Straight as Guitar Strings

𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝟯𝟱 [𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵]

AS the night wore on and the party reached its peak, I found myself observing the scene around me. What caught my attention was Grace, clearly fueled by alcohol and with a mischievous glint in her eye. Bored with the victory party, she decided it was time to stir things up.

She swayed toward Leo, her movements unsteady from the alcohol. "Hey, Leo," she slurred, offering him a shot. "Care for a drink?"

Leo smiled politely, accepting the glass. "Thanks, Grace," he replied, raising it in a toast before taking a sip.

The drinks were light, but some people, especially Grace, had overindulged. It was like she thought there was no tomorrow or it was her first time tasting alcohol. Many were already drunk, except for me.

I moved a little closer to where Leo and Grace were standing, keeping my distance but close enough to overhear their conversation.

Grace's gaze turned flirtatious as she leaned in closer. "You know, Leo," she said, her voice modulated to be heard over the live band playing on stage, "I've always admired you. You're so talented, so fucking... attractive."

I couldn't help but smile when Leo took a step back, chuckling nervously. "Uh, thanks, Grace. Appreciate it."

"Try harder, bitch," I thought, inwardly pleased at her embarrassment from Leo's subtle rejection.

But Grace wasn't deterred. "I've been thinking," she continued, her voice growing more insistent. "Maybe we could be more than just friends. What do you say?"

Leo's expression grew serious as he gently declined her advances. "I'm sorry, Grace. I'm with Colleen, you know that."

Grace's face darkened, her tone turning accusatory. "Colleen? Really, Leo? Or is it because of Liam?"

My ears perked up at the mention of my name. I nearly spit out my drink in surprise.

Leo's eyes widened in disbelief, and he laughed nervously. "What? No, Grace, you've got it all wrong."

But Grace wasn't convinced. "Don't lie to me, Leo," she snapped, her voice rising. "I know the truth. You're gay, aren't you? And it's because of Liam!"

Leo's jaw clenched in frustration. "That's not true, Grace," he insisted, his tone firm. "I'm not gay, and Liam has nothing to do with this!"

Grace wasn't finished. With a defiant glint in her eye, she stumbled toward the stage, snatching the microphone from the band's vocalist. The room fell silent as all eyes turned to her, waiting for her next move.

"Everyone, listen up!" Grace's voice echoed through the speakers, slurred but loud. "I have something important to say!"

The crowd's murmur quieted, all attention focused on her. I felt my heart race, wondering what she would do next.

"Liam," she called out, her voice echoing through every corner of the hall, "I have something to tell everyone!"

A sense of dread washed over me as I realized what she was about to do. I tried to intercept her, but I feared it was already too late.

Grace raised her glass high, commanding the attention of the room. "Attention, everyone!" she exclaimed, her voice ringing out across the crowded venue.

All eyes turned to her, curiosity piqued by her sudden announcement.

"I have some juicy gossip to share," Grace continued, a playful smirk dancing on her lips. "It's about our band Libertadlibs' dirty little secret."

Panic surged through me, and I began to push through the crowd, moving as quickly as I could toward the stage, but the sea of people slowed me down.

"Let's start with a trivia, shall we?" she said, swaying slightly and rubbing her temple, feeling the full effect of the alcohol. "By the way, we're very grateful for our win. Congratulations to all of us! OMG, I think I'm getting dizzy."

She steadied herself and continued, "But wait... here's the real scoop." Then she saw me. "Oh! There you are! Come here, darling!" When I finally reached the stage, she grabbed me and pulled me up with her, now we stood together on the stage.

Standing beside her, I felt a wave of nervousness wash over me.

She cleared her throat, flipping her hair with an air of confidence. "Did you know that Liam here has a crush on someone?"

Whispers and murmurs spread through the crowd as people exchanged curious glances, wondering who my crush could be.

"Well, I'll tell you who it is," Grace declared, her voice dripping with mischief. "It's none other than our very own Leo!"

Silence fell over the room, and my heart seemed to stop. The secret I had planned to reveal on my own terms was now laid bare, exposed in the most humiliating way possible.

I felt so exposed, unsafe, and vulnerable, my secret laid bare for all to see. Grace's revelation left the crowd stunned.

I saw Leo rushing to the stage. He snatched the microphone from Grace. Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes for a moment. When he opened them, his expression was one of determination.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Leo began, his voice strong and clear, "there's something I need to say."

I watched him, my heart pounding in my chest, wondering what's on his mind and what is he about to say.

As Leo began to speak, the anxiety in my chest doubled. I sensed that something was terribly wrong, but I knew there was nothing I could do to stop it. It felt as though everything that was about to happen had already been written, and I was powerless to change it.

"Sorry 'bout the drama, folks. She was totally wasted, talking outta her ass." Everybody laughed, treating the situation as a big joke. Leo, what are you doing? Don't make me hate you, please. Don't be an asshole.

He looked at me as if trying to convey some truth. "Plus, I'm taken. Yeah, I've got a girlfriend." He turned to the crowd and declared, "I'm straight, straight as guitar strings, and so is Liam. You know what I mean?"

He fully captured the crowd's sympathy; they cheered and came to life. Their shouts and laughter made the weight on my chest even heavier.

Once the crowd quieted down, he continued, "There's no fucking chance we're into each other. We're just tight mates, okay? Like best friends... like... like brothers. You know that, Grace?"

Grace rolled her eyes, mouthing 'whatever.'

"That should make sense now," Leo ended his speech as if I didn't matter to him at all, "Sorry again for the mess, let's keep this party rollin'!"

He dropped the mic, and it felt like he dropped my heart along with it. Just like how I should have dropped my feelings for him the very first moment I started to feel them.