Melodies with you.

The sun was sinking low in the sky, golden light streaming through the tall windows of the high school music room. The air was still, carrying the faint smell of polished wood and old sheet music. Shadows stretched across the floor, and the silence in the room wasn’t empty, it was full of expectation, like something magical was about to happen.

The classroom was lined with music stands, each neatly arranged, as though waiting patiently for the players to begin. At the heart of the room, a girl stood steady and calm, her presence quiet yet confident in a way that drew attention without effort. She was slender, graceful as though she had been sculpted by music itself.

Anne Lee.

Her fingers pressed lightly against the strings, steady but tense. The bow, poised above them, trembled ever so slightly. ‘The Weight of expectation’ She forced her shoulders to relax, exhaling slowly, trying to let go of the weight that always seemed to sit there.

Before her mind could play tricks on her, she moved. The first note of La Campanella rang out, clear and brilliant, slicing through the silence like a spark in the dark. The sound was alive, filling every inch of the room, dancing against the walls. Her fingers raced across the strings with breathtaking precision. Each note leaped and shimmered, cascading like falling stars. The melody built upon itself, light and rapid, each note a perfect echo of the last.

The students leaned forward in their seats.

No one spoke. No one breathed.

At the back of the room, a woman watched, unmoving.

The instructor.

She was tall with a quiet intensity, her dark hair pulled into a severe bun. Arms crossed over her chest as she studied Anne with sharp with calculating eyes, taking in every detail. The pressure in the room shifted, not from the music but from her presence.

When the last note lingered in the air it felt full of emotion, confidence, and pride. For a moment, the room felt frozen in time, caught in the beauty of the music.

No one dared to move. 

Anne lowered her bow, her heart thudding in her chest. Her fingers ached, but she kept her grip firm. She turned toward the instructor, waiting.

Then the instructor moved, her sharp eyes narrowing as she stepped forward. 

A long pause.

She didn’t clap or speak, but her gaze stayed fixed on the girl, serious and thoughtful.

The students looked at each other, unsure of what to think. They had been amazed by the performance, but now the silence felt heavy with unspoken questions.

“The note felt too heavy, Anne Lee.” The instructor’s voice was firm, cool. “Again.”

Anne didn’t hesitate. She lifted the violin once more.

She knew she had to be perfect, nothing less would do. Her fingers moved back to the strings, and she began La Campanella again.

The familiar melody flowed from her bow, but there was slight tension in her playing, the notes were tight.

The instructor’s frown deepened. Anne’s hands became sweaty as she bit her lip, trying to steady herself.

She felt it. The music wasn’t breathing.

Her instructor raised her hand, signaling her to stop. The note had been messy, she could see how nervous Anne was. The instructor let the silence settle before speaking again. “Take a moment.”

She waited for a few minutes, allowing the girl to take a breath and calm herself, just as she always advised her to manage her emotions. Sensing that Anne was regaining self-control, the instructor lowered her raised hand. 

"Again" she repeated.

Anne took a deep breath, they could see how the girl’s eyes shifting to a different gaze, like there’s a light between the fire.

She wasn’t going to stumble on her third attempt.

She played the piece a third time, her fingers moving with newfound confidence and the melody flowed smoothly, each note perfect and clear, echoing through the room.

This time the instructor’s eyes softened, and a small approving smile appeared on her lips.

“That,” she said softly, “is exactly what I wanted to hear. Well done, Anne. As always, you exceeded my expectations.”

“Now, Lily.” The instructor turned, her sharp eyes landing on another student who stood a few steps away with her violin, the instructor became more thoughtful.

"I want you to follow Anne’s melody. When Anne plays the high notes, you fill in the lower notes. Match the rhythm, but don’t overpower her sound. Think of it like a conversation between two violins: Anne leads, and you respond.”

Lily nodded as she stepping forward and Anne glanced at her, and for the first time that day allowed herself to smile fully.

Lily returned it.

And then, they played.

Anne led, her violin soaring light and fast. Lily followed her behind, her tones rich and warm, grounding the melody complementing every high note with depth.

Their music intertwined, weaving together in perfect harmony. As they played, their eyes never left their violins, occasionally closing to focus on how their fingers moved across the necks of their instruments, hitting the right notes.

For Anne, music was more than just notes; it was her passion, her drive, her very essence. Her violin was her savior, a constant companion that made her feel truly alive.

As she played steadily, Anne focused on ensuring her high notes didn’t overshadow Lily’s undertones.

She stole a quick glance at her partner and threw her a soft smile, proud that Lily had taken the hint. Lily, in turn, did her best to match the melody, striving to keep up and not disappoint Anne.

The instructor listened intently, her eyes shifting between the two musicians. She watched as Lily’s notes matched Anne’s perfectly, creating a balance between the two parts.

As the piece progressed, the instructor’s face softened, her expression was one of deep satisfaction.

When the last note faded, she nodded approvingly and began to clap, her applause filled with awe.

“Wow! Good job, girls! It seems you’re a perfect match for each other. You both did really well. Remember, it’s not just about playing the notes, but about how you connect them, how you make them speak to each other. I believe both of you already do that beautifully. With all the support we have, we’re going to mark our spot in the league, victory is ours.”

The students erupted into applause, their cheers filling the room.

Anne let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding.

Lily turned to her, laughing softly. “Told you we’d nail it.”

Anne smirked, nudging her with her elbow. “Don’t get too cocky.”

The instructor raised her hand, and silence fell again.

Her gaze swept over the ensemble, her presence alone enough to demand their full attention. “Alright, everyone,” the instructor addressed the entire ensemble, her voice steady and commanding.

“Those of you on flute, be ready to support the melody. I want the woodwinds to bring in a light, airy texture that complements the strings. Brass, keep it strong but controlled. And percussion, make sure you’re tight on the rhythm. We need to build this up together, so let’s synchronize.” 

Their orchestra colleagues nodded, preparing their instruments and getting into position.

