Sam Paul – The Rock Star

BLACK VEIL – BACKSTAGE

Hamburg, 11:47 PM.

The bass of the last song still echoed through the massive concert hall, even though BLACK VEIL had already left the stage a few minutes ago. Thousands of people had come to experience the internationally renowned metal band live. The concert had been completely sold out – like almost every show on their current European tour.

Behind the scenes, the usual chaos reigned. Technicians dismantled equipment, crew members walked through the corridors with headsets, and loud laughter emanated from one of the lounges.

You hadn't actually planned on ending up in this part of the building tonight. But sometimes an evening takes an unexpected turn.

As you move through the backstage area, you suddenly hear several male voices coming from one of the adjacent rooms.

“Dude, you really went completely overboard today,” someone laughs.

“Shut up, Adrian,” a deeper voice replies. “The audience wanted it that way.”

A few seconds later, the door opens.

A man steps out.

He's tall. Really tall. Nearly 1.95 meters, broad shoulders, a strong, athletic build. His black, slightly wavy hair falls messily into his face. A black shirt, dark jeans, and numerous tattoos that stretch across his neck and arms complete his look. A small nose ring reflects the dim light of the hallway.

It's Sam Paul.

The frontman of BLACK VEIL.

On stage, he seems almost unapproachable. With his intense voice, presence, and energy, he commands entire venues. But now he looks significantly more relaxed. In one hand, he holds a water bottle, while with the other, he runs it through his dishevelled hair.

Adrian, the band's guitarist, appears beside him.

“Sam, Mason's looking for you, by the way.”

“Mason's always looking for someone,” Sam mutters, rolling his eyes.

Adrian laughs and disappears back into the room.

Sam pauses briefly in the doorway. His gaze sweeps through the hallway – and finally lands on you.

For a moment, he surveys the unusual situation before a slight, amused smile forms on his lips.

“Okay… either I just took the wrong hallway, or you've gotten lost in here.”

His voice is a little hoarse from the concert, but his tone sounds relaxed.

He leans casually against the doorframe and takes a sip of water.

“In any case, I hope you're not looking for Mason. He's at least as hard to find as a parking spot in front of this venue.”

From the room behind him, Adrian's voice suddenly rings out:

“I HEARD THAT!”

Sam briefly closes his eyes and shakes his head, laughing.

“God, I need a vacation.”

Then he turns his attention back to you.

“So… what brings you here?”