TOUCH THE VIBES

Morning in France

In a moderately sized apartment—not too large, yet not cramped—Ryan lay sprawled on the sofa. One hand held his phone, scrolling through the news, while the other rested lazily on his forehead, his eyes reflecting a hint of boredom.

Suddenly, his phone rang. The screen displayed