“You are the song that keeps playing over my head. I never want it to end if it means being with you forever.”

I’m in the shower, singing a song from Infinite Chase’s new album.

It’s been a week since I stayed here, and nothing much happened in the past couple of days. KY continues to ignore me, while Nate, Lance and Zeke became my friends.

I admit that it hurts being neglected by the person I like, but I think this is much better than us fighting. I don’t want him to hate me. I hold on to the hope that Lance is right; KY will come around.

Juliane called a few times, making sure that I’m doing a good job at my work. She asked me the condition of the band, and of the house, and told me to tell her everything she needs to know.

When I’m done, I put on my clothes and walk out of the bathroom.

Even though I’m staying—

“Aaahhh!” I let out a startled scream when Nate shows up out of nowhere.

I can feel my heart thundering, while my knees are shaking wobbly.

“Hey,” Nate says, holding my arms to steady me.

“You scared me!”

“I’m sorry,” he says amusedly. “I was waiting for you to come out because I need to use the bathroom.”

I breathe a sigh of relief. I’m glad I had the sense to put on my clothes before walking out.  In my dorm, I used to wrap my body with a towel and just put on my clothes in my room. Actually, all the girls do that because there are no boys allowed in the girl’s dorm. Here, living with hormonal guys, I need to be careful. Even though I adore them, they are still males.

I leave Nate and continue to walk in my room. I already arranged and organized my things a few days ago. Being a personal assistant (I prefer the term band manager) to the band is not difficult. I just stay with them in the house, and do household chores. Perhaps it’s because I haven’t really done the job yet because the band is still on their vacation. I'm excited and nervous at the same time for their concert next month.

Today, I decide to spend my time chatting with my friends from College. I told them that I took a leave, but I didn’t explain any further. I might slip out, and I want my secret to remain a secret.

About an hour later, the guys ask me to come down and join them in the Entertainment room. It’s the usual – there are couches, a round table, a big flat screen television, a cabinet full of DVD’s.

Nate, Lance and Zeke are sitting on the carpeted ground. Don’t ask me where KY is. He doesn’t join us much when we hang out.

They guys are playing a video game. It makes me believe that they are normal. Just like my male friends, they can easily get engaged with just a controller and an Xbox.

I watch them, amused at their expressions and the words they utter when they’re almost losing. I didn’t expect I’ll have fun even though I’m not the one playing.

“I heard Brielle singing to one of our songs when she was in the bathroom,” Nate says without preamble.

“You heard me?” I ask, surprised. I’m sure that I did not sing loudly.

"Your voice isn't bad," says Lance, not taking his eyes off the screen.

Zeke nods. "Not bad," he agrees. "We  also heard you before."

I don't know if I should take that as a compliment.

"Have you ever sung before?" Lance asks.

Before I can answer, Nate says, "Aside from our concert, of course."

I think back and realized that that was the first time I sang in front of a crowd.

"No, it was my first time," I admit.

Nate's mouth starts to form a smile. His eyes shine mischievously.

"What is it?" I ask. I have a nervous feeling that he's going to suggest something I wouldn't like.

"Let's do a duet!"

"What?" I ask incredulously. "You're out of your mind!"

"That's a good idea," Zeke says, as if I didn't contradict Nate.

"No, it's not," I argue.

The game is long forgotten now. Their attention is fixed on me.

"I'm a genius," Nate says while grinning widely. "What song do you want to sing?"

"I won't sing with you!"

"Why not?"

"Because I don't want to!"

"Come on," Lance says, shaking his head. "Don't be a killjoy!"

"Besides," Zeke chimes in, "you were so happy when you had a duet with Kyle."

"Or maybe you want to sing with Kyle, and not me?" Nate says as he studies my face carefully.

I put my poker face on. I can't let them know about my secret feelings toward their leader.

I carefully choose the words in my head. "It's not that," I begin, "the concert was spontaneous. I don't think I can do it again."

I know a lot of girls will do everything to be in my position right now, but I don't have the confidence to sing with them again.

"But this is just for fun!" Nate says raising both of his hands. "And it's not like people will hear you sing."

I look at him doubtfully. He has a sincere expression on his face. And then I glance at Lance and Zeke. They both give me assuring smiles.

"I promise I won't upload the video on our page," Nate adds.

"Why do we need a video?" I ask skeptically.

"So that we can watch it," Zeke says obviously.

"Fine," I relent.

They grin, and high five each other. I hope to God I'll not regret this.

They start to suggest songs, and how they will arrange them when my phone suddenly rings. I look at the caller ID and see my mom’s number. I gulp. Did she, in case, find out?

“Excuse me,” I say to the band, “I need to take this call.” I get up from my seat and walk out of the room. As soon as I’m sure I’m out of hearing range, I swipe the answer button.

“You picked up your phone,” my mom says in a surprised voice. “Don’t you have classes?”

Shoot! “Then why did you call me if you knew I have classes?”

“I’m just worried. You haven’t called in a week.”

