Unwritten Melodies

Chapter 5

Offroad watched Daou on stage, his voice pouring into the familiar lyrics of a song they used to sing together. It wasn't just any song; it was one they'd stumbled upon during late-night practices, a melody that had become something of an unspoken anthem for their early days together. The lyrics, the rhythm, each note—it all carried memories that felt woven into his very being. Pride welled up in Offroad's chest as he took in the sight of Daou, poised and confident, living out the dreams they had once mapped out together.

Daou looked like everything he'd always wanted to become, and Offroad couldn't help but feel an ache of bittersweet pride.

--

Flashback

Laughter filled Daou's cozy apartment as Offroad playfully lunged at him, tackling him onto the couch. "I'll make you compliment me, P'Ou! Just wait! I'll make sure you get to see the best of me!" he declared, excitement bubbling over in his chest.

Daou grinned, playfully wrestling him back. "Yeah, right! As if I haven't already seen the best of you?" His eyes sparkled with a teasing glint, but there was a softness there, a warmth that hinted at deeper feelings.

Offroad glanced around, the afternoon light casting a warm glow over the room, their laughter punctuated by the soft meows of Polar, Daou's fluffy cat, watching the scene unfold from a corner with lazy curiosity. It was one of those rare, quiet afternoons—a pocket of peace in their otherwise chaotic lives.

Daou nudged Offroad's shoulder, leaning in closer until their shoulders were touching. "You're more like a sleepy star right now," Daou teased, his voice low and gentle. "What's with the sudden energy burst, huh?"

Offroad shrugged, but the grin never left his face. He glanced at the screen where clips from their trainee days looped, catching scenes of them practicing together, cheering each other on through exhaustion. Memories settled over him like a warm blanket. "Just... watching this again," he murmured, gesturing to the screen.

Daou's gaze softened, his head resting on Offroad's shoulder. "Yeah? Those were good times." His voice was almost a whisper, laced with an emotion Offroad couldn't quite place.

"Really good times," Offroad agreed, feeling a wave of reminiscence wash over him. He took in the warmth of Daou beside him, savoring the comfort of the moment, a sense of belonging that felt all too rare.

Daou shifted slightly, meeting Offroad's eyes. "It's crazy how far we've come," he said, his voice thoughtful, almost vulnerable. "Sometimes, it feels like we were just kids back then, dreaming too big, even though it was literally just last year that happened." They both chuckled.

"Maybe, but we've still got a long way to go," he replied softly.

"True," Daou murmured, his gaze distant as if imagining a future he wasn't sure was within reach. "But hey, don't forget me when you become a huge star." His tone was light, but there was something genuine beneath it that made Offroad's heart skip a beat.

"Forget you? Never!" Offroad insisted, nudging him playfully. "You're stuck with me for life, whether you like it or not."

A laugh bubbled up from Daou, but his eyes shone with warmth, the kind that made Offroad's chest tighten. "I'd be okay with that," Daou replied, a soft smile lingering on his lips, as he hugged him.

They fell into a comfortable silence, cuddling each other, rich with unspoken words and hidden feelings. Offroad felt a gentle tension in the air—a reminder of the bond they shared, one that was both thrilling and frightening.

"Hey, do you think we'll always be like this?" Offroad asked quietly, breaking the silence. "Close?" or more... 

Daou's smile softened as he lifted his head to meet Offroad's gaze. "No matter where life takes us, I want you to be part of my journey."