Five

MILES

As the bell pierced through the air, signaling the end of our exam, I swiftly rose from my seat, relieved to have completed the test. Joining the stream of my classmates, I made my way towards the front of the classroom where Mrs. Dorsett stood, her usual air of elegance filling the room.

Mrs. Dorsett, a woman of wisdom with her brunette hair cascading down her shoulders, greeted each student with a warm smile as they handed in their test sheets. When it was finally my turn, I couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for her.

Still strikingly beautiful despite the gentle touch of old age, she possessed an aura that captivated those around her. Inevitably, there were always whispers among the male students, their glances lingering a little too long, hinting at their infatuation. Yet Mrs. Dorsett remained impervious to their advances, her fidelity unwavering.

As I handed her my test sheet, she reached out, her hand brushing against mine, and a genuine smile tugged at the corners of her lips. It was a smile that conveyed genuine pride, acknowledging the effort I had put into my studies. Grateful and encouraged by her recognition, my own smile mirrored hers.

Our brief but meaningful exchange was interrupted by the voice of Clarice, Mrs. Dorsett's beloved wife, emanating from the doorway. Clarice, a vivacious woman of unmatched charm, had always been the heart and soul of Mrs. Dorsett's world. They complemented each other in a way that surpassed all conventional notions of love.

"Dear, the principal is looking for you."

Mrs. Dorsett's eyes sparkled, a twinkle of love framing her gaze with a graceful nod.

"Goodbye, Mrs. Dorsett!" I said as I waved my hand to her.

"Good bye, Miles, and be careful on your way home," she said while busy receiving the test sheets of my classmates. I nodded and finally left the classroom.

As I walked towards my locker, I glanced at my wristwatch to check the time. It was still too early to go home, even though Mrs. Dorsett's class was the last one on my schedule. A smile curled across my face as I realized I still had enough time to visit the school's music room; perhaps it was still open.

Music has always been my passion, providing me solace and a means to express myself. The school's music room had become my haven, a place where I could escape the rigors of the academic world and lose myself in the melodies. With thoughts of exploring the vast array of instruments and capturing the joy of music in my mind.

When I arrived in front of my locker, the bustling hallways of Adamson High School faded into the background. With a sigh of relief, I punched in my combination and swung open the metal door. Among the chaos of textbooks and loose papers, one item awaited me-the key to my innermost sanctuary.

I carefully nestled my books inside the locker and then extracted a worn piano sheet from beneath them. The edges were frayed, and discoloration marked the spots where my fingers had lingered countless times. As my eyes traced the familiar notes and melodies, a sense of calm washed over me.

I closed my locker with a sense of relief, the weight of stress lifting from my shoulders. Finally, exams were over. As I made my way down the empty hallway, I couldn't help but revel in the silence. It was a welcome change from the usual bustling chaos of school life.

The year elevens, like me, had finished our exams early, while the year twelves were still entrenched in their final lessons. The library was deserted, and the cafeteria was eerily quiet. It felt strange to walk through these familiar hallways without the usual clamor of excited chatter and hurried footsteps.

I went through the halls of the 12th grade, tiptoeing slowly in an attempt not to disturb the ongoing classes. As I cautiously made my way down the corridor, my eyes wandered to Tyler's classroom. The door was slightly ajar, and I couldn't resist the urge to steal a glimpse of him.

I leaned closer, taking care not to attract unnecessary attention. From my vantage point, I could faintly hear the professor's voice, passionately explaining the intricacies of calculus. A soft smile crept across my face as I watched Tyler engrossed in his studies, his brow furrowed in concentration as his fingers gracefully moved to spin his pen around.

I couldn't help but stare at him, captivated, as the late afternoon sunlight surrounded him. For a few blissful seconds, I let myself get lost in the infinite expanse of possibilities. Suddenly, as if feeling my gaze, he looked straight at me. Panic surged through my veins, and I felt a rush of adrenaline course through my body. In that moment, my mind went into overdrive, searching for a way to escape the spotlight.

