Chapter 110 Crossing the Line
They called it guitar accompaniment, but it felt almost like singing a cappella, and it wasn't very satisfying.
Having just one instrument was monotonous, and the guitar could easily get drowned out by the singing. We'd still need proper accompaniment on performance day. The guitar was just to add some variety.
Daniel was a guitar pro and had kept up his practice over the years. As soon as he picked it up, he got into the groove.
Years later, he was still the same. Once his fingers touched the strings, he became one with the music, like a dancing note.
Daniel's posture was relaxed and absorbed, and the music flowed smoothly.
Watching him play, I suddenly wanted to give it a try too.
I hadn't touched a guitar in over five years, and my hands were rusty. Even if I could play, it would be out of tune and rhythm.
Still, I wanted to try.
It wasn't about Daniel; it was just my love for the guitar.
I thought I'd dig out my old guitar from the closet next time I went home, bring it to school, and play it when I needed a break.
We practiced until Rachel opened the door and called us. Only then did we realize it was dark, and our throats were dry.
Daniel handed me a bottle of water, and I drank more than half in one go.
He took the bottle back and drank the rest.
His action was unexpected. Even when we were close, we never shared such intimate gestures.
It felt like an indirect kiss!
My face turned red, and I felt like I was floating, walking on air. The noise in my ears made them tremble.
I glared at him, embarrassed and angry.
Daniel coughed lightly, turned away, and a sly smile tugged at his lips.
This side of Daniel was both roguish and annoying.
I never knew he could be so childish and mean.
The awkward moment lasted only a second, and no one noticed. It felt like we had a secret just between us.
Maybe the guitar stirred up my nostalgia, and I forgot to remind him to watch his behavior.
There were about ten people in the classroom, all inviting us to go out for barbecue.
I wanted to refuse, go back, order takeout, eat quickly, and continue drawing. But these kids were so enthusiastic, it felt unreasonable to say no.
Even though we were only a few years apart, they were full of passion, while I sought peace and quiet.
It felt like there was a world between us.
Especially Rachel, who begged me to go, saying she'd be heartbroken if I didn't.
So I had to go.
As soon as we stepped outside, the cool breeze cleared my head.
Suddenly, I felt a bit disgusted by Daniel's earlier action.
His subtle closeness felt like he had ulterior motives. We hadn't been close for years, and his behavior was crossing the line.
I said coldly, "Daniel, don't do that again. I don't want little stuff mess up our rehearsal."
He stood beside me, clenched his right hand, then put it in his pocket, saying coolly, "It was just an accident."
When he drank from that bottle, he seemed so natural, like it was planned. If he said it was an accident, I wouldn't buy it.
Maybe he was just testing my reaction to his closeness.
He seemed satisfied with my initial response, but my reaction after sobering up clearly annoyed him.
At the restaurant, Daniel and some guys stayed outside to smoke, while I went into the private room with the girls.
I picked a well-ventilated spot to sit since we were still waiting for people. Feeling bored, I checked my phone and was startled.
There were over a dozen missed calls and messages on Facebook, all from Brad. The earliest one was just before five, and it had been over two hours.
I felt embarrassed.
I quickly called back, and Brad answered immediately, sounding anxious, "Jane, where are you? Why did it take so long to call back?"
Clearly, Brad was worried because I hadn't been in touch.
I wiped my forehead guiltily. "Brad, I'm fine, just out."
"What's up, Jane? Whose call is it?" Before I could finish, Daniel, who had somehow come in, spoke up from behind me.
Brad seemed to choke up, his voice hoarse, "Have you been with Daniel all this time?"
"Yeah, we..." Brad's voice made me a bit flustered, and I instinctively wanted to explain that I was with Daniel just for the program, nothing else.
But before I could say anything, Rachel's clear voice called out, "Jane, stop chatting and order the food. I'm starving."
Brad paused. "As long as you're okay. It's getting late, don't eat too much. Let me know when you get back."
Before I could say goodbye, the call ended, and the beeping tone felt a bit cold.
Rachel, with her outgoing personality, organized the ordering and asked the guys standing around to find seats.
"Daniel, sit here." She patted the empty spot next to her, smiling sweetly. Her round eyes were full of anticipation, and her smile was especially sweet because of her hopes.
Daniel frowned slightly, looked around, and pointed next to me. "I'll sit here."
Rachel retracted her hand in disappointment, forcing a smile, and started poking at a small dish with her fork, looking so dejected that it made my heart ache.
I really wanted to tell her that Daniel had a girlfriend and not to waste her time. But unfortunately, I wasn't very close to her, and she hadn't explicitly shown any intention of pursuing Daniel. I couldn't just tell her that Daniel was taken, as if she was coveting him, which could harm her reputation.
We were all studying at the same school, and Daniel was the kind of guy who drove girls crazy with his talent and looks. Almost everyone at school knew him, and it wasn't a secret that he had a girlfriend. The girl was so focused on Daniel, so she couldn't possibly not know.
In my view, knowing someone had a girlfriend and still pursuing them was inherently dangerous and fundamentally wrong.
But Zoe had successfully pursued Daniel using such tactics back then, and years later, she was the one being cheated on. It was hard not to see it as her just desserts.
Overall, the meal wasn't very enjoyable because Daniel was sitting next to me, and I felt an inexplicable discomfort.
All these years, I had never been this close to him. The once familiar fresh orange scent now felt strange.
After dinner, it was past nine, and the group chatted and laughed on the way back.
I turned onto the path leading to my apartment, and Daniel silently followed behind me, his footsteps neither too close nor too far.
"I can go by myself. You can leave." I wasn't used to him walking me back.
Rehearsal was over, and there was no need for us to be alone together. If Zoe misunderstood and caused a scene, it would be pointless and not worth it.
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