The whole world stopped

Chapter 4

— Offroad —

"Thank you for dropping me off, you really didn't have too, I could've ordered a car" I said once he started the car.

"It's my pleasure, don't worry about it" Daou replied with a warm smile

I gave him my address, and for the rest of the ride, we didn't really talk. He put on some soft music and started singing along under his breath. I found his voice very soothing and I just enjoyed this moment of peace.

As we arrived in front of my condo, I reached for the door handle, but he stopped me.

"Hey, hmm, listen... Please don't take me for a creep or anything, but since I saw you at the event, I kind of developed a little crush on you. You're gorgeous and you just light up a room. So I just wanted to ask you if you'd go on a date with me ?"

I tried to formulate a response but I was speechless. How can someone like Daou, an amazing singer, a gorgeous man, and someone who oozes confidence on stage just start babbling in front of little old me asking me out on a date. Part of me wanted to say yes because, well, look at him. But I knew I couldn't go there.

"Daou..." I started.

"Oh my god, did I make you uncomfortable? I'm sorry, I didn't even ask you if you were into men. Forget what I said" he interrupted me, a little nervous.

"Daou, I'm bisexual. You didn't make me uncomfortable. But I'm just not looking for a relationship right now, I'm sorry. All I can offer is friendship. "

As I was talking, I saw his eyes slowly lose their sparkle and that made me feel so bad but I knew I couldn't give myself to someone, I didn't know how to love someone reasonably, without giving too much.

"Oh, okay, I get it. I can do friendship," He replied with a small smile. "I really enjoyed our conversation earlier and I want to continue this whole getting to know you thing."

We exchanged phone numbers and said our goodbyes. Once I got inside, my phone buzzed with a new message.

*Daou : want to go to the gym with me tomorrow :) ?

Offroad : I'm in

Daou : great, I'll pick you up at 9, I have a guest pass with my membership

Offroad : okay see ya, drive safe*

This man was dangerous. Really, really dangerous.

I got to the front of my building at 8:50 and Daou's car was already there. He stepped out as soon as he saw me.

"Good morning, ready ?"

"Morning ! Yes, let's go !"

At the gym, we stretched before diving into our workouts - leg day for me, back day for him. Between our sets, we chatted, joked around and shared more about ourselves. And whenever I finished a set before him, I just sat down and admired how strong he was. Strong enough to pick me up and take me against a wall without breaking a sweat. Well, my mind was wandering into dangerous territory...

— Daou —

I was extremely disappointed when Offroad turned me down, but I knew deep down that he was someone that I needed in my life, in any capacity. I may have lost my cool when I asked him out, but something about him unraveled me. It was both scary and thrilling at the same time.

Our gym sessions quickly became part of our routine. We met 3 times a week, either going to his gym or mine. Afterwards, and then after we'd grab breakfast or dinner, depending on the time. We've been doing this for a month and the more I got to know him, the deeper my crush has grown. And, if I was being honest with myself, I was way past the crush stage, I was halfway in love.

We've also started texting randomly throughout the day, just to check in, share updates about our work, or talk about whatever. It felt natural, like he was becoming a permanent fixture in my life.

I was practicing for an upcoming concert that I had at the end of the week and debating whether I should invite Offroad or not. It was not the first time I've invited my friends to come watch me and I didn't generally overthink it but with Offroad, everything seemed to be more, more important, more meaningful...

"I don't see you practicing. What are you thinking so hard about ?" Mix, my choreographer and friend snapped me out of my thoughts.

"You know Offroad?"

"Your new friend that you want to bang so badly ?"

"Hey, I don't want to bang him, I want to date him. Don't talk about him like that please," I corrected "But yes, I've been debating whether or not to ask him to come to the concert.. I'd like to have him there"

"Then just ask him, why are you overthinking it ? He's your friend now, it's normal to invite him."

We continued practicing for another 2 hours and then Offroad came to pick me up to go to the gym.  As soon as I got in the car, he flashed me that smile, the one that always made my heart race.

"Hey you, how was practice?"

"It was good, I'm so excited to be on stage. Speaking of stage, are you free Saturday night?"

"Yeah I'm free, why ?" he asked, curious.

"Do you want to come ? I'll get you backstage access," I said, trying to sound casual, though my excitement was bubbling up.

"Who could say no to backstage access ?" He said cheekily.

"So you'll come ?" I felt a big smile on my face

"Of course, you know I love hearing you sing."

Okay, now I had to add a song to the setlist.