Silas dreaded the weekend. They'd agreed to meet at the music store in the downtown mall before heading to dinner, a plan Kai had insisted on. Silas would have loved the idea - he was a huge fan of vinyl records - but the situation was making him increasingly uncomfortable.
A wave of annoyance washed over him. Kai had agreed to Sarah's invitation without even consulting him. Didn't she realize this was supposed to be a date for Kai and her? Why would she include him? Silas wondered.
"What do I wear?" He sighed in frustration. In the end, he just wore a plain white tee, topped with a dropped-shoulder logo sweatshirt in bottled green, paired with chunky white sneakers.
By 5:30 PM, Silas arrived. The music store was a haven for vinyl lovers, a time capsule of sound and nostalgia, but also a vibrant hub for contemporary music. The air was thick with the scent of old paper and aged plastic, a comforting aroma that whispered of forgotten melodies and cherished memories, but also the crisp scent of new vinyl, a promise of fresh sounds and exciting discoveries. Rows upon rows of colorful vinyl records lined the walls, a kaleidoscope of vibrant artwork and faded photographs, but also sleek, modern designs that reflect the latest trends in music. The shelves were crammed with classic albums, forgotten gems, and rare finds, each one a testament to the enduring power of music, but also new releases, eagerly awaited by fans and collectors alike.
He found Kai and Sarah already browsing the vinyl records. They honestly looked good together. Kai, in a light blue chambray shirt layered beneath a dark grey cable knit cardigan, topped with a navy blue blazer, exuded polished charm. His dark wash chinos and brown leather loafers completed the look, a subtle nod to his always impeccable style. "Should I have dressed a little?" he mused, glancing at Kai. He felt a little self-conscious realizing that he was probably the only one in the store wearing a sweatshirt. He wished he had put on something more presentable.
Kai waved when he saw him approaching. "Hey, I got us the 1975 album, want to hear it?" Silas smiled, "Sure." Then turned to Sarah. "Hello, Sarah," he greeted her, his voice a little strained. She was especially pretty today, her hair cascading down her shoulders, and she looked effortlessly chic in a turtleneck burgundy sweater, its rich color complementing her complexion. A dark wash midi skirt, cinched at the waist, flowed gracefully around her legs, and a classic beige trench coat, its lines sharp and elegant, completed the look. And ankle boots, their leather polished, added a touch of edge to the ensemble.
"Hi," Sarah responded, her smile a little too bright, a little too perfect. He found himself captivated by her. But the awkwardness of their interaction was still undeniable. He felt a knot of tension in his stomach.
"Do you like music too, Sarah?" Silas asked, trying to keep his focus on her, even though he felt Kai's eyes on him.
"A bit," Sarah replied, her voice soft.
"What genre do you prefer?" Silas asked, his fingers tracing the spines of the vinyl records, a whirlwind of musical history swirling before him. He glanced at Kai, whose eyes were glued to the rows of vinyl, scanning them like a detective searching for clues.
"Pop & folk," Sarah said, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
"Then let's look around for a bit before we eat," Silas suggested, trying to regain some control of the situation. "Do you have an artist in mind?" He added, hoping to steer the conversation away from the awkwardness.
Sarah pondered, "Loved the songs from CIL, but I'm not sure if they produce vinyl records, though. I think they only produced digital albums."
"Oh, I understand, some artists now don't produce vinyl records," Silas said, nodding in agreement. "What genre are you into?" Sarah asked.
"Contemporary classical, R&B, soul, pop rock," Silas said, smiling. "Depends on my mood really." He and Kai almost shared the same interest in genre and love for vinyl records.
"Come on, let's hear this," Kai said to Silas, holding a vinyl record of The 1975 band, with a big smile. "Good thing that their album was produced on vinyl records too!" His eyes lit up, and he leaned in, eager to share his excitement.
"Excuse me for a bit," Silas said apologetically. Kai led him to the corner of the music store where the vintage turntable was. "You sure it's okay for us to play this?" Silas asked, feeling a little self-conscious. He hadn't been in this particular store before.
"The store allows them to play it, let's just ask for a new one later," Kai said, carefully placing it into the turntable and positioning the pin to the record.
Silas loved the tactile experience of feeling its weight. The process of selecting a record, carefully placing the needle, and listening to the music unfold was a ritualistic act that creates a sense of presence and mindfulness that digital music simply can't replicate.
A few moments later, a melody filled the store, a wave of sound washing over them, carrying them back to a time before digital downloads and streaming services.
Silas felt a familiar comfort in the midst of the awkwardness. He could feel Kai's gaze on him, a playful smirk on his lips. Silas shifted uncomfortably, trying to ignore the warmth radiating from Kai's body, the way his hand brushed against his back as they moved closer to the turntable. "The title is ABOUT YOU, sentimental don't you think?" Kai asked, his voice a playful tease.
🎶
I know a place
It's somewhere I go when I need to remember your face
We get married in our heads
Something to do while we try to recall how we met
"It's about lovers remembering each other after drifting apart," Kai whispered, his voice husky with emotion. He leaned closer, his breath warm against Silas's ear. Silas tensed, startled by the sudden closeness. His heart pounded in his chest, a frantic rhythm that mirrored the song's beat. He could feel the heat radiating from his face, a crimson tide rising to his cheeks.
"Fuck, why am I blushing like a virgin maiden being courted by a prince?, except Kai isn't a prince, he's a Troll!", Silas thought, his mind spiraling. He exhaled sharply, trying to regain his composure and concentrate on the song.
🎶
Do you think I have forgotten
About you?
There was something 'bout you that now I can't remember
It's the same damn thing that made my heart surrender
"There are people that we are bound to never forget, they will always leave a part of their existence within us, friends or lovers, or both," Silas said quietly, almost to himself, lost in the melody that filled the store. He felt a strange pull towards Kai, a connection that went beyond their charade.
