It's not hard to notice—both men and women at our school like Silas. It's no surprise, really. He's the kind of guy who could make the word "perfect" seem inadequate. And, of course, I like him too. But unlike everyone else, I actually have him. He's mine.
Still, seeing chocolates and love letters with lipstick stains cluttering his desk every other day? It drives me mad. Well, not mad, exactly. Just... annoyed. Irritated. Like a splinter under my skin I can't get rid of.
This morning, for the first time in forever, I arrived at school before Silas. Kath was already seated at the side of my desk, her nose buried in a thick novel. She hummed softly under her breath, completely absorbed, like always.
I set my bag down and slouched into my chair, letting out a soft sigh. My weekend had been amazing—Silas and I had spent nearly all of it together. Just the thought made warmth bloom in my chest, spreading like wildfire.
We'd done what any normal couple would do: watched a movie, grabbed some food, and walked around aimlessly, talking about everything and nothing. And later that night, I'd stayed awake in bed, replaying every little moment, imagining what else we could do together. Thinking of him made everything—getting up, going to school, even dealing with the nonsense of the day—a little easier.
But then I saw it.
On his desk, right where his books should be, was another box of chocolates. A carefully folded note with elegant cursive writing was stuck on top, sealed with a flourish. My stomach churned at the sight.
Another confession. Another "I've loved you from afar" letter. Another desperate attempt to win over someone who's already mine.
I exhaled sharply, trying to reign in my irritation. No use. The annoyance coiled tighter in my chest until it was hard to breathe.
"Hey, Seb. Fancy seeing you here early for once," Kath teased, her lips quirking into a grin as she glanced up from her book.
I didn't respond right away. My eyes were still glued to the box of chocolates, my fingers twitching with the urge to grab it and toss it out the nearest window.
Kath snorted. "You jealous, jealous man. You already have him, you know. I doubt he'd even look at anyone else."
Her words soothed the possessive beast clawing at my chest—just a little. But not enough. I reached for the box anyway, snatching it off Silas's desk and glaring at it like it had personally offended me.
"Seriously?" Kath asked, arching a brow. "What are you gonna do? Burn it again?"
I froze, my hand hovering over the box. She wasn't wrong. For the past few weeks, any chocolates or gifts left for Silas had mysteriously disappeared. And by "disappeared," I mean I'd taken them and set them on fire in a secluded corner of the campus. Petty? Absolutely. Regrettable? Not one bit.
"I don't know what you're talking about," I muttered, though my guilty expression probably gave me away.
Kath rolled her eyes. "You're unbelievable. You do realize Silas would probably lose his mind if he found out you were burning his fan mail."
"He wouldn't have to know," I said, shrugging. "Besides, I feel bad throwing it away. I'll figure out what to do with it."
"Maybe stop acting like a jealous maniac?" she suggested, crossing her arms. "Just a thought."
I huffed, not bothering to dignify that with a response. It wasn't just jealousy. The people who left these gifts were over-the-top. One of them had even tried following Silas home once. Obsessive wasn't a strong enough word to describe them. They were creepy. Dangerous, even.
Not that I was much better. I was just as obsessed—maybe more so. The difference was that Silas wanted me. He loved me. At least, I hoped he did. I'd made it clear how crazy I was for him, though he always laughed it off like I was joking. If only he knew how serious I was.
"Seb, that chocolate's expensive," Kath said, interrupting my thoughts. "You could at least try to be thoughtful about it."
"You want it?" I asked, holding the box out to her.
She leaned away, wrinkling her nose. "No thanks. I don't want to get dragged into your drama."
I sighed, rolling my eyes. "Fine. I'll figure something out."
With a frustrated grunt, I shoved the box into my bag and left the classroom. Homeroom was first today, which meant we technically had free time, and while I usually spent it in the library, I needed to deal with the chocolate situation first.
As I wandered the hallways, I toyed with the idea of giving it to my sister and her girlfriend. They'd probably appreciate it, and it would save me the trouble of tossing it out. But they were likely too busy preparing for next week's event.
I sighed, lost in thought, when I almost tripped over someone sitting on the stairs.
"Ah! Sorry!" A voice piped up. I looked down to see a guy hugging a guitar case. He was slouched against it, his messy blonde hair falling into his face. Large glasses perched on his nose made his eyes look comically wide as he blinked up at me.
He looked... pitiful. Exhausted. Like he hadn't slept in days.
"You're in the way," I said bluntly, though I regretted it when his face fell.
"Oh, uh, sorry," he mumbled, adjusting his legs to give me more room.
I hesitated, my grip tightening on the box of chocolates. The guy looked like he could use a pick-me-up, and this would solve my problem. Two birds with one stone, right?
"Here," I said, handing him the box.
He stared at it, confused. "Huh?"
"Take it," I said simply, shoving it into his hands before turning to leave. "Enjoy."
Forgetting that there was still an attached note on top of it.
—
"Two weeks? You'll be gone for two whole weeks?" I asked, my voice sharp with disbelief. I must've looked utterly stunned, maybe even ridiculous, because Silas broke into soft laughter. His grin spread wide as he leaned forward, wrapping his arms around me and pulling me against his chest.
"Aww, is my little Seb going to miss me?" he teased, his voice lilting playfully as I groaned into his shoulder. His body was warm, the steady rise and fall of his breathing so soothing I nearly let myself drift off again, lulled by the comfort of him. It took everything in me to resist. With a reluctant sigh, I squirmed free from his hold, crossing my arms as I glared up at him.
"What's this about, anyway?" I demanded, narrowing my eyes at him while he stood there, utterly unbothered by the idea of leaving me alone for two long weeks.
Silas shrugged, his carefree demeanor intact. "My mom needs me for something," he said, the casual explanation doing nothing to ease my growing frustration. "I don't know all the details yet. Look, I want you to come with me—I really do—but I know you've got things to take care of here. I can't just drag you away."
His voice softened toward the end, and for the first time, his expression faltered. That confident, easygoing smile faltered, his lips pressing into a faint line as his shoulders sagged.
Oh. My heart clenched at the thought. I didn't care about anything else. If Silas asked me, I'd leave it all behind in a heartbeat. But I couldn't say that out loud. He'd call me crazy—or worse, tease me until I was a blushing mess. Not that I hated it when he teased me.
"Well…" I trailed off, my confidence wavering. Finally, I sighed, giving in. "Okay. Just… be careful, alright? I'll miss you."
My voice dropped to a pout as I leaned back into him, resting my head on his chest. His arms came around me again, and this time I let myself relax, our legs tangling together like a lazy, comfortable mess.
Silas chuckled softly, his laugh vibrating through me. His hair tickled my cheek as I buried myself further into him, inhaling the faint, natural scent of him. I let out a contented hum, pressing my cheek against the curve of his neck. "I hate this," I mumbled, my arms snaking around his waist, holding him tightly. "I just want us to stay here like this."
I felt him exhale, his breath warm against the top of my head. He nuzzled closer, his nose brushing through my hair as he murmured, "Me too."
God, my heart soared at those words. It was ridiculous how much I wanted to consume him, to wrap him up and keep him all to myself. He was just so… perfect. So adorable. So entirely mine.
