The rain hammered against the café window, a relentless rhythm that seemed to mirror the agitation in Colet's heart. She clutched her violin case, a familiar weight that offered little comfort today. Her audition for the prestigious Star Hunt Academy was tomorrow, a golden ticket to a future she craved, yet dreaded.
Colet pushed open the glass door, a warm wave of cinnamon and coffee washing over her. The quaint café, "The Melody Maker," was a haven she often frequented during practice breaks. The scent of brewing coffee always managed to soothe her frayed nerves.
Behind the counter stood a whirlwind of sunshine in the form of Maloi, the café owner. Her chestnut brown hair seemed to defy gravity, and her smile could light up the gloomiest day. Today, however, there was a hint of worry in her bright brown eyes.
"Colet! You look like a drowned kitten," Maloi chirped, bustling over with a steaming mug. "Chamomile? It works wonders on pre-audition butterflies."
Colet offered a tired smile. "Thanks, Loi. You're a lifesaver."
They settled into a corner booth, the familiar wooden table a comfort. Maloi, ever the chatterbox, regaled Colet with stories of a particularly demanding customer who'd insisted his latte had the wrong shade of brown. Colet listened with a half-smile, the familiar warmth in her chest blooming.
Between sips of tea, Colet confessed her anxieties about the audition. "It's Star Hunt, Loi. The best music academy in the world. Thousands apply, and only a handful get in."
Maloi's smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly reasserted her unwavering confidence. "You'll get in, Colet. I have no doubt. You play like an angel drowning her sorrows in the most beautiful way."
The comment, both playful and insightful, made Colet blush. Her music was a reflection of her soul, a constant storm of emotions she bottled up tight. Iris, somehow, always seemed to see right through her carefully constructed facade.
Their conversation flowed easily, punctuated by comfortable silences and stolen glances. A shy touch of fingers as Colet passed Maloi the sugar bowl sent a jolt through her. Maloi's hand lingered a beat longer than necessary, her thumb brushing against Colet's. A silent question hung in the air. Did Maloi feel it too?
The moment was shattered by the tinkling of the café door. A group of boisterous students from the local art school piled in, their laughter momentarily drowning out the gentle melody playing in the background.
As Maloi served the newcomers, Colet noticed the way her eyes crinkled at the corners when she laughed with a particularly witty student. A pang of jealousy, sharp and unexpected, pierced Colet's heart. Did Maloi yearn for something more? Was their connection just a haven for lonely souls on a rainy Tuesday?
Suddenly, the rain outside seemed to mimic the storm brewing within her. Colet forced down the bitter taste in her mouth. Maybe Star Hunt wasn't just about music anymore. Maybe it was an escape, a chance to outrun not just her fears, but the confusing emotions Maloi stirred within her.
"I should get going," Colet mumbled, gathering her belongings.
"Hey, wait," Maloi called out, catching her by the door. Her eyes were soft, concern etched on her face. "You'll nail it tomorrow, Colet. Don't forget that."
Colet offered a weak smile, her heart a tangled mess. "Thanks, Maloi. For everything."
She stepped back into the rain, the weight of the violin case heavier than ever. The melody playing in her head was no longer Star Hunt's demanding concerto, but a melancholic tune, the bittersweet symphony of unspoken feelings and a future shrouded in uncertainty.
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Credits to the owner of the image I used for the CHAPTER 1 cover photo.
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MELODY & MAYHEM (Macolet AU)
FanfictionThis story follows Colet, a stoic violinist, and Maloi, a vibrant café owner, as their paths intertwine in a bustling city. A slow burn romance blossoms fueled by stolen glances, whispered secrets, and a shared love for music. But just as their feel...
