Reach someone who didn’t grow up surrounded by sonatas and symphonies.
Lately, that thrill I used to feel before stepping on stage has started to fade. The pressure, the expectations, they sit heavier every time. That tightness in my chest before a performance, that fear of getting it wrong… it’s been growing.
And I haven’t told anyone. Not even Maddie.
But this isn’t the moment to dwell on it.
I pull my gaze away from the window and turn,
only to find Remi watching me again, quietly.
There’s something curious in his eyes, thoughtful, but he doesn’t speak. He simply tilts his head slightly and gestures down the hall.
He seems more composed now, even if there’s still a slight tension in the way he moves, like his body hasn’t quite caught up with his mind. I can’t figure him out. Beyond the good looks, I really don’t know what to make of him, and that’s rare for me. Usually, I’m good at reading people. I don’t often get it wrong.
But with Remi, there’s something… unsettled.
I’d expected him to be guarded, maybe even distant, but instead, he just seems thrown. Like I’ve knocked him off balance somehow.
“My room and the main bathroom are here,” he says, nodding toward two doors near the start of the hallway.
Then he leads me into the guest room.
“This is you. It’s not huge, but it has a private bathroom. I hope it’ll be comfortable. There are towels, a bathrobe, and toiletries in the cupboard. Let me know if you need anything else.”
The room, like the rest of the flat, is tastefully minimal, with white and grey tones, clean lines, and not a thing out of place.
My bright pink suitcase looks completely ridiculous in the middle of it.
I can’t help smiling, remembering Remi’s face earlier when he first saw it.
But then I realize he’s still looking at me, waiting for a reaction.
There’s something in his eyes I can’t quite name.
I bite my lip, a little shy. “I’m sure I’ll be perfectly comfortable. You and Maddie have a beautiful home, and I really appreciate you letting me stay… I just wish she were here. But I’ll try not to get in your way, I promise.”
He shakes his head, as if to saydon’t worry about it, but I keep going.
“I’m planning to start looking for a place near the conservatoire soon. Hopefully, on Monday, I can check out some agencies, see what’s available.”
“Don’t stress, Sebastian,” he says. “There’s no rush. You can stay as long as you need. Anyway, I’ll leave you to unpack and get some rest. If you need anything, I’ll be in the living room, working. It’s Saturday, so I’m not at uni.” He pauses, then adds, “Oh, and tonight I’m having dinner with some friends. Anne will be there too. If you feel up to it, I’m sure she’d love to see you.”
I smile, genuinely touched by how kind he’s being.
But before I can say anything, Remi turns suddenly and walks off down the hallway, leaving me alone in the quiet room.
Maddie’s boyfriend is definitely… unusual. And maybe that’s exactly why I find him so intriguing.
He’s nothing like the image I had in mind.
Actually, I’m starting to think Maddie might have been right; getting to know him might turn out to be more interesting than I expected.
REMI
Oh, for God’s sake…
I groan inwardly as I walk away from the guest room as fast as I can. Just before I left, Sebastian gave me one of those smiles, the kind that sets off that ridiculous dimple on his left cheek, and my brain completely short-circuited.