The thought made me bold—or maybe just stupid. I didn't realize what I was doing until Silas let out a surprised laugh. "What are you doing? You're tickling me!" he giggled, his voice bright and melodic.
I froze, blinking out of my daze. Oh no. I'd been practically sniffing his neck like a deranged dog. My face burned with embarrassment as I quickly pulled back, avoiding his amused gaze.
Silas, for his part, didn't look annoyed—or even remotely disturbed. No, he looked delighted. His face was flushed, his cheeks glowing red as he tried to stifle his laughter.
"You smell really nice," I admitted sheepishly, still avoiding his eyes as I buried my face in his shoulder again. My voice was muffled, but I couldn't help myself. "It's not cologne or anything. You just… smell good."
Silas tilted his head, sniffing the sleeve of his shirt as if to confirm. "Really? I don't even wear cologne when I'm home," he said, sounding genuinely confused.
"You don't need to," I muttered, my fingers idly kneading at his waist. "It's just you. No explanation needed."
Silas let out a soft giggle, his voice teasing as he said, "Seb, you're too adorable. I swear, you're going to give me a heart attack one day."
I rolled my eyes, but I couldn't help the grin tugging at my lips. Before I could stop myself, I grabbed him and flipped us over, pinning him beneath me. Silas let out a startled noise—a mix of a gasp and a laugh—that was so cute I couldn't help but grin down at him.
"Cute," I said, my voice low and teasing.
Silas blinked up at me, his wide eyes sparkling with mischief before he broke into another fit of laughter. He was sitting on my stomach now, his weight pressing down on me, but I didn't care. I'd let him do anything he wanted if it meant I could see him like this—blushing, laughing, alive.
"You know," he said breathlessly, still smiling, "your eyes go red when you get all lovey-dovey on me."
He reached out, brushing a thumb over my eyelid, forcing it shut. I let out a soft hum, enjoying the gentle touch as I mumbled, "That's because I like you."
His thumb drifted lower, brushing against my lips. I knew my fangs were out—my emotions always brought them out—but Silas didn't seem alarmed. If anything, he looked fascinated. His gaze lingered on my mouth, his face slowly turning redder by the second.
"Something wrong?" I asked, tilting my head in confusion as I licked over my fangs. His eyes widened slightly, and I couldn't help but smirk. "Silas, you're acting weird. Why's your face so red?"
"I—uh…" He stammered, clearly flustered. Finally, he gave up and collapsed back onto my chest, hiding his face against me. "It's nothing. Your fangs are just… sharp."
I raised an eyebrow, but I didn't push him. Instead, I wrapped my arms around him again, holding him close. "I'll miss you," he mumbled against my chest, his voice muffled. "Don't start liking anyone else while I'm gone."
"And why would I ever do that?" I asked, snickering softly as I ran my fingers through his hair. He raised his head to pout at me, his bottom lip jutting out adorably.
"What if you realize you don't like me anymore?" he whispered.
"That'll never happen."
"But what if it does?"
"It won't."
"Hmph," he huffed, clearly unsatisfied with my answer.
I smiled, leaning in until our foreheads touched. "You're too cute, Silas. I like you."
His blush deepened, spreading all the way to his ears as he stared at me, wide-eyed. "I like you too, Sebastian," he whispered, his voice so soft it felt like a confession.
—
It was then I regretted not going with him. The next day, when Silas didn't show up at school, my mood soured. And the day after that. And the day after that. By the third day, I was a simmering cocktail of frustration and lethargy, my nerves fraying every time I walked past his desk and saw the chocolates piling up. One after another, more and more, until the heap looked like a shrine built in his absence.
Not only was I deprived of him for two weeks, but everyone else seemed determined to shove their devotion into his empty space. Their persistence was maddening.
Without Silas around, I did what I had done the last time. I took the chocolates from his desk. Again.
I was halfway down the stairs, chocolates in hand, when a voice called out behind me, sharp and accusing.
"Y-You!"
I stopped, my foot hovering over the next step. Slowly, I turned to find the source of the voice. A boy stood there, panting heavily, as if he'd sprinted across the building just to catch me. A guitar bag was strapped across his back, its weight pulling him slightly off balance as he struggled to catch his breath.
I stared at him. He looked vaguely familiar, but in the way that a face in a crowd does—like I'd seen him somewhere, sometime, but couldn't place him.
"You gave me chocolates last week!" he blurted, his voice still breathless. And then it clicked. Oh. Him. The chocolate dumper. Now that I thought about it, giving the chocolates to him would probably save me the trouble of going outside and burning them in the incinerator behind the school.
Without a word, I handed him the stack of chocolates and turned to leave. I didn't offer any explanation. I didn't need to.
"Hey! Wait!" he called after me, his voice cracking slightly. I stopped again, though my patience was already paper-thin. When I turned this time, he was closer, his cheeks flushed—not just from exertion but something else I couldn't quite place.
"You—is this for me?" he asked, his voice a mix of disbelief and something softer, more hesitant.
I nodded. Technically, no, but it might as well be. It wasn't like I had any other use for them. "Yeah. Sure," I said flatly.
His face lit up, the red deepening. "A-Ah… what's y-your name?"
I sighed, already feeling the tug of obligation pulling me back to class. "Sebastian," I said simply.
Before he could say anything more, the bell rang, sharp and shrill, cutting through the moment. I turned on my heel and walked away without another word. Silas had made me promise not to skip class, and I wasn't about to break that promise. Not while he was gone.
By the time I slid into my seat, the teacher hadn't arrived yet. A small mercy. My phone dinged as I unpacked my things, the screen lighting up with a message from Silas.
[Hi Sebbyyy, how are you faring there?]
A smile tugged at the corner of my lips despite myself.
[Silas, good morning. I'm doing great, hbu?]
[I miss you :sobbing emoji:]
My chest ached. I wanted to tell him I missed him too, so much that it felt like a physical weight pressing down on me. But all I managed to type was:
[Me too.]
I stared at the screen, my thumb hovering over the keyboard. The message I wanted to send—I miss you so much I think I'm going to die—sat unsent in my mind. Before I could decide whether to send it, the teacher walked in, sharp-voiced and commanding.
"Alright, class, focus up. Any gadgets left out will be confiscated."
I shoved my phone into my bag with a sigh. Beside me, Kath snickered, her grin annoyingly smug. I shot her a weak glare, but she only laughed softly.
By the end of the day, I found myself waiting under the shade of the old oak tree near the school gates. My bag was slumped at my feet, sitting down a bench, feeling heavier than usual. People passing by gave me odd looks, their faces flickering with curiosity or concern. Maybe I did look gloomy. I probably did.
I missed Silas.
"H-Hi!"
The voice startled me. I glanced to my side and saw the same boy from earlier—the chocolate dumper—standing awkwardly a few feet away.
"Hello," I said, my tone neutral. I shifted slightly, giving him space to sit on the bench beside me. It wasn't entirely altruistic; this was the same bench where Silas and I had first talked, and the memory felt too personal to share. But the boy didn't seem to notice. He hesitated for a moment before sitting down, his guitar case propped against his leg.
"Sebastian, right?" he asked, his voice timid.
I nodded.
