Tears of the Crescent Moon

CHAPTER 7: Unwarranted jealousy.

Ember sighed, growing increasingly frustrated with Drake's unpredictable behavior. "You're angry? You didn't exactly give me a chance to address the issue. You went silent, Drake. How am I supposed to know what's bothering you if you won't talk to me?"

Drake ran a hand through his hair, clearly conflicted. "I messed up, Ember. I ruined what could have been a good night. I thought I was being charming, but maybe I overdid it, and then seeing you and Nyx getting along so well... I got jealous and stupidly upset."

Ember raised an eyebrow, taken aback by his vulgar honesty. She wanted to laugh but she kept it when she saw the frustration in Drake's eyes. And then she realized…

Drake was not used to being out of place. He is often the apple of the eye for every girl at the school and a center of attraction for everyone.

"Jealous? Do I have to remind you that we're not in a real relationship? We're barely friends at this point, Drake. And I can talk to whoever I want, including Nyx. You don't get to dictate that."

Drake looked down, seemingly regretful. "I know, but it's just so annoying watching you both laugh. I felt invisible around you," he exclaimed.

Ember let out a deep sigh.

"I understand… Alright, look, Drake. I didn't want to spoil this incredible night. Why don't you come in for a moment? I have something to show you."

She saw how Drake's sad eyes twinkled like those stars in the sky. Ember couldn't help but smile. It seems like Drake was just waiting for her to make it up for him.

When she opened the door wide, Drake came in right away.

Ember gestured toward her cabinet, where she let out her portable piano and placed it in the corner of the room, a spark of mischief in her eyes. "How about a little music to lighten the mood?"

Drake, intrigued, took a seat on the couch, his eyes never leaving Ember. "Seriously? Aside from being a science and math geek, you also play the piano?" he asked, genuinely surprised.

Ember grinned, her fingers dancing gracefully over the keys, producing a captivating melody that filled the room. As she played, she could feel the tension in the air slowly dissipating. The music wrapped around them, weaving a spell that transported them into a world of harmony.

Drake's eyes softened as he listened, he was captivated by Ember's skill and the emotions she poured into the music. As the time went by, he realized Ember wasn't just an ordinary she-wolf. She's unique and it makes her positively different from others.

Drake just found himself entranced by the way her hands moved effortlessly, creating a beautiful symphony that seemed to echo the unspoken words between them.

Ember's playing shifted from a soulful melody to a playful tune, her fingers dancing playfully across the keys. She glanced at Drake, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"Ever heard the piano version of 'Baby Shark'?"

Drake blinked in surprise before bursting into laughter.

"Are you being serious right now? Baby Shark?!"He asked while laughing.

"Watch me," she answered proudly.

Then, her fingers swiftly played the familiar tune with a surprising elegance that turned the childish melody into something oddly sophisticated.

Drake couldn't help but be impressed, his laughter mixing with the playful music.

For a moment, they forgot about the earlier tension, lost in the joy of the music and the shared laughter. The piano became their comforter.

As Ember continued to play, Drake couldn't help but admire her even more, not just for her musical talent but also for her ability to bring lightness to any situation. In that moment, he realized that he was indeed lucky to have her in his life, even if their relationship was complicated.

"So, how are you feeling right now?" Ember asked after a while.

She's done with her piano show. Drake's face looks more clear now.

"Thanks to your baby shark show, I felt even younger this time," he replied with a smile.

"A 2 or 3 year old boy?"

Drake shakes his head and laughs once more.

"Too young, what I mean is, you brought joy to me like a kid getting his favorite sweets. Thank you," Drake answered sincerely.

Ember smiled genuinely.

"Just remember, next time, you have to be more open to me than suddenly shut yourself, okay?"

"Yeah, I'm sorry. I just... I've never felt that way before, Ember. I'm usually the one who has everything under control, but with you, I feel out of myself."

Ember softened, realizing that maybe there was more to Drake than just arrogance and charm. "Drake, it's okay to feel vulnerable. We're both adjusting in this situation, and it's new for both of us. But communication is key. If something bothers you, talk to me. I can't read your mind."

Drake met her gaze, his eyes reflecting genuine sincerity. "You're right, Ember. I should have talked to you instead of shutting down. I'll work on being more open with my feelings next time."

Ember nodded, appreciating his willingness to admit his mistakes. "Good. Now, can we start over? No more silent treatments or assumptions. Just honest communication, okay?"

Drake smiled, a genuine and warm expression that reached his eyes. "As long as you won't let me feel unwanted again."

"Hey!"

"Kidding! got yah!" Drake's voice and laughter filled her entire room. "I'll try my best, Ember. I'll do better next time."

"I'm glad you learn to accept your mistake. That's a sign of maturity," Ember tried to lighten her mood as Drake's voice became more serious. His gaze got even deeper as well, she felt this mysterious beat of her heart again when their eyes locked.

"All thanks to you, you're a good partner," Drake said. Almost whispered.

Ember avoided Drake's eye, she turned her eyes somewhere before she forced herself to smile and nodded.

"I know that…"

"Uhm.. It's getting late, I-I should get going, see you tomorrow," Drake said and stood from his seat.

Ember did the same thing and accompanied Drake to the door.

"Yeah, alright."

But Drake had only taken a step out of the door when he turned back again.

"Uhm, Ember…"

Ember looked up only to find Drake's dull eyes.

"Y-yes?"

To her surprise, Drake pulled her close without saying a word, he hugged her, and gently kissed her forehead before he turned his back and walked away faster than his usual steps…