“I’m sorry, I was just busy,” I say, glancing behind me to check if they’re still inside. Coast is clear.

“Aren’t you going to go home?”

“No,” I answer.

“I can pay for your—“

“Mom,” I interrupt. “I need to go. I’ll see you on Christmas.”

I quickly swipe the end button. I need to be careful, she might know what’s going on, and this plan of mine will all be wasted.

“Are you okay?” Zeke asks as soon as I walk back inside.

I nod.

“You look tense,” observes Lance, “are you sure you’re really okay?”

“Yes,” I say.

“Who was that?” Nate inquires.

“My mom,” I answer. I decide to tell them the truth because I already have too many lies.

“How many siblings do you have?” he asks.

“I have a younger sister.”

“How old is she?” Lance asks, “Can I meet her?”

I frown at his enthusiasm. “Why do you want to meet her?”

“So that I can date her!” he says as if it’s the most obvious thing in the world.

“What?” I choke the word out.

Nate laughs at me, while Zeke shakes his head at Lance.

“It’s because you’re pretty,” Nate asserts, “Lance assumed that your sister looks like you. So instead of going out with you which is against the rules, he’ll see your sister instead.”

My mouth hangs open at what he said.

“Your eyes are round as saucers,” Zeke comments, his own orbs lighting in delight.

I ignore him and turn to Lance. “Is that true?”

He smiles sheepishly and gives me a peace sign.

I purse my lips and look at Nate. “How did you know what Lance was thinking?”

He shrugs. “I’m not a mind reader, but I’m not stupid.”

“So, can I meet her?” Lance asks eagerly.

“No.”

“What? Why?” His mouth turns down at the corner.

“She’s just sixteen,” I say wryly. I can’t let them see each other. They’ll find out that I’m lying.

“That means you have a big gap,” Zeke says, “You’re twenty two, and she’s sixteen.”

I blink my eyes. If Nate is observant, then Zeke is an expert. I need to be careful around him.

“It doesn’t matter,” I reply, “We’re still sisters.”

Lance shakes his head and mutters something under his breath.

I smile at him. I can’t help but find his actions cute. Before they can ask more about my family, I decide to ask them the question that’s been nagging me.

“Where’s KY?”

“He went out,” Zeke says at the same time Lance says, “He has a date.”

My heart stops beating at Lance’s words.

He went out on a date?

My KY?

Slowly, my world is falling apart. I didn’t know this side of him. I should have seen this; he is popular, but I didn’t expect that he’ll have a romantic life. I want him to remain single so that I can be free to like him. Now that I found out. . .

I take a deep breath and ask them if he has a girlfriend.

Nate, Lance, and Zeke looks at me like I said something stupid.

“What?” I ask uneasily.

“The rules!” Zeke reminds me. “Don’t meddle with our personal lives!”

I gasp. I realized my mistake too late. “Sorry,” I say quickly. “I didn’t mean to pry!”

They are all silent, and they just continue to stare at me.

I swallow, but there's something stuck in my throat.

Maybe they’re waiting for their friends to do the deed of telling me that I’m fired.

Nate is the first one to laugh. Lance and Zeke follow a second later.

I frown. Did I say something funny?

I didn’t. I was even panicking because I thought they will—

“You’re really funny,” Lance says while laughing.

“Your face was priceless,” Zeke chimes in.

“What?” I ask, still clueless.

“We were just kidding,” Nate says amusedly. A huge grin is plastered on his handsome face. “You’re so serious!”

“What do you mean?” I feel like an idiot, not getting his explanation the first time. I probably walked up at the wrong side of the bed.

Lance rolls his eyes. “We don’t care much about the rules,” he says, “Yves is the one who take them to heart.”

Nate holds my shoulders and says, “I’ll tell you everything you want to know. You’re free to ask me anything.” And then he winks at me.

Zeke slaps the back of his head.

Ouch.

Nate glowers at him. “What?” he asks in an annoyed voice.

“You’re such a flirt!” Zeke responds, “Be careful, she might actually fall for your charms.”

Nate blinks, and I just stare at him, not knowing what to say.

I’m sure I won’t fall for him because I won’t betray my feelings for KY.

Nate looks thoughtful for a minute, and then he goes back to his usual cheerful self. “It doesn’t matter; I’ll catch her when the time comes.”

“Seriously, though,” Lance chips in, ignoring both Nate and Zeke, “Don’t ask Yves about his personal life. He wants it to be private.”

“If you’re really curious about his status,” Zeke says, “He is single.”

I try to hide the relief I feel. Although they told me that they don’t care much about the rules, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Falling in love is a major offense in the first place.

“Are you perhaps interested?” Nate asks, studying my face.

“What?” I say incredulously. I even feign to be offended by his words. “No way!”

“Good, because he’ll just break your heart.”

*~*~*~*~*

I hope you liked it <3

The song is Belle of the Boulevard by Dashboard Confessional :)

Thank you for reading my story!