The Heart Of Strings: Elyse's Melody

The sunlight spilled across the elite campus of Liora University, where privilege met power, and dreams clashed with reality. I adjusted my boyish jacket, brushing a loose strand of hair from my eyes. I wasn’t trying to stand out—quite the opposite—but apparently, being Elyse meant people always looked anyway. “Elyse!” Hanna’s familiar, excited voice rang from across the courtyard. She ran toward me with her camera swinging around her neck and a spark in her eyes. “You’re late for the music club meeting. Again.” “I stopped by the dojo,” I said with a soft smile. “Sensei wanted to test me on a new form.” She groaned dramatically. “You’re gonna kick everyone’s butt before your debut stage.” Her eyes narrowed, scanning me. “Still wearing that again?” I glanced down at my loose jeans and graphic tee. “It’s comfortable.” “You’re the lead vocalist of a band of literal Greek gods, and this is the look you’re going for?” Hanna placed her hands on her hips. “No offense, but you could at least try to look like someone they might fight over.” “Fight over?” I blinked. “You’re so dramatic.” If only I knew then how right she was. The band was already rehearsing in the music hall when we arrived. The room buzzed with tension and talent. Daniel strummed his guitar in the corner, his jaw sharp and eyes cool. His gaze softened for a fraction of a second when he saw me. “Late again,” he said simply, his deep voice smooth and distant. But I caught the way his fingers faltered on the strings when I smiled at him, I blushed when he look at me with a big smile on his handsome face. Wait??? WTF?? Did I just say Handsome?? Eww Then I look at Adrian but he's looking at me ?? Wait?? Since when did he stared at me? Adrian grinned and handed me a mic. “Finally. Thought I’d have to sing your part too.” He stood close, his usual protective aura surrounding me like a shield. David leaned on the wall, flipping a drumstick between his fingers. “She can wear whatever she wants and still look hot. Right, baby?” “Cut it out, David,” Daniel growled. “Touchy,” David smirked. “Jealous?” "Why would Daniel be jealous?" I asked with a confused face. They all started laughing at me and I blush as I was embarrassed because I didn't know why they laugh at me. "Don't worry about it babe, we're just messing with you" Then when I look, I saw Cyrus sat by the piano, silent, fingers poised. His eyes flicked up to meet mine—cold and unreadable, except for that subtle twitch of emotion only I ever seemed to catch. Lance was busy setting up the equipment, but as soon as he saw me, he lit up. “Elyse. I saved your lyrics sheet. You forgot it again.” “Thanks, Lance,” I said gratefully. They all had these ways of looking at me. But I didn’t get it then. It's weird and odd but why do I feel so shy all of a sudden. To me, they were just my childhood friends. The boys I’d grown up with. The boys I laughed with, sparred with, made music with. The ones I trusted and the ones I love as a friend. But to them, I was something more? I must be crazy right now. And Hanna? She knew it. All of it. How come I didn't know it? Do they really like me like Hanna said?? maybe I'm just crazy to think about my 5 childhood friend likes me "What are you thinking so deep about?" Hanna said with a annoying smirk on her face. *scoff* "Nothing" I said bluntly and blushes "Oh really?" Hanna said "Shut up, come on let's have lunch at the cafeteria" "Why are you changing the topic girl" Hanna teases I went silent and blushes real hard "Ok fine, I won't teas you" ---- What do you think will happen to Elyse? are you ready for chapter 2 where the exciting part comes? will Elyse realize everything? Who will she choose among her childhood friends? Will they be friends at the end or will she choose one of them? Will Elyse choose to stay silent is she found out? ----- Please support my novel, I'm Lee Jang-Eun a new writer, I had a dream to be a known great Author and I'm starting my dream today. Hope you like my new twisted novel, Thank you for reading.