Unspoken Words

The stage was ablaze with dazzling lights, blending with the lively rhythm and the echoing music that filled the entire hall. The crowd cheered, clapped to the beat, and created an electrifying atmosphere that felt as if it could set the space on fire. Flashlights flickered, and support signs were held high, all calling out the name of the one standing on stage—Jay.

Standing at the center of the spotlight, Jay's fingers glided effortlessly over his guitar strings, his deep, warm voice resonating with raw emotion. There was no barrier between the artist and the audience—only music connecting them all. His eyes sparkled with passion, completely immersed in each lyric and melody. It had been a long time since he last stood on a stage like this, yet the feeling remained just as intense as the very first time.

As the final note faded, thunderous applause and cheers erupted throughout the venue. Jay flashed a bright smile and bowed in gratitude.

-"Merci beaucoup à tous pour votre écoute. Je souhaite à tous une bonne soirée."

(Thank you all so much for listening. I wish you a wonderful evening.)

Stepping off the stage, Jay walked into the backstage area, where Ryan was already waiting for him—arms crossed, his expression playful yet unreadable. It was hard to tell whether he was pleased or deep in thought.

-"This is the song you said you would write before coming to France, right?" Ryan smirked, his tone a mix of praise and scrutiny.

Jay tilted his head slightly, his eyes lighting up at the recognition. "Mmm… Was it good?"

-"It was great. But it feels… different. It doesn't quite match your usual style." Ryan spoke with a contemplative air, as if trying to pinpoint something.

Jay paused, surprised. "Really? I didn't notice…" He blinked, fingers unconsciously brushing against the bracelet on his wrist.

-"This is a love song written from the heart, isn't it?" Ryan looked at him, not as a question, but as a statement.

Jay froze. "What? What are you saying, Ryan?"

Ryan shrugged, speaking slowly, like a psychologist analyzing a case. "It's not your first time writing a love song, but before, you only took inspiration from other people's love stories… This time, I get the feeling the emotions came from you."

Jay laughed, but it didn't sound entirely natural. "You're overthinking. I just wrote it on a whim…" He averted his gaze, pretending to check his guitar.

-"Maybe the feelings aren't clear yet—just a little crush." Ryan narrowed his eyes, carefully observing Jay's reactions.

Jay stayed silent. He didn't argue. He didn't deny it. But he also didn't confirm it. He simply… said nothing.

Ryan crossed his arms, raising a brow. "Well? I'm right, aren't I?"

-"Right… right about what? That's nonsense." Jay immediately shot back, but the tips of his ears turned red.

-"You're getting defensive because I hit the mark, huh?" Ryan chuckled, teasing. "Come on… just admit it. Matters of the heart can't be ignored." He tapped Jay's chest lightly, emphasizing each word.

Jay glared at Ryan and swatted his hand away, but the flustered look on his face was undeniable.

Ryan smiled knowingly. "You have a habit, you know?"

Jay blinked. "Huh? What habit?"

-"Whenever you compose a song, you always play it for someone you trust first." Ryan's gaze sharpened. "This time was no exception, was it?"

Jay pressed his lips together. "Yeah…" He gave a small nod.

Ryan chuckled. "Normally, I'm always the first one to hear your new songs. But this one… I only got to hear it on stage." He tilted his head, pretending to think. "So, the first person to hear it… must have been the inspiration for the song, right?"

Jay stiffened, letting out a long sigh of resignation. "Ryan…"

Ryan laughed. "It's fine if you don't want to say anything. Maybe you don't fully realize it yet, but one day, your feelings will become so obvious that even you will be surprised. When that day comes, make sure to tell me who it is, okay?"

Jay remained silent, but a faint smile tugged at his lips.

-"Let's go." Ryan patted his shoulder, changing the subject. "You've got a lot of shows coming up. We need to train tomorrow."

-"You sound like my dad." Jay pouted but quickly packed up his things.

-"Daddy Ryan, at your service." Ryan teased.

-"Sure, Dad." Jay laughed, jogging over to Ryan as they walked off together.

—————————————————

Late at night, in Ying's room, he stood on the balcony, his gaze unconsciously drifting toward the house across the street. The room over there remained dark, with not even the faintest glimmer of light. The moonlight cast a soft glow on his face, reflecting in his contemplative eyes. He just stood there, silently looking in that direction, as if waiting for something—even though he himself wasn't sure what.

