strings attached ; firstprince

chapter seven

As the first song ends, a round of applause erupts, but Alex can barely register it. He's so lost in the music and the absence of Henry's eyes on him.

He transitions seamlessly into the next song, 'Work Song' by Hozier–a slower song as Nora requested. His voice resonates with raw emotion, and he closes his eyes, letting the music carry him away.

Halfway through, he opens his eyes, allowing himself to scan the room. Amidst the sea of faces watching him, his gaze eventually lands on Henry, standing at the back beside June, Nora and Pez.

His heart skips a beat at the sight of him, and his voice falters for a brief moment, causing him to lose his breath momentarily. He recovers quickly, addressing the audience with a broad smile, and to the casual observer, it's hardly noticeable that Alex had made any mistake at all. But not to Henry.

Henry's keen eyes catch the slip, and he sends Alex a soft, knowing smile that only deepens the flush of embarrassment on Alex's face. Alex is so unbelievably gone for him.

By the time he reaches the final song in his setlist, the atmosphere is electric with anticipation.

"For my last song of the set," Alex says into the mic, his eyes locking with Henry's at the back of the room. "I've found some new inspiration lately and 'A Few Things' by JP Saxe, seems to put all my thoughts and feelings into words."

As Alex begins to sing, his voice trembles with intensity. The lyrics of the song echoes his own feelings for Henry, and every word is a confession of his real feelings.

"You're one of the few things that I'm sure of. You're one of the few things that I know already I could build my world of. One of the few things that I'm sure of. And I want you to unravel me."

The lyrics seem to hang in the air, weaving a spell over the entire room. Alex doesn't tear his gaze away from Henry throughout the whole thing. He hopes, really hopes, Henry knows that he means every word.

When the final notes of the song fade into the silence, the room erupts into applause and cheers and Alex can't form a coherent thought. Except Henry. All he can think about is Henry, Henry watching him, Henry smiling at him.

Alex steps off the stage, receiving praise from other students as he navigates through the crowd to find his friends.

"Alex, that was fucking amazing," June gushes the moment Alex finds them, giving him a bone crushing hug. He breathes out a pained laugh, his eyes stuck on Henry who's gaze is already on him. June eventually lets go.

"Hey," Alex says to Henry, breathlessly and with a growing smile.

"Hey," Henry replies, his smile mirroring Alex's radiance. "I can only imagine what the profound inspiration is that led to your captivating final song."

"Just some guy," Alex grins, resulting in a laugh from Henry.

"How long did it take you to finally get your head out of your ass?" Nora asks amusedly.

"At least Pez didn't have to bribe you to ask him out this time," June chimes in casually. Alex's heart plummets as June's eyes flicker between him and Henry, realizing the mistake she's just made.

Henry's smile becomes taught, confusion etching into his features and creasing his brows. "Pardon?"

Nora, oblivious to change of tension in the room, explains more, "You know, because Pez had to pay for Alex's tuition for him to make a move."

June jabs her in the side, trying to signal her to stop. Although, it's too late. Alex has fucked up. Alex looks back at Henry, the once soft, happy look on his face replaced with a deep, guttural hurt that is quickly masked. Henry's expression goes carefully blank.