Unlikely Harmony || DaouOffroad AU

CH16. The Last Trace

The days leading up to the festival felt like a blur, each passing moment electrified by anticipation. The venue was a space of energy, filled with the sounds of music and laughter, the occasional shout punctuating the air like fireworks. Daou and Offroad were caught up in it all, their hearts racing in time with the beats of the songs they rehearsed. After that unforgettable night beneath the stars, everything seemed to shift between them. It was as if they were finally awake to the truth of their connection, always clinging to one another.

"Did you hear the way you hit that last note?" Offroad teased, leaning closer to Daou during a break, his voice low and playful. The warmth of his breath sent a shiver down Daou's spine, and he couldn't help but smile, feeling that familiar flutter in his chest.

"Please, I was just following your lead," Daou replied, nudging Offroad with his shoulder, the touch lingering longer than necessary. Their laughter intertwined, creating a cocoon of happiness that shielded them from the chaos swirling around them.

Though as the rehearsals resumed, Daou felt the weight of Somchai and Aim's gaze, heavy and scrutinizing, lingering like a dark cloud above their heads. They were everywhere, their presence looming as they analyzed every move, every shared glance between Daou and Offroad. It felt like a performance within a performance, and the pressure mounted with each passing day.

"Focus, you two!" Somchai yelled during one particularly intense rehearsal, his eyes narrowing at them. "We need this to be flawless. No distractions." His tone was sharp, but there was an undercurrent of protectiveness in his voice—a reminder of the stakes at play. Daou felt the heat rise to his cheeks as he exchanged a glance with Offroad, a silent acknowledgement that their chemistry was evident, even to outsiders.

Daou often caught himself stealing glances at Offroad when he thought no one was looking. The way Offroad moved, the way he laughed, it all made Daou's heart swell with affection. In the chaotic corridors of the venue, moments of solitude became treasures—each stolen touch, each soft word exchanged became a secret shared only between them.

"Hey," Offroad said one day, pulling Daou aside into a quieter corner of the venue. The hustle and bustle around them faded into a soft hum, leaving just the two of them in their little world. "What do you think about the stage coördination? I feel like we really nailed it today."

"It's perfect, but you know what would make it even better?" Daou leaned in closer, their shoulders almost touching. "A little more of this." He playfully swayed his hips, mimicking a dance move that made Offroad burst into laughter.

"Alright, Mr. Smooth," Offroad replied, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Just don't let P'Somchai see you practising your solo moves. He might kick us out for being too distracting."

"I think he'd be more concerned about us distracting each other," Daou shot back, his voice low, a teasing glint in his eyes.

Their laughter faded into a comfortable silence, and for a brief moment, it felt like they were the only two people in the universe. But the world outside their bubble was relentless, and Daou could feel the unease creeping in. The managers were always close by, their disapproving eyes like shadows that followed them wherever they went.

Other artists surrounded them as well, also preparing for their respective performances and collaborations.  During a brief lull in the chaotic atmosphere, Daou felt a rush of adrenaline as he spotted the trio from Lykn—Hong, Lego, and William—practising nearby. They were always a friendly presence, often sharing laughter and good-natured banter with the other artists.

"Hey, you two!" Lego called out, waving as he finished a particularly impressive dance move. "Looking sharp! Ready to show us how it's done in a few days?"