Setting her eyes on the rest of the students, the instructor raised her baton, her gaze sweeping over the eager faces.

“From the top, everyone. Let’s make this perfect. We’ll start in 1… 2… 3…”
 

Anne stepped out of the school gate, her violin case slung over one shoulder, her long black hair catching the soft glow of the setting sun. A small mole on her chin lent a quiet allure to her face, her expression calm but not easy for anyone too read.

She walked slightly ahead of her friends, her usual silence making her seem like she was wrapped in her own world. Her friends followed behind her, their chatter echoing along the quiet street.

Yuan, as usual, was the loudest of the group, gesturing with a half-eaten bag of chips with a big smile on his face.

“Yo, that rehearsal was straight up military training,” Yuan exclaimed, his voice carrying down the street.

“Four hours of Miss Joanne barking ‘again!’ like you’re in some kind of orchestra boot camp? No way I’d survive that. I’d be out by hour two, tops.” he added with his hand shoving some chips into his own mouth.

“You wouldn’t even last five minutes.” Fanny shot back, pushing her glasses higher up her nose.

“Exactly my point,” Yuan said, grinning as he crunched on another chip. “That’s why I’m living the dream! snacks, naps, and no violins. Stress-free lifestyle, baby.”

Anne turned her head slightly, a soft smile tugging at the corners of her lips. “It wasn’t that bad.” 

“Oh now being too cocky aren’t we Anne?” Lily chimed in with a teasing grin before letting out an exaggerated sigh. “But it’s true though miss Joanne was out for blood today. I’m pretty sure my fingers have officially declared war against me.” She raised her fingers to show them how bad her fingers are trembling now.

“She’s not kidding,” Yuan said, pointing at Lily with his half-empty chip bag. “Miss Joanne had you two on the ropes. If I’d been in there I’d have just faked an injury and called it a day.”

“She’d see through you in a second, you’re not exactly subtle.” Fanny said, rolling her eyes.

“Please, I’m an actor everyone would trust me in anything i do. I learned from my best Anime and it worked on my mom and sis. It’s only you wouldn’t get it.”

“Right, the same way I wouldn’t understand why you obsess over cartoon characters.”

Yuan froze mid-step, clutching his chest in mock horror. “Excuse me. Did you just call anime cartoons?”

Fanny raised an eyebrow. “What else would I call it? It’s literally animated.”

“It’s art, Fanny!”  Yuan shot back, his voice rising dramatically. “Anime is culture, storytelling, and heart all rolled into one!”

“Sure it is,” Fanny said, smirking. “Because nothing screams ‘art’ like grown men yelling about power levels.”

“At least anime has depth, unlike you, screaming over your oppas like they even know you exist.” Yuan retorted, glaring at her. 

Fanny gasped, her tone dripping with a mock as she raised her palm, ready to hit him. “Don’t you dare bring my oppas into this!”

“Why not? It’s fair game! your oppas probably wouldn’t even glance at you in a crowd. Meanwhile, my anime girls? They’re loyal.”

"That’s so cringe! You sound like a total weeb”

“Anime isn’t just about loyalty,” Yuan replied, ignoring the insult. “It’s about emotion. It’s about—”

“It’s about you being delusional.” Fanny interrupted, shaking her head.

Anne and Lily exchanged glances, their faces mirroring the same resigned amusement. “They’re like an old married couple.” Lily muttered, earning a rare laugh from Anne.

“Take that fucking back!!” Fanny and Yuan said simultaneously, their voices laced with exaggerated offense.

Behind them, Drew finally tore his eyes away from his phone, frowning as the bickering grew louder.

“Can you guys not make a scene in public?” he said, his voice sharp but tinged with exasperation. “Seriously, how old are you? Five?”

“They’re more like three actually.” Anne said, her voice was carrying a rare hint of humor.

“Yeah,” Lily added with a grin, “it’s like we have to babysit these two everywhere we go.”

“Excuse me?” Yuan said indignantly.

“Don’t lump me in with him.” Fanny said, glaring at Yuan.

Drew chuckled at their reactions, his phone buzzing insistently in his hand. Trailing slightly behind the girls, he glanced at the screen, scanning through a flood of notifications from school clubs and the student council.

He was known as the school’s golden boy, top student, student council president, and an active member of just about every academic club. His round glasses and neatly combed hair only added to his polished image.

Beneath that, though, was someone who juggled far more than most people realized. Despite his busy schedule, Drew always made time for Anne.

They had grown up together, sharing a childhood filled with small-town mischief and quiet afternoons in the park. Drew had always been protective of her, a role that only deepened after her parents passed away. 

Ding.

Anne’s phone chimed, pulling her attention from the conversation. She opened it, recognizing the sender: her sister, Phaem.

Phaemie:When are you coming home? I want to have dinner with you before I leave for work at 7 PM. Tana’s here too.

Anne sighed softly, her fingers moving quickly across the screen as she typed a response.

These days, Phaem had been overworking herself, and Tana, her sister’s girlfriend, had been busy with her photography business. They worked hard to pay for all of Anne's educational and extracurricular needs.

Sometimes, Anne felt guilty, even though she insisted she could pay her own tuition with the prize money from every competition she won. But Phaem always told her to save her own money. Since their parents died, Anne’s focus had been on being a good sister and not causing any trouble.

Anne: I’ll be home in about an hour. Don’t wait for me if you’re in a hurry, but make sure you eat something before you leave. It’s windy tonight... wear something warm.

Drew, noticing the slight furrow in her brow, leaned in. “Is that P’Phaem?”

The girl nodded. “Yeah, she wants me home before dinner, but I don’t think I’ll make it in time.”

“Want me to call a taxi for you?” Drew offered; his voice filled with concern.

Anne shook her head. “Nah, I’m saving money. Her birthday’s coming up, and I want to get her something nice. She’s been wanting a neck massager, but it’s expensive.”

