Fated Escape

Chapter Seven

It was the night of the gig, and Pon had taken every precaution to ensure everything was perfect before leaving the Hemmawachi household. He double-checked the triplets' rooms, watching Silas's peaceful face as he slept, gently brushing a stray hair off his forehead. Pon slipped out quietly, praying the children wouldn't wake before morning. The last thing he wanted was for Sailub to receive a call in the middle of the night.

The crisp night air was invigorating as he finally reached the diner, spotting Pavel standing out front, leaning against the entrance. Pavel's face broke into a wide grin as soon as he saw Pon, his eyes lighting up with excitement.

"Pon! I thought you'd bailed on me," Pavel laughed, pulling him into a quick hug before tugging him inside.

The bar had a cozy, familiar vibe, filled with a mix of college students, locals, and regulars who were always up for a good time. Pavel handed Pon a simple black shirt with silver details—nothing too fancy, but enough to make them stand out a bit. Pon didn't mind; the outfit was comfortable, and he was glad Pavel kept things toned down tonight.

As they set up on the small stage at one corner of the bar, the chatter and clinking of glasses quieted a bit, with patrons turning their attention to the duo. Pavel gave him a grin, mouthing, "Just like old times," and Pon nodded, feeling the familiar anticipation.

They started off with a relaxed, acoustic song—Pavel on guitar and Pon on vocals. The warm chords and mellow beat filled the room, and Pon could feel the music ease him into the moment. The crowd was receptive, swaying along to the rhythm and tapping their feet.

Their set was a mix of covers and a couple of original songs they'd worked on back in the day. Pavel's guitar playing was smooth and comforting, a steady support for Pon's voice, which seemed to come alive with each verse. As they played, Pon could feel the tension of his day-to-day responsibilities melt away, replaced by a simple, pure joy he hadn't felt in a while.

For the next hour, Pon was lost in the music, in the laughter he shared with Pavel between songs, in the cheers of the audience. Every stress, every prank, every moment of exhaustion melted away under the neon lights. It was as if the world outside didn't exist; there was just him, Pavel, and the rhythm they created together.

Between songs, Pavel leaned over, whispering with a grin, "You miss this, don't you?"

Pon laughed, nodding. "Maybe a little."

As they wrapped up their final song, the crowd erupted into applause. Pon glanced at Pavel, who was grinning ear-to-ear, his eyes sparkling with joy.

"Worth it?" Pavel shouted over the cheers, his voice barely audible.

Pon nodded, his own smile just as wide. "Absolutely."

Their final song was a lively tune that got a few people up and dancing near the stage. The vibe was easy and fun, with the crowd cheering them on and clapping along to the beat. When they finished, they both took a quick bow, grinning as the bar erupted in applause and whistles.

Back at the bar counter, they ordered a couple of soft drinks, toasting to a successful night. Pavel gave him a nudge, raising his glass. "Here's to more nights like this. Don't let that fancy job keep you away."

Pon chuckled, feeling a pleasant warmth from the evening. "We'll see, Pavel. We'll see."

For now, he was happy to enjoy the moment, knowing he'd return to his responsibilities soon—but feeling lighter for having had a night like this to remind him of who he was outside of work.

Unbeknownst to Pon and Pavel, high above the crowd, in a private room with a view of the stage, three men watched their performance intently. Two stood by the window, eyes fixed on the duo below, both projecting a quiet, unyielding authority that set them apart from the lively patrons below.