I lay in my bed, completely immersed in the song. Every little sound captivates me, from the intricate melodies of the instruments to the heartfelt vocals. I listen intently and hum to the song, savoring every moment of this musical masterpiece.

yeahhh

I sigh, knowing I completely forgot about the reading and note-taking I was supposed to be doing.

Instead, I'm in bed listening to my playlist.

Again.

This happens too often too many times..

I sit up, taking my earbuds out.

I'm your rock baby, I won't ba-

...

Huh, life really is boring without music, isn't it?

"Listening to your music instead of doing homework again?" Brielle, my roommate and best friend, teases as she notices me once again choosing music over homework.

I shoot her a grin. Then, Instead of reaching for my homework, like I should be doing, I reach for my guitar.

"No no no, put that down!" Brielle scolds, walking over and taking the guitar from my hands.

"But....I really want to learn tha-"

"You can't let the music distract you again, Irene." she says with a smirk.

I watch with a pout as Brielle places my beloved instrument out of reach.

"You can learn it once you're done. Here." She hands me my textbooks and laptop.

Brielle has been my ride-or-die since freshman year of high school. Now, as college freshmen, she's still by my side and I wouldn't have it any other way.

•

•

•

Brielle

"Where is that damn book?" I mutter, frantically searching for the book I needed for class. Ugh, I hate that bald-headed professor for making me go through all this work instead of just giving it to me.

"Brielle?" I hear a familiar voice call out.

I turn around to see one of my brother's old friends.

"Well, well, if it isn't Mr. Curly Fried Hair." I chuckle, crossing my arms. I used to call him that all the time when he would come over to my house to hang out with my brother.

It's been three years, but he still looks the same, just a bit taller. And I have to admit, a little bit cuter. If I wasn't into girls, I might even have a crush on him.

"I haven't seen you in ages! Didn't know you were at this uni too?" He says clearly surprised to see me.

"Yep, it's my first year." I respond, equally as surprised to see him.

"How do you like it so far?"

"It's pretty boring and they load us with work!" I complain thinking about that bald headed professor that's making me look for this stupid book.

He throws his head back and laughs.

"How's your brother?"

And just like that, I lose all interest in this conversation.

Don't get me wrong, I love my brother. But he's a taboo topic for me ever since he dropped out of highschool and got into drug-dealing. I once in a while talk to him but I get uncomfortable when I have to talk about him to other people that aren't Irene.

I guess Jace sensed my uneasiness because he changed the subject with a cough.

"Hey, uh, you like alternative rock music?" He says scratching the back of his head.

"How could I not when I'm forced to listen to Irene's playlist all the damn time." I chuckle, shaking my head.

Man, that girl really loves her music.

He raises an eyebrow. "Oh, you're still friends with that girl? I remember her. She was bubbly but kinda shy, right?

"Of course I am! And she's not shy, just an introvert. Big difference!" I explain.

He laughs. "Right, sorry. Anyway, my band is performing tomorrow. You guys interested in coming?"

My face immediately lights up. Is that even a question? Of course, I want to go.

I space out, brainstorming ways to convince Irene, knowing she won't be up for it right away.

I snap back to reality as Jace waves a hand in front of my face.

"Yo, Brielle!" he says, laughing.

"My bad... um, I'm just thinking of ways to persuade Irene."

"So, that's a yes? You guys coming?" he asks.

"Obviously," I reply, playfully.

"Oh, and if Irene isn't down, you can always bring that girl you used to crush on." he winks.

Absolutely not.

Let's just say I spilled my feelings to her, and it didn't go well, even though she gave me mixed signals.

"No thanks.."

•

•

•

Irene

Hours pass by, and I finally finish my homework. I stretch my arms and let out a satisfied sigh, feeling accomplished.

As I start to settle into the peace and quiet of the dorm, the door swing open, and Brielle bursts in, a mischievous grin on her face. "Guess what, Irene?" she exclaims.

Oh no...

Nothing good ever happens when she's this excited.

"You won't believe what just happened at the library! I ran into my brother's friend, and he invited us to a show tomorrow night!"

"and the tickets are only $27!" She adds with a little dance that I couldn't help but let out a small laugh.

One problem..

I'm not really a social person. I'd much rather spend my time alone playing my guitar or drawing.

"I don't know, Brielle. You know I'm not really into crowded places."

Brielle pouts, trying to persuade me. "Come on, Irene! It's going to be so much fun. We can let loose and enjoy ourselves. Do you really want to stay here wasting your youth away?"

My resistance begins to waver as I consider Brielle's words. Maybe stepping out of my comfort zone once in a while wouldn't be so bad.

"Plus, there isn't going to be much people. They're an upcoming band with only one album out." She grins.

After a brief moment of internal debate, I finally relented, a small smile forming on my lips.

"Okay, fine. But only because it's a new band and the tickets are cheap. And you owe me big time!"

Brielle's eyes light up with joy as she wraps Irene in a tight hug. "You won't regret it, Irene! I promise this will be an amazing night!"

I laugh nervously, pulling at my sleeves. I'm already feeling anxious just thinking of having to be in a room full of sweaty people.

I used to be fine around crowds, but now I've developed this aversion to large gatherings.

I lie on my bed, gazing at the ceiling, lost in thought.

I crave something exhilarating, something that can shake me out of this constant anxiety. Music is my solace, maybe because it helps me escape from that anxious state.

I woke up to the sound of my alarm, groggily reaching out to hit the snooze button.

I have trauma from the sound of my alarm.

As I got ready for the day, thoughts of the upcoming show Brielle had convinced me to go to filled my mind.

I really hope there won't be a lot of people..

I yawn making my way to the coffee shop near the campus.

"Good morning," The tall barista with blue hair greets me.

He had a charming, bright smile with electric blue hair, glasses, and colorful bracelets.

He was quite a sight.

What can I get for you today?"

Returning his smile, I glance at the menu board, my eyes drawn to the dessert options displayed beneath it.

"Hmm, I'll have an iced coffee, please. And while you're at it, could you tell me more about the desserts you have?" I inquire, hoping to satisfy my sweet tooth.

His eyes light up with excitement, clearly eager to share his knowledge. "We have a few options today. We have a delicious chocolate cake, a creamy cheesecake, and a mouthwatering apple pie. Which one are you leaning towards?"

My mouth starts to water at the thought of the delectable treats.

"They all sound amazing, but I think I'll go for the chocolate cake.

"Excellent choice!" His grin widens as he starts preparing my coffee.

After finding taking my coffee and chocolate cake, I find spot to sit, taking out my earbuds.

I take a sip of my Caramel Cold Brew, listening to my music.

Nothin' lasts forever, and we both know hearts can change

And it's hard to hold a candle, in the cold November rain-

Suddenly, raised voices pierce through the background noise, pulling me out of my world.

I sigh as I discreetly glance over to see two girls engaged in a heated argument nearby.

One of them, with fiery red hair and a determined expression, points an accusing finger at the other. "You always act like you're better than everyone else! Can't you see how your attitude pushes people away?"

The other girl, with sleek black hair and an air of confidence, brushes off the accusation with a dismissive scoff. "Oh please, like I care what you think! You're just jealous because I'm confident and successful."

The argument escalates and they keep on arguing for about 5 minutes.

I sigh, scrolling through my playlist. Then unexpectedly I notice the girl with black hair glaring at me.

Why is she looking at me?

"And you!" she snaps, her voice sharp and accusatory. "What's your problem? Are you too good to join in on this conversation?"

Taken aback by the sudden confrontation, I look at her with confusion and surprise. My heart races, and I nervously take my earbuds out.

"I didn't realize you were talking to me. I wasn't trying to ignore you; I was just listening to music." I say nervously.

She continues her tirade, her piercing gaze fixed on me.

Deciding it's best to leave the tense situation behind, I gather my belongings and stand up to exit the coffee shop. As I start to make my way towards the door, the girl abruptly leaves from where she’s standing.

In her haste, she aggressively bumps into me, causing me to lose my balance and spill my coffee all over myself. I gasp at the sudden impact, feeling a mix of surprise and frustration.

Coffee splatters all over my clothes, creating a sticky mess. I look up at the girl, who now stands before me. Her expression shifts from anger to a momentary flicker of guilt, but it quickly disappears, replaced by a cold indifference.

"Watch where you're going." she sneers, her words dripping with disdain. Without another word, she turns on her heel and walks away, leaving me standing there, stunned and covered in coffee.

As I stand there, feeling a mixture of embarrassment and anger, I notice the red-haired girl who had been arguing with the girl who bumped into me. She approaches me with concern in her eyes.

"I'm so sorry about that," she says, her voice sincere. "She can be really cruel sometimes. Are you alright?"

I nod, grateful for her kindness. "Thank you. It was just an accident. I'll be fine."

She offers me a sympathetic smile and hands me a few napkins to clean up the mess. As I dab at the coffee stains on my clothes, a friendly voice chimes in from behind the counter.

"Hey there, looks like you could use a hand," says the barista, with a warm smile. He quickly grabs a wet cloth and helps me clean up the spilled coffee.

"Thanks," I say, appreciating his assistance.

He nods softly. "Sometimes people can be so wrapped up in their own drama that they forget about the world around them."

I nod in agreement.

As I look up I notice a figure with long hair and an array of piercings watching the entire interaction from a nearby table, with furrowed brows.

Our eyes meet and I can't help but notice how his piercing brown eyes seems to penetrate deep into my soul.

His rugged appearance adds an air of mystery and intrigue and his long hair, although tied back, showcase the sharp angles of his face perfectly.

Adding to his bold appearance, he had a shiny nose ring and his hands were adorned with rings. I also noticed that his nails were painted black, adding an extra touch of style.

A small, sympathetic smile tugs at the corners of his lips, and I can't help but return the gesture.

Eventually, we break eye contact and I recollect my things, making my way out of the coffee shop.

What was that?