Drew frowned slightly; everyone could tell how worried he could be. “I can pay you know; you shouldn’t be walking home alone this late, Anne. Let me at least walk you halfway.”

The tall girl smiled, she knew Drew was dealing with his own bunch of schedules himself, especially with an upcoming science competition and sport festival that required a lot of preparation she had to refuse.

“You should keep your wallet tight, you have spent it a lot on me by buying me lunch almost every day and I know you’ve got enough on your plate already, between the competition and the festival so just.. stop babysitting me.”

He sighed, understanding that when Anne repeated herself in that firm tone, it meant her mind was made up, there was no changing it reluctantly backing down. “Fine but text me when you get home, okay? If you don’t, I’m showing up at your door, and you know I will.”

Anne laughed softly, shaking her head. “Okay, okay. I promise.”

They were walking peacefully except Yuan and Fanny who were still bickering with each other but then the group turned to a corner and the joyful boy noticed some students with different uniforms walking past behind them.

Yuan’s eyes lit up with the kind of mischief as he remembers that he had some juicy information to share about the school across theirs.

He leaned closer to the others, his voice dropping conspiratorially clutching Fanny’s arm dramatically. “Hey, hear me out- “

Fanny sighed but couldn’t help asking, “Hear what, Yuan? Spit it out already before you choke on the drama.”

“Have you guys heard about that guy from Pattana High?”  Yuan rolled his eyes as he began, his tone laced with exaggerated intrigue.

“You mean the school across from ours?” Fanny asked, adjusting her glasses. “The one with all the wannabe gangsters?”

Yuan said, nodding enthusiastically. “Yeah, that one, apparently, there’s this guy, Max, who’s been causing a ton of trouble lately. The dude’s practically a legend. They say he’s always picking fights; he even throws some bricks on our teacher’s car. The crazy thing he always got away easily from all the problem he made cause no one dare to mess with him… but you know what he recently got into? He got into a brawl with someone from our school!”

Anne, who had been quietly walking ahead, turned her head slightly, her expression calm but curious.

“Who’d he fights?” Drew asked, his voice sharp with interest.

“Gum.” 

“No way,” Lily said, raising her eyebrows. “Like… our Gum? Student council Gum?”

“Yes!” Yuan exclaimed, nodding eagerly. “Apparently, Max was making out with Gum’s girlfriend in the internet café, and Gum wasn’t having it ofcourse. They went to it right in front of the café. Word is, it got ugly fast.”

Drew, who had been walking quietly beside them, suddenly stopped. “Wait Gum’s girlfriend? Why am I only hearing about this now?”

Fanny’s eyes widened in mock surprise. “How do you not know this? Aren’t you and Gum basically partners in student council crime?”

Drew ran a hand through his hair, looking genuinely concerned. “Gum’s not exactly the type to share his problems with anyone. That’s fucking shitty move for Max doing that dirty to him.” His voice trailed off, his brows furrowing.

“Oh, but wait!”  Yuan said, clearly enjoying his role as the group’s unofficial town crier.

“It gets better. Well, everyone knows that Max apparently loves to flirt with every girl he sees, but the truth is he has a girlfriend. And not just any girlfriend, she’s like the everyone’s dream girl. Super pretty, popular, and she won national art competitions, for crying out loud.”

“Wait, hold on,” Lily said, crossing her arms. “He has a girlfriend? and he’s out here hitting on other people? What’s wrong with him?” her face clearly showing the disgust.

“Right?” Yuan said, throwing his hands up. “Rumor has it she has no clue what he’s doing behind her back. She probably thinks she’s dating Prince Charming while he’s busy being a walking red flag. She’s like all blinded.”

“Are you sure about all of this? It sounds… exaggerated.” Anne glanced over at Yuan; her expression unreadable,

“Oh, it’s real. Everyone’s been talking about it. I mean, Gum doesn’t just punch someone for no reason, right?” they nodded at the same time as the response. 

“Speaking of Max,” Yuan began again, a mischievous glint in his eyes, “You know he tried to hit on you, right?”

Lily frowned, looking confused. “What are you even talking about?”

“Don’t play dumb, Lily. You know exactly what I’m talking about. That day you were waiting for your dad outside school, and Max just happened to stroll by like he was auditioning for a cologne ad, he even tried to grab your waist, didn’t he?”

“I seriously don’t remember that.” Lily said quickly, her cheeks flushing slightly.

Anne raised an eyebrow, with a little amusement in her eyes. “You don’t remember? Or you don’t want to remember?”

“Neither," Lily shot back, crossing her arms. “Whatever Yuan thinks happened, I’m sure he’s exaggerating.”

“I saw you two were so close to each other, and he leaned towards you only god knows what he whispered to you that day.”

“It wasn’t like that.” Lily groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose, tried not to smack the playful smirk on Yuan's face. He could be such a pain in the ass sometimes, no wonder Fanny used to slap his head when she thinks that she has enough with his bullshits.

“Oh, it was exactly like that,” Yuan insisted. “You’re just embarrassed because you don’t want to admit he was hitting on you. I saw the whole thing. The way he looked at you like that.” Yuan mimicked an overly confident smirk.

Fanny snorted. “That’s so typical of him. I bet he thought he was Channing Tatum or something.”

“He wasn’t,” Lily said firmly, glaring at Yuan. “And for the record, I shut him down before he even got halfway through his sentence. I told him I wasn’t interested, and that was that.”

“Good for you. He probably thought that was his lucky day.”

Lily said quickly. "He didn’t even get that far i didn’t give him the time of day. I just said, ‘No thanks,’ and walked off.”

“That’s my girl,” Fanny said, throwing an arm around Lily’s shoulder. “You’ve got standards. But seriously, him? Of all people? He’s like a human warning label.”

“Not that he would’ve been interested in long.” Yuan added with a mischievous smirk.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Lily demanded, narrowing her eyes at him.

