Chapter 1

My name is Jeffrey Carter, and I always heard that concerts were crawling with cool, outgoing girls.Looking for a thrill, I scored a ticket to a big-time pop star's show to check out the scene.When I got there, the place was packed.Everywhere I looked, there were girls in their twenties, dressed to impress, looking like they had just stepped off a fashion runway.Normally, those girls played it cool, the kind that took a while to warm up to someone. However, the moment the star hit the stage, they went wild, screaming at the top of their lungs like they just could not contain themselves.They were on their toes, craning their necks, not even worried about a wardrobe malfunction, all in hopes of catching the star's eye.Some were even shouting, "Marry me! I'm yours!"I followed one such shout to a girl dressed in a trendy schoolgirl outfit, her skirt way too short.When she stood on her toes, I could catch a glimpse of her white underwear.She was the type whose desires were

Chapter 2

The concert's atmosphere grew more intense by the minute, with everyone's focus locked on the stage.It seemed like I was invisible, blending into the shadows of the concert. The dim lights gave me a false sense of bravery.I moved to the beat of the music, letting the rhythm guide my steps.She moved with a rhythm that made the air between us tremble, every motion sent a heat through me that I could not contain.I reached for her waist and pulled her close, the sudden rush of contact hit me like fire, every cell in me coming alive.The concert was more than worth it. The crowd was wild, the energy infectious, and everywhere I looked, faces were glowing in the light: young, reckless, alive. Heat surged through me, the air itself seemed to pull us together until only breath and heartbeat separated us. Through the thin fabric, I felt a spreading warmth, something alive and uncontrollable.The thought of so many people sharing that experience made me smile, a sweet feeling spreading

Chapter 3

As the moment grew more intense, she bit her lip, trying to hold back the rush of sensations that overwhelmed her.I had never been that close to someone so young and tender before.It felt unreal, like drifting through clouds, weightless and dizzy with emotion.Surrounded by so many people, the sense of secrecy only heightened everything. The forbidden thrill made my pulse race faster.What began as small, hesitant movements soon deepened into something neither of us could fully control.Her body gradually softened in my arms, her breathing shallow and unsteady.When it was over, she leaned weakly against me, trembling like a frightened kitten, letting me hold her close.The noise of the crowd came back into focus. She gave a small laugh and whispered, "This really is a concert I'll never forget."I wanted to add her on Messenger so we could stay in touch and maybe meet somewhere else next time.However, she declined."Let's just call it a fleeting encounter, okay? No need t

Chapter 4

Leon's big day came in a flash. After dropping off my gift, I slumped into a chair at the hotel's dining table, half-watching the ceremony unfold.Leon was a buddy of mine, but his family? Strangers to me.Weddings could be a snooze-fest, so I zoned out, scrolled through my phone, and got lost in a sea of short videos.However, then, as the ceremony marched on, the hotel's grand doors creaked open.The bride, all dolled up in her gown, stepped out, sweet-faced and looking eerily like the girl from the concert.Right behind her, the bridesmaid, was her–the concert girl!What were the odds?I sat there, stunned, trying to confirm it was really her.Makeup on, but those oval face features, her build, her height… It was her, no doubt.She spotted me too.Our eyes locked.In that heartbeat, we both jolted, a flicker of recognition.I grabbed a drink, downing it fast, trying to calm the storm inside.The wedding ceremony had just ended, leaving a buzz of excitement in the air as

Chapter 5

"She's here!" Leon nudged me, and I reluctantly followed his gaze.Winter was in a beige dress, a world away from the sultry number she wore last week.However, as she entered the hall, her eyes flicked to me, mirroring the shock and panic I felt.I quickly looked down, pretending to be fascinated by the ice in my glass, while my ears picked up every word she said to Juliet, each one stabbing at my already jittery heart."Jeff, snap out of it," Leon chided, giving me a pat on the back. "Let's go say hi to Winter. Don't just stand there like you're part of the furniture."My legs turned to jelly, and I was desperate for an excuse to hit the restroom, but Leon had already grabbed my arm and was pulling me along. Winter caught sight of us heading her way and ducked behind Juliet, who did not seem to notice. She beamed and said, "Winter, meet Jeffrey, Leon's best bud. We're all one big happy family now, so you guys should get to know each other."Winter managed a tight-lipped smile a

Chapter 6

"Chill out, man, it's my wedding day! Let's celebrate! Later, we're drinking until we can't stand it!" I managed a weak smile, but it felt like I was carrying a boulder. For the next few hours, I was a bundle of nerves. I kept a watchful eye on Winter, dreading she might slip up.Winter was on high alert, careful not to let Leon catch a whiff of the tension. She played the part of the dutiful sister, never straying far from Juliet's side. Our eyes met there and then, but she would dart her gaze away as if she was dodging bullets.As the wedding wound down, Leon and I were at the door, bidding farewell to the sea of guests. That was when Winter sidled up to Juliet. "Hey, I'm gonna head out, okay? I'll swing by tomorrow."Juliet tugged at her hand, a frown knitting her brows. "You're not sticking around? C'mon, let Jeffrey drop you off.""No, really, I'm good. A cab will do." Winter's eyes flitted over to Leon and me as she said her goodbyes, "Leon, Jeffrey, I'm off."Leon opened

Chapter 7

However, I never saw it coming. Three days later, Leon showed up at my doorstep.I was lounging on the couch, half-watching some show on TV, when the doorbell buzzed. Figuring it was my lunch order, I shuffled to the door.However, it was not a delivery guy. It was Leon, looking like he had seen a ghost, gripping something tight in his hand, his eyes blazing with a fire that could have melted steel."Out with it, Jeff. What's the deal with you and Winter?"He did not bother stepping inside. Instead, he chucked what was in his hand at me: a phone, its screen glowing with a video from the concert.There it was, playing for all to see: the big-screen evidence of me and Winter's secret.My mind went blank, my heart thumping in my ears.I almost dropped the phone. "Leon, you've got it all wrong, let me explain–""All wrong?" Leon's voice cracked like thunder, "Then set me straight! I thought you were my friend, but you? You hooked up with my sister-in-law! How could you do that to m

All Chapters of When the Music Burns: Chapter 1 - Chapter 7