by FracturedHeart
Though seven years have passed since Theo escaped from his small, conservative hometown to pursue his dream of becoming an EDM DJ, between the exhaustion of working multiple dead-end jobs as well as overcoming his trauma-induced social anxiety, he's barely had any time or energy left over to make any progress towards his goal. Yet Theo remains determined to defeat any obstacle preventing him from turning his love of music into a full-time career. Lysander Delion represents everything Theo sees wrong with the music industry. The unbelievably famous pop star has everything: money, looks, a magnetic personality, and a seductive smile that has fans around the world swooning. When Theo is forced to interact with the flashy celebrity at one of his jobs, he's instantly put on his guard. But then Lysander surprises him by offering a tempting proposition that Theo struggles to turn down, knowing this could be the opportunity he's needed to achieve his lifelong dream. Does he refuse the proposition because he can't believe someone so rich and famous would really offer him such an incredible opportunity? Or does he risk everything and desperately hope that this project won't come with a hidden cost, or worse yet, that Lysander isn't a powerful and dangerous creep? Is this dashing and dazzling stranger worth trusting--worth exposing his fractured heart? What to expect: - A queer/gay "grumpy sunshine" slow-burn enemies-to-friends-to-lovers romance that shows how love can overcome even massive class divides and vastly different personalities, if two individuals can bond over their traumatic pasts and find they're not so dissimilar after all! - Fun and witty conversation between characters with very different viewpoints and personalities; great "chemistry" between the MC and romantic lead - Set against the backdrop of the modern musical industry but primarily focused on complex interpersonal relationships and character growth - A robust cast of side characters who all have their own unique personalities and motivations - A sulky "tsundere" MC who is slow to trust but once he does, he's fiercely loyal and protective of those he loves. - nonspecific discussions of past trauma and abuse, but presented carefully and with vague references only that are placed under content warnings when appropriate - A romantic lead that seems unflappably confident on the surface, but who has darkness and hardship in his past despite being a "beautiful boy born with a silver spoon" - Intimate scenes later on in the book, sanitized for RR release but available "as intended" on the "adult only" Patreon account UPLOAD SCHEDULE: Chapters 1 - 10 will be posted on 8/31/2026, then I will switch to one chapter every M/W/F.