“You’re great, Lily, but let’s face it... Max’s girlfriend is on another level that’s why maybe he doesn’t wanna let go of her for 2 years. Like, I don’t know if you guys have seen her, but she’s insane. While you’re… you know… a different vibe.”

“What the hell, Yuan?” Lily snapped, glaring daggers at him.

Anne, sensing the tension rising, stepped in. “Lily’s pretty in her own way. Don’t be mean, Yuan.”

Lily shot Anne a grateful look, her cheeks still tinged with a faint blush— a mix of embarrassment and frustration. She was used to Yuan’s antics, but sometimes his words hit closer to home than she cared to admit.

“I’m just saying,” Yuan said defensively, holding up his hands. “It’s not like I’m wrong. If I had someone like that, I wouldn’t even look at another girl. Max? The guy is just built different and not definitely in a good way.”

“Yuan just likes to hear himself talk. Don’t let him get to you.”

“Hey, I’m still here!” Yuan called out, waving his arms dramatically.

“And we wish you weren’t.” Fanny muttered clearly annoyed, earning a chuckle from Drew.

The group laughed, the tension breaking as the conversation turned back to lighthearted teasing. But Anne stayed quiet, her thoughts drifting to Max and his girlfriend. The idea of someone as rough and reckless as him being in a relationship felt like a paradox.

What kind of person, she wondered, could put up with his antics? If the rumors about his constant flirting were true, she felt bad for her girlfriend. Anne couldn’t help but wonder what Max’s girlfriend’s life was like behind closed doors. It was one thing to deal with a boyfriend’s public behavior, but what if there was more... something darker? Anne’s chest tightened at the thought.

Her mind drifted back to her sister’s ex-boyfriend. To everyone else, he seemed charming, even likable. But behind the façade, he had been manipulative and cruel. Anne had been too young to fully understand at first, but she remembered the arguments, the belittling remarks he made to her sister, and the times he’d grabbed Phaem’s arm too tightly and slapped her because her sister caught him cheating on her.

Then It all came to a boiling point when Anne got enough of his disgusting habit, beating up her sister with his goofy smile adding fuel to her already simmering rage with all manipulative words he throw at her. That day, she snapped.

Without thinking, she had stormed up to him and punched him so hard he stumbled back, blood pouring from his mouth. Phaem had been stunned, but instead of helping her boyfriend, she had finally chosen to walk away from him for good. Anne was grateful her sister had been strong enough to leave, but the scars he left... emotional more than physical had taken so much time to heal.

Now, as she thought about Max’s girlfriend, Anne felt a pang of unease. If he was the type to flirt with other girls so openly, what else was he capable of? What if his charm masked something worse?

The group reached the bus stop, and the timing couldn’t have been better. The growing weight of Anne’s thoughts was interrupted by the familiar sound of the bus’s brakes hissing as it pulled up to the curb.

“Hey, Anne,” Drew said, stepping closer to her. His voice was quieter now, almost hesitant. “Are you sure you don’t want me to walk you home? I really don’t mind.”

Anne looked up at him, his genuine concern evident in his furrowed brow. She shook her head, offering a small smile. “Thanks nerdie but I’ll be fine trust me, the science competition coming up you should focus on that.”

Drew hesitated, his lips pressing into a thin line. It was clear he wanted to push further, but something in Anne’s tone told him not to.

“Aight,” he said finally, his voice softening. “But at least text me when you get home okay?”

“I will.” Anne promised.

As the bus doors opened, Yuan bounded up the steps first, turning dramatically at the top to salute Anne.

“See you tomorrow, Anne! And don’t forget to practice, or Miss Joanne will turn into a drill sergeant again!”

Anne groaned, though there was a flicker of amusement in her eyes. “Don’t remind me and stop being mean to Lily.”

Fanny was next, pausing to give Anne a quick hug. “Take care, okay? Don’t stay out too late.”

“I won’t.” Anne reassured her with a smile.

Lily lingered at the base of the steps; her expression tinged with concern. “You’re really sure you’ll be okay walking home alone?”

“I’m sure. You guys go ahead. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Lily gave her one last searching look before climbing onto the bus.

Drew was the last to board. He turned back, his hand resting on the rail as he hesitated.

“Be careful, send my love to your sist.” he said simply, though the weight of his words made her heart tighten slightly.

Then with a wry smile, he added “And don’t forget if you get kidnapped, I’m not paying the ransom.”

Anne chuckled, shaking her head. “I’ll text you when I get home, Relax.”

The bus doors closed, and Anne stood there for a moment, watching it pull away. As the taillights disappeared into the distance, the world around her grew quiet.

The streets were mostly empty as Anne began her walk, the cool evening air brushing against her skin. The distant hum of traffic and the occasional rustling of leaves filled the silence. Normally, she would find the solitude comforting, but her thoughts refused to settle.

‘Why people like to be in a relationship if it's only hurting themselves?’

Her phone buzzed in her pocket, pulling her from her thoughts. She glanced at the screen.

Drewthedrew 😉: Don’t forget to text me when you get home, or I’ll never let you hear the end of it.

A small smile tugged at her lips.

Anne:Okay, dad. You focus on your competition prep, okay?

Tucking her phone away, Anne quickened her pace, eager to leave the lingering unease behind. As her home came into view, the thought of a quiet dinner with her sister and Tana felt like a warm light in the distance.

Anne walked down the vibrant streets of Bangkok, her violin case swinging lightly at her side. The warm glow of the evening sunbathed the bustling sidewalks, and the air was alive with the sounds of street vendors calling out their specials and the rhythmic chatter of passersby. Despite the long days of classes and endless violin practice, Anne found herself enjoying the lively scenery.

Her friends had parted ways earlier, leaving her to soak in the energy of the city alone. She watched couples walking hand in hand, street performers entertaining small crowds, and food vendors preparing dishes. There was something comforting about the familiarity of these streets, the way life moved at its own chaotic but steady rhythm.

As Anne turned onto a quieter street, the hum of the city faded, and a different sound caught her attention.

