Off-Key

With its high windows covered by half-drawn curtains that filtered the late afternoon light into subdued streaks across the floor, the music room was in shadow. No sound disturbed the silence as Kiet sat by himself at the piano, his fingers lingering over the keys. Unaffected, his violin lay in its case at his feet as though it could feel the pressure bearing down on him. The air smelled of rosin and old wood, a comforting familiarity, but tonight it felt oppressive, like a room too tiny for the thoughts that were filling his head.

The audition schedule, a single piece of paper that was now crumpled in his pocket with its edges worn from his restless fingers, had been given to him that morning. It was the same night as Lalin's dancing presentation, and the date gave him a bleak, unforgiving look in return. The struggle tormented him, a never-ending struggle between obligation and desire. As much as the scholarship itself, his family's aspirations were on his shoulders—a chance to free them from the tedium of never-ending work and unpaid expenses. However, Lalin's calm courage and faith in him tugged at another aspect of him that he hadn't yet fully recognized.

Lalin slipped inside as the door cracked open, her silhouette momentarily framed by the light of the corridor before the door slowly closed behind her. She had her hair pulled back into a loose bun and was dressed in her dance attire, the fabric sticking to her like a second skin. She moved to the piano and rested against its edge, her strides slow and deliberate, her eyes focusing on him with a calm intensity.

She said, "You've been avoiding me," in a quiet but non-accusatory tone.

A single key, a flat, dissonant sound that hung in the air, was brushed by Kiet's twitching fingertips. "Not dodging. Just pondering."

Her face was shadowed by a glimmer of anxiety as her brow furrowed. "About what?"

The sound of his exhale was sharp and coarse. "My tryout. Your recital is that same evening.

The quiet trembled as the words fell between them like a stone dropped into motionless water. Lalin's body tensed, her fingers gripping the edge of the piano, but her face remained composed. "I see."

Guilt twisted sharply in Kiet's gut, and his chest tightened. "This is not how I planned it. The dates simply ran into each other.

She gave a nod, her eyes straying to the floor and following the worn lines left by chairs over the years. "You must leave. Your future depends on it.

Kiet noticed the slight trembling beneath her calm, measured sentences, the break she was trying to conceal. He moved aside from the piano so that he could fully face her. "I understand. But leaving you hanging feels awful. after everything.

A tiny, regretful grin pulled at Lalin's lips as her gaze raised to meet his. "You're not abandoning me. I'll get by. This goes beyond a single performance.

His throat tight with frustration, he shook his head. It's more than simply a show. This is your time. You've put in a lot of effort to return to that point.

Her voice was firmer now, but her hands betrayed her, clenching and unclenching at her sides. "And I'll be fine," she said. "Kiet, you have a chance at something genuine. Don't allow me to stop you."

A muscle in his jaw twitched slightly as he clenched it. "I'm not being held back by you. I wish to support you."

Lalin took a step forward him and touched his arm briefly, sending a wave of warmth through him. "I also want you to pursue your goals. That's what counts.

Her words lingered in the air like a polite but silent command. Kiet's eyes scanned hers for the weakness in her determination, but she remained steadfast, her eyes shining with a mixture of pride and a more subtle, unsaid quality. The weight of his decision settled in his chest like lead as he gulped hard.

He finally said, "I'll go to the audition," in a gruff but determined voice. "But I'll compensate you. Somehow.

Lalin's eyes did not quite meet her widening smile. "You don't have to. Simply put, give it your all. All I ask is that.

He gave a nod, and they exchanged a silent pledge. The air was heavy with the weight of choices made and courses taken, and the room seemed smaller now. Kiet's fingers longed to draw her nearer, to close the growing distance between them, but he refrained, bound by the fear of what was to come.

The music room's exterior hallway was long and deserted, the linoleum glowing sterilely from the fluorescent lights. Lalin's back was against the cool wall as she rested against it, breathing in irregular gasps. She had maintained her poise with Kiet, but now that she was by herself, the façade broke down. A hollow aching wrenched in her chest, a mixture of strong pride and disappointment that she was unable to separate. The idea of dancing without him, without his constant presence at her side, left a gap she wasn't sure how to fill, even though she had meant every word—she wanted him to take advantage of his opportunity.

Mina heard footsteps echoing down the hallway and turned the corner with her backpack slung over one shoulder. Her face brightened when she saw Lalin. "You're there. I have searched everywhere.

Lalin forced a smile that was fragile at the edges and pushed off the wall. "Just needed a minute."

Mina saw the tension in her voice and her eyes grew piercing. "What's happening? You appear to have seen a ghost.

Lalin paused, then laughed a little unsteadily. "It's not a ghost. Simply life, I suppose. My recital and Kiet's audition take place on the same evening.

Mina's expression changed to one of understanding, and her eyes grew wide. "Oh. That's difficult.

"Yeah," Lalin whispered, constricted in her throat. However, he must leave. He has the shot.

Mina took a step forward, placing a grounding weight on Lalin's shoulder. And whether he's there or not, you'll be amazing on stage. You've gone too far to be shaken by this.

A glimmer of warmth pierced the cold, softening Lalin's smile. "Thank you. I required that.

After giving her a shoulder squeeze, Mina pushed her in the direction of the exit. "Come on. Come on over for coffee. I'll act like I know everything, so you can vent."

With a lighter laugh, Lalin stepped into step next to her. A silent promise of the world beyond, the hallway extended ahead, its end illuminated by the late afternoon's golden light. She would confront the recital alone, but not completely; she would be supported by her friends and her own obstinate nature. And just as she would dance for her future, Kiet would be playing for his wherever he was.