Chapter 2: New York City Blues

After the music festival in Columbus, Alex couldn't stop thinking about Daniel. They had exchanged numbers and had been texting and talking on the phone every day since they met. Alex felt a connection growing stronger between them, and he knew that he wanted to see Daniel again soon.

A few months later, Alex's band was invited to perform at a music festival in New York City. Alex was excited to showcase their music to a new audience and to explore the city with his bandmates. However, he couldn't help but feel nervous about running into his ex-boyfriend, who lived in New York City.

As soon as they arrived in the city, Alex felt a wave of anxiety wash over him. Everywhere he looked, he saw reminders of his past relationship. His ex-boyfriend had taken him to all of these places before, and now they were tainted with bad memories.

During their first performance, Alex felt distracted and unconfident. He couldn't stop thinking about his ex-boyfriend, and he worried that he would run into him backstage. His bandmates noticed his mood and tried to cheer him up, but nothing seemed to work.

Later that night, as they were getting ready for their next performance, Alex received a text message from his ex-boyfriend. He had heard that Alex was in the city and wanted to meet up. Alex's heart sank. He didn't want to see his ex-boyfriend, but he also didn't want to be rude.

As he walked to the designated meeting spot, Alex felt his anxiety rising. He didn't know what to say to his ex-boyfriend, and he didn't want to fall back into the same toxic patterns they had before. When he arrived, his ex-boyfriend was waiting for him, looking as handsome as ever.

"Hey, Alex," he said, approaching him with open arms.

"Hey," Alex replied, trying to keep his distance.

"I've missed you," his ex-boyfriend said, reaching out to touch his arm.

Alex recoiled. "I don't want to talk about this now," he said, his voice shaking.

His ex-boyfriend looked hurt but nodded. "Okay. But just know that I'm here for you if you need me."

Alex walked away, feeling more confused and lost than ever. He didn't know what he wanted or what he needed. He felt useless and defeated, unable to enjoy his time in New York City or his performances.

As he sat alone in his hotel room, Alex realized that he needed to talk to someone. He needed to tell Daniel what had happened and how he was feeling. He picked up his phone and called him, hoping he would answer.

"Hey, Alex!" Daniel answered, his voice full of warmth and joy.

"Hey," Alex said, his voice barely above a whisper. "Can we talk?"