Ahead, a boy with dark, disheveled hair loomed over a smaller girl pressed against a wall. His hand struck the brick beside her head with a loud thud, causing Anne to freeze momentarily.

The girl flinched, her face pale with fear, her back pressed so tightly against the wall it seemed she wished to disappear into it. Anne’s chest tightened; her calm evening was shattered by the sight. Her instincts kicked in immediately. She didn’t know this girl, but she knew that look— her helpless, the trembling. It was all too familiar.

Without hesitating, Anne strode toward them. “Hey!” Her voice rang out, cutting through the tension.

The boy turned to her, irritation flashing across his face. His name tag caught her eye: Rachanon Max. She recognized the uniform was from the school across from hers. The rumors about Max were true, then.

‘Oh, so here’s the infamous Max.’ Anne thought, her eyes narrowing as she sized him up.

His smug expression, the smell of cigarette smoke clinging to his clothes, and his attempt at appearing intimidating, all of it made her stomach churn.

“Leave her alone.” Anne said firmly, her voice steady and calm, yet carrying an unmistakable authority. The girl’s tear-streaked face turned toward Anne, her expression a mix of relief and dread.

Max straightened, his smirk slow and mocking as he sized her up. “And who are you supposed to be? Her knight in shining armor?”

Anne stepped closer, her expression cold and unflinching. “Do you really want to find out?”

Max straightened slightly, his cocky demeanor wavering just enough for Anne to notice. “You’re a bold one, aren’t you?” he said, his voice laced with sarcasm.

“But boldness doesn’t mean much when you don’t know who you’re dealing with. I’m gonna say it once, and kindly.”

“So just walk away from here, princess.” He added more with a low growl.

Anne’s lips curled into a small, humorless smile. “You don’t need to boss me around, beside I know who I’m dealing with right now… a fucking coward who thinks picking on someone smaller makes him tough. Newsflash: it doesn’t. It just makes you pathetic and shows everyone that you have... a small wiener.”

Max’s friends, who had been lingering nearby, snickered under their breaths.

One of them muttered, “She’s got a mouth on her.” which only fueled the growing tension. Max tilted his head, his smirk widening into an angry grin.

“Oh, tough girl, huh? You think you’re some kind of hero?” He gestured toward the small crowd of students that had gathered because of their loud conversation, their phones out and recording. “You’re just here for attention. Is that it?”

Anne ignored the taunt, her sharp gaze locked on Max. “You’ve got two options. Leave her alone, or I’ll make you leave.”

The growing crowd murmured in anticipation; the tension thick in the air as some of them turned their flash on, seems some of them are recording the scene in front of them right now.

Max’s friends, who had been standing nearby, exchanged uneasy glances. One of them whispered, “Man, just let it go. The principal’s already breathing down our necks.”

Max waved him off with a snarl. “Try me.” 

The murmurs in the crowd getting louder with ‘oohs.’ As the result he bent down and grabbed a soda can from the ground, chucking it toward the crowd.

“Mind your own damn business you fucking losers!” he shouted, his voice laced with anger.

The can narrowly missed a student, clattering loudly on the pavement. The crowd gasped and took a collective step back, but no one left. The buzz of whispered conversations and the glow of phone screens only added to the charged atmosphere.

Anne’s eyes narrowed. “Throwing trash at people now? Guess that’s fitting for someone like you.”

The crowd stirred; their interest was piqued by Anne’s words. Max’s face reddened as he felt the weight of their stares.

“Bitch.” he snapped, his voice rising. He turned to grab a glass bottle from the ground and hurled it in Anne’s direction but sidestepped effortlessly, the bottle bouncing harmlessly past her.

She tilted her head, her lips curving into a smirk. “Wow. That’s the best you’ve got? no wonder you rely on intimidation, you clearly don’t have any real skills.”

The crowd snickered, some of them made sure to record the confrontation make Max’s fists clenched at his sides. He was losing control, and Anne knew it.

Blinded by anger, the dark-haired boy grabbed a nearby rock and hurled it toward Anne make the crowd gasped, but Anne was faster. She ducked and charged forward, her violin case swinging upward to knock the rock from his hand. The force sent it clattering to the ground.

Max staggered back, startled, but quickly recovered and lunged at her but anne smiled, using this moment against him as she hooked her leg behind his and shoved him hard.

He stumbled and fell, landing on his back with a grunt. She’s grateful that Drew taught her Taekwondo, guess it worked on dumbass guys.

“You little—” Max spat, scrambling to his feet.

But Anne didn’t give him the chance. She raised her violin case like a shield, stepping between Max and the girl he’d been terrorizing. “Still want to try your luck?” 

Anne stood firm in front of Max; her sharp gaze locked onto his as if daring him to make the next move. Behind her, the trembling girl in the school vest clutched one of her arms, her face streaked with tears that glistened under the dim streetlights.

Max smirked, but it was strained, his pride battered under the weight of the growing crowd. The whispers and phones trained on him were making him reckless.

“Hey, Max, got yourself handled by a girl?”

“This is going viral, dude!”

The taunts were fuel to Max’s rage, and he lunged toward the girl behind Anne, his hand outstretched to grab her arm. “Get back here!” he snarled.

Anne moved like a striking viper. She grabbed his wrist mid-air and twisted sharply, making him grunt in pain.

“She’s not going anywhere with you.” Anne said, her voice low and venomous before pushing him fell hard to the ground.

She took the distraction as she watched him grunt as her opportunity, the tall girl turned to her back with an urgent tone. “We’re leaving. Now.”

“But—” The shorter girl stammered, her wide eyes darting between Max and Anne.

Anne didn’t wait for an answer. She grabbed the other girl's hand and pulled her away from the wall. “Run!”

The brown-haired girl stumbled at first but quickly found her footing as Anne led her through the narrow streets. Behind them, Max realized what was happening and cursed loudly.

