"Where's Serenity?"
Malkiel looked around the area to scan once again but like before he couldn't see Serenity.
"Ahhh Quincey said she'll be a little late"
"Why? Do you already miss her?"
Malkiel could feel his cheeks burn but he just waved it off which made the others laugh at him.
"Don't worry, the two girls said she'll be running late only. Now, get your head on the game"
He let out a deep sigh and nodded at Drystan. He was nervous if he was being honest. Serenity had seen him perform in their classroom and during practices but it was different with an actual performance. He wanted to do so well now.
"What? Why are you still dilly-dallying around here?"
The group turned around and saw Galene and Quincey coming their way. Malkiel's shoulder went lax when he saw that Serenity wasn't with them.
This didn't escape Quincey's eyes as she raised an eyebrow at Malkiel.
"Serenity said she'll be here in five minutes so she'll be able to see your performance"
Everyone knew that that information was only meant for one person and the person in question couldn't help but blush when he understood this. Every one of his friends knew his feelings for Serenity. Was he really that obvious?
Malkiel cleared his throat and covered his mouth with the back of his hand.
"All's good then"
The group smiled at his shy disposition. It was clear that only Serenity could bring out this side of him. They just wished that Serenity could see this. In fact, they wished she wasn't so dense so that she could see just how much effect she has on Malkiel.
"Phoenix Harmony, standby, you're up next"
One of the organizers went up to their group and motioned them to the stage. Drystan huddled the boys all together while Galene and Quincey stood by the side. They knew that they might also be called Phoenix Harmony but this was a tradition that only the boys could do.
"There's only one name that they should be saying out loud."
Drystan started off quiet while the other three smiled before shouting.
"PHOENIX HARMONY, LET'S GO!!"
"Still sounds cringe-y"
Galene laughed out loud when she heard how Quincey couldn't control herself. The group turned in their direction, Drystan and Kenzo sending a glare toward Quincey's way while Koa just laughed out loud too. Malkiel couldn't help but smile after breathing three times, he took out the drumsticks that were in his pant's back pocket.
"We'll blow this roof off that's for sure"
"Alright, now we're talking"
Kenzo, Koa, and Drystan respectively took out their guitars and got ready to head to the stage.
"Goodluck you guys"
Galene and Quincey both said in unison which made the four guys smile. It was unusual because most of the time there were three of them who always wished them luck, but it was better than none.
"We'll be back"
The black curtains were still up and covering the stage but Malkiel could already feel the tension and excitement that was originating from the place. He could feel his whole body tremble from the excitement. Once again he was reminded why he loved performing in front of so many people and why he had always felt a deep connection with music.
He sat behind the drums and ran his fingers through each of them. He took his drumsticks and lightly tapped them one by one. He looked at Drystan, Koa, and Kenzo, one by one he could feel himself lightening up. There were a lot of things that he loved about being behind the drums but the best thing that he could think of was being able to see everyone up front.
Seeing both his friends and audiences have fun with their songs was all the satisfaction he needed.
Drystan looked back at them and nodded, a signal that they were already ready. He was signaling them up to three with his fingers. Then, as soon as Koa strummed heavily, he beat on the drums and the curtains lifted.
The lights could blind anyone on stage but not them. The four of them welcomed the spotlight and cheers that had enveloped the whole area.
Midnight, moonlight, California shoreline
That's when you told me that you would always be mine
We laid under the stars and we saw one fallin
You asked me what I wish for and I said
Malkiel smiled as soon as he heard Drystan's vocals reverberate throughout the stage. Kenzo and Koa were also smiling widely. Every one of them only had one thought while the cheers grew louder. It was that they do love performing on stage.
Malkiel scanned the area and he thanked Galene for being tall because he easily spotted her, her was Quincey and Serenity who were smiling widely.
If I had one wish, and I could have anything in the world
Nothin's better than being here with you girl
I wouldn't ask for money, I don't care about fame
I've already found my everything in you
My wish came true
Malkiel stared and wondered if Serenity could see him, but his staring paid off. Serenity stared back at him, she smiled and muttered do well, Malkiel. This sent his heart into a frenzy, for a moment it felt like the song was about him and her.
We've got chemistry, we've got love
You're the one that I, I'm thinking of
And I could never ask for anything more
Like he and Serenity were the protagonist of their story and he couldn't wish for anything except for that moment to stay forever. For the world to stop rotating and for time to move slower.
Malkiel stopped his hands but continued his feet to do the beat while he, Koa, and Kenzo joined the vocals.
If I had one wish, and I could have anything in the world
(If I had one wish, if I had one wish)
Nothing's better than being here with you girl
The lines that Malkiel sang were somehow his true feelings. If he really did have one wish and that the world would allow everything then a life with Serenity would be what he wanted the most.
But as the song continued and the beat in his drums grew louder, his heartfelt wish became a thing that was blown through the wind when another man draped his arms around Serenity's shoulders.
Now, time did indeed move slower for Malkiel as he felt his heart being torn when Serenity smiled widely at him.
And he knew that he had no chance.
Because Serenity never smiled that way while looking at him.