A few days after the party, I found myself wandering through campus, looking for a quiet place to clear my head. I'd just finished boxing practice, and the adrenaline was still buzzing in my veins. As I passed by the music club room, I heard soft strumming and familiar melodies drifting through the air.
Curiosity got the better of me, and I pushed the door open. Inside, a few students were gathered, some playing instruments, others just listening. And there, sitting near the front, was Scarlet. She was leaning back, tapping her fingers to the rhythm of a guy playing the guitar.
I hesitated, wondering if I should leave before she noticed me, but it was too late. She glanced over, her face lighting up when she saw me. "Max! Didn't know you were into music."
I scratched the back of my neck, feeling a bit out of place. "I… just heard the music. Thought I'd check it out."
Scarlet grinned, patting the empty seat next to her. "Come sit. You play anything?"
"Guitar, a bit," I admitted, taking the spot beside her.
Her eyes lit up with interest. "No way! You should play something."
One of the guys overheard and waved me over. "You play? Come on, man, show us what you got."
I hesitated, but Scarlet's encouraging smile pushed me to my feet. I took the guitar and adjusted the strap, letting my fingers find the familiar strings. After a deep breath, I started playing one of my favorite songs—an acoustic piece I used to practice when I needed to clear my mind.
The room grew quieter as I played, the melody filling the space. I didn't look up, too focused on the chords and making sure I didn't mess up. But when I finally glanced around, everyone seemed captivated—including Scarlet, who was swaying slightly to the rhythm.
When I finished, a few people clapped, and I handed the guitar back. Scarlet gave me a soft, impressed smile. "You're really good."
I shrugged, trying to play it cool. "Just something I picked up over the years."
She raised an eyebrow. "Boxing and guitar? You're full of surprises."
We ended up staying for the rest of the session, listening to others play and joining in on a few group songs. Afterward, Scarlet and I wandered out together, talking about the music club and how she'd been coming here since the start of the semester.
"It's a good escape," she said as we walked across the quad. "Whenever college stuff gets overwhelming, I just come here."
I nodded. "Yeah, I get that. Boxing does the same for me."
She glanced at me, a curious look on her face. "You're not just the tough guy I thought you were. There's more to you."
"Maybe," I said, a bit embarrassed. "Guess you're not just the quiet, smart girl from class either."
Scarlet laughed, nudging my shoulder. "Fair point."
We stopped at the edge of the campus, where the pathway split. She gave me a small wave. "I had fun today. Maybe we'll see each other at the next session?"
I nodded. "Yeah, I'd like that."
She smiled before heading off, and I couldn't help but feel like I'd just made an unexpected friend. As I walked back to my dorm, I found myself humming the tune I'd played earlier, my thoughts lingering on the way Scarlet had looked at me—with genuine interest and maybe a hint of admiration.