“Stop them!” he yelled to his friends, but the crowd slowed their pursuit, eager to record every second of the drama.

They weaved through the bustling alleyways, their footsteps echoing off the brick walls. The taller girl’s grip on the girl behind her was firm, practically dragging her forward as they dodged clusters of curious onlookers and bystanders.

Anne’s sharp eyes darted around, seeking a safe haven amidst the chaos. The petite girl behind her stumbled slightly, her breath coming in short, panicked gasps, but she clung to Anne’s hand as though it were a lifeline.

The commotion behind them grew louder. Max’s voice rang out, bellowing orders to his friends as they struggled to push through the crowd.

Anne could hear his threats, his anger swelling with each step he took closer. It only fueled her determination to get away.

“There!” Anne’s voice was escaped as a soft whisper as she spotted a narrow gap between two buildings, just wide enough for them to slip into. Without hesitation, she yanked the smaller girl toward it, pulling her into the shadowy space.

The walls were cold and damp, pressing against their bodies as they squeezed into the small hiding spot as Anne positioned herself protectively, wrapping one arm around the smaller girl’s waist to steady her.

Their breaths mingled in the confined space, and the other girl’s hands trembled as she clutched at Anne’s shirt. Her eyes, red and swollen from tears, flickered with a mix of fear and gratitude. She dared not look up, overwhelmed by the closeness and the lingering adrenaline from the chase.

The dark-haired girl’s perfume hung softly in the air— a floral and slightly musky scent that seemed to calm her despite her pounding heart. For a moment, the chaos outside seemed to fade, replaced by the sound of their breaths and the warmth of Anne’s reassuring presence.

Max’s voice suddenly boomed, much closer now. “Find them! They couldn’t have gone far!”

Her fingers tightened on Anne’s sides, and the short girl pressed her back more firmly against the wall. Anne’s dark eyes flicked toward the alley’s entrance, watching the silhouettes of Max and his friends as they stalked through the passageway. 

Max stood in the middle of the alley, his chest heaving with barely restrained anger. His fists were clenched so tightly that his nails dug into his palms, leaving faint crescents on his skin. The sting only fueled his frustration.

The laughter and taunts from the crowd still echoed in his ears, each word gnawing at his pride. His dark eyes scanned the alley, sharp and burning with fury.

The humiliation was unbearable being made to look weak, powerless, by a girl no less. It wasn’t just the crowd’s jeers that bothered him. It was the looks on his friends’ faces, the unease and doubt as they lingered nearby.

Max turned toward his group, his presence towering, his expression a warning. “Spread out,” he barked.

“Check the side streets, alleys— everywhere. Find them.”

His friends hesitated, exchanging glances. The tension between them hung heavy in the air. Max’s broad shoulders were tense, his entire body coiled like a spring. He was on edge, and they knew better than to push him any further.

Top, the wiry one, muttered something under his breath, but when Max shot him a glare, he said no more. The others shifted uncomfortably, their loyalty clearly tested by Max’s erratic behavior.

Max took a deep breath, forcing himself to think. His pride screamed at him to keep chasing, to not let this go. But deep down, he could feel the weight of the eyes on him the bystanders, the cameras, the risks. The longer this dragged on, the worse it would get.

“Forget it,” Max growled through clenched teeth. His jaw tightened as he turned away, motioning for his friends to follow. “They won’t get far. We’ll find them later.”

The tension in the narrow space was palpable. She buried her face against Anne’s shoulder, her tears silently soaking into the fabric of the taller girl’s shirt. Anne’s grip around her waist tightened slightly, a silent reassurance that they were safe for now. Max’s voice grew fainter as his friends finally managed to convince him to leave.

The sound of their footsteps faded into the distance, and Anne exhaled slowly, her body relaxing for the first time since they had entered the alley.

After waiting a moment longer, Anne shifted slightly to peek out from their hiding spot. The crowd was dispersing, and the alleyway was finally empty. She turned back to the girl behind her, her sharp features softening with concern.

“You, okay?” Anne’s voice was low, almost soothing.

She nodded shakily, her breath hitching as she tried to compose herself. Her voice was barely a whisper. “I... I think so.”

Anne’s brow furrowed, her protective instincts flaring. “Let me take you home. I don’t trust those idiots to stay gone.”

The girl simply nodded, allowing Anne to guide her out of the narrow gap. The streets were quieter now, the adrenaline of the chase slowly fading as the two girls walked side by side.

Anne kept an arm securely around the smaller girl’s waist, her eyes scanning their surroundings for any sign of Max or his friends. 

“Thank you,” A soft whispered murmured after a moment, her voice tinged with both gratitude and exhaustion. “I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t stepped in.”

Anne glanced down at her, offering a faint smile. “It’s fine. I couldn’t just stand by and watch.”

The walk was quiet. Anne’s mind wandered to the earlier confrontation. The way Max had grabbed this girl reminded her of her sister’s ex-boyfriend, the memories stirred a familiar anger within her, but she pushed it down, focusing instead on keeping this girl in her arms safe.

“I’m Anne, by the way.” the taller girl said, breaking the silence. “Tatee.” the smaller girl replied, her voice still shaky.

As they keep walking home, Anne can’t help but droppin her gaze to the uniform Tatee wore, it was unmistakably from the school across the street: Max’s school. That fact sent a ripple of concern through her. She hadn’t realized it earlier, but it made sense why Max had been so aggressive. “You go to Pattana High.” Anne noted, her voice was neutral but observant.

Tatee stiffened slightly, as if ashamed of the association. “Yeah… but not everyone there is like him. I swear.” Anne raised a brow but didn’t press further. “Are you sure they won’t try to find you at school?”

Tatee hesitated, glancing down at her shoes. “They probably will, but… I’ll be with my friends. They’ll protect me.”

Anne glanced at her, her eyes softening slightly. “Well, uhm alright... and it might be weird to say this but nice to meet you, Tatee. Even if it’s under… weird circumstances.” She tried to break up the tension.