A sudden message notification broke the silence. Ying lowered his gaze to his phone, the screen's light illuminating his features slightly. It was a message from Jay.

Jay: "I performed the song on stage the other day. Everyone loved it."

Ying chuckled, his fingers instinctively tapping out a reply.

Ying: "That's great. I wish I could see it live."

Jay: "No need to be jealous. You were the first one to hear it, after all."

Ying stared at the message, a clear smile forming on his lips. He hesitated for a few seconds before typing again.

Ying: "But I still want to hear it again. I want to hear it every day… I want to set it as my ringtone."

Meanwhile, in the practice room, Jay sat on a chair, the soft glow from his phone screen reflecting in his eyes. Seeing Ying's message, he let out a small laugh, the corners of his lips curving up.

Jay: "Is it really that good?"

Ying: "As long as it's composed by you, it's always good."

Jay laughed out loud, amusement shining in his eyes. Without hesitation, he sent a video along with a message.

Jay: "Then listen to it as much as you want."

The video captured Jay's performance on stage—bathed in dazzling lights, surrounded by the cheers of the audience.

On the other side, Ying played the video, his gaze softening more than ever. Watching Jay on stage, his bright smile, the sparkle in his eyes as he poured his heart into the melody, Ying suddenly felt a strange warmth blooming in his chest.

-"So adorable."

He murmured, though no one was there to hear it.

In the practice room, Jay was still smiling as he looked at his phone, unconsciously scrolling through the messages again and again. Whenever he talked to Ying, he always felt at ease—so much so that he didn't even realize how much he had been smiling.

The door suddenly swung open, and Ryan walked in. Seeing Jay grinning at his phone, there was no way Ryan would let this moment slide without teasing him.

-"Hey, hey… if you're in love, at least try to tone it down a little."

Jay flinched, quickly putting his phone down and pretending to casually reach for his guitar.

-"What love? I was just reading messages."

Ryan crossed his arms, raising a skeptical eyebrow.

-"Just reading messages, and smiling that brightly?"

-"I-It's just… someone complimented my song, so I was happy." Jay hurriedly came up with an excuse.

-"Who complimented it?" Ryan pressed on.

Jay hesitated for a moment before carefully saying the name.

-"…Ying."

Ryan froze for a second, then let out a chuckle, his eyes gleaming with interest.

-"So you're not mad at him anymore?"

Jay pursed his lips, recalling everything that had happened, then softly replied.

-"Didn't you say we should let go of past mistakes?"

Ryan nodded. "That's true… I just didn't expect you to do it this fast."

Jay looked slightly flustered and lowered his head, absentmindedly plucking the guitar strings.

Ryan watched him and laughed even more. -"Well, that's good. It makes things easier on your heart."

Jay smiled faintly. "I figured… it's better to just live in the present."

Ryan patted his shoulder, his expression full of approval. "That's a good way to think."

Jay glanced at the clock and suddenly remembered something.

-"Oh… I was actually planning to invite you to dinner tonight."

Ryan raised an eyebrow. "Tonight? Can't do it tonight—I have plans. Let's do it another day."

Jay pressed his lips together. "Hmm, that's fine. But… who are you meeting?"

Ryan smirked mischievously. "Curious, aren't you?"

Jay pouted. "I was just asking."

Ryan grinned slyly. "Tell me who the main character of your last song was, and I'll tell you who I'm meeting."

Jay immediately tensed up.

-"Ryan! That's completely unrelated! Forget it if you don't want to say."

Ryan burst out laughing, ruffling Jay's hair.

-"Well, you don't want to tell me either, do you?"

Jay pouted again. "I already said there's no one…" His voice had a slight whiny tone.

Ryan raised a brow. "Is that so?"

Seeing Jay flustered, Ryan decided to ease up. He switched to a serious tone.

-"So, what's your plan for tonight?"

Jay stretched. "I'll just rest since the next few days will be hectic." Then he gestured for Ryan to leave. "You have plans, so go get ready."

Ryan chuckled and waved. "Alright, I'm heading out."

Jay nodded, waving back. "Mm, bye."

As the door closed, Jay was left alone. He let out a sigh, his gaze unconsciously drifting toward his phone on the table. His fingers brushed over the screen for a moment, but then he shook his head lightly, as if trying to push away his chaotic thoughts.

Taking a deep breath, he picked up his guitar again and continued practicing.

End of Chapter 21.