Fading notes L.M

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The autumn leaves rustled outside as Y/N sat on the edge of her bed, staring at the sketchbook spread open in front of her. It was a typical Saturday morning, yet a heaviness loomed in the air, settling over her like a thick fog. Her thoughts were consumed by Leighton, her girlfriend, who had been increasingly distant lately.

Leighton Murray was a whirlwind—charismatic, talented, and fiercely independent. Y/N had fallen for her bright smile and infectious laughter, and for a while, their relationship felt like a beautiful melody. But recently, the music seemed to fade, replaced by an uncomfortable silence.

Y/N picked up her pencil and started sketching absentmindedly, the lines on the page mirroring the confusion in her heart. She tried to recall the last time they had shared a laugh or a moment of connection. The memories felt like fading echoes, each one more distant than the last.

After finishing her drawing, Y/N glanced at the clock. It was past noon. Leighton had promised to come over for lunch, but there was still no sign of her. Y/N's heart sank at the thought of another missed moment.

Just then, her phone buzzed, and she rushed to check it. A message from Leighton appeared: "Hey, I'm running late. Something came up. I'll be there soon."

Y/N sighed, a mix of relief and disappointment washing over her. "Soon" had become an ambiguous term in their relationship lately—one that often stretched into hours, leaving Y/N alone with her worries.

A little while later, the door creaked open, and Leighton stepped inside. She looked beautiful as ever, but her eyes held a shadow that made Y/N's heart ache. "Hey, sorry I'm late," Leighton said, forcing a smile. "I got caught up with rehearsals."

"It's okay," Y/N replied, trying to match her energy. "I was just working on some sketches."

Leighton walked over and glanced at the sketchbook. "These are great!" she said, genuinely impressed. But the compliment felt hollow, like a song played without emotion.

"Thanks," Y/N murmured, her gaze dropping to the floor. "Do you want to grab some lunch?"

"Actually, I have to get back soon. We have a big performance coming up, and I need to practice more," Leighton said, her tone apologetic yet distracted.

Y/N felt a pang of frustration. "You're always practicing, Leighton. When do we get to spend time together?"

"I know, I'm sorry. I just want to make sure I'm ready. You know how important this is to me," Leighton replied, her voice rising slightly.

"I get that, but I miss you. I miss us," Y/N said, her heart racing. "It feels like you're here, but not really here."

Leighton's expression softened for a moment, but then she sighed, running a hand through her hair. "I'm trying, Y/N. I really am. It's just... everything is so overwhelming right now."

The tension hung heavy in the air, and Y/N felt the sting of tears threatening to spill. "I just don't want to lose you," she whispered, her voice barely above a breath.

Leighton stepped closer, her brow furrowed with concern. "You're not going to lose me. I care about you so much. I just need to focus on my music for a while."

Y/N nodded, trying to swallow the lump in her throat. "I understand. But can we find a balance? I don't want to feel like I'm competing with your music."

Leighton took a step back, crossing her arms defensively. "It's not about competition. My music is my life, and it's what I've always wanted. Can't you see that?"

Y/N felt a wave of sadness wash over her. "I do see that, but I also see you drifting away. I just want to be part of your life, Leighton."

"I'm not trying to push you away!" Leighton snapped, frustration evident in her tone. "I just need to prioritize right now. Can't you understand that?"

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