Unlikely Harmony || DaouOffroad AU

CH12. Singing Magic

They were shown to a table near the back, away from the main crowd. The air was filled with the rich aroma of spices and herbs. They placed their order and as they waited for their food, Daou glanced around the room, taking in the framed photos on the walls and the low murmur of conversation from the other customers.

"This place is nice," Daou said, his tone appreciative. "It feels... homey."

"Yeah, that's why I like it," Offroad replied, leaning back in his seat. "It reminds me of home. The food, the atmosphere... it's comforting."

Daou smiled, his gaze lingering on Offroad for a moment. "Tell me more about where you're from."

Offroad hesitated, unused to talking about himself, but something in Daou's expression made him open up. "I grew up in a small town down south. It was quiet, not much to do, but there was a lot of nature. I used to spend a lot of time outside, just exploring."

Daou listened intently, his chin resting on his hand. "That sounds peaceful."

"It was," Offroad agreed, a wistful note in his voice. "But it also felt stifling sometimes. Everyone knew everyone else's business, and there wasn't much room to be... different."

Daou nodded, understanding. "So you came here to find that space?"

"Yeah," Offroad admitted. "I needed to get away, to find my own path. Music helped with that. It gave me a way to express everything I couldn't say back home. Then I entered the talent show and that got me where I am today."

Their conversation was interrupted as P'Lek returned with their food, setting down steaming plates of spicy curries, stir-fried vegetables, and fragrant rice. The rich scents enveloped them, making Daou's mouth water.

"This looks amazing," Daou said, his eyes wide as he took in the spread before them.

"It tastes even better," Offroad assured him, picking up his fork. "Dig in."

Each dish was bursting with flavour, the spices balanced perfectly to create a symphony of tastes that left Daou marvelling at the complexity of the cuisine. As they ate, their conversation flowed easily, touching on everything from their favourite foods to their earliest memories of music.

Then Offroad hesitated, he wanted to know more about the boy sitting across from him. "So, seeing as this kind of does feel like a first date...tell me something new about yourself."

"You know, I don't talk about my family much," Daou began, his voice quieter now. "My mom and brother, Est, live in Bangkok. My parents separated a while ago, and my dad lives in Europe now. He's always been the adventurous type, off on a new journey or exploring some cool place."

Offroad nodded, his eyes fixed on Daou, listening intently. "Are you close with him?"

"Yeah, closer with him than with my mom," Daou admitted, his fork absently pushing around the rice on his plate. "He was the one who encouraged me to pursue music, to take risks. My mom's great, but she's always been a bit distant, more focused on her own life. And Est—well, he's a workaholic. I don't see him much. We're both busy, and I guess we've just grown apart over the years."

Daou's voice carried a hint of sadness, a longing for something he couldn't quite articulate. "I do have some good friends, though. They've been there for me through a lot. But you know, it's not the same as family." He smiled as he thought of Joong, Diamond and Mang.

Offroad nodded. "I get that. My family lives in Hat Yai now. My little sister, Alpha... she's only fourteen, but she's already so talented. Plays the guitar, sings a bit—she's amazing."