The Secret Symphony of Love

Part - 18

Music Academy – Post-Practice

It was an unusually quiet afternoon in the practice room after everyone else had packed up and left. Siya was collecting her things, humming softly to herself, when she noticed Ethan lingering near the door, his eyes fixed on her with a look she couldn’t quite decipher. She offered him a friendly smile, as always, but he didn’t smile back this time. Instead, he took a deep breath, as though gathering courage, and stepped forward.

Ethan: (voice low, yet firm) “Siya, can we talk? There’s something I need to say.”

Siya, sensing the seriousness in his tone, set down her things and nodded, a little uncertain but curious.

Siya: “Of course, Ethan. What’s on your mind?”

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Ethan’s eyes held an intensity she hadn’t seen before. He seemed almost nervous, a rare look for someone usually so confident and easygoing. After a pause, he finally spoke, his words catching Siya off guard.

Ethan: “Siya, I… I like you. More than just as a friend. I’ve felt this way for a while, and I just can’t keep it to myself anymore. I want to be more than just friends with you. I’d like us to… you know, date.”

Siya’s eyes widened in surprise. She had always considered Ethan a good friend and admired his musical talent, but she had never thought of him in a romantic light. His direct confession left her feeling awkward and uncertain, unsure of how to respond.

Siya: (softly) “Ethan… I didn’t expect this. I really… I never thought of you in that way.”

Ethan’s expression grew more intense, his voice softening but still laced with a strange urgency.

Ethan: “I understand that, Siya. But think about it—you and I share so much in common. We spend all this time together, practicing, performing… Don’t you feel anything?”

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Siya could sense the hope in his eyes, but there was something else too, a hint of an obsession that unsettled her. She knew she had to be honest, yet kind. She didn’t want to hurt Ethan, but she also didn’t want to lead him on.

Siya: (gently) “Ethan, I really value our friendship. I appreciate how close we’ve become as friends, but… I don’t feel anything beyond that. You’re talented, and you’ve been such a good friend to me. But… I don’t think I can be what you’re hoping for.”

Ethan’s face fell, disappointment evident in his eyes, and for a moment, he just looked at her in silence. Siya tried to gauge his reaction, but something about his expression was hard to read. There was a shadow of frustration in his gaze, something that made her feel a bit uneasy.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Ethan: (smiling, but with a forced edge) “I understand, Siya. I do. But… maybe if you gave it a chance, things could change. Sometimes feelings take time to grow, right? I think if we spend more time together, maybe you’d start to see me differently.”

Siya felt a pang of discomfort at his words. The insistence in his tone, his almost pleading eyes—it was unsettling. She took a small step back, hoping to convey her boundaries without being harsh.

Siya: (firmly) “Ethan, please understand. I can’t force feelings that aren’t there. You mean a lot to me, and I would love for us to stay friends. But if that’s not possible, I respect your decision.”

Ethan’s smile faded, and for a brief moment, his face seemed clouded by something darker. His jaw clenched, but he quickly masked it with a strained smile, his eyes flashing with an emotion Siya couldn’t quite identify.

Ethan: (quietly, almost to himself) “So… that’s it? Just friends? Nothing more?”

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Siya felt a lump in her throat, realizing the depth of his disappointment. She tried to soften her tone, hoping to ease the tension.

Siya: “I hope we can still be friends, Ethan. I really do. But… I also need you to understand my boundaries.”

Ethan didn’t respond immediately. His gaze lingered on her, as if studying her, and there was an unsettling silence between them. Finally, he nodded, but his eyes remained distant, as though he was lost in his thoughts.

Ethan: (with a forced smile) “Alright, Siya. If that’s what you want, I respect it. Friends… sure. I’ll see you around.”

As Ethan turned and walked away, Siya couldn’t shake the feeling that the conversation wasn’t truly over. The look in his eyes, the slight edge in his voice—there was something there that unsettled her. She sighed, gathering her belongings and hoping that Ethan would accept her answer in time. But as she left the practice room, a lingering unease followed her, one that she couldn’t quite explain.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Siya’s Apartment – Late Night

Sia sat by her window, staring blankly at the dimly lit street below. The day’s events were still spinning in her mind. Ethan’s confession had left her feeling unsettled, his words replaying like an unwelcome echo.

She closed her eyes, trying to push the discomfort away, but the uneasy feeling lingered. She felt awkward, maybe even a bit afraid. Ethan’s tone had been intense, almost obsessive. It was strange because, until now, she had only seen him as a friend. But tonight… he’d seemed different, like he was holding something back, something unsettling.

Taking a deep breath, Sia let her thoughts drift to Alex. In the midst of her discomfort, his face appeared in her mind, bringing a sudden sense of calm. Whenever she was around Alex, she felt secure, safe, and valued. The feeling was entirely different from how she felt around Ethan.

"Why do I feel this way about him?" she murmured to herself, her cheeks turning a shade pinker at the thought.

In her mind, she compared them both. Ethan had been a friend, always easygoing and supportive, but now… now there was something darker, something she couldn't quite place. Alex, on the other hand, was like her anchor. Even with his playful teasing she could sense the kindness in him, a genuine warmth that put her at ease.

A flutter stirred in her heart as she imagined Alex’s smile. It was more than just a friend’s affection, she realized. Her pulse quickened, and she felt a warmth rising in her cheeks. Could this be… love?

She hugged her knees to her chest, a soft smile breaking across her face. She hadn’t wanted to admit it before, but her heart was starting to reveal what her mind had been trying to deny. Alex was different. He was special.

“I think… I think I really like him,” she whispered, almost in disbelief.

Just as she thought of calling Alex to talk about everything that happened, she hesitated. Would he think she was overreacting? Or would he, perhaps, understand her completely, just as he always did?

With a sigh, Sia leaned back, clutching her phone. Her mind was swirling with thoughts of Alex, and her heart, for the first time, felt truly vulnerable.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Heyy Guys,

Kindly rate and review the episode!

Stay tuned for next surprising episode!

Yours,
Kaushi