Without thinking, a wild idea sparked in my head. I decided to act like "The Flash," the legendary superhero known for his superhuman speed. It seemed like the most logical response to my flight-or-fight instinct. After all, what better way to evade his piercing gaze than to disappear in the blink of an eye?

"Shit!" I softly shouted to myself as I ran. I was nervous because that was the second time I had been caught staring at him. "Fuck! Not again! I just want to disappear!" I felt an overwhelming sense of guilt and despair washed over me as I realized the predicament I had gotten myself into.

Taking a moment to catch my breath, I marveled at the fact that my legs had carried me here so swiftly. Running had never been my forte, but the urgency that fueled me gave me newfound strength and speed that brought me here in front of the music room.

After a few deep breaths, I composed myself and pushed the door open, revealing a room filled with sunlight, casting long shadows on the polished wooden floors. The air was heavy with the scent of old books and the faint notes of melodies past. Rows of neatly arranged instruments glistened invitingly.

As I entered the music room, a familiar scent of old wood greeted me. The room felt like my sanctuary, a place where I could escape from the pressures of exams and deadlines. It was a haven where I could pour my heart out through the keys of the piano.

I gently placed the sheet music on the stand and positioned myself in front of the majestic grand piano. Its polished ebony surface shimmered under the soft glow of the room's dim lighting. Taking a deep breath, I stretched my fingers, ready to unleash my innermost emotions.

As my fingers effortlessly hovered across the keys, my mind was transported back to a year ago, when I took my first piano lesson. Mom taught me how to play the piano with Dad alongside her. Over time, the piano became my closest companion. During late-night study sessions and moments of contemplation, it was always there, waiting for me. It was a means of self-expression that words could never fully capture. Music became the language through which I could convey my deepest joys and sorrows.

So I will be playing the melody of Dandelions by Ruth B. My fingers trembled with anticipation as I pressed the first key, producing a sound that seemed foreign and discordant. It was clear that my touch was not enough to produce the harmonious melodies I had envisioned. Undeterred, I continued to press each key, determined to improve the synchronicity of the notes and create a beautiful composition.

I began to familiarize myself with the minor keys first, and later on I started to familiarize myself with the major keys as well before playing them altogether. As I progressed through the sheet, I could hear the melodies beginning to merge into a recognizable tune. However, it was far from perfect. The notes faltered, some too soft while others were too loud, creating a dissonance that echoed through the room. Each time I stumbled, I couldn't help but wince, disappointed in my own inability to recreate the masterpiece in front of me.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting an orange glow across the room, my fingers danced effortlessly across the keys, confidently navigating the rises and falls of the composition. The minor chords evoked a sense of melancholy, each note resonating with an ethereal beauty. As my right hand played these somber tones, my left hand supported them with the counterbalance of the major keys. It was a delicate equilibrium, akin to the balance between light and darkness, joy and sorrow.

Lost in the melodies, my body glided in synchrony with the music. Each note breathed life into my very being, and my heartbeat resonated with the vibrations floating in the air. The language of music surpassed words, allowing me to express the depths of my soul and communicate with those who listened.

I played with unyielding commitment, pouring every ounce of my being into the performance. The intricate dance between the minor and major keys became a testament to the duality of existence itself. The music echoed the bittersweetness of life, where sadness and joy coexist and where beauty is often found in the most unexpected places.

And as the final notes reverberated through the room, an indescribable warmth enveloped my being. My soul had taken flight with the melody, soaring on the wings of the piano's harmonies. I felt an overwhelming sense of fulfillment, knowing that in those moments, I had become one with the music.

TYLER

I caught Miles staring at me as he passed by our classroom, and a warm feeling spread through me. It was no secret that I had a crush on him, and the idea that he might be interested too sent butterflies dancing in my stomach.

He must have noticed that I had caught him off guard because his eyes widened, and he quickly averted his gaze, hurrying away with an awkward stumble. I couldn't help but chuckle at his reaction, and my heart felt lighter than it had in a while. Little did I know that my amusement was about to get me into trouble.

