The Sound Of Your Heart

SIX

MILES

It was just a sunny morning when the announcement echoed throughout the school, catching the attention of every student and teacher. As the words sank in, a collective buzz of excitement filled the air. The news was indeed unusual, but it sparked a fire of curiosity amongst the students. What could they possibly do when the teachers were too occupied?

With a sense of freedom lingering in the atmosphere, the hallways quickly transformed into a hub of activity. Some students got together to form impromptu study groups, exchanging knowledge and helping each other. Others decided to explore the vast world of literature, diving into books that had long been forgotten on dusty shelves. One group of friends even took advantage of the situation to organize an interactive science fair in the school gymnasium. It seemed that education had taken on an entirely new meaning that day.

As the morning progressed, the classrooms were transformed into arenas of creativity. One classroom became an art studio, where students painted on easels, their imaginations running wild. In another, budding musicians formed bands and rehearsed for an impromptu concert. The school was alive with a different kind of energy, one that encouraged exploration and self-initiated learning.

Outside, the bright sunshine beckoned the students to venture into nature. A group of biology enthusiasts set out to study the local ecosystem, observing various species of plants and animals in their natural habitats. They avidly took notes and clicked pictures, their curiosity-fueling their desire to learn more about the world around them.

Meanwhile, me and my friends decided to hang out on common ground, pretending we were in a group study when, in fact, we were just hanging out. The weather was perfect, the sun radiating warmth that made us feel invigorated. As we sat at our usual table, I couldn't help but feel a knot of unease in my stomach. I frowned as I faced my friends, who were giving me annoyed looks after I told them about my encounter with Tyler.

"You're the dumbest person I've ever known my entire life, Miles," Charles said crossing his arms with the most annoyed tone on his voice.

"Seriously, Miles? You just told your longtime crush to stay away from you? Are you freaking kidding me?" Erin asked me, annoyed as she rolled her eyes.

"I know, and I'm sorry I shouldn't have done that." I sadly said to them, my voice trembling with regret and sorrow, honestly, after my encounter with Tyler, I realized that what I said and did was a total mistake, and I deeply regret that. I've been following him-more like stalking for years because, well, I have a crush on him. I always wished that he would notice me; that's all I ever wished for. But because I foolishly told him to stay away from me, my whole dream just collapsed.

"Let me remind you, Miles. You've been following him for years, and you've also been trying to get his attention by liking his Instagram posts. And now that you've finally gotten what you wanted, you're just going to disregard it all just like that?" Charles told me calmly, and I could see in his eyes how disappointed he was. I took a deep breath before I spoke again. I need to make them understand.

"Maybe it was because I was worried about what other people would think of me and Tyler. Tyler was the epitome of popularity - attractive, athletic, and undeniably smart. People looked up to him and admired him for who he was. As for me, I am just an average student, blending into the background, unnoticed by most. Deep down, I knew that if Tyler noticed me, it would be a disaster. The jealousy and hatred from others would be unbearable. I didn't want to be known as the boy who somehow caught Tyler's attention. I just wanted to be me - the boy who loved to- you know what? Just forget what I said." When I cut off my speech, I saw them roll their eyes together and sigh out of frustration. I smiled inwardly, finding amusement in the frustrated sighs and eye-rolls of my friends. Their expectations and judgment no longer mattered to me. I opened my bag and looked for the piano sheet, but I couldn't find it.