Curious Hearts

Chapter 24

In the afternoon, the annual cultural festival was just around the corner and every student was busy preparing for their class's performances and events.

Ain glanced around, hoping to catch a glimpse of Jay. He had been tasked with coordinating the festival's music and sound system, and he'd been surprisingly quiet all morning.

Just then, she spotted him near the stage. His hair fell slightly over his eyes as he adjusted the controls, and Ain couldn't help but smile at the sight. She admired how serious he could get when he was focused on something.

Ain approached Jay from behind, tiptoeing on her feet. She was just a few inches away when—

"You know I can hear you, right?"

Ain pouted.

"How did you know it was me??"

"You have a very distinct.. presence."

Ain crossed her arms, pretending to be offended.

"Are you saying I'm loud?"

Jay laughed, shaking his head.

"No, just.. memorable."

"So, what are you doing over here, Mr. Sound Engineer??"

"Trying to figure out why the left speaker keeps cutting out. But it seems like it's going to be more complicated than I thought."

"Need any help?" she offered.

"Do you know anything about sound equipment?"

"Not a clue. But I'm pretty good at moral support."

Jay laughed again.

"Alright then, moral support is always welcome."

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After a few minutes of tinkering, Jay managed to fix the speaker issue.

"There! All set."

"Wow, you're a genius. You should consider a career in music or something."

"Maybe.. or maybe I'll just be the guy who knows how to fix things when they break."

Ain nudged him playfully.

"Don't sell yourself short. You're more than just a fixer."

"And you're more than just... moral support."

"Hey, come with me," he said suddenly, taking her hand without waiting for a response.

Jay guided her through the winding hallways, past classrooms and students who were busy with their preparations. They finally stopped in front of an empty music room. Jay pushed it open, revealing a piano sitting in the center of the room.

"What are we doing here?" Ain asked.

Jay's smile was almost mischievous.

"I've seen you hanging around the music rooms before. Do you play?"

Ain blinked, caught off guard.

"A little, I used to take lessons when I was younger."

Jay led her to the piano bench and gestured for her to sit down.

"Play something for me."

"I'm really not that good..."

"Please??"

With a sigh, Ain relented. She placed her fingers on the keys and began to play a simple melody she remembered from her childhood.

Jay watched her intently.

"That was beautiful."

Ain felt her cheeks red.

"I'm out of practice."

"No, it was perfect."

He sat down beside her on the bench. Jay's hand touch her finger on the keys.

"Play with me," he suggested.

Together they began to play a duet, their hands moving in harmony over the keys.