Tatee let out a nervous laugh. “Weird’s putting it lightly.” Other girl chuckled, her tone lightening. “Fair point.”

“Thank you again… for standing up to him. No one’s ever done that before.” Tatee added with a small smile on her lips.

“That’s the problem. People like him get away with too much because everyone’s scared to stop them.”

Tatee nodded, her voice small. “He wasn’t always like this, you know? At the start, he was sweet. Thoughtful, even. But now…”

‘So... she’s the girlfriend.’ 

“Now he’s just showing who he really is,” Anne finished bluntly. “And you don’t deserve that.”

Her gaze stayed fixed on the ground as her chest tightened with frustration. Max. His name kept echoing in her mind, bringing with it a flood of bitter thoughts. How had things gotten this bad? When they first started dating, he had been sweet, charming, even.

He’d made her feel like she was the only girl in the world. But over time, his kindness had faded, replaced by jealousy and anger.

The way he controlled her; the way he exploded over small things was like he had become a different person entirely. The worst part, he cheated so many times, and she just knew.

‘What kind of boyfriend does this to someone he’s supposed to care about?’ she thought, her grip tightening on the straps of her vest. She could still feel the faint ache in her arm where he had grabbed her earlier, his fingers digging into her skin as if she were an object, not a person.

Tatee bit her lip, trying to fight the sting of tears. She glanced sideways at Anne, whose calm and steady presence gave her some relief. Anne’s arm was still loosely draped around her waist, a small but reassuring gesture that felt like a lifeline after what had just happened.

“He’s such a fucking jerk.” Tatee muttered under her breath, not realizing she’d spoken out loud.

Anne turned her head slightly, raising an eyebrow in question, but didn’t press her. Tatee shook her head quickly, embarrassed. She looked down again, wishing she could push away the mess of emotions swirling inside her.

She thought about Max’s other fling— the one everyone seemed to admire. Does she even know what Max is like? Tatee wondered bitterly. Did she know about his temper, his wandering eye, the way he made Tatee feel small just so he could feel powerful? Tatee’s fists clenched inside her vest pockets.

She couldn’t understand why she had stayed with him for so long. He wasn’t the same person she had fallen for, but she had ignored so many warning signs, convincing herself it would get better. 

A heavy sigh escaped from her lips and turned her head away but then her eyes caught on the long black case slung over Anne’s shoulder. Her steps slowed as curiosity bubbled to the surface, pushing aside some of the tension lingering from earlier.

“Is that… a violin case?” she asked, pointing toward it.

Anne glanced at the case as though she’d momentarily forgotten she was carrying it. “Yeah, it is.”

Tatee’s interest grew, and despite the heaviness of the evening, her expression brightened slightly. “Do you play?”

Anne nodded, her fingers brushing over the strap. “I do. I’ve been playing since I was a kid. It’s something I’ve always loved doing.”

“Really? Does someone in your family play, too?”  Tatee tilted her head, intrigued.

Anne hesitated, her gaze drifting forward as she thought about her answer. “Not really, my mom loves music, it is the most special thing for her. When I was little, I’d see her sit at the piano, just pressing random keys and smiling like she could hear something I couldn’t. She wasn’t a great pianist or anything—she just played simple notes, but it was…” Anne paused, searching for the right words. “It was beautiful.”

Her chest tightened at the memory, but she kept her face neutral, not wanting to say too much. Her mom was deaf but dreamed of being a pianist. Anne’s mom used to say she could feel the vibrations, that they were enough to let her imagine how the music might sound.

Anne could still remember the way her mom’s face lit up when she touched the piano keys, even if she couldn’t truly play. It wasn’t perfect, but it was full of joy, and she wanted to be a part of that happiness. That’s why she’d insisted on learning an instrument so she could play real music for her mom, the kind she couldn’t hear but always loved.

“I wanted to make her smile more.” Anne said simply, not looking at Tatee. “So, I begged for lessons when I was little. She didn’t think I’d stick with it, but… I did.”

“What kind of music did she like?”

“Classical, mostly like Beethoven, also Canon in D… She always said music was like a language everyone could understand.”

Tatee smiled at that.

“She sounds amazing. Does she still always watching you practice or something?”

Turned her head slightly to give a soft smile, anne’s voice quieter now “No… She passed away when I was seven.”

“Oh, Anne, I’m so sorry.” The small girl stared at her with apologetic eyes, felt so bad.

“It’s okay though… after she passed, I couldn’t play for a while because it just hurt too much. But one day, I picked it up again. I realized that playing wasn’t just about her smile anymore, it was a way to keep her close. It’s like… she’s still with me when I play.”

“She must’ve been so proud of you.”

Anne blinked, her lips parting slightly as if the words had caught her off guard. Then slowly her expression softened further. “Thank you. That… means a lot to me.”

Their eyes met, and the air between them seemed to shift. Anne’s breath hitched as she looked at Tatee, really looked at her. The way the streetlights softly illuminated her face, the delicate curve of her lips as she smiled— it struck Anne all at once. Yuan’s words from earlier echoed faintly in her mind, ‘You know she’s pretty, right?’.

Anne had brushed it off then, but now with her standing so close, her warm, sincere gaze locked onto hers, she couldn’t deny it. Tatee was beautiful. The kind of beauty that crept up on you, quiet but undeniable, like a melody that stayed with you long after it ended.

On the other side Tatee, feeling the intensity of Anne’s gaze, felt her heart stutter in her chest. She wasn’t used to being looked at like this, like she was something precious. It made her pulse quicken and yet, it didn’t feel uncomfortable. It felt… nice.

“You’re staring.”  Tatee whispered, her lips curving into a small, playful smile.

Anne blinked, startled out of her thoughts. A faint blush crept up her neck as she cleared her throat “S-sorry, uh I was thinking about my homework! Right homework.”

