“You’re impossible,” Sophie said breathlessly, a small smile tugging at her lips.
“You started it,” Ethan replied, grinning, but his eyes held a softness she hadn’t seen before.
As they packed up for the night, Sophie realized that her feelings for Ethan were no longer just admiration or friendship. They were something deeper, thrilling, and terrifying all at once. And she knew that soon, she would have to confront them — before the winter showcase, before the music, before either of them could turn back.
Chapter 10:
Heartbeats in the Snow
Saturday morning brought clear skies and the soft sparkle of frost across Crestwood. Sophie pulled her coat tighter around herself as she walked to the small park near her apartment, violin case in tow. She had agreed to meet Ethan there — he claimed he wanted to“test rhythms in the fresh air,” but Sophie suspected it was really an excuse to talk.
Ethan was waiting, drumsticks in hand, perched on a park bench.“Hey,” he said, standing as she approached.“You made it early.”
“Somebody’s punctual for once,” Sophie teased, setting down her case.
Ethan laughed, but there was a seriousness in his gaze that made her pause.“Sophie… I wanted to talk. About us.”
Her stomach fluttered.“About us?” she repeated, trying to keep her voice steady.
Ethan nodded, walking a few steps closer.“Yeah… I mean, I like spending time with you. More than I expected. And I think… I think I’m starting to feel something I didn’t plan for.”
Sophie’s breath caught. Her hands, hidden in her coat pockets, curled nervously.“I… I feel it too,” she admitted softly, her voice barely above the wind.“I didn’t want to admit it, but… I think I do.”
Ethan smiled, relief washing over his features.“So… we’re on the same page?”
Sophie nodded, a small laugh escaping her lips.“I guess we are.”
For a few minutes, they just stood there in the crisp morning air, snow crunching beneath their feet, hearts beating faster with the unspoken promise between them. Then, impulsively, Ethan held out his hand.“Truce?”
“Truce,” Sophie agreed, taking it.
They spent the rest of the morning experimenting with rhythms and melodies, laughter echoing across the empty park. Each note, each beat, each shared smile strengthened the bond they had been cautiously building.
As the sun began to set, Sophie realized that winter in Crestwood had become something she hadn’t expected — not just music or snow, but the warmth of someone who understood her, challenged her, and made her heart race in ways sheet music never could.
And for the first time since moving here, Sophie Morgan felt certain about something beyond her violin: that her heart had found its rhythm, and it beat in tandem with Ethan Clarke’s.
Chapter 11:
Offbeat Tensions
Monday afternoon, the music room buzzed with the sounds of students practicing for the winter showcase. Sophie arrived early, violin case in hand, only to find Ethan sitting at the drum kit, chatting animatedly with another student — Lucas, one of his bandmates.
“Hey,” Sophie said cautiously, smiling.“Ready to practice?”
Ethan looked up, a little guilty.“Yeah, just… talking strategy with Lucas for the showcase.”
Sophie nodded, though a pang of jealousy tugged at her chest. She tried to focus, but every laugh Lucas shared with Ethan made her stomach twist. She quickly opened her case and began tuning her violin, hoping her nerves didn’t show.
When they started their duet, Sophie noticed Ethan’s attention drifting. His beats were slightly off, his usual playful energy replaced by distraction. She stopped mid-song.
“Ethan… what’s going on?” she asked gently.
Ethan sighed, putting down his drumsticks.“I didn’t mean to upset you, Sophie. Lucas is… just worried about our band performance. I guess I let it get to me.”
Sophie took a deep breath.“I get it. I just… I want us to focus too. The duet means a lot to me — to us.”
Ethan stepped closer, brushing a strand of hair from her face.“You’re right. I let outside stuff interfere, and I’m sorry. We’re a team, Sophie. Always.”
