Straight as Guitar Strings

𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝟯𝟰 [𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵]

"LIAM, is there something wrong?" Leo asked, still holding my hand.

I didn't answer. I tried to pull my hand away, but he tightened his grip.

"Will you please talk to me? Let me understand you," he continued, his voice filled with concern.

"No need. Please let me go, Leo." Initially, he didn't want to let go, but when I pleaded again, I felt his grip loosen until he finally released my hand.

All the Libertians' attention was on the sky, awaiting the fireworks, or on finding a better spot to watch, so nobody really noticed us. Everyone was busy with their own world.

"You rocked earlier. Nice performance," I said, waving goodbye and finally turning my back to walk away. I needed to leave.

But then he called my name again, and this time, I could hear the growing pain in his almost cracked voice. It felt like my heart was being pierced with so much pain, and I wanted to cry because I knew I was hurting too.

This wasn't what I wanted, but I knew it was the right thing to do.

"Liam!" he called for the third time, and that was the moment I decided to stop walking away from him.

I turned around, facing his direction, but he wasn't looking at me anymore. 

Colleen had shown up out of nowhere and suddenly pulled Leo towards her, cupping his face in her hands and sealing his lips with a tight kiss.

I stood there, watching the man I secretly loved kissing his girlfriend.

It was as if the stars disappeared from the sky, the lone moon lost its beauty, and the night lost its meaning. All that remained was the pain I felt as I watched them kiss right in front of me, clear as day. It was clear as day, as clear as the truth that I needed to stop this delusion, that I would gain nothing from Leo... I would never have him.

He has a girlfriend, and he's straight. It's unlikely that he would ever like me.

To ease the pain, let me just put it this way: whatever happened between us? It was nothing, just normal. Everyone went through a confusion stage. Nothing romantic, nothing else.

It felt like my feet were cemented to the ground, unable to move. As I watched Colleen and Leo kissing, Johann suddenly appeared in front of me, blocking the painful view from my sight.

As he stood there and smiled, it was as if the sky lit up again; his arrival seemed to restore the meaning of the night. The beauty of the lone moon returned, and the stars began to shine once more.

I appreciated what Johann had done. At least, it lessened the pain I was feeling inside. I no longer saw them; instead, all I could see were his gentle eyes, his calm face, and his comforting smile.

Without realizing it, fireworks suddenly lit up the sky with dazzling colors, painting the night with bursts of gold, blue, green, and red. The crowd below cheered and gasped as each explosion filled the air with crackling sounds.

Everyone was happy except for me, but that was okay. Johann came closer, took my hand, and pointed up at the sky. As we looked up and watched the fireworks, I didn't notice my tears streaming down my face. It was still probably due to what I saw earlier, it really hurts. Why do I have to feel this? Why couldn't it be easier for me to have Leo? Yeah, having him is a big punch to the moon, I know, but why does my heart keep pushing me through with my feelings for him? All of those why's brought more tears to my eyes.

I let go of Johann's hand to wipe away my tears. I heard him saying that I would be fine, and I hoped so. He gently pulled me towards him, wrapping me in his arms in a tight hug.

Right after the mesmerizing fireworks display of Libertad University's Founding Anniversary, time seemed to fly, and before we knew it, we were standing on stage at the Regionals University Battle of the Bands. The familiar faces of my bandmates—Leo, Grace, Chase, Aki, and Johann—surrounded me, each of us eager and ready to give our all.

As the music began to play and the spotlight shone down on us, I could feel the adrenaline coursing through my veins. With every chord strummed and every lyric sung, we poured our hearts into our performance. And as the final notes faded into the air, the cheers of the crowd washed over us, signaling our victory. It was a moment of pure triumph, one that I'll never forget.

After the awarding ceremony, we returned to the holding room where we had been hanging out earlier with other students from different universities before the contest began.

We took pictures and then lifted Sir Richard after our group hug. We thanked him, and he said he was very proud of us. He was like a father, overjoyed at his child's victory. We were so loud and received a multitude of congratulations and praises from the musicians from other universities.

I felt that sense of being a champion again, a winner—not a loser. I wished I could feel this way about love too.

After the chants and noises, Sir Richard announced something. He stepped onto an armchair and declared that we would be having a victory party at the Libertad Hotel. Everyone was invited, and our University President would cover all the food, drinks, and everything else!

Everyone was in bliss. They screamed at the top of their lungs!

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The victory party exuded an aura of sophistication, with open stage beckoning performers—us and other delegates—with band instruments ready for anyone who wanted to perform.

As I looked around, I saw a sea of students, each one brimming with joy, regardless of their band's placement in the competition. It was heartwarming to see everyone together in a celebration like this. The air was alive with the sounds of laughter and music, but it wasn't enough to erase the sadness I felt inside.

As cheers and applause filled the air, we, the Libertadlibs, were invited to the center stage for a toast and speech in honor of our victory. Stepping up to the microphone, we were greeted by a wave of excitement and admiration from our fellow students. Sir Richard led the way, followed by each of us giving short speeches. We raised our glasses high, toasting to the fruits of our hard work and dedication.

As we descended from the stage, I remembered the conversation I had with Laura before our performance. I started to think. Was I ready? Should I confess to Leo? For what? Just so he knows? Yeah, nothing else.

My confession might as well be my goodbye. After telling him the truth, possibly tonight, I wouldn't bother or exist in his life anymore. He wouldn't have a reason to be confused about what he really is.