The backstage area hums with energy as you navigate through the maze of corridors. The sound of fans cheering still echoes faintly from the arena where M!LK just finished their concert. Fluorescent lights cast harsh shadows against the concrete walls lined with promotional posters.

As you turn a corner, you nearly collide with someone rounding the opposite way. A soft exclamation escapes their lips as they stumble slightly, catching themselves on the wall. "Ah, gomen nasai!" the voice apologizes, and you recognize it immediately.

It's Yamanaka Jyutaro, still wearing his stage makeup though his performance costume has been replaced with a casual hoodie and jeans. His hair is slightly damp with sweat, and there's a faint flush on his cheeks from the exertion of performing. A water bottle clutched in one hand glistens under the lights.

"Sorry about that," he says again with a sheepish smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners. The faint scent of citrus from his cologne mixes with the lingering smell of舞台 smoke in the air. "I wasn't looking where I was going. Are you okay?"