I was in my room, remembering that incident at the cinema. I couldn't help but shudder at the memory of how I had avoided Daniel when our eyes met. I knew I had to protect him from myself, keep him away from me.
Weeks had passed since then, and every day it was getting harder to avoid Daniel at school. However, I knew it was the right thing to do.
One Monday morning, as I was getting ready for class, Sophie came into my room with a smile on her face. She showed me her cell phone, where there was an audio that had been leaked at school. Apparently, there was a piano genius in our midst.
"Who is it?", I asked anxiously, feeling a strange connection to the music I had heard.
Sophie shook her head.
"I don't know. The music club members say it was someone who auditioned a few weeks ago, but they haven't said who played the piano. They say they're trying to protect it."
"Please pass me the audio," I asked, longing to feel again the emotion the song had awakened in me.
With a quick flick of her fingers, Sophie shared the file with me, and soon I was listening to it over and over again, letting myself be carried away by the melodic and emotive notes.
"Come on, April. We can't be late for class," Sophie urged, snapping me out of my thoughts.
"Okay. Let's go," I replied, stowing my cell phone in my backpack and following Sophie out of the room.
Time passed quickly and before I knew it, it was already lunchtime. The dining room was full of students chatting animatedly about their classes and projects, but what really caught my attention was that at least half of them were talking about the mysterious boy who had played the piano in music class.
"I really don't understand what the big fuss is," Ethan commented disdainfully as he sat down next to me. "What's important in life is being somebody, having money and getting the girl you like. Playing the piano is nothing special."
"Shut up!", I thought, annoyed by his attitude.
Sophie smiled in amusement and asked Ethan if there was anyone he liked. He affirmed that he did, but didn't reveal who it was. I didn't care much, as I was more interested in listening to other people's conversations about the mystery pianist.
As I carried my tray of food, I passed by the table where David and Daniel were seated. Although Daniel used to be surrounded by people at first, he was now part of a small group to which David also belonged. I couldn't help overhearing that they were also talking about the mystery piano guy.
To everyone's surprise, including my own, I plucked up the courage and asked David if he knew who the pianist was when I heard about him.
"It's a secret," he replied, staring at me. "Stop insisting. Besides, she might even be a mystery girl."
I couldn't help but think that I could use my assassin skills to spy on him and make him reveal the truth. However, I restrained myself and simply nodded my head before continuing on my way to my table.
"Well?" asked Sophie curiously as I sat down next to her. "I heard you talking to David."
"David says it's a secret," I replied, absently fiddling with my food. "But I can't help but be intrigued. Maybe I can find out who he is somehow..."
"Do you really think he's worth it?" asked Ethan, shrugging. "At the end of the day, he's just someone who plays the piano."
"It is to me," I muttered, determined to discover the identity of the mysterious musician. Although I couldn't explain why it mattered so much to me, I knew it was something I needed to do, even if it meant putting my own safety at risk.
We arrived at the language class with teacher Lorena. As we entered, she began speaking in French, explaining to us that our next grade and 50% of our final grade would depend on a presentation we would have to do in pairs.
"Can we be three people?" asked Ethan, raising his hand. Professor Lorena smiled and replied, "I understand your concern about not having friends, but don't worry, I'll assign the pairs."
The teacher Lorena started calling out names with what seemed like random names. My heart began to beat faster when I heard my name and knew I would be paired with Daniel. I didn't know whether to be relieved or terrified to be so close to him. I watched as David frowned, upset about losing his partner.
"I chose Daniel and April to work together because they are the best in the class and maybe in the school," said teacher Lorena. "They must show how to give an excellent presentation to motivate their classmates."
Embarrassed, I approached Daniel, who greeted me with a charming smile. It seemed like he had been waiting for that moment for a long time. I sat down next to him and couldn't help but smile too, even though I knew I was playing with fire.
"I'm excited to work with you, April," Daniel said sincerely. "I think we'll make a great team together."
"I think so too," I replied, trying to hide my nervousness. As much as I wanted to get away from him, I found it impossible not to be attracted to his friendly personality and charming smile.
Professor Lorena began to pass several books among the couples. When she reached me, she handed me a book with an illustration on the cover of a young woman dressed in blue cotillion chasing a knight on horseback. I translated the title in my mind, "The Damsel in Distress."
"Their job will be to do a rehearsal and then a twenty-minute presentation that represents the book," explained teacher Lorena. "They have three months to prepare, just before the winter vacations begin."
"Understood," I replied, although I wasn't sure how I was going to accomplish this without revealing my true identity to Daniel.
"Come on, let's get started!" commanded Professor Lorena enthusiastically.
I opened the book and started reading. I couldn't help but let out a small laugh as I realized it was full of clichés and cheesy situations. I looked at Daniel and asked him:
"Can you understand French well?"
"Sure, no problem," he replied with a smile. "The rehearsal and presentation will be easy."
"So, what do you say we meet at the library two days at four o'clock in the afternoon to read it together?", I suggested.
"Sounds perfect to me, we can start with today," Daniel agreed, and we both realized that we were about to embark on a new adventure together.
