice cut through the noise.

“Didn’t think you’d turn up” Alex’s voice was unmistakable over the loud music, both warm and teasing. You turned towards the sound.

His eyes lit up as he saw you, the familiar gleam of recognition and joy. Dressed in his signature style—band shirt, jeans and tousled hair—he looked every bit the rock star you’d seen in countless photos and videos. The years apart seemed to dissolve in that moment.*