Straight as Guitar Strings

𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝟯𝟯 [𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵]

OKAY? I'm trying to move on from a relationship that never even existed. It's better to start now so it won't hurt as much later. And then, suddenly, there's this guy—my bandmate, who's now sharing lunch with me—and he just confessed that he likes me. What on earth is really happening?

Is Johann a distraction or a destruction... like Leo? If he's going to be a good distraction, then I would be perfectly fine with that. But I don't want to use him or play with his feelings either. Should I just reject him or give him a chance? I don't know.

"You're so quiet," he said, slowly chewing his food.

"You're quieter," I replied, my attention finally drawn to him. Leo kept glancing at us, which was annoying. The way he stared; you'd think he was going to kill us both. I wasn't doing anything to him!

"I know," Johann answered nonchalantly. By the way, he paid for our lunch. He insisted. I told him I'd pay for my own, but he said he'd take care of it.

"Since when?" I asked him after he took a sip from his Sprite.

"What?" he asked, clueless.

"Since when did you like me?" I clarified, trying not to sound privileged just because he confessed today.

"Since day one when you joined the band." He said it while looking straight into my eyes. It was the first time he did that, and I felt uneasy, so I looked away.

I saw Leo and Grace at the other table again. That clingy girl was feeding Leo! Should I let Johann feed me too? Kidding. That would be using him.

I decided to turn my gaze back to Johann instead of getting annoyed by those two attention-seekers. "Johann, I cannot promise you anything or assure you that I can reciprocate what you feel for me, just so you know. I hope I made it clear."

"Yeah, I understand. Just let me admire you and make you happy," he said with a soft smile. I know it hurts deep inside; I've experienced that. But...

How could he be so calm and sound so diplomatic? Damn! So attractive.

"Alright," I replied, inadvertently glancing at Leo and Grace again. I rolled my eyes and looked back at Johann. "Can I ask you a favor?"

He gave me a questioning look, raising his eyebrows.

"Can we switch seats?" I asked hesitantly.

"Sure!" he said without hesitation. He was so easy to talk to.

I breathed a sigh of relief. "Thanks, the view is better here. I won't be able to see him." And I thought it was just in my head, but I voiced it out. He's not dumb; he knows what I'm referring to.

"So, you are avoiding him?" he asked, playing with his spoon on his plate.

I paused, my hand hovering over the straw of my orange juice. "Will you stop asking if I say 'yes'?"

"Yes," Johann nodded, making a zipping motion over his mouth with his fingers.

"Good," I said casually, though a small smile tugged at my lips.

•• ━━━━━ ••●•• ━━━━━ ••

As I woke up to the sound of my alarm clock on that Monday morning, a mix of excitement and nervousness filled me. Time flies, I thought, realizing it was already the Founding Anniversary of Libertad University.

The campus buzzed with activity, resembling a lively festival. Colorful decorations adorned every corner, and students were dressed in their best outfits. Booths offering various activities and treats lined the pathways, adding to the festive atmosphere. This celebration was also a stark reminder that in just four days, we would be competing in the Regional Battle of the Bands. The impending deadline weighed on my mind, but for now, I decided to enjoy the moment.

The day was packed with a variety of programs, and it was my first time experiencing such an event. It felt invigorating. From spirited chant and yell competitions to captivating cultural shows, the campus pulsed with energy. Street and festival dances added to the rhythm, while bursts of color filled the air during the lively color run and float parade. Everywhere I turned, mouthwatering treats from the booths, enticingly displayed by students majoring in BA, Entrepreneurship, and HRM, beckoned.

Johann, Chase, and Aki were with me, and Johann, ever generous, bought everything I looked at. It was sweet, though I couldn't help but think of Sir Richard and how mad he'd be if I ended up rejecting his son.

As the hours passed, we found ourselves backstage at the much-awaited Battle of the Bands event, one of the highlights of Libertad University's Founding Anniversary. Not to mention the fireworks display that would follow our performance. We were set to perform last, showcasing the song we hoped would propel us to victory in the upcoming Regionals.

Backstage was a hive of activity, and Laura, noticing my nerves, suggested doing my makeup. I gratefully agreed, appreciating her support. We found a quiet corner where she could work on me, and we started chatting.

"What's your plan?" she asked as she applied some foundation.

"I think to ease the burden, I'll finally confess to him after our performance, if we win," I replied, referring to the Regionals.

"What if you lose?" she inquired, pausing to look me in the eye. "Not that I'm saying you will, but what if?"

"I'll still confess to him, but I'll give it a few days if we do lose," I answered, determined.

"Good luck, friend! I'm so proud of you. I'll be up front later, you'll see me. I'll be cheering you on!" Laura hugged me tightly before stepping back to admire her work. "There, you look handsome now. I'll head out first, okay? I need to find a good spot to watch you and your band!"

"Thank you, Laura! See you!" I smiled as she left, her energy and excitement infectious.

As soon as the battles started, everything seemed to happen in a blur. Before I knew it, the emcee was introducing us, and we were stepping onto the stage to the deafening cheers of the Libertians. Their trust in the university's official band, built up over time, was evident in their enthusiastic support.

We kicked off with our opening pop-punk song, "Better Than Revenge," followed by our chosen musical piece, "Somebody to Love" from *Cinderella: The Musical* by Nicholas Galitzine, originally by Queen. The crowd was with us from the start, singing along with me, which helped to calm my nerves. Another factor that eased my anxiety was Leo's interaction with me during the performance. His participation hyped up the audience even more. Every time he laid his eyes on me while playing the bass guitar, it sent shivers down my spine. With just one glance, he could revive the heart I had been trying to kill its beat for.

•• ━━━━━ ••●•• ━━━━━ ••

"Congrats, guys! Nice! Nice!"

Backstage erupted with joy and noise after our smooth performance. We congratulated each other for a job well done.

I intended to head to the field, where the audience was eagerly awaiting the fireworks display. It was about to start any minute, so I hurried to find a good spot.

"Liam!" I heard Leo call, his voice unmistakable.

I didn't turn around. I ignored him and kept walking.

"Liam, wait!" His voice grew louder, indicating he was chasing after me.

I quickened my pace, trying to avoid him, but suddenly, I felt his hand grab mine, holding on tightly and preventing me from getting away.