As luck would have it, our professor in calculus chose that exact moment to pause his lecture and scan the class. His eyes narrowed, and his lips thinned in disapproval as his gaze landed on me. It was as if he could sense the mischief that had been brewing within me.

"Mr. Penrod," he stated sternly, his voice echoing through the hushed classroom. "I hope you find the topic of integrals as amusing as your laughter implies." The rest of the class turned to look at me, some with stifling smiles and others shooting curious glances.

A blush crept up my cheeks, and I quickly realized the misunderstanding. I fumbled for an explanation but found myself at a loss for words. How could I possibly explain that I hadn't been laughing at our professor's lecture but rather at the comical sight of Miles's hurried retreat?

Before I could conjure a suitable response, the professor continued, his tone laced with gentle sarcasm: "Or perhaps you've discovered a new theorem that will revolutionize the world of calculus?"

The class erupted in laughter, and I joined in nervously, grateful for the unexpected release of tension. My calculus professor, known for his strict demeanor, had unknowingly diffused the situation with his humor.

After the bell rang and it was time for Year Twelve to go home, I immediately stood up and grabbed my bag and stuff. The school day had been a blur of lectures and math problems. As I left the classroom, my heart filled with anticipation. I was eager to join my friends, who were waiting for me just outside the classroom.

"Hey, I saw that earlier," Klaus whispered to me with a chuckle when I got close to them.

"What are you talking about?" I asked, pretending I didn't know what he was saying. He elbowed me in the side, so I went aww.

"I'm not stupid, Tyler; I saw how you exchanged glances with each other earlier, so stop playing dumb!" Klaus said it softly, making me laugh.

"Seriously? Klaus, have you been keeping an eye on me all this time?" I tease him. He immediately hated it, so he pushed me.

"You're utterly ridiculous. It's nothing like that, Ty; it's just that I'm the only one who knows and is interested in what's going on with your love life, so I should be the first to know if you and Miles will be together." He said it so calmly that I smiled and shook my head.

"C'mon, let's go practice," Klaus added while tapping my shoulder and bringing his face close to my ear.

"Unless you want to follow your crush, he's in the music room by the way, practicing all by himself," Klaus said to me with a wave and walked away with our other teammates.

"Make sure you catch up with us," he added, waving his hand as they walked away. I shook my head, realizing how grateful I am for having Klaus as my friend; he's really supportive, as he seems to be, and I'll be forever thankful for that.

I immediately walked toward the Music room, my heart pounding in my chest as my footsteps echoed around the quiet halls of Adamson High School. The familiar melodies that resonated through the hallways never failed to ignite a sense of excitement within me. A little while later, I arrived in front of the music room, the door beckoning me forward. Taking a deep breath, I reached out and wrapped my fingers around the cool doorknob. As I prepared to turn it and step inside, a soft sound caught my attention, freezing me in my tracks.

Through the heavy wooden door, the gentle keys of a piano danced in the air, their melancholic notes intertwining with the nerves that pulsed through me. Hesitant yet curious, I leaned closer, straining to hear the familiar melody being played.

Instead of going in, I chose to stay and listen to Miles from outside. There was something magical about his music that called to me, begging me to sit and simply listen. As I leaned against the door, I closed my eyes and became captivated by the beautiful melody flowing through the room.

Every note resonated deep within my soul, carrying me away to a place of serenity. The music washed over me like a gentle breeze, erasing the troubles of the day and filling me with a sense of peace. Time seemed to stand still as I sat on the floor, enthralled by the emotional depth embedded in Miles' playing.

His talent was undeniable. It was as if he had been training for years, honing his skills in secret. Each piece he played told a story, weaving intricate narratives with the power of a virtuoso. I smiled, amazed by the realization that I had someone so exceptionally gifted in my life.

Then suddenly, a memory flashed into my mind.

...

Klaus was a close friend of mine, and he knew all too well about my feelings for Miles. He had been a great source of support and had encouraged me to attend the talent show, even if he wasn't particularly excited about it himself.

As the talent show began, a variety of acts took the stage: singers, dancers, and magicians, each showcasing their unique talents. The audience clapped and cheered enthusiastically, but my eyes were fixed on Miles, who had yet to perform.