As I read the first few pages of the book, I wondered how I could keep my secret safe while working so closely with Daniel. I knew I had to protect him, but at the same time, I couldn't help but be drawn to him. His kindness, his talent and his charming smile made my heart pound.
"Focus, April," I said to myself as I tried to immerse myself in reading. "You have a mission to accomplish, and you can't afford to get distracted."
When class was over, I waited in the classroom until everyone left. Then I approached teacher Lorena, nervous about what I had to tell her.
"Professor Lorena," I said somewhat sheepishly, "Why did you put me to work with Daniel? The plan of being in school is not to bond and go unnoticed, just like my parents want."
Teacher Lorena stared at me and replied, "Even though you are my bosses, I still think I have made the best decision, because we have to keep Mr. Perfect close in case he is hiding something".
"I won't watch anyone unless my parents order me to," I replied, feeling disgusted.
"That's fine," said teacher Lorena with a smile on her face. "But don't waste the opportunity. Daniel is a young, handsome boy who seems to have an interest in you.".
"I hope nothing bad happens," I finally agreed.
After the last class, I returned to my room with a lump in my throat and a mixture of emotions. I felt nervous about working with Daniel and anxious about keeping my secret hidden. Opening the door, I found Sophie sitting on her bed, flipping through a magazine.
"How did your classes go?" asked Sophie, looking up from her reading.
"Normal," I replied as I headed to the closet, looking for something nice to wear. "I'm going to meet Daniel to work on our French presentation."
Sophie looked at me with a sly smile. "So you're finally going to spend time with Mr. Perfect, huh?"
"It's not a date!", I quickly exclaimed, feeling my cheeks heat up. "It's just a school project, nothing more."
"Sure, sure," Sophie said, winking at me. "Now you'll be the perfect lady, partner to the perfect gentleman."
"Stop it, Sophie!", I protested, but I couldn't help but smile at her comment. After selecting a colorful blouse and tight black pants, I quickly changed and put my books in my backpack.
"See you later," I said to Sophie before leaving the room. I put on my headphones and started walking towards the library. On my player, I listened to the mysterious pianist's song over and over again, letting myself be carried away by the melody.
"Who are you?", I thought as I walked down the aisles. "What is your music hiding?"
Arriving at the library, I took off my headphones and looked for Daniel among the tables. I finally found him in a secluded corner, with a stack of books in front of him. His red hair contrasted with the soft light filtering through the windows.
"Daniel," I called softly, approaching him. He looked up from his books and smiled at the sight of me.
"April! You're here," he said enthusiastically. "I'm glad we're working on this."
"Me too," I answered truthfully, although my fears and worries were still latent in my mind.
"So, shall we begin?" asked Daniel, opening the Damsel in Distress book.
"Sure," I agreed, sitting down next to him.
I had arrived at my room with a hamburger in my hand, ready to devour it. As soon as I sat down at my desk, the phone vibrated. It was Liam. I didn't hesitate to answer it.
"Daniel, you've found the perfect opportunity," Liam said in his deep, serene voice. "Once in the library, talk to her about romance."
"Romance? Really?" I asked incredulously.
"Not exactly my forte" I replied as I nibbled on the burger.
"That's why I'll give you some advice," Liam assured.
"Hey, but how did you get teacher Lorena to team us up" I asked intrigued. "It couldn't have been a fluke."
"I'll tell you later," Liam replied mysteriously. "For now, practice what you'll tell April."
"Okay" I agreed, even though my mind was blank. I didn't know what to say to April, much less how to talk to her about romance. But before I could ask Liam for any advice, the door to my room opened and David appeared.
"Sorry" I mumbled to Liam into the phone. "I'll call you later."
David entered with a radiant, carefree smile. His blond hair shone in the dim light of the room.
"What's the matter, Daniel, love problems?" joked David. I knew nothing of my mission, so I simply smiled at him and prepared to meet the challenge Liam had set me.
"David, I don't have a girlfriend," I quickly replied, feeling my cheeks burn a little at the thought that someone might think that about me, "She's just a close friend from my parents' farm."
"Come on, you don't have to hide it" David joked, winking at me. "Remember how April reacted to the piano boy."
"That audio shouldn't have existed" I argued, remembering how my music had reached everyone's ears.
"Relax," David assured me, putting a hand on my shoulder. "No one videotaped it and no one will say anything, so no one will find out about you."
I was somewhat reassured to know that my identity as a pianist was still a secret, but on the other hand, I knew April had been curious about it, and perhaps I could take advantage of the opportunity.
"Hey, David," I asked, looking for a way to continue to get closer to April without giving away my secret. "Could I play the piano again, but without anyone finding out? I want to record myself so I can start gaining confidence and be able to play without crying."
"Sure" David replied with a sympathetic smile. "I'll arrange everything so no one will see you touch" I felt grateful for his support and relaxed a little, knowing that I could count on him in this complicated situation.
At that moment, my phone vibrated in my pocket. I pulled out my phone and saw a text from Liam congratulating me for taking the initiative.