"I-I'm Nathan. Well, Nathaniel, but everyone calls me Nathan," he stammered.
I didn't bother correcting him that I hadn't known his name yet. Instead, I nodded again, letting the silence stretch between us. I didn't mind silence. It was comfortable, familiar. But Nathan fidgeted, clearly unused to it.
"Is there something you need?" I asked finally.
He jolted, as if I'd caught him doing something he shouldn't. "N-No! I just… I wanted to thank you. For the chocolates."
Oh. That.
"You're welcome," I said plainly. My tone must have been sharper than I intended because he winced slightly. Still, he brightened at the response, his shoulders relaxing.
"Uhm… you know, the chocolates you gave me are really expensive, right?"
"Mhm," I hummed, not particularly invested in the conversation.
"I see…" He trailed off, clearly unsure of what to say next.
Before the awkwardness could stretch too far, Kath's voice cut through the quiet like a whip.
"Seb! Sorry for making you wait. Oh? Who's this?"
Nathan scrambled to his feet, his face reddening again. "H-Hi! I'm Nathaniel. But Nathan for short."
Kath grinned, her usual easy charm on full display. She held out her fist, and Nathan hesitated before bumping it with his own.
"Call me Kath," she said cheerfully. "Nice to meet you. Wait a second—aren't you that guy who fell down the stairs last month?"
Nathan's face turned scarlet. "That—I… someone pushed me," he muttered, his voice barely audible.
Kath's grin softened. "Aw, don't sweat it. Those kinds of people are just idiots. Anyway, want to come with us?"
I shot her a look, confused. She only winked at me, her grin widening.
I sighed. Curse her and her bleeding heart. Still, I wasn't entirely against the idea of bringing him along. Even if it meant sharing the arcade with someone new.
—
"Sorry, the signal here is pretty busted," Silas sighed, his voice crackling faintly through the screen. The video feed stuttered as he adjusted his phone. I snorted quietly, shifting in bed. The lights in my room were off, and the soft glow of my phone was the only thing illuminating the space. It had to be past 2 a.m. on my side, though I wasn't entirely sure what time it was where Silas was. Different time zones—different worlds, it felt like.
"It's fine… I miss you," I murmured, burying my face into the pillow as I stared at the screen. Despite the grainy quality, I could see him smile, his lips pulling into that gentle curve that always made my chest ache.
"I miss you, too," he replied, his voice hushed but warm. "I miss your hugs so much… I just wanna come home."
"I want you to come home, too," I admitted with a sigh, rubbing my eyes. "It's only been a few days, but it feels like forever."
Silas chuckled softly, the sound crackling through the bad connection but still managing to soothe something inside me. His camera shifted again, the image bouncing up and down as he moved around. The poor quality made it impossible to tell exactly where he was, though I had a hunch.
"Where are you, anyway?" I asked, my curiosity getting the better of me.
He turned the camera briefly, revealing a bed of roses outside a window. The colors were muted, but I could see how soft they looked, even through the pixelated screen.
"I'm at home," Silas said, his voice gentler now. "These are the roses I've been telling you about. They're on my windowsill. Aren't they beautiful?"
I smiled faintly. "The quality's too bad to tell," I teased, earning an exasperated groan from him. "But—it looks nice. Really. I'd love to see them in person one day."
"I want you to," he said, his tone earnest. "You should visit our house when you have the time. I'll show you everything—this, the garden, the field behind the house... I think you'd love it."
"You could just send me a picture," I murmured, my voice growing softer as exhaustion crept in. The weight of the day was finally hitting me. But hearing Silas's voice, even through the static, brought a comfort that made everything else melt away. It wasn't the same as having him here, but it was enough for now.
"Oh, I will," he promised, a hint of excitement lacing his words. "Did you know these roses are magical? My mom planted them years ago. They're enchanted—designed to protect the house and everyone in it. She said the charm keeps harm away."
"Really?" I hummed, sleep tugging harder at my eyelids. "That sounds… nice."
For a moment, there was only silence. I could hear the faint rustle of him moving on the other side of the screen.
"It's late there, isn't it?" Silas asked softly. "You should go to sleep. Don't you have classes tomorrow?"
I nodded, though I didn't move to end the call. I hated this part—hanging up, letting the space between us grow even wider. "It's fine," I whispered. "I like talking to you, Silas. I can't sleep without you."
His laugh was soft, almost shy. "Me neither. It's so strange not having you here beside me. The bed feels... empty."
"You've got plenty of friends there," I pointed out, trying to lighten the mood.
"They're not you," he said simply.
The words hit me square in the chest, a warmth spreading through me that made my cheeks flush. "You're so sweet," I teased, though my voice was softer now.
"It's the truth, Seb," Silas chuckled, and I could hear the smile in his voice. "I miss you so much. Take me away from here."
"If you tell me where you are, I'll fly over there right now," I joked, though part of me meant it.
He giggled, the sound light and airy. "Next time."
Next time. The words lingered in the air, and I couldn't help but smile. Silas leaned closer to the camera, his face filling the screen before he pressed a quick, playful kiss to it.
"There," he said with a grin. "That's your goodnight kiss. Now go to sleep, Seb. We'll talk again soon, okay?"
"Okay," I murmured, stifling a yawn. "Goodnight. I love you."
His smile widened, his eyes softening as he responded, "I love you more. To the moon and back."
I smiled sleepily at his words, my heart full as the screen dimmed.
—
It was an unremarkable afternoon when my sister, Torie, strolled into the living room, her beloved guitar slung over her shoulder like a badge of honor. She had that mischievous glint in her honey-brown eyes, the one that meant she was about to rope me into something.
"Hey, lil' bro," she began, her voice lilting with forced casualness. "I've got a favor to ask." She plopped down onto the arm of the couch, staring at me like she was sizing up a reluctant recruit. "You've been moping around for days now. It's starting to feel like a ghost lives here. So, I was thinking... maybe you should come with us to practice today."
Her words made me pause. Practice? I hadn't thought about that in a long time. Back then, I used to be her second lead guitarist before her band even had a name. Those were simpler times, back when I was desperate to prove myself, to show the world what I could do. But that eagerness had evaporated after my first performance, when stage fright gripped me so hard I nearly had a panic attack in front of the crowd.
I fidgeted, my gaze fixed on the coffee table. "I'm not moping," I mumbled, though even I didn't believe it. The truth? I'd been dragging myself around for days, feeling hollow since Silas left. Without him, it was like the air had thinned, leaving me gasping for something to hold on to. Kath and Nathan had grown closer, and while Nathan tried to reach out, I could barely muster the energy to respond.
Torie wasn't buying it. "That's a lie," she said, her smile unfaltering. "You should come with us. Yeah?"
I sighed, staring at her, trying to find an argument strong enough to deter her. But as usual, one look at her determined expression told me it was pointless. "Fine," I muttered, scratching the back of my neck. "I guess."
Her face lit up like Christmas morning, and she let out a triumphant cheer. "Hell yeah! I've missed having you there. Besides, between the two of us, you're the musically gifted one."
Her praise made my ears burn. "That's not true."
"Nu-uh, it is," she shot back, her grin wide and teasing. "You're a one-man band. Even Ashley says so."
I rolled my eyes, conceding defeat. "Fine," I mumbled.
"Actually," she added, her tone turning sly, "we've got a new guy in the group. He just joined and needs help with some of the basics. I was supposed to teach him, but I thought, hey, maybe you could handle that."
I groaned, dropping my head onto the arm of the couch. "Now you're asking for too much."
Torie pouted dramatically, leaning closer until her shadow fell over me. I could practically feel her eyes boring into my skull. "C'mon," she wheedled.
I glanced up at her and sighed again. "Fine, I'll do it. Just for today, though. I've got school stuff I can't slack on."
Torie smirked knowingly, poking at my cheek. "Ah-ha! Is it because of Silas? Who knew he'd turn you into such a responsible little nerd?"
"Shut up," I grumbled, but before I could say anything else, she grabbed my arm and yanked me to my feet. "Hey—what—"
"Come on! Let's go!" she declared, already dragging me toward the door. She shoved a helmet into my hands once we were outside.
"This is very sudden," I muttered, reluctantly sliding the helmet over my head as she straddled her motorcycle.
"Mhm," she hummed, revving the engine. "I like going fast."
"You do, don't you?" I replied, unable to resist the jab. "Just like every other part of your life."
Torie turned her head to shoot me a glare, catching the innuendo immediately. "Hey! Where'd you learn to talk like that?"
I snorted, climbing onto the seat behind her. "Oh, I don't know. Maybe from you and Ashley constantly corrupting my poor, innocent brain."
Her groan was drowned out by the roar of the engine as we sped off. The ride to school was faster than I expected, the wind whipping against my face as Torie wove through traffic like it was a game. Before I knew it, we were pulling into the school parking lot, and I was climbing off the bike, my legs still buzzing from the vibrations.
"You know, the school must really like you," I said as we headed inside. "Giving you an entire room for your band shenanigans."
Torie shrugged, a smug smile tugging at her lips. "Well, we do raise a ton of money for their charities. They'd be crazy not to."
As we approached the music room, the familiar sound of Ashley's laughter greeted us. She stood in the doorway, twirling her drumsticks, her pink-and-purple nails catching the light. "Sebastian! You actually came!" she exclaimed, her expression one of mock surprise.
"You sound shocked," I replied dryly.
She grinned, poking my cheek playfully. "Knowing you? You barely leave the house. I'm impressed Torie managed to drag you here."
I rolled my eyes. "Yeah, well, she can be annoyingly persistent."
Ashley laughed, tossing her hair over her shoulder. "Well, I'm glad you're here. Matthew and Jill aren't here yet, but we've got someone new for you to meet. He's in the back room tuning his guitar."
Before I could protest, she grabbed my shoulders and steered me toward the door. I barely had time to grumble before she pushed it open.
"Sebastian?"
The voice startled me, pulling me from my thoughts.
"Nathan?" I asked, my brow furrowing in confusion. He was seated in one of the worn chairs in the backroom, his posture stiff as if he'd been caught doing something he shouldn't. For the first time, my eyes landed on the contents of the guitar case he always carried around.
It wasn't what I expected. Nestled inside was a bright yellow electric guitar, its surface gleaming despite the faint scratches from years of use. A small, whimsical cat sticker was plastered on its body, giving the instrument an unexpectedly charming personality.
Beside me, Ashley tilted her head, her confusion mirroring my own. "Wait, you two know each other?" she asked, her sharp gaze darting between us like she was piecing together a puzzle.
Nathan flushed, his cheeks blooming with color as he nodded hesitantly. "Uh, yeah… we've hung out," I said, my tone casual.
Ashley's eyes widened, her lips curling into a mischievous grin. "Ohhh, I see. I see…" she said, dragging out the words like she'd stumbled upon some juicy secret.
Across from me, Nathan shifted in his seat, his embarrassment deepening. He kept his gaze firmly fixed on the guitar case, refusing to meet my eyes.
"Okay," I said slowly, trying to break the awkward tension. "So... you're the person I'm supposed to teach?"
Nathan's head snapped up, his expression one of mild panic. "Me?" he squeaked, his voice cracking slightly.
Ashley, clearly enjoying herself, decided to step in. "Yup! Nathan here's the one. Oh, and in case you haven't figured it out yet, Sebastian's Torie's brother," she added with a grin, watching as Nathan's jaw dropped.
"Wait—what?!" Nathan blurted, his voice rising an octave.
Ashley laughed, clearly amused by the situation. "Yeah, small world, huh? Anyway, Seb, Nathan's been having some issues with his hands cramping. He's not bad at playing, but I figured you'd be the perfect person to help him out. You had the same problem back in the day, didn't you? I thought you could teach him some exercises or techniques to deal with it."
I nodded, the memory of those early struggles with my own hands flashing in my mind. It was an understandable issue, especially for beginners. My left hand had always been my weakest, prone to cramping during long practice sessions.
"Got it," I said, pulling out a chair and gesturing for Nathan to stay seated. "You can leave us, Ashley."
She winked at Nathan as she turned to leave, clearly enjoying his discomfort.
When the door closed behind her, silence filled the room, save for the faint hum of traffic outside. Nathan fidgeted in his seat, his fingers nervously brushing the edge of the guitar case.
"I-I didn't think you'd be Torie's brother," he stammered, his face still red.
I shrugged, motioning for his hands. "Hand them over," I said simply.
"Huh?" His eyes widened, clearly caught off guard.
"Your hands. I'll show you how to prepare them before you play."
Nathan hesitated for a moment before reluctantly extending his hands toward me. They trembled slightly, his palms damp with nervous sweat.
I raised an eyebrow. "Nervous?"
He let out a nervous laugh, his voice shaky. "A little."
"Why? Is it because of me?"
He didn't answer, his silence speaking volumes.
I ignored the way his gaze darted away and gently took his hands in mine. His fingers were long and slender, but his palms were rough, calloused from hours of practice. I started massaging the muscles, kneading the tension from his joints.
"You need to loosen up before you play," I explained, my voice calm and steady. "Start by massaging your hands like this. It warms up the muscles and improves circulation. Is this why you're having trouble holding chords?"
He nodded faintly, his lips pressed into a thin line.
"Thought so," I continued. "Think of it like going to the gym. You wouldn't start lifting weights without warming up first, right? Same thing here. Do this before you practice, and then again when you're done. It'll help your joints adjust to the strain."
Nathan stayed silent, his focus entirely on my hands as they worked over his. His gaze was intense, as if he were trying to memorize every movement.
"Y-You know a lot," he said after a moment, his voice barely above a whisper.
I shrugged. "I used to play," I said simply.
His eyes lit up with curiosity. "Really?"
"Mhm."
A small, shy smile tugged at his lips. "Do you… do you still play?"
I hesitated, the question catching me off guard. It had been a long time since I'd picked up a guitar—longer than I cared to admit. "Not really," I admitted. "I'm probably a bit rusty by now."
Something in his expression shifted, a flicker of disappointment crossing his face. I wasn't sure why, but the sight of it made my chest tighten slightly.
I finished massaging his hands and gently placed them back in his lap. "There. Try moving your fingers now," I said.
Nathan followed my instructions, his hands moving with newfound confidence. A faint smile tugged at his lips, and his face brightened. "That's… it feels better than before," he said, his voice laced with relief and a touch of awe.
I couldn't help but snort at his reaction. "Of course it does," I said, leaning back slightly. "Do that before practice and after. Stick with it, and you'll be feeling better in no time."
My job here was done, and I made a move to stand up. The thought of collapsing into bed and calling Silas was too tempting to resist. But before I could take a step, Nathan's hand shot out, his fingers curling around the sleeve of my shirt. "Are you going home already?" he asked, his voice pitching higher, almost hesitant.
I paused, caught off guard, and sat back down. "Uh, yeah. Why?" I asked, eyeing him curiously as he shifted closer, his chair scraping softly against the floor.
His face flushed, and he avoided my gaze, instead fumbling with the edge of his shirt. "I was just… hoping you could play something for me. On the guitar," he mumbled, glancing at the instrument case beside him. Before I could respond, he bent down, carefully retrieving his guitar and holding it out to me with both hands.
"Oh," I said, surprised, as I took the guitar from him. The weight of it was familiar, yet it felt strange in my hands after such a long day. "Do you have an amp? It'd be kind of awkward to play this without one—unless you've got a spare acoustic lying around."
Nathan made a small noise, nodding quickly. "Yeah, uh, about that… The amp I use is outside, but it's too big to drag in here. We do have an acoustic, though!" He stood abruptly, almost tripping over his own feet in his haste. I bit back a laugh as he darted across the room, yanking open a locker. After a moment of rummaging, he pulled out an acoustic guitar and hurried back, clutching it like it was made of glass.
I placed his electric guitar back in its case and gestured toward the acoustic. "How about you play first?" I said, leaning back as I watched him carefully sit down.
"M-Me?" His voice cracked slightly, and his eyes widened in panic.
I nodded, amused by his reaction. "Yeah, you. If Torie accepted you, you've gotta be good."
Nathan winced, his shoulders hunching as he looked down at the guitar. "I… I'm not really that good," he muttered, his fingers fidgeting against the strings.
I snorted, raising an eyebrow. "Okay, stop being humble. Just play something already." I nudged his arm with my elbow, and he let out a flustered noise, his face turning an even deeper shade of red.
"I-I'm not—" He pouted, struggling to find words, but eventually gave in with a sigh. His fingers began to move, strumming softly as he hummed a quiet tune under his breath. The melody was familiar, and I tilted my head, listening closely.
"'Can't Help Falling in Love'?" I asked, recognizing the tune. Nathan's eyes darted up to meet mine, and he nodded shyly, his cheeks still flushed.
"It's good," I said, offering a small smile. His playing wasn't perfect, but it had heart, and that was more important than technical skill. Nathan's face lit up at the compliment, though he looked away quickly, clearly trying to hide his reaction.
"Your turn," he said, handing the guitar to me with a nervous grin.
I shook my head, leaning back in my chair. "Nah, I doubt I could top that," I said with a smirk.
Nathan let out a huff, puffing out his cheeks in mock frustration. "Well… how about next time?" he suggested, his tone hopeful.
"We'll see," I replied noncommittally, glancing at the clock on the wall.
His expression shifted slightly, his lips pressing together. "Will you come to your sister's concert next week?" he asked after a moment.
I hesitated, humming softly as I considered it. The concert was the same day Silas was supposed to come home. Maybe I could ask him to meet me there…
"I'll see," I said vaguely, already feeling the weight of my schedule closing in. "Anyway, I really have to go now." I stood, brushing off my jeans.
"Wait!" Nathan's voice stopped me mid-step, and I turned to find him fidgeting again, his hands gripping the edge of his chair. "Can—Can we go out sometime?" he blurted, his face turning a deep shade of crimson.
I blinked, caught completely off guard. "Go out?" I repeated, tilting my head. "Like… to the arcade or something?"
Nathan's hands flew up as he waved them frantically. "N-No! I mean, uh, I was thinking… maybe a café? If—if you wanted to, that is," he stammered, his voice growing quieter with each word.
I narrowed my eyes slightly, trying to gauge his intentions. "What for?" I asked bluntly.
He refused to meet my gaze, his shoulders slumping. "I just thought… it'd be nice to hang out. With you," he mumbled, barely audible by the end.
"Ah," I said, my tone neutral. "I'm afraid I can't. I'm busy."
It wasn't entirely a lie. My days were packed, and the thought of spending what little free time I had with anyone other than Silas or Kath was exhausting. Nathan was… fine, I supposed, but he wasn't the person I wanted to see or even think about when I had a moment to breathe.
Nathan's face fell, and the disappointment in his eyes was almost enough to make me feel guilty. Almost.
"Oh," he said softly, his shoulders hunching as he looked down at the guitar in his lap.
I reached out, patting his shoulder awkwardly. "Hey, you're doing great. Keep it up. Torie likes you," I said, trying to sound encouraging. Without waiting for a response, I turned and walked out of the backroom, leaving Nathan behind.
The door clicked shut behind me, and I let out a quiet sigh. Silas would be home soon. That was all that mattered.
—
"Ah, you didn't tell me you met a new friend!" Silas grinned, the grainy image on my screen flickering as the bad signal struggled to keep up. Despite the distortion, just seeing him made my heart race. "Who?" I asked, my mind scrambling to keep up.
It was 2 AM again, the world outside my window cloaked in darkness. My room was a cocoon of shadows, the only illumination coming from my phone, casting a soft glow on my face. "Nathan, right? Does that ring a bell?"
"Hn, ah…" I replied, my thoughts adrift. I was more captivated by Silas's familiar features than the conversation. God, how I missed him—my pillows were poor substitutes for his comforting embrace.
"How'd you know?" I yawned, trying to shake off the drowsiness.
Silas paused, an enigmatic smile creeping onto his lips. "I heard you're helping him out." He deftly dodged my question, raising an eyebrow as I scrutinized him. "You mean earlier? I just helped him with some exercises before you start playing your guitar," I hummed, trying to sound casual.
"You play the guitar?" His eyes sparkled with curiosity.
"And piano, violin… I can play quite a bit," I admitted, unable to suppress my pride. It felt good to flex my skills, even if just a little.
"You mentioned your sister's concert is next week, the same day I come back home. Do you think I could hear you play?"
My heart skipped a beat, and suddenly I was wide awake. "I—wuh?" I stammered, caught off guard.
Silas laughed softly, twirling a lock of his hair absentmindedly. "I want to hear you play!"
A rush of warmth flooded my cheeks. Playing for Silas felt like a dream and a daunting challenge all at once. What if I stumbled? What if I didn't impress him?
"If that's okay with you," he added, his voice gentle. I nodded, still flustered. "I'd love to play for you. But it's been a while… I might need to relearn some things."
"It's okay; whatever you do makes me happy," he said, his words wrapping around me like a warm blanket.
I felt my heart flutter. Why did Silas have to say such sweet things? Even the dead would rise just to bask in his radiant kindness and beauty.
When the call ended, I was left in a daze. The next morning, as I trudged to school, my mind was still swirling with thoughts of him.
"Hey, what's wrong with you?" Kath asked, her voice pulling me from my reverie. I blinked at her, letting out a dreamy sigh. "It's just… it's been so long since I played the guitar, but Silas wants to hear me."
Kath scrunched her face in mock disbelief. "Does he even know what kind of music you play? As far as I know, you've never been one for calming tunes—your shredding is legendary!"
"I think that would impress him a lot," I said, flexing my fingers as memories of sliding across the strings washed over me, exhilarating and intoxicating.
"Of course, I trust you to pick up the guitar just to impress your boyfriend," Kath teased, her smirk infectious. "Well, anything to impress him. If I had to learn to spit fire, I'd do it," I joked back.
"Ah, you're too crazy for him, man!" She playfully punched my arm, and I laughed. "Should I ask Torie if I can join their band temporarily? Just to wow Silas?"
Kath's eyes widened at the idea. "That sounds like a brilliant plan! He'll definitely want to devour you!"
I shot her a bewildered look, momentarily flustered. "What do you mean by that?"
Kath just wiggled her brows at me, a cheeky grin lighting up her face.
After school, I made my way to the band room, my heart pounding with anticipation. I spotted Nathan leaning against the wall, his face turned downcast until he noticed me. "Sebastian?" He brightened, standing up.
"Have you seen my sister?" I asked, and his expression shifted to confusion before he nodded.
"Backroom."
"Thanks," I say, heading toward the backroom, only for Nathan to block my path, an uncertain look clouding his features. "What's wrong?" I stopped, puzzled.
"Uh… I was just going to ask what you're doing here," he stammered.
"Oh, I'm hoping to ask my sister if I can temporarily take over as lead guitarist." I crossed my arms, watching as his eyes widened in surprise.
"Really?!" He grabbed my arms, excitement radiating from him. I raised an eyebrow, nodding.
"Yeah?"
"Seb? What are you doing here?" Torie's voice cut through the air as she emerged from the backroom. I turned to her, pulling away from Nathan. "Ah, Torie!" I smiled brightly.
—
Torie had agreed, and for the past few days, I found myself immersed in practice with the band. Unfortunately, I had to borrow Nathan's guitar, which meant we were constantly sharing the same space. But oddly, it didn't bother me.
I dedicated myself to reclaiming my former skill on the guitar, pushing through intricate riffs and complex chords alongside my sister. It was strange; my passion for music had waned, yet I was driven by a singular curiosity: what would Silas think? Would he be impressed? Would he regard me as cool, perhaps even captivating? The thought sent a thrill through me.
"I can't wait to see him," I mused, my heart racing at the idea.
"So, I was thinking… fanservice," Matthew said, pulling me from my thoughts. I glanced up from my phone, where I had been engrossed in a conversation with Silas. My eyebrows knitted together in confusion. "Fanservice?" Nathan echoed, equally perplexed. I nodded, still unsure of where this was heading.
Jill, seated nearby at the piano, was lost in her world of melody until Matthew called her attention.
"Most of our audience comes from this school and the neighboring ones. They love our fanservice. It usually involves one of us doing something like this…" Matthew grinned, slipping on his bass guitar. In a swift, playful motion, Jill wrapped her arms around him, her hands deftly navigating the neck of the instrument while Matthew handled the body.
I raised an eyebrow, intrigued yet wary. What exactly were they suggesting?
Nathan's face turned a shade of crimson as realization dawned on him. "And I was thinking you two could do something similar during one of our songs. Since Sebastian isn't an official member and we don't have an extra guitar for him, you and Nathan should share," Matthew proposed, clapping his hands together. Jill nodded, a small smile lighting her face.
"Ah…" I muttered, feeling a twinge of regret for selling my own guitar.
"If it's uncomfortable, you can switch with me," Nathan stammered, his face still flushed. I sighed, shrugging my shoulders. "It's fine. This is my fault for selling my guitar."
"Hey, it's not so bad! Our concerts are all about impressing the crowd. This could be your chance to shine. You could hold the neck while Nathan plays in front of you," Matthew suggested. "Although, he's a bit taller…" He motioned for us to stand up.
Nathan let out a nervous squeak as he stood. I followed suit, pocketing my phone. Jill handed Nathan his guitar and gestured for me to position myself behind him.
As I placed my hand on the neck of the guitar, I could feel Nathan tense. "Yeah, he's a little taller than me," I said, stepping back slightly. I sensed him exhale shakily, and Jill tapped her chin thoughtfully.
"So, you're up front?" she asked. I nodded as Nathan passed me his guitar. I slipped the strap over my shoulder, feeling the weight of it settle in. Nathan positioned himself behind me, his head peeking over my shoulder as I allowed him to grip the neck of my guitar.
"Perfect!" Matthew exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with excitement. Jill clapped her hands, clearly thrilled.
"I can't believe I'm saying this, but one of you will have to be blindfolded," Matthew added, chuckling awkwardly. I shot a glance at Nathan, who let out another squeak.
"Which one of us?" I inquired.
"The one in front has to do it. It makes it cooler and more impressive since one person will have to rely completely on the other," Matthew explained. I nodded, the idea settling in.
"Is this really necessary?" Nathan mumbled, his cheeks flushed as I turned to face him. He flinched under my gaze. "Why? You can't do it?" I pressed.
"Uh! No! I-I can!" he stammered, his resolve wavering. I nodded, a rush of determination flooding my veins.
"Then let's practice. Your left hand is a bit slow, so you need to speed up. I just got back into playing, and I'm already marginally faster than you," I said, feeling the challenge ignite within me.
Nathan nodded, his hair brushing against my ear as he adjusted his stance.
"Great! I believe you two can pull this off. I remember Torie and Ashley doing something similar, and everyone loved it! They were the 'power couple' of the show…" Matthew trailed off, only to be interrupted by Jill's elbow nudging him.
"They're not a couple," Jill muttered, and Matthew's eyes widened in realization.
I sighed, rolling my eyes. "Let's just get this over with, Nathan," I urged as we began to practice the song, now focused on synchronizing our movements.
The angle was awkward; I didn't need to look down to see what I was doing, but Nathan had a habit of glancing downward, which meant his head was constantly bobbing against my shoulder as he tried to peer over.
"Can you try not looking down?" I asked during a brief pause. I could endure standing for long stretches, but Nathan seemed to struggle, his weight pressing against me as we practiced.
"Oh… I'll try," he replied, taking a sip from his water bottle.
—
The next practice session with Nathan unfolded with a surprising ease. Torie and the others were gathered around, their faces a mix of amusement and concern. While the rest wore playful grins, Torie's expression was more serious, her brow knit with worry.
"Is this okay with Silas?" she asked, her arms crossed tightly as I settled onto my stool, a puzzled look on my face. "Okay with what?"
"I mean this partnership," she gestured between Nathan and me. "You know, it's kind of a fanservice thing. The whole point is to cater to those who enjoy seeing same-gender couples on stage."
I raised an eyebrow, taken aback. "Who actually wants to see just gay couples? A couple is a couple. What's the difference?"
Torie winced slightly, her posture stiffening. "Well, fair point, but the band has this… focus on fanservice for same-gender pairings. That's why Ashley and I usually take the lead on this. I'm not sure what Matthew was thinking when he set this up."
A frown creased my forehead. "I don't have a problem with it. Nathan and I established some boundaries. I told him at the concert that he'd need to keep a comfortable distance, and I'd adjust my guitar angle so he wouldn't feel so cramped. Honestly, I think he's uncomfortable, but he's just going along with it because Matthew's his senior."
Torie sighed, her expression softening slightly. "Fine. Just know that if Silas gets mad, that's not on me," she said before walking away, leaving me with a knot of confusion.
Why would Silas be upset about me playing guitar? He had said he wanted to see me perform.
As practice continued, Nathan and I dove into the music with a newfound seriousness. We even decided to add a blindfold to the mix, which turned out to be more challenging than I anticipated. Nathan hesitated, and our hands kept tangling over the guitar, a dance of missteps primarily on my part.
I had a habit of swinging my guitar around when I got lost in the rhythm, and I kept inadvertently yanking it from Nathan's grasp.
"Nathan, just hold his waist to keep him steady," Matthew chimed in from the sidelines, taking a sip from his water bottle.
"Sorry, Nathan," I mumbled, and he nodded silently, a hint of frustration flickering in his eyes. "It's—It's fine. Uh, can I?" He gestured toward my waist, and I nodded, a tingle of anticipation running through me as he placed his hands on me.
"Just hold a little tighter so I don't move," I instructed, and as we began again, everything clicked into place. This time, the music flowed seamlessly, and we completed the song without a hitch.
"That was fantastic! Tomorrow's going to be great," Matthew enthused, a proud grin spreading across his face. "You should really consider becoming a permanent member of the band."
I huffed, "No thanks," the thought of commitment weighing heavily on me.
Nathan quietly took a sip of his water beside me. "Good job," I said, giving his shoulder a light pat. He let out a startled squeak, glancing up at me with wide eyes.
"T-Thanks. You too! It was fun playing with you," he stammered, his cheeks turning a deep shade of red as he looked away, a mixture of embarrassment and perhaps something else coloring his expression.
Weird.
Later that evening, I rode home with my sister, barely able to contain my thoughts as I headed straight to my room. I plopped onto my bed and dialed Silas's number, a grin spreading across my face as the call connected.
"Hi, Seb~" Silas greeted, his voice bright and cheerful. A towel was wrapped around his head, and I couldn't help but smile at the sight of him. "Silas, I miss you," I blurted out, and he giggled in response.
"I'll be there at the concert tomorrow! I can't wait to see you play!"
"I'm excited to see you too," I replied, my heart fluttering at the thought of him in the audience.
I watched as Silas flopped onto his bed, the towel slipping slightly, revealing a hint of bare skin beneath his robe. He looked like he had just emerged from a refreshing bath.
"Me too! Ugh, can't the day pass any faster? I just want to go home," he whined, and I snorted at his impatience.
"When I get home, I want you to sleep over," he said, shaking the camera with excitement.
"Hmm, okay," I replied, unable to suppress my own smile.
"Good! So, is there anything you want me to bring home?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"Just you," I said playfully.
"Sebbb, be serious!"
"Hn… Let me think…"
—
I expected to feel nervous, but surprisingly, I didn't. The knowledge that Silas would be watching me was enough to keep my anxiety at bay; I couldn't afford to falter, not in front of him.
Nathan, on the other hand, looked like he might faint at any moment. The theme for tonight's concert was "suit and tie," but while mine leaned toward a rugged aesthetic—my tie hanging loosely around my neck—Nathan was the epitome of prim and proper, his outfit impeccably tailored.
"Hey, what's wrong with you?" I asked, trying to lighten the mood.
He looked up at me, his face ashen. "Uh… nervous," he admitted with a sad whine, his gaze dropping to the floor as if the weight of the crowd outside was pressing him down.
I sighed, feeling a flicker of sympathy. "Here, drink some water," I said, handing him a bottle. He took it gratefully, gulping down the cool liquid. Outside, the crowd roared with excitement, my sister's voice crackling through the speakers, announcing the upcoming acts.
"Hn, shall we go?" I prompted as Nathan picked up his guitar, his nod barely perceptible.
As we stepped out toward the stage, I noticed his face flush bright red. I winced against the harsh stage lights, momentarily blinded, almost mistaking them for the sun before remembering it was only 9 PM. I lingered at the edge of the stage while Nathan moved forward to take his place under the spotlight.
With only one song to perform, I scanned the audience, searching for Silas amidst the sea of faces.
Suddenly, a playful shout broke through my concentration. "Boo!" A pair of arms wrapped around my waist, and I turned to find Silas grinning at me. He wore a soft pastel yellow sweater draped over loose denim pants, and his usually neat hair was tousled, as if he had just rolled out of bed.
A strange annoyance bubbled within me at the thought of him showing this unkempt side to the world. Instead of voicing my irritation, I reached up and smoothed his hair with an exasperated frown before pulling him into a tight embrace. The music pulsed loudly around us, a vibrant backdrop to our moment.
"I missed you!" Silas shouted over the thumping bass, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.
"Me too! I thought you wouldn't make it," I replied, feeling a rush of warmth as he cradled my face in his hands, showering my cheeks with kisses before wrapping his arms around me once more.
"Sebby, I miss you so much! You don't know how much I want to kiss you right now," he whined, then abruptly stopped, realizing the implications of his words. "You should… after what I'm about to show you. I'm going to play the guitar blindfolded."
My heart fluttered at his declaration, a dizzying mix of excitement and nerves washing over me as Silas's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Then I'll give you the best kiss I can muster afterward!" he exclaimed, and I leaned in to peck his cheek softly, noticing how red his face had become in the dim backstage light.
"You'll see," I said, adrenaline surging through me as I momentarily forgot that I wasn't the only one playing guitar tonight. I stepped into the spotlight as Torie called my name.
The crowd was larger than I had anticipated—kudos to Torie, I suppose. With her rising popularity on social media, she could probably tour on her own at this point. I recalled seeing her on TikTok just the other day.
"Seb, here's my little brother, our special guest for tonight, along with our new lead guitarist Nathan. They're about to show you something quite interesting, something I think you'll all enjoy!" Torie announced into the microphone, the crowd erupting into cheers. I glanced at Nathan, who was flushed, perhaps from the heat of the stage lights or the nerves that still gripped him.
He handed me his guitar, and I loosened my tie before draping it around his neck, a suggestion from Matthew meant to heighten the fanservice.
As the crowd erupted into screams, Nathan tied a blindfold around my eyes, an unexpected closeness enveloping me as he positioned himself right behind me. I had told him he could stand a little farther away if he felt uncomfortable.
But whatever happens, all I want is to play the guitar, impress Silas, and finally get that damn kiss.
As the anticipation in the air thickened, I pulled off the blindfold for just a moment, scanning the crowd for Silas. Torie had ensured he had a front-row seat, but oddly enough, he was nowhere to be found.
"Are you looking for someone?" Nathan murmured close to my ear, his breath brushing against my skin and nearly making me flinch away. "No," I replied, hastily covering my eyes again as Matthew began to tap his sticks together, the rhythm echoing through the venue.
The music erupted, and the energy surged. It was exhilarating; although I couldn't see the audience, I could feel the pulsating lights and Nathan's heavy breathing beside me.
He was incredible, matching my tempo effortlessly, which eased my anxiety about outpacing him. I had worried I might lose him in the rhythm.
"Good job," I said, patting his chest as I yanked off my tie and tossed it into the crowd. Laughter bubbled up as a group of girls lunged for it, their excitement palpable.
"That was hot! Again!" one girl shouted, her enthusiasm unabashed. I snorted, rolling my eyes at her boldness.
"I hope you weren't disappointed by the newbies here!" Torie giggled into the mic, and the crowd erupted in cheers. I sighed, slipping off the guitar and handing it to Nathan, who beamed at me, practically vibrating with excitement. "That— that was really great!" he shouted over the noise, and I couldn't help but snicker, shrugging off his compliment.
"Eh, it was decent. Anyway, see you," I waved at the audience as I made my way backstage, pulling out my earpiece. Just as I was about to dash toward the crowd, a hand gripped the back of my shirt, yanking me back.
Surprised, I stumbled slightly, turning to see Nathan, his face flushed and his hair sticking to his forehead.
"Wait! Let me speak to you first," he insisted, urgency lacing his tone.
"I have somewhere to be; let's talk about it over text," I replied, trying to shake him off. But he shook his head vehemently.
"I—I can't say this over text! It's really important! Please, just hear me out." His pleading gaze made me hesitate. I looked around again, hoping Silas was somewhere in the crowd, perhaps just out of sight.
"Uh, okay, fine, go," I relented, curiosity gnawing at me.
"I like you," he blurted out, his words hanging in the air like a note held too long.
"...What?" I stammered, utterly taken aback.
Nathan's face darkened to an even deeper shade of red. "I said I like you! I wanted to tell you now because… you like me too, right?"
"..."
"Sebastian." The sound of my name pulled me from my daze. I turned to see Silas standing at the side of the stage, his expression unreadable. For a fleeting moment, I thought I saw a flicker of darkness in his gaze as he looked at Nathan's hand still gripping my arm.
"Silas? Uh—" I pried Nathan's fingers off my arm and stepped toward Silas, my heart racing.
I took a good look at him, searching for any signs of hurt or distress.
"Are you okay?" I asked, my voice tinged with concern as I gently cupped his cheek. Silas's gaze was fixed on Nathan, who stood a few paces away, watching us with a mixture of curiosity and disbelief.
"Who… who is this?" Nathan inquired, his brows knitting together in confusion. I turned to him, feeling the weight of the moment. "Uh, let's talk about this later, okay?" I replied awkwardly, my grip tightening around Silas's arm as I began to pull him away.
But before I could lead him away, Silas halted me, his hand gripping the front of my shirt. In a sudden burst of boldness, he leaned in and pressed his lips against mine—a brief, electric kiss that caught me completely off guard. Right in front of Nathan.
"I'm his lover. Who are you to hold him like that?" Silas growled protectively, clutching me as if I were his lifeline. I was still reeling from the kiss, a blush creeping across my cheeks, while Nathan made a sound that resembled a wounded animal before turning away, his shoulders slumped in defeat.
"You—you kissed me," I stammered, dazed as Silas cradled my face in his hands, his eyes blazing with a mix of frustration and vulnerability.
"You said you were going to play for me, not play with someone else!" he exclaimed, his tone sharp but laced with a childlike hurt. I blinked, momentarily lost for words. "Eh?"
"I thought that was cool, though," I said, half-laughing, trying to lighten the mood. Silas's pout deepened, his hands sliding back to my waist, his expression a mix of annoyance and longing.
"That was supposed to be me up there!" he whined, burying his head into my neck, eliciting a surprised gasp from me. "Eh? What do you mean? That was just a performance."
"No, it wasn't! You were blindfolded, and that—ugh, that annoying fake blond was behind you! You shared one guitar! That was supposed to be me, with you!" Silas's voice was a blend of indignation and jealousy, and I couldn't help but laugh, a snort escaping me.
"Are you… jealous?" I teased.
"I am! I really am! Ever since I heard you met some guy named Nathan, who, might I add, is a fake blond!" His eyes glinted.
"Oh… I don't like him, though. I like you." I leaned closer, our noses almost touching, the air thick with unspoken feelings. "Y-Yeah… I know," he murmured, his expression softening, "but I hate the fact you let him touch you like that. It should just be me."
"Hn, you're right. I made a mistake," I sighed, pulling away slightly to meet his gaze. Silas's pout deepened, making him look like a forlorn puppy who had just lost its favorite toy.
"Don't pretend I didn't hear him confess his love for you! Gah! I'm furious! I should throw him into the Dark Forest and leave him there!" His eyes sparkled with mock ferocity, but I could see the vulnerability beneath.
I wrapped my arms around him, drawing him close. "I like you, Silas—no, I love you. So please kiss me again because that kiss earlier wasn't enough," I whined, nipping playfully at his neck, causing him to squeak in surprise.
"How about we go home first?" he suggested, his face flushed a deep crimson.
"Okay, let's go," I said, practically dragging him out of the venue, eager to escape the tension lingering behind us.
"Aren't you going to tell your sister you're leaving?" he asked, glancing back.
"Nah," I replied with a carefree shrug, my focus solely on the road ahead and the warmth of Silas by my side.
—
"You looked incredible playing with that blindfold—so handsome," Silas pouted, sitting firmly on my stomach, arms crossed as he glared down at me. "But that guy really ruined the whole vibe."
I couldn't help but snicker at his indignation.
"Sorry, I should have just taken the position from him, right?" I replied, a teasing lilt in my voice.
"Absolutely! You deserved that moment," Silas huffed, his expression softening as he cradled my face in his hands. His touch was light yet possessive, and I felt a warmth spread through me.
"Mhm," I hummed, leaning in closer before playfully forcing him to lay his head on my chest. I wrapped my legs around his waist, effectively immobilizing him.
"Mmpf!" Silas let out a surprised sound, his cheeks squished against my shirt as I chuckled at his flustered state.
"I'm still annoyed with you for letting that happen," he mumbled, his voice muffled. I sighed, rubbing my nose against his cheek, relishing the warmth of his skin as he shifted to lie beside me, facing my direction.
"I'm really sorry, Silas. How can I make it up to you?" I asked, my frown deepening.
He paused, a look of intense concentration crossing his features. "Make up? Hmm… Let me think," he replied, absently brushing a stray strand of hair off my forehead. "How about you play me a song, just the two of us?"
"Will you give me a kiss then?" I dared, raising an eyebrow playfully.
"Maybe," he teased, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
"Why not now?" I pressed, my heart racing at the thought.
"Because you're on punishment, hmp!" he declared, crossing his arms defiantly.
"But you kissed me earlier!" I protested, feigning an exaggerated pout.
"I was jealous and annoyed," he shot back, his tone softening just a touch.
"Can you be jealous and annoyed again?" I suggested, my voice laced with hope.
That night, we fell asleep in the same bed once more. Our legs intertwined, our bodies pressed together in a cozy embrace. My face was buried in the soft, curls of his hair as he cuddled closer to me, seeking warmth and comfort.
God, I love him so much.