"I told you I don't like this kind of thing; it's boring! I'd rather watch a movie than watch this," he said, annoyed, so I laughed a little.

"I know that, Klaus, but I don't have anyone else willing to come with me to watch. And I agree, it's really boring, but just so you know, I'm only here to watch Miles play," I said, and he rolled his eyes at me.

"Okay, besides, I also want to see Miles play the piano," he replied.

"But can we have some popcorn or anything at least?" He added that I almost burst out of laughter.

"We're not in the cinema, Klaus; there's no popcorn here." I laughed and said that to him, which made him think for a moment.

"Yeah, right. Sorry, I forgot about that."

When Miles' name was announced, Klaus and I simply finished talking as we waited for him to take the stage. Finally, it was his turn. Miles strolled onto the stage, wearing his finest black suit that complements his whole being. He flashed a nervous smile at the small audience before sitting in front of the piano and hovering his fingers across the keys. Later on, he started playing the chords of a familiar song.

I couldn't help but be mesmerized by his talent. His fingers moved gracefully across the keys, smooth and soulful, and carried the emotions of the song effortlessly. It was as if he were playing directly to my heart, stirring up a mix of joy and longing within me.

"He plays like an angel who came down from heaven." Klaus glanced at me, noticing the starry-eyed expression on my face. He understood my infatuation with Miles, but he also worried about the inevitable heartbreak that might come along with it.

"Indeed, my friend," I whispered.

Suddenly, Klaus nudged me, his tone slightly teasing. "You really are head over heels for him, huh?" he remarked with a playful smirk.

Blushing, I shook my head but couldn't hide the undeniable truth. "I can't help it, Klaus. He's just... amazing."

Klaus nodded in understanding. "I get it. Just be careful, okay? Sometimes those who appear to be the most talented are also the ones who can hurt you the most." His words carried a note of caution, and I couldn't deny that part of me was afraid of getting my heart broken. But in that moment, the thrill of seeing Miles perform overshadowed any doubts or worries.

Out of twenty contestants, Miles is the only one who really has a sensible talent among them. It's not that I underestimate the talents of others, but others only participate in talent shows because they are famous, especially Jessica, who, even though she has no talent in Magic tricks, participates just to gain more likes on YouTube.

...

After a while, Miles stopped playing the piano, causing me to become curious about what had captured his attention. I immediately stood up and walked over to where he stood, intrigued by his sudden change in demeanor. But as I reached his side, I was taken aback when the door suddenly swung open, revealing a figure framed by the fading daylight.

Our eyes met, and in that instant, we both experienced a surge of surprise and speechlessness. The person standing in the doorway was none other than Miles. His hazel eyes seemed to radiate the element of surprise.

Taking a deep breath, I mumbled to myself, "I'm Tyler." It wasn't much more than a whisper, a feeble attempt to remind myself of my own identity. My anxiety had reached such heights that I felt compelled to verbalize my own existence, as if it would ground me in reality. With my brief proclamation complete, I stepped aside from the door, allowing him to pass through, which he did. He began to make his way, but before he could get away, he stopped.

"I'm Tyler," I said, my voice more steady this time.

"I know who you are; I'm Miles," Miles said without looking at me. I know who you are, Miles, more than you know.

"Can I see you again tomorrow, Miles?" I asked him, but he didn't bother to look at me.

"No, and I don't know either, Tyler. I'm sorry, but you have to stay away from me! Sorry!" he said, leaving in a hurry.

I don't know, but I feel like he just said that to avoid gossip at school. But no, I have to do something about this; suddenly something grabbed my attention. It was paper, so I immediately picked it up and looked at it.

"He must've dropped this piano sheet," I said with a smile. This is my sign of not giving up yet. As I held the piano sheet in my hand, I noticed that it was folded and creased in a way that indicated it had been carried around for a while. Curiosity burned within me, urging me to unravel the mystery behind it. I glanced around, hoping to catch a glimpse of him before he disappeared into the hallway.