Heart Strings|GirlxGirl

The Weight Of Silence

Freye insisted on driving me home. I didn't argue. By the time we stepped outside, the late morning sun was warm, but not overbearing, casting a golden glow over everything. Her car, sleek and dark, was parked neatly in front of her gate.

The drive was quiet, but it wasn't uncomfortable. Music played softly in the background, some mellow jazz tune that seemed to fit the calm between us. I caught her glancing at me a few times, as if she wanted to say something but couldn't find the words.

"Thanks for last night," I said finally, breaking the silence.

Her hands tightened slightly on the wheel, and she nodded. "Anytime."

I turned to look out the window, watching the city roll by, my mind a tangle of thoughts.

When we reached my place, she pulled into the driveway and turned off the engine.

"You didn't have to drive me," I said, my hand on the door handle.

"I wanted to," she replied simply, her gaze locked on mine.

For a moment, we just stared at each other. The weight of unspoken words hung in the air. I wanted to reach out, to say something-anything-but the walls I'd built around myself wouldn't let me.

"Thanks again," I murmured, finally breaking the moment and stepping out of the car.

She rolled down the window as I started toward my door. "Axel."

I turned, my heart skipping a beat at the way she said my name.

"Don't shut me out," she said softly.

I hesitated, then nodded. "I'll see you later, Freye."

---

It had been a few minutes since Freye dropped me off. I couldn't shake the look in her eyes when she told me not to shut her out. The weight of her words settled somewhere deep, yet I still held on to my walls, unwilling to let them down just yet.

The house greeted me with silence, save for the faint hum of the fridge. It was still early, but the day already felt heavy. I wandered into the kitchen, poured myself a glass of water, and leaned against the counter.

Freye's scent-lavender and vanilla-lingered in my memory, pulling me into a whirlwind of thoughts. I shook my head, trying to push her out of my mind, but it was no use.

My phone buzzed, snapping me back to reality.

Mino: "Practice at 2. Don't even think about being late."

I smirked at the text, setting the glass down. At least practice would give me something to focus on.

---

By the time I arrived at the studio, everyone else was already there. Lia was behind the drum kit, casually tapping out rhythms, while Mino fiddled with his bass. Rika, as usual, was lounging on the couch, scrolling through her phone.

"Look who finally decided to show up," Lia teased, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Relax, I'm on time," I shot back, setting my guitar case down and opening it.

Rika glanced at me over the rim of her sunglasses. "Rough morning?"

I shrugged, avoiding her gaze as I tuned my guitar. "Something like that."

Lia raised an eyebrow but didn't press, and I silently thanked her for it.

---

Practice flowed smoothly, the music giving me the escape I desperately needed. For a few hours, everything else faded away. It was just us, the band, and the sound we were creating.

When we wrapped up, Mino stretched with a groan. "I need food. Let's hit that taco spot."

"Agreed," Lia said, already packing up her sticks.

Rika turned to me, her expression curious. "You coming?"

"Yeah, why not," I said, grabbing my jacket.

---

The taco place was busy, the air filled with the scent of grilled meat and spices. We grabbed a booth, the energy between us light and carefree. Mino was cracking jokes, Lia was arguing about the best hot sauce, and Rika was rolling her eyes at both of them.

But my phone buzzed again, and when I saw her name, my stomach flipped. Freye.

"Be right back," I said, slipping outside to answer.

"Hey," I greeted, my voice softer than I intended.

"Hey," she replied, her tone quieter than usual.

"What's up? Everything okay?"

There was a pause, and I could hear her take a deep breath. "I don't know. I just... needed to hear your voice."

Her honesty hit me like a punch to the gut. I leaned against the wall, staring at the bustling street. "You sure you're okay?"

"I feel... off," she admitted. "Like there's something I can't shake."

"Do you want me to come over?" I offered without thinking.

"No," she said quickly, then softened. "No, it's fine. I just needed this."

I closed my eyes, the pull between us growing stronger. "Alright. But you'll call me if you need anything, right?"

"I will," she promised, her voice much lighter now. "Go enjoy your lunch."

We hung up, but her words lingered, leaving me unsettled.

---

When I slipped back into the booth, Lia was watching me closely. "You good?"

I nodded, forcing a smile. "Yeah, just a quick call."

Rika didn't say anything, but her knowing look said enough. Mino, as usual, was oblivious, too focused on devouring his food.

The conversation resumed around me, but I couldn't fully engage. Freye's voice echoed in my mind, her vulnerability stirring something in me I wasn't ready to face.

Whatever was happening between us, it wasn't going away anytime soon. And for the first time, that thought didn't terrify me-it intrigued me.