The music continued, the lyrics echoing the unspoken tension in the air.
🎶
And I miss you on a train, I miss you in the morning
I never know what to think about
I think about you (so don't let go)
Kai moved closer, and rested his chin on Silas's shoulder. Silas flinched, "Hey, get off," he mumbled, trying to sound casual, but his voice betrayed his nervousness. He could feel Sarah's eyes on them, but he couldn't tell if she was suspicious or simply oblivious. He felt a surge of panic. He wished he could just disappear.
"Relax, it's good when she sees us like this," Kai whispered back. The sly punk really took his chance. Silas sighed, in annoyance but eventually gave up.
Standing in front of the gramophone, they listened in silence, the melody weaving a spell around them. It was a shared experience that transcended their situation, a moment of connection amidst the awkwardness. They were lost in the music and in the unknown emotions that hung heavy in the air.
"This is enough, we'll listen to the rest of the album at home," Silas said, breaking the spell.
"Alright," Kai replied. As they went around the corner, they saw Sarah standing before the shelves, seemingly immersed in browsing through the records.
"Found a song you liked?" Kai asked.
"I can't really find any, I guess I'll just shuffle through my playlist," Sarah replied, giving them both an awkward smile.
"What do you like for dinner? Do you have something planned?" Silas asked, trying to shift the focus.
"Hmm, how about a steakhouse?" Sarah answered.
Silas smiled. "Sounds good."
"Then let's head to The Blue Note Grill, I heard it's the best around these parts," Kai suggested.
Silas wanted to stay a little longer, but he knew he couldn't. He needed to escape the weird atmosphere. Kai drove them to the restaurant. It was surprisingly close to the music store, just a five-minute drive. He wasn't sure if he was ready for the next chapter of this strange evening.
The restaurant had a warm, inviting atmosphere, but with a touch of sophistication. The walls were lined with dark wood paneling, giving the place a cozy, intimate feel. But the dark wood was accented with pops of color - deep blues, warm reds, and rich greens - that added a touch of vibrancy. The air was thick with the scent of sizzling steak and roasted vegetables, but it was also infused with the subtle aroma of sandalwood and jasmine, creating a unique and alluring ambiance.
The music was a blend of smooth jazz and classic soul, playing at a low volume, creating a backdrop for conversation without being intrusive. The lighting was dim, casting a warm glow over the tables and booths. The overall effect was one of relaxed sophistication, a place where you could enjoy a delicious meal without feeling rushed or pressured.
Kai led Sarah to her seat. He then purposely seated himself beside Silas, nudging him playfully with his elbow. Silas gave him a knowing stare, a silent "give me a break" look.
They ordered and ate, chatting heartily through the meal and red wine. Sarah was surprisingly good company, and they adjusted to each other's rhythm. The conversation flowed easily, punctuated by laughter and shared stories. Silas enjoyed the food, savoring each bite. Kai, surprisingly, didn't pester him through the meal, just the occasional subtle lingering look that Silas brushed off with a roll of his eyes. "Kai should do acting on the side," Silas thought, "He's got the whole 'subtle flirtation' thing down pat."
Kai's phone rang, and he excused himself.
"Can I ask you a question? Sarah said with hesitation. "Sure" Silas replied.
"How long have you been friends with Kai?" Sarah asked, her voice laced with genuine curiosity.
Silas was caught off guard but not surprised. "Hmm, 13 years. We've known each other since we were kids."
"Childhood friends, it's rare these days. I kinda envy you," Sarah said, a wistful note in her voice. "Some friendships just fall apart once people grow older."
Silas nodded, "Yeah, good friends are hard to come by." He paused, then added, "So you're into business too, huh?"
Sarah's smile faltered slightly. "Yeah, though I'm not really into it," she replied, her voice laced with a hint of sadness. Silas quickly understood. He knew that look - the resigned acceptance that sometimes comes with following a predetermined path. Though Kai hadn't been keen on business at first, he'd shown a natural knack for it. Maybe it was in his blood, destined to take over the family enterprise once he was ready. Even marriage, Silas suspected, was a matter of convenience, a contractual arrangement rather than a choice of the heart.
He felt an empathy for Sarah and Kai, a shared understanding of the weight of expectations. "You know," Silas said, his voice soft, "you may not have enough freedom to do the things you like for now, but why not work hard and gather the strength to do that later?" He smiled, a hint of encouragement in his eyes. "Like a bird ready to jump out of its nest, with enough strength for flight." He paused, adding, "If you still want it when that time comes." He hoped his words would offer her some comfort, some hope.
Sarah's eyes lit up as she smiled brightly. "Thanks," she said, a genuine warmth in her voice. "I'll bear that in mind." Her gaze lingered on Silas for a moment, a flicker of something more than gratitude in her eyes.
Kai returned from the phone call. They continued chatting for a while, the conversation flowing as easily as the wine.
The dinner ended, and they all agreed it had been a delightful evening. Kai, ever the gentleman, offered to take Sarah and Silas home. Silas, however, politely declined. "Nah, I'm good. I'll just grab a cab," he said, giving Kai a pointed look.
"Goodnight, Sarah. See you next time," Silas said.
"Thanks, I had a great time," Sarah responded, her smile lingering a moment too long. Kai opened the passenger door for her.
"Hey," Kai said, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.
"What?" Silas retorted, his tone a mix of exasperation and amusement.
Kai leaned in, his eyes twinkling. "Goodnight, boyfriend."
Silas, unable to contain himself, burst out laughing. He kicked Kai playfully in the shin. "Fuck off."
Silas walked away, feeling a mix of exasperation, confusion, and a strange sense of excitement.