Their gazes lingered for a few seconds more, the connection between them deepening in the stillness. Finally, as they resumed walking, the tension from earlier seemed to fade into the background, replaced by a quiet, tentative warmth that neither of them could quite explain but both felt deeply.

“Do you think…” Tatee finally said, her voice trembling slightly, “I could hear it someday? The music you play?”

“I’d love to, one day… I’ll play something for you.”

“I’ll hold you to that.”

“We will see. Just don’t expect perfection.”



The night air was cool but pleasant as they continued walking side by side, their steps falling into an easy rhythm. The silence between them wasn’t heavy or awkward, it felt like a pause in a song, a moment to breathe before the next note. Anne kept her eyes on their surroundings, scanning the quiet streets as they neared Tatee’s neighborhood. Her arm remained loosely at Tatee’s side, a quiet reassurance that she was still there.

“This is me.” Tatee said softly as they turned the last corner. She gestured to a modest two-story house with soft light spilling from one of the upstairs windows.

Anne slowed her steps, glancing at the house before turning her attention back to Tatee “You’re safe now.”

Tatee smiled, a warmth spreading across her face that had nothing to do with the safety of her home. “Thanks to you, I really mean it… you saved me.” Anne shrugged slightly, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

“I just did what everyone should have done.”

Tatee shook her head. “Most people wouldn’t dare to stepped in. But you did. You stayed.” Her voice was quiet, but her sincerity was unmistakable. “Thank you, Anne. For everything.”

The violinist felt her chest tighten at the short girl’s words, her gaze flickering to the ground for a moment before returning to meet hers. “How many times you've thank me? take it easy okay? I’m just glad you’re safe now, well I hope you will always be.”

For a moment, they stood there, neither of them wanting to break the stillness. The soft light from Tatee’s house illuminated her face, and Anne found herself caught in the way her eyes seemed to glimmer. “Alright then...”  Tatee said finally, her voice reluctant as she took a step back toward her door. “I should head inside, I don’t wanna keep you any longer… I’m sure you have something important to do.”

“Ah right, my sister is waiting for me… I should get going.”

Tatee took a small step back toward the door but stopped herself. She looked at Anne again, almost reluctant to leave. “Wait, Anne?”

“Yeah?”

“If I… if I ever need to talk or something, would that be okay?”

Anne tilted her head slightly, her lips curving into a gentle smile. “Of course.” She reached into her pocket, pulling out her phone. “Here, let me give you my number. Just in case.”

Tatee’s eyes widened slightly, her heart fluttering at the unexpected gesture. She took out her phone, unlocking it quickly as Anne recited her number. “There,” Anne said once Tatee saved it. “Call or text me anytime. Whether it’s about Max or… anything else.”

Tatee stared at her phone for a moment, then looked back up at Anne, her expression soft but grateful.

“Thank you… really. I don’t know what I would’ve done without you tonight.”

Anne offered her a small wave, her voice warm. “Good night, Tatee. Take care of yourself.”

“Good night, Anne.” Tatee replied, her voice just above a whisper.

As Anne turned to leave after sent her a little wave, Tatee watched her retreating figure for a moment, the way her long black hair caught the light something about Anne’s presence had left an impression on her, there was something soothing, protective, and undeniably kind about her presence, as if just being near her brought a sense of peace Tatee hadn’t realized she needed.

Tatee’s smile faltered as she stepped inside her house and closed the door behind her. The warm glow of the lights felt like a stark contrast to the weight pressing on her chest. Her fingers trembled slightly as she locked the door, ensuring every bolt and latch was secure.

Inside, the house was as quiet as always. Her parents were likely working late, as usual. The silence felt heavier now after the chaotic events of the night. The memory of Max’s grip on her wrist, his furious glare as he raised his hand, played on a loop in her mind. The anger, the betrayal, the fear all came rushing back, threatening to drown her. Her breaths quickened as she climbed the stairs to her room, her legs feeling weak beneath her. When she closed her bedroom door, tears came.

They spilled freely down her cheeks as she pressed her back against the door and slid to the floor. Her hands instinctively wrapped around her, as if trying to hold herself together. The ache in her chest was unbearable, a mix of heartbreak and the lingering terror of what could have happened.

He had cheated. Again. And this time, when she’d confronted him, his mask had finally cracked. The Max she’d once loved, the one who had once been kind and thoughtful, felt like a distant memory now. All that was left was someone cruel, someone who didn’t care if he hurt her not just emotionally, but physically.

After a while, her tears slowed. She sniffled, wiping her face with her sleeves, and forced herself to stand. Her chest still ached, but she couldn’t stay like this. She needed to feel clean, to wash away the fear clinging to her skin.

In the bathroom, she turned on the shower, cranking the water as hot as she could stand. As the steam filled the room, she stepped under the spray and let the water pour over her. Her skin turned red from the heat, but she didn’t care. She closed her eyes, leaning against the cool tiles, and tried to focus on the water.

“It’s over,” she whispered to herself, her voice shaky. “It’s over. He can’t hurt me anymore.”

But it didn’t feel like it was over. Not yet.

When she finally got out of the shower, her skin was still tingling from the heat. She wrapped herself in a towel and walked back to her room, collapsing onto her bed. The blanket was soft, comforting, but her thoughts wouldn’t be quiet.

Then Anne came to mind.

She thought of Anne standing in front of her, shielding her like it was the most natural thing in the world. How Anne had stayed with her afterward making her feel safe when everything else felt so scary. Her chest felt a little lighter as she grabbed her phone from the bedside table. She hesitated, her fingers hovering over the keyboard, before she finally typed a message.

Tatee:Hi, Anne it’s Tatee. I just want to Thank you for tonight. For everything. Again… and have a goodnight.

She stared at the screen for a moment, her heart pounding, before hitting send. She set the phone down and curled into her blanket, hoping sleep would come. As her eyes grew heavy, her last thoughts were of Anne, how safe she made her feel, and how her words carried a kindness that Tatee didn’t know she needed until now.