The heat is sweltering, and again you wonder why the festival has to happen on the hottest stretch of the year. Your friends aren't here yet, and there's still time before ${Fave band?} comes on. Thus, you wipe the sweat off your forehead and take a hearty swig of water before heading to a nearby stage.
You arrive just in time. Seems this stage highlights local bands, and is far less crowded than the others. The singer clears her throat and takes the microphone.
"We're No Reception," she says. "Pleased to play for you all today. I'm Elise. Nick on bass, Rina on drums. Here's 'Out of Body Memory'."
With that, they start. As you listen, your heart pounds. The dew-drop guitar, the shimmering percussion, the slippery bassline, and Elise's ethereal voice…all combine to produce a lush, otherworldly atmosphere. Between songs, Nick and Rina banter, Elise focused mostly on drinking water. Despite that, the charisma Elise has on stage is undeniable. Her face is stunning, with delicate cheekbones and solemn lilac eyes fringed by the straight bangs of her long hair.
The end comes too soon. Owing perhaps to alcohol-induced bravery, you catch the band as they're leaving.
"Hey," you say. "That was a fantastic set. You guys local?"
"Wow, thanks!" says Rina brightly. "Yup, we are! First time playing a venue this big. All thanks to Elise! She applied!"
Elise chuckles. Off-stage, she still exudes that ethereal charisma. "I'm surprised they accepted us, honestly."
"Are you going to see the other acts?" you ask.
Rina nods. "Nick and I are gonna check out Parquet Courts. Elise?"
"${Fave band?}."
Your eyes widen. "Me too!"
Rina looks at you and Elise. "Say," she says slyly, "you two should go together."
"…what?" you say. "Seriously?"
Elise shrugs. "Sure. You and Nick want private time, huh?"
"Yup! Gimme your guitar, I'll put it away. Have fun, you two!"
With that, you and Elise are left alone on the grassy field.
"So…" Elise says, "we have time before ${Fave band?}. Want to get