"And finally…McKinley High's 14th annual Talent Show's last performance of the night! Performing "Invisible," heeere's…David Karofsky!"
Kurt sucked in air, Blaine and Rachel, who flanked his sides, suddenly disappearing. He didn't hear Rachel whisper, "I didn't know he sang" or Blaine mutter, "This is gonna be good…"
The auditorium went dark. One thick, white spotlight descended from the rafters, illuminating a flick of movement from behind the curtain. After a few seconds of anticipation, the curtain reluctantly folded away, revealing—sure enough—Dave Karofsky, anxiously clutching a guitar. The burly boy's face looked innocent, even scared, against the shock of white light.
He cleared his throat, nervously. Kurt felt his own palms becoming clammy for this boy.
"Hey," Dave shot out into the microphone. "I guess I'll play now."
A slight chuckle spotted the crowd.
Dave sighed. Kurt's heart stopped.
"Whatcha' doin' tonight?
I wish I could be a fly on your wall
Are you really alone?
Who's stealing your dreams?
Why can't I bring you into my life?
What would it take to make you see that I'm alive?
If I was invincible
Then I could just watch you in your room
If I was invincible
I'd make you mine tonight
If hearts were unbreakable
Then I could just tell you where I stand
I would be the smartest man
If I was invisible
Wait, I already am
Saw your face in the crowd
I call out your name
You don't hear a sound
I keep tracing your steps, each move that you make
Wish I could read what goes through your mind
Wish you could touch me with the colors of your life
If I was invincible
Then I could just watch you in your room
If I was invincible
I'd make you mine tonight
If hearts were unbreakable
Then I could just tell you where I stand
I would be the smartest man
If I was invisible
Wait, I already am
Invisible
Reach out
But you don't even see me
Even when I scream out
Baby, you don't hear me
I am nothing without you
Just a shadow passing through
If I was invincible
Then I could just watch you in your room
If I was invincible
I'd make you mine tonight
If hearts were unbreakable
Then I could just tell you where I stand
I would be the smartest man
If I was invisible
If I was invisible
If I was invisible…"
Before the ovation, before the cheers and woots, there existed a steady pause of silent absorption. Dave stared blankly out at the crowd—Kurt felt as though his eyes meant to bore straight into him, personally. He wanted to cry…for whom exactly, he was not sure.
"That was actually really good," Rachel said, standing up abruptly to applaud the former bully.
"His baritone is…remarkable," Blaine said, eyes glowing.
Kurt didn't stand up to clap.