Beneath the Bully's Gaze

The Game and the Gaze

The music room had a different energy compared to the other classrooms. The polished wood of the grand piano gleamed under the soft lighting, and the walls were adorned with colorful posters of famous composers. The sound of instruments being tuned and notes being played filled the air, creating a serene, almost magical atmosphere.

Mira entered the room, feeling both excited and anxious.

She had always loved music, but her skills with instruments were nonexistent. She could barely tell one note from another, let alone play a song. But today, she had to try.

It was a mandatory class, and while most of the students seemed comfortable, Mira felt out of place.

Music was one of the few areas where she didn't excel, and the thought of embarrassing herself in front of the class made her stomach turn.

She found an empty seat toward the back, hoping to remain unnoticed.

The teacher, Mr. Callahan, was busy setting up for the lesson, his back to the class as he adjusted the sheet music on the piano.

A few students were already seated at various instruments, some testing the strings of violins, others gently tapping their drumsticks.

But Mira's attention was immediately drawn to the back of the room where Ethan sat, his fingers gracefully dancing over the keys of the piano. He played with an ease that made her stomach tighten.

Ethan was a natural.

He had been playing the piano since he was a child, a fact that everyone knew.

His music was flawless, each note a reflection of his raw talent, honed over years of practice. Mira, on the other hand, couldn't even find middle C without getting confused.

She watched him for a moment, captivated by the fluidity of his movements, before her attention was pulled away as Mr. Callahan clapped his hands together to get everyone's attention.

"Alright, everyone, gather round," Mr. Callahan called out, his voice steady and commanding.

"Today, we'll be practicing some basic techniques on the piano. For those who are just starting out, we'll be going over the fundamental scales and a few simple melodies. Ethan, why don't you come up here and give us a demonstration?"

Ethan, with his usual air of nonchalance, slid off the piano bench and strode to the front of the room. His confidence was evident in every step, and Mira couldn't help but feel a little envious. The way he moved, the way he carried himself—it was all so effortless.

"Watch and learn," he said with a sly grin, positioning himself at the grand piano.

His fingers hovered over the keys before they began to glide across the ivory surface, effortlessly producing a beautiful melody.

Mira felt a mixture of awe and frustration as she watched him play.

How could anyone be so good at something she found so difficult?

As Ethan finished his short piece, Mr. Callahan nodded appreciatively. "Excellent as always, Ethan. Now, let's get started. Mira, why don't you join me up here?"

Mira's heart dropped.

She had been hoping to stay under the radar, but now it seemed like the spotlight was on her.

She hesitated for a moment, but the teacher's encouraging gaze pushed her forward.

Ethan, however, shot her a look that made her heart race. His expression was a mix of amusement and something darker that she couldn't quite place.