His only reason (Emblem 3 fanfic)

His only reason (Emblem 3 fanfic - Chapter 2)

I stepped off the platform, careful not to step in the small crack between the train and the concrete. That was another fear of mine, falling through and never being found, lying helpless with a voice that would never be heard.

I continued walking, making my way up the trailing steps into Penn Station. I usually hated this place, especially at this time of day. It was nearing 5 pm, which meant the rush to get home would start and I’d most likely get trampled making my way through.

But the atmosphere was surprisingly serene, and I could slowly make my way through and inhale the glorious scent of greased fries in peace.

While walking, one man in particular caught my eye. He was sat in front of a small grocery mart, with a chipped wooden guitar planted on his left knee. He was dirty- his red flannel was tattered and the holes in his jeans pleated their use. But he was happy.

He hummed along to the tune played on the strings by ear, and slowly began to break into the chorus of an all too familiar song by Jack Johnson.

His voice was eerie- it was deep and raspy, but had the perfect tone to it. I watched his tongue dance along his chapped lips and the words twirl off and enter my fascinated presence.

I wasn’t the only one enjoying this man’s performance- a younger male came to my side, hands in his rough leather jacket, his head nodding to the slow beat. I didn’t notice him until the final chorus, where he chimed in with the poor man, meeting his harmony in tact. “But I will still tell you one thing, we’re better together.” 

I turned my head to meet the eyes of my correspondent, but his eyes were hidden behind a grey hood. I could only make out the trail of orange brown hair shading his forehead, and his perfectly rounded lips.

“You’re brilliant,” I muttered, staring at mouth. He stopped singing, and turned his attention back towards his grey suede shoes. A smirk erupted eventually, and the tension building in my head eased. “Thanks,” he whispered, almost as if he was unsure of whether to take in the compliment or leave it out in the open.

I hesitated, but asked if he hadn’t believed me and questioned why. He shook his head, more blonde hair falling onto his face. “Usually my brother’s the one in the spotlight, I like to stand back and just witness what’s in front of me.”

I couldn’t help but cock my head, and let out a chuckle. “Really? I’m sure you could go far in this industry with a voice like yours.” My hand met his cold shoulder, and I felt him shudder. Chills ran down my spine. “What’s your name?”

He backed away, and headed towards the escalator, as if I hadn’t asked him a question at all. I didn’t follow though, I watched him separate as a group of people rushed between us. It felt like time had slowed down and it gave me the temptations to chase after him, grab his hand and demand an answer.

He was peculiar. His shyness pulled me in, his awkwardness grabbed at my heart.

While being captured in my thoughts, I noticed he had left my sight, so I searched the escalator frantically, furrowing my eyebrows in frustrating realizing I had probably lost my opportunity of seeing him again, or possibly getting a glimpse of his face.

But once my eyes reached the top of the escalator, a male was staring back at me. Hands dug deep into his coat pockets, and his face stern, his eyes questioning mine. 

His green eyes dug into my soul, but he turned, and slowly walked away. And in that moment, I knew I was in love with Keaton Stromberg.