Scavenger Hunt

Melodies of the heart

The night air buzzed with excitement as they arrived at the karaoke bar, laughter spilling out into the street like a warm embrace. Dream felt his heart racing, not just from the lively atmosphere but from the persistent tension that lingered between him and George. This night was supposed to be fun, a distraction from their unspoken feelings, but as they entered, it only amplified the ache in Dream's chest.

“Alright, who’s going first?” Sapnap called out, his voice ringing above the din of music and chatter. The group cheered, excitement crackling in the air.

“Let’s make it a competition!” Quackity suggested, bouncing on his heels. “Whoever sings the worst buys the next round!”

“Deal!” George laughed, the sound bright but slightly strained, and Dream felt a pang of longing for the ease that once filled their interactions. The way George's eyes sparkled in the light reminded Dream of the countless late-night gaming sessions where their laughter felt like a shared secret.

As the first contestant took the stage, Dream’s mind wandered. He watched George join the group, his laughter mingling with the music, yet it felt distant, like a beautiful song played on a radio too far away to hear clearly. Dream envied the way George seemed to lose himself in the moment, even as Dream felt like he was tethered to the ground, unable to break free.

“Hey, Dream! Your turn!” Sapnap’s voice broke through his thoughts, and Dream looked up to see everyone staring at him expectantly.

“Me? Oh no, I can’t!” Dream protested, panic surging through him. The last thing he wanted was to be the center of attention, especially when his heart was so conflicted.

“Come on! Just one song! You’ll be great!” George urged, stepping closer, a playful grin on his face that only deepened the ache inside Dream.

“Fine, but only because you asked,” Dream relented, forcing a smile as he stood up. He made his way to the stage, the spotlight illuminating him, and for a moment, he felt exposed, like his feelings were on display for everyone to see.

As the music started, Dream closed his eyes, letting the melody wash over him. He chose a song that resonated deeply within him, the lyrics a reflection of the emotions he had yet to voice. As he sang, he poured his heart into every note, feeling the weight of his longing and confusion seep into the music. It was raw and real, a reflection of the heartache he was desperately trying to navigate.

When he finished, the applause filled the room, but Dream’s gaze searched for George. He found him in the crowd, his expression unreadable, a mix of admiration and something else that sent Dream’s heart racing. Did he feel it too?

“You were amazing!” George shouted as Dream stepped off the stage, his eyes wide with excitement. But there was an underlying tension that made Dream’s heart drop. It felt as if George was trying to mask something—was it fear?

“Thanks,” Dream replied, trying to keep his voice steady. “I just—”

Before he could finish, George was pulled back into the group, laughter erupting as Sapnap and Quackity took their turns. Dream watched, a bittersweet smile on his lips. He wanted to savor this moment, the joy of being surrounded by friends, but the weight of unconfessed feelings loomed over him.

The night went on, each song blending into the next, laughter mingling with the melodies. But every time Dream caught George’s eye, there was an unspoken tension that crackled between them, leaving Dream feeling vulnerable and exposed.

Eventually, as the night wore on, George slipped away from the crowd, seeking a moment of quiet. Dream noticed the shift in George’s energy, and a knot of concern tightened in his chest. He excused himself from the group, making his way to the back of the bar where he found George leaning against the wall, lost in thought.