The morning sunlight streamed through Alex's apartment window, casting golden streaks across the scattered napkins on their desk. Each one was filled with half-finished lyrics, scribbled melodies, and coffee stains;testaments to nights spent lost in music they were too afraid to share.
Alex sighed, running a hand through their messy hair. The memory of Jamie's voice humming their song;the one they'd tossed aside like it was nothing;played on a loop in their mind. It had been a week since their encounter in the park, and despite Jamie's persistent texts (When can I hear more? and I'm serious, your music is incredible), Alex had yet to reply with anything more than vague excuses.
A loud knock shattered the silence.
"Alex! Open up, I know you're in there!"
Maya's voice was unmistakable bright, unrelenting, and currently accompanied by what sounded like her fist pounding against the door.
Alex groaned, shuffling to the door and swinging it open. Maya stood there, arms crossed, a knowing smirk on her face. She held up two to-go cups of coffee like a peace offering, but the glint in her eyes was anything but peaceful.
"You're avoiding him," she said, pushing past Alex into the apartment.
"I'm not avoiding anyone," Alex muttered, though the lie was flimsy even to their own ears.
Maya rolled her eyes, setting the coffees down on the cluttered table. "Right. And I'm the Queen of England." She picked up a discarded napkin, scanning the notes. "This is amazing, Alex. Why won't you just talk to him?"
Alex snatched the napkin back, crumpling it in their fist. "Because it's not that simple, Maya. You don't get it."
"Then explain it to me." Maya plopped onto the couch, patting the spot beside her. "Because from where I'm standing, a ridiculously talented musician thinks your music is genius and wants to work with you. That's kind of a dream scenario."
Alex hesitated, then sank onto the couch, gripping their coffee like a lifeline. "What if I'm not good enough?" The words came out barely above a whisper.
Maya's expression softened. She reached over, prying the crumpled napkin from Alex's fingers and smoothing it out. "What if you are?"
The Push
An hour later, Maya had somehow through a combination of relentless pep talks and not-so-subtle threats convinced Alex to text Jamie.
Alex:Hey. Sorry I've been quiet. Been busy.
The reply came instantly.
Jamie:Busy writing more masterpieces?
Alex's stomach flipped.
Jamie:Seriously though, I've been working on that melody you wrote. Want to hear it?
Maya, peering over Alex's shoulder, let out a dramatic gasp. "Oh my god, he's perfect."
Alex elbowed her, but their heart wasn't in it.
Alex:Sure. When?
Jamie:Tonight. My place. 7pm.
Alex's fingers froze over the screen.
Maya snatched the phone before they could overthink it.
Alex (courtesy of Maya):Sounds great. See you then.
"Maya!" Alex lunged for the phone, but she danced out of reach, grinning.
"You're welcome," she sing-songed.
Jamie's Apartment
Jamie's apartment was exactly what Alex had expected;cluttered, warm, and alive with music. Guitars leaned against the walls, sheet music covered the coffee table, and a half-empty mug of tea sat beside a well-worn notebook.
"You came." Jamie grinned, stepping aside to let Alex in.
Alex nodded, clutching their bag of napkins like a shield. "Yeah. I, uh… brought some stuff."
Jamie's eyes lit up. "New songs?"
"Just… ideas."
Jamie took the bag gently, peering inside. For a moment, he just stared at the pile of napkins, his expression unreadable. Then he looked up, his voice softer than Alex had ever heard it. "You really don't see it, do you?"
Alex frowned. "See what?"
"How incredible you are."
The words hit Alex like a physical force. They opened their mouth, but no sound came out.
Jamie set the bag down and picked up his guitar. "Listen."
And then he played.
It was Alex's song;the one from the café, the one they'd thrown away but it was more now. Fuller. Richer. Like Jamie had taken the broken pieces of Alex's heart and turned them into something beautiful.
Alex's breath caught.
Jamie looked up, his gaze steady. "This is what happens when you share your music, Alex. It becomes real."
Something inside Alex cracked open.
The Risk
It was past midnight when they finally stopped playing. Hours had slipped by unnoticed, filled with laughter, half-formed lyrics, and the kind of creative synergy Alex had only dreamed of.
Jamie strummed the last chord, his fingers lingering on the strings. "You should perform with me."
Alex stiffened. "What?"
"At the open mic next week. Just one song." Jamie's voice was casual, but his eyes were intense.
Alex's pulse roared in their ears. "I can't."
"Why not?"
"Because" Alex's voice broke. "Because what if I freeze up? What if everyone hates it? What if..."
Jamie reached out, his hand covering Alex's. "What if they love it?"
Alex stared at their joined hands, Jamie's touch warm and steady.
"I'll be right there with you," Jamie murmured. "Every step of the way."
And for the first time in years, Alex let themselves want it;the stage, the music, the chance to be heard. "Okay," they whispered.
Jamie's smile was worth every fear.