When strings meet touchdowns!

3.Whisper of notes

Monday morning came too quickly, the weekend's adrenaline fading into the rhythm of school life. Taylor shuffled through the crowded hallway, her guitar case slung over one shoulder. Her heart still buzzed with the memory of Friday night—the fleeting moment when her eyes met Travis's.

Gracie caught up to her at their lockers, her purple backpack bouncing with each step. "Guess who might be hanging out near the music room today?" she teased, her grin mischievous.

Taylor furrowed her brow, shoving a textbook into her bag. "Who?"

"Travis Kelce," Gracie said, leaning closer. "I heard he's got a meeting with Mr. Lane about organizing a pep rally. Conveniently close to where you'll be practicing."

Taylor's cheeks warmed. "I don't even know what I'd say to him."

Gracie laughed, closing her locker with a snap. "You don't have to say anything. Just let him see you do your thing. Nothing's more attractive than talent."

The bell rang, and Taylor made her way to the music room, her nerves jangling. The room was a safe haven—acoustic tiles dampened the noise of the world, leaving only her guitar and the faint echo of her voice. She set up her stand and began strumming the melody she'd been working on all weekend, her fingers dancing across the strings.

Halfway through the chorus, the door creaked open. Taylor glanced up, her heart skipping as Travis stepped inside. "Hey," he said, his voice warm and easy. "I didn't mean to interrupt."

Taylor's breath caught, but she managed a smile. "You're not interrupting. I was just practicing."

He stepped closer, his presence filling the small room. "You're really good. I could hear you from down the hall."

"Thanks," she said softly, setting her guitar down. "What brings you to the music wing?"

"Meeting with Mr. Lane," he said, gesturing over his shoulder. "But I saw the door open and got curious. I didn't know anyone was in here."

For a moment, neither of them spoke, the silence stretching just long enough to feel significant. Finally, Taylor cleared her throat. "Do you play?" she asked, nodding toward her guitar.

Travis laughed, shaking his head. "Not even a little. I tried once, but I couldn't get past the whole finger placement thing. Sports are more my speed."

"That's fair," Taylor said, relaxing a little. "Everyone's got their thing."

"Yours is music," he said, his tone almost reverent. "It suits you."

Taylor's cheeks flushed, and she ducked her head. "Thanks."

Travis glanced at the clock on the wall. "I should probably get going before Mr. Lane starts wondering where I am. But it was nice meeting you, Taylor."

Her head snapped up, surprise flickering across her face. "You know my name?"

"Of course," he said, smiling. "Who doesn't?"

And with that, he was gone, leaving Taylor alone with her thoughts and the faint scent of his cologne lingering in the air. She picked up her guitar again, her fingers trembling slightly as she strummed the opening chords of a new song. This time, the words came easily, flowing straight from her heart.

Outside the music room, Travis leaned against the wall, his mind racing. He'd only planned to pass by, but the sound of Taylor's music had drawn him in, and now he couldn't stop thinking about her. Maybe, just maybe, fate had something in store for them both.