When I arrived at the library, my heart was pounding in my chest. I sat down at one of the tables and waited for April to appear. It didn't take long for her to arrive, and when our gazes met, I blushed involuntarily. I was finally carrying out the plan to get close to her.
"Hi, Daniel!" greeted April with a shy smile.
"Hi, April! Ready?" I replied, trying to remain calm.
"Sure, let's get started" she nodded, and we began reading the boring book we had been assigned. As time went on, we couldn't even get through the first translated chapter. I plopped down on the table, defeated, and looked at April.
"Daniel" she said, noticing my frustration, "we can continue reading later. We have three months to submit the project, so we'd better organize a work plan" I suggested.
"Okay" I agreed, trying to hide my relief. We set to work on a sketch, but in my mind, I berated myself for not fulfilling my role as a Casanova.
"Hey," I asked April, looking for less heavy conversation, "do you identify with the character in the book?"
"What do you mean?" asked April, confused.
"I mean," I explained, "about a girl who has problems in her life like dresses going out of style or what flavor of cake she's having for dinner that night."
April let out a laugh at my comment.
"Truth be told," he admitted, "it's not my style of reading. I'm more into fantasy stories, where heroes manage to defeat powerful villains" His face lit up as he spoke of his interests. "I'd recommend a book called 'Gunter and His Three Magical Damsels'."
When I heard the title, I thought she was telling me about a harem, but April began to tell the story with enthusiasm. As I listened to her, I realized that there was much more to her than she appeared, and I became even more confused about my feelings for her. But I could not forget my goal, I had to carry out my revenge, even if it meant hurting her in the process.
"My reading style," I confessed, looking for something else in common with April, "is love stories."
I looked down, feeling my face redden again.
"I don't know how to talk to girls" I admitted.
April let out a soft laugh and looked at me with a knowing smile.
"I don't think you need to talk to them" he joked. "You're handsome enough to drive everyone crazy."
Suddenly, April stood up in embarrassment, covering her face with her hands.
"Don't listen to me!" he exclaimed before running out of the library. I stood there, smiling slightly at her reaction. I knew April had feelings for me, but she was too shy to even trust herself. Too bad I was just using her to accomplish my goal.
My phone vibrated and I saw a message from Liam congratulating me with several emojis sending me kisses. I put the phone away and walked out of the library, knowing that the next step in my plan was to meet up with David.
Upon arriving at our room, I found David sitting on the floor, surrounded by junk food while watching a movie on his laptop. I snuck over and stole a handful of chips from him before sitting down next to him.
"What are you watching?" I asked, chewing on the potatoes as I tuned my attention to the screen.
"An action movie," David replied, not taking his eyes off the laptop. "How did it go with April?"
"I think well" I replied, remembering April's smile and her embarrassment at her praise of my appearance. "But there's still work to be done."
I looked at David, seeking comfort in his friendship. "Thank you for your help."
"You're welcome," David said with a smile. "That's what best friends are for."
Night had fallen and darkness enveloped the campus. David looked up at me from his position on the floor, surrounded by junk food, and said with determination:
"It's time to act."
I nodded silently and we both gathered our things quickly. We slipped out our bedroom window, making sure not to make a sound as we left. The cool night air hit my face as we walked through the shadows, creeping closer to the music department building.
"Are you sure no one will see us?" I asked David quietly as we walked forward. His blue eyes sparkled with confidence, and he nodded slowly.
"Trust me," he replied, pulling a key out of his jacket pocket and carefully unlocking the door to the building. We walked in together, closing the door behind us as stealthily as possible.
We walked through the dark corridors until we came to a room whose door was ajar. David pushed it gently and we entered a huge living room, lit only by the moonlight streaming through the tall windows. In the middle of the room, a black grand piano gleamed as if waiting for me.
"They've set it up for you," David told me, a proud smile on his face. "You'll be able to play as many times as you want here, without anyone bothering you."
"Thank you" I murmured, feeling a mixture of gratitude and nervousness. I walked over to David and ruffled his blond hair in an affectionate gesture.
I approached the piano, feeling the urge to play it growing inside me. I sat down on the bench, and my fingers began to move across the keys slowly, as if awakening from a long sleep. The first chords echoed through the room, filling it with a sweet melody that seemed to take on a life of its own.
When I finished playing, I looked up at David, who was looking at me with eyes full of excitement.
"I missed that sound" he whispered, and I knew it wasn't just the sound of the piano that I missed, but also our friendship and complicity.
I left the music building with a sense of optimism that I hadn't felt in a long time. Despite having recorded several songs, I didn't cry that time like last time. Maybe it was because David was by my side, giving me that confidence that made me feel less vulnerable.
"Do you want to talk about what you feel when you play the piano?" asked David as we walked back to our room.
"Maybe another day," I replied, promising to tell her everything at some point. For now, I preferred to keep those feelings to myself.
The next day, I was surprised to hear my classmates talking about the new recordings of the secret piano guy. I couldn't help but smile as I realized that my plan was working.
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