Steven’s Route
Offstage Secrets
The Burdened Leader
Chapter 1
The rehearsal hall was buzzing with movement, music blasting, sneakers squeaking against the polished floor. AHOF was going all in. This was their biggest performance yet, and no one wanted to be the one to mess it up.
Steven led the group at the front, sharp and precise like always. His voice cut through the music, calling out corrections, keeping everyone locked in. To most people, he seemed untouchable. Calm, focused, completely in control.
But JL wasn’t most people.
He saw the tension in Steven’s shoulders, the way his jaw tightened between counts. He knew that underneath all that perfection, Steven was carrying the weight of the entire group.
JL had been around him long enough to pick up on the little things. The quick crease in his brow when he thought no one was looking. The slight hesitation before giving directions. The strain in his voice, even when he tried to hide it. Something was off.
When the group finally took a break, JL wiped the sweat from their brow and glanced over. Steven was off to the side, staring at nothing, water bottle still full. JL hesitated for a second, debating whether to say something.
Something told him he should.
should he say something or just let it be?