My Knight and Shining Rock Star [Completed]

Chapter 10

Jared remained distracted by recent events. "Hey Red! You're spacing out again," Lucky remarked. "I'm sorry, it's just that... Ah, never mind. Let's start again," Jared replied. They were practicing their performance in the Diamond concert hall, gearing up for their upcoming concert. "Are you sure? I don't think you're focused," River observed, placing his guitar on the floor. "Yeah, what happened, dude?" Zed added. "I'm sorry. Let's just continue, okay?" Red forced a smile. "If you say so," River mumbled, grabbing his guitar.

-----Time Skip-----

Just like their previous concerts, the energy of Paranoia had everyone on their feet. Red managed to refocus, delivering an exceptional performance. Before the concert concluded, Red addressed the audience with a tearful smile. River, noticing his distress, approached him. "Hey, what's wrong?" he asked. "Nothing. I have a favor to ask," Red replied. "Sure, what is it?" River inquired. "Let's change the last song to 'Here I Am' by Air Supply," Red said, his smile appearing forced. "Sure thing. I'll tell the others," River agreed. Red, still smiling, quickly informed his bandmates about the song change. "So, everyone, I hope you'll like our last song," Red said, but the brightness in his smile felt forced.

The haunting melody of "Here I Am" filled the concert hall, and Red poured his heart and soul into the performance. He sang the song with raw emotion, tears flowing freely and mirroring the emotional intensity of the lyrics. Throughout the concert, he had restrained those tears, but now they cascaded like a waterfall, leaving not just Red but the entire audience emotionally moved.

After the concert, they returned to their dorm. "What's wrong, Red? I know you're keeping something from us," River said. "Wanna drink, River?" Red offered, and the older nodded.

The two of them ended up in a resto bar, each with a drink, sitting at the stalls near the bartender. "Mind telling me now, Red?" River asked after taking a sip of his drink. "She rejected me," Red replied, downing his drink in one go. "That's why you were out of focus, huh?" River commented, patting Red's shoulder. "I think I was too early. I shouldn't have confessed to her," Red confessed, another tear escaping his eyes.

"This is the first time I saw you cry like this ever since Anya left," River remarked, rubbing Red's shoulder. "She's different from her," Red said, frustration coloring his voice. "I know. So, you really do like Mina after all, huh?" River pulled Red into a comforting hug. "This is embarrassing, River," Red tried to pull away, but River maintained the embrace. "Just cry there. I won't charge you, don't worry."

As if River's words were a switch, Red's tears flowed like a river. "So are you done ruining my shirt?" River teased, making Red smile. "Hey, I didn't force you to do that," Red retorted. "Hahaha! I'm just kidding. Are you okay now?" River asked. "Yeah, thanks. You know? I feel like I have an older brother in you," Red smiled at him. "Well, guess what? I'm older than you, so technically, I'm your big brother," River grinned. "Right, I forgot. You're old," Red laughed at the face River made. "Wow, that's right, laugh at me," River said sarcastically. "S-sorry," but Red continued laughing. "Well, that's better than you crying there like a baby," River teased. "Hey! I was not!" Red rebuffed. They continued their playful banter for at least ten minutes, fueled by a few bottles of whisky.

Feeling the effects of the alcohol, River decided to bring Red back to their dorm. They arrived safely, and River managed to tuck Red into bed. "I'm sorry, Gianne. I should have saved you that day," he muttered in his sleep.

"Why did she turn him down? I thought she liked him too. I'm sure she does," River pondered aloud while tucking Red in. "Why, though? I don't get it," River said to himself before leaving Red's room.

To be continued.....