Unwritten Melodies

Chapter 12

The night wore on, and the crowd in the lounge began to thin as guests took their leave. Many of the businessmen and industry contacts Offroad had invited had already departed, offering him handshakes and well-wishes as they headed out. Now, as the hour grew late, only a handful of people remained.

Offroad settled into a comfortable chair in the lounge, letting out a sigh of relief as he sank back. Around him, his friends and family gathered, their laughter and conversation filling the space with a warmth that cut through the quiet of the emptying venue. It felt relaxed now, intimate—a stark contrast to the bustling energy of the launch.

Tu and Mawin had claimed the plush armchairs across from him, engaged in a playful argument over some old industry story, while his mother and Alpha chatted with Pentor and Diamond nearby, recounting memories from Offroad's early days. Geler is crafting experimental drinks for anyone who dared to try them.

And then there was Daou, seated on the edge of the couch, quietly observing them.

"So, Offroad," Tu's voice broke through, drawing his attention. "How does it feel?" She gestured around the room, her expression both proud and maternal, the kind of look she reserved for someone she had watched grow. "Seeing all this hard work finally come to life?"

Offroad chuckled, casting a glance around the room at the familiar faces surrounding him. "It feels... great," he admitted, his voice softer than he intended. "I couldn't have done it without my team, of course," he added, nodding toward Nu and the others who had tirelessly supported his vision. "But to see it here, to feel like I can finally share it with all of you—I'm proud, and maybe a bit overwhelmed." He paused, a hint of humor slipping through. "And I have to say, I feel like luck was definitely on my side."

"Luck?" Geler scoffed, his face breaking into a grin. "Yeah, right. That's called talent and a ridiculous amount of dedication." He raised his glass, giving Offroad an approving nod.

The room broke into laughter, and Offroad joined in, feeling a surge of gratitude as he took in their smiles.

As the laughter subsided, Roman spoke up, his voice steady and sincere. "But really, Offroad," he said, "it's all thanks to you. Luck might have been part of it, sure, but the credit? That's all yours. You were the one who put in the long hours, who believed in it even when no one else did. Don't downplay that."

Offroad felt his throat tighten, the sincerity in Roman's words hitting him harder than he'd expected. For a moment, he was at a loss for words, the overwhelming support from his friends and family resonating deep within him.

Clearing his throat, he managed a grateful smile, locking eyes with Roman. "Thank you, Roman. Really. That means more than you know."

Before he could dwell on his emotions any further, Mawin stood up, raising his glass high. "A toast!" he declared, "To Offroad's success, to his hard work, and to the many achievements still waiting for him. We couldn't be prouder!"

Everyone raised their glasses, "To Offroad!" they cheered, their faces alight with smiles as they clinked glasses and took sips, the sound of laughter and cheers filling the room once more.

Offroad took a slow sip, letting the warmth of the drink settle alongside the warmth in his heart.

As the night continued, conversations resumed, and Offroad found himself caught up in stories and laughter, each moment weaving into the night. Tu shared an amusing tale from her early days in the industry, drawing laughter from everyone. Alpha reminisced about a time when Offroad had been too shy to perform, and he laughed along with her, grateful for the lighter memories of his early days.

As the hours grew late, Offroad felt a sense of peace settle over him—a feeling he hadn't known he'd been missing. It was as if, tonight, surrounded by those who had walked with him through both success and uncertainty, he had finally come home to himself.