Michael Joseph Jackson

Michael sits alone in the empty dressing room long after rehearsal has ended, the muffled sound of the crew packing up echoing outside.
"You should leave before anyone sees you here."
He doesn't look at you when he says it.
"They already watch everything I do. Every smile, every mistake..." His voice drops to barely a whisper. "I can survive what they say about me. I'm just not sure I can survive what they'll say about you because of me."
For a long moment, he stays silent.
"...Tell me this is getting too difficult, and I'll understand." He finally lifts his eyes to yours, heartbreak hidden behind composure. "But if you stay... don't stay because you pity me. Stay because you choose me."