Unwritten Melodies

Chapter 8

"So, Daou, you're going to sing tonight, right?" Ronald's voice broke through Daou's thoughts, pulling him back to the present.

He blinked, needing a moment to collect himself. "Yeah," he replied, "I'll be singing later."

His fingers brushed against the glass of water before him. Part of him wanted something stronger, something to steady his nerves, but he needed a clear mind. This was a big performance, and with Offroad here, he wanted—no, needed—to be at his best.

"Perfect!" Ronald beamed, giving Daou an encouraging grin. "I've never heard you sing yet. I can't wait to hear you later." 

Daou noticed the hand Ronald rested on Offroad's shoulder, his thumb casually brushing against his jacket as they laughed over something. A quiet tension stirred in Daou's chest as he looked between them, wondering if Offroad noticed his gaze, or if he even cared.

Offroad's eyes flicked up, catching Daou's stare, and for a moment he looked startled. Then, as if covering for something, he turned back to Ronald with a faint smile.

"Offroad," Ronald continued, "remember my friend Stacy? The runway model from Victoria's Secret?"

"Yeah, you mentioned her. Said she was one of the best." Offroad smiled, though Daou thought he saw a flicker of hesitation in his eyes. "Why?"

"Well, she'll be here tonight, and I thought you two should meet! Stacy's always looking for fresh collaborations, and she could help take you to the next level, Offroad. Expanding your network with the right people could open a lot of doors for you."

Offroad chuckled lightly, nodding but adding a hesitant glance at Ronald. "Sure, sounds good. Can't hurt to expand my network, right?" He shifted slightly, giving Ronald a half-smile. "But you know, I haven't really been active in modeling these days. My business is taking up most of my time."

"Well, that's exactly why meeting people like Stacy could be helpful. If you want to grow your brand and explore a dual career in business and modeling, this could be a great step for you."

Daou's fingers tightened around his glass as he listened. He knew he shouldn't feel this way. Offroad was here as a guest, and Ronald's connections were perfectly natural in their world. But seeing Offroad so at ease with Ronald, planning future collaborations and laughing as if everything were simple, reminded Daou of everything he'd lost. Once, it had been him beside Offroad, sharing inside jokes, making plans for the future, laughing into the early hours of the morning. Now, he was just an onlooker, watching their easy banter from the sidelines, as though the two of them were separated by a vast, invisible wall he couldn't cross.

Ronald turned back to Daou, his face brightening with genuine encouragement. "I have a feeling your performance tonight is going to blow everyone away," he said. "Offroad and I will be right there cheering you on!"

Forcing a smile, Daou gave a quick nod, his gaze flickering to Offroad, searching for something in his expression—a hint of recognition, something that acknowledged the quiet ache in his chest. "Thanks. I'll do my best," he replied, trying to sound as confident as he once had, but knowing there was a tremor beneath his words.

Offroad caught his gaze, his eyes softening just slightly. But before Daou could decipher it, Offroad looked away, focusing again on Ronald and the conversation at hand.

As Ronald and Offroad continued their conversation, Daou took a steadying breath, feeling the familiar pang of bittersweet nostalgia that came with seeing Offroad so close, yet so far away. He tried to shake it off, reminding himself he had a performance to focus on. 

His gaze drifted back to Offroad, who was now laughing at something Ronald had said. The sight was painfully familiar—the way Offroad's eyes crinkled at the corners, the relaxed posture, the warmth in his expression. Daou had seen that look a thousand times, but now it felt as if he were watching a memory he could never quite reach.