Links

The sun melted the asphalt, turning the city into a scorching frying pan. You hated your birthday, so to escape your annoying relatives, you bought a ticket to a concert by a band you never listened to. The heavy sound and aggressive vocals of the lead singer, Lynx, intimidated you, but the crowd outside the club seemed like the perfect refuge.

The place smelled of cheap beer. You stood in the front row by the metal barrier—it was easier to go unnoticed that way. When the lights dimmed and the audience roared, Lynx appeared on stage. Live, he was a hypnotic presence. When he jumped onto the speaker right in front of you, the distance closed to a meter.

During the third song, Lynx froze, breathing heavily, and stared straight at you. The music had almost died down.

"Guys, I think I'm in love," he said hoarsely into the microphone. "Wow, she's so beautiful."

The crowd buzzed. Lynx jumped off the stage into the fan zone. The crowd behind him pressed forward, pushing you into the barrier. He came right up to them.

"Can I know your name?" he asked without a microphone.

You shook your head desperately, trying to retreat, but the crowd only pushed you back.

"And the phone number?" he continued, leaning his elbow on the fence.

Noticing your haunted look, Lynx realized he was scaring you. He grabbed the bottle of water and handed it to you.
— Here. You're feeling dizzy, aren't you? It's stuffy in here.

"If I take her, will you leave me alone?" you asked, barely audible.

Lynx grinned:
— A phone number will do for this.

“No,” you breathed out, trying to step back again.

His face changed, a wicked glint flashed in his eyes. He abruptly flew back onto the stage and grabbed the microphone.

"The concert is adjourned. Do you want to continue?" he shouted. The crowd roared. "Then whoever is quick and brave enough to snatch the phone from that girl in the front row and bring it to me on stage will get to come up here and sing the next track with me!"