The music hall buzzed with excitement as students filled the room, their instruments gleaming under the warm lights.
Melissa clutched her keyboard bag, heart hammering.
She scanned the announcement board.
Band 3:
Dayne George (vocals, guitar)
Melissa George (keyboard, backup vocals)
Alec Fernandes (lead guitar)
Ginny Martin (drums)
Sarah Lewis (bass)
She swallowed hard.
Alec.
Why did it have to be Alec?
"Hey!" Dayne's cheerful voice broke her spiraling thoughts.
"We're bandmates now, Melissa."
He smiled so casually, as if the air wasn't thick around them.
Melissa nodded awkwardly.
A moment later, a shadow loomed.
"Didn't expect to see you again so soon," Alec said lazily, his gaze lingering on her.
Melissa shifted uncomfortably.
"Life's full of surprises," she muttered.
Dayne glanced between them, sensing tension but saying nothing.
Instead, he focused on the music sheets.
"Let's get to work," Dayne said, clapping his hands lightly.
Alec chuckled under his breath but didn't argue.
During practice, Melissa felt Alec's presence at her side — too close, too familiar.
When their eyes accidentally met across the piano, she looked away, heart thudding.
His guitar notes were rougher than necessary, as if he were playing a battle, not a melody.
Still, somehow — the music fit.
It was chaotic, but beautiful.
After the session ended, Ginny pulled Dayne away to discuss drum patterns.
Melissa packed up alone, careful not to make eye contact with Alec.
But of course, fate wasn't that kind.
"You're still scared of me, huh?"
Alec's voice was low.
Melissa froze.
"I'm not scared," she said, tightening her grip on the keyboard case.
"Then why can't you even look at me?"
She finally turned, forcing herself to meet those brown eyes.
"You don't deserve to be looked at," she said quietly.
Alec blinked, like she had slapped him.
He shoved his hands in his pockets.
"You think you know everything," he muttered.
"I know enough," Melissa said. "I know you used me. I know you kissed me just to make someone else jealous."
The words felt like knives leaving her mouth.
Alec looked down, his jaw tightening.
"You don't know the whole story," he said.
"Maybe I don't," she snapped. "But whatever the story is — it doesn't change what you did."
She grabbed her bag and turned to leave.
"Melissa," he called softly.
She hesitated — against her better judgment.
Alec's voice was raw. "You weren't just... anyone."
Melissa didn't turn around.
If she did, she might crumble.
Instead, she walked away — and this time, Alec didn't follow.