Straight as Guitar Strings

𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟵 [𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵]

WHISPERS filled the hallway. Whispers echoed across the campus. Even the professors were gossiping, albeit discreetly. Everyone knew about the rumors, but no one could prove their veracity. There were rants on the Libertad Wall page, suggesting it was all for likes and followers. Despite surpassing their stated quota of likes, views, and retweets, they still hadn't released a full video.

That's because it was all fake!

Finally escaping the chaotic world inside the campus, Leo and I arrived at a place of peace. At least in the studio, there were no fake news and far from stress. Everyone here was convinced that the circulating audio scandal of me and Leo was edited and fake.

Aki and Chase, the couple in the band, joked that they might be next. Grace chimed in, saying it was unlikely since they weren't that famous. It was a bit harsh, but Aki and Chase laughed it off, so there were no hard feelings. We weren't that famous, but our issues seemed to never end, making them widely known. That bitch, Elfin! She'll get her karma!

Soon, Sir Richard arrived, carrying a paper with guidelines and criteria for the upcoming University Battle of Bands Regional Level. After explaining, we brainstormed songs that fit the theme. Then we started playing all the songs we could manage.

We didn't finish everything, so we planned to continue next time. While they packed up, I stepped outside and told Leo I'd wait for him. He mentioned having something to show me, a surprise. I knew he was doing his best to keep me from being affected by the rumors. I always appreciated him for that.

I had papers with chords, tabs, lyrics, and a copy of the competition guidelines and criteria tucked between my arm and side.

I was about to check the time on my phone when Bob called. I looked around to see if my bandmates were out yet. Not seeing them, I walked further away from the studio and found myself in the grassy area of the archery field, which was now quite dark as the archers had already left.

Before the call could be missed, I answered. As soon as I did, Bob's furious voice erupted. He was cursing, shouting, and crying, sounding like he was having a panic attack. I tried to calm him down, but he continued screaming at me for several minutes, accusing me of being a cheater and sleeping with my friend.

He kept cursing at me, calling me a cheater and promiscuous for having sex with my best friend. He demanded an explanation, but I told him there was nothing to explain because none of it was true.

He said if I didn't explain, I should come over to prove I loved him. I told him I was tired, but he lost it again, screaming as if he'd gone mad.

"DAMN IT, LOVE, ENOUGH! I SAID I'M TIRED!" I yelled back, and in my frustration, I hung up on him. I shut down my phone to make sure he couldn't call back. How could he be so stupid to believe fake news?

I stuffed my phone back into my pocket and turned to head back to the studio, only to find them all standing behind me. They were staring, speechless, and it looked like they had been there for a while. They seemed clueless about what had happened; I hadn't told them, and they hadn't heard a word from my lips.

But I saw Grace's arm around Leo's shoulder. I ignored it and walked quickly. I heard Leo excusing himself from the group, including specifically to Grace.

Why did he have to say goodbye to that Grace?

I heard him say something about us walking home together since we lived close by, which he just made up. I heard the group and even Sir Richard agreeing and reminding us to take care.

Soon enough, he was walking alongside me. "Who's 'love'? Do you have a partner? Did you have a fight?" he asked in rapid succession, but I didn't look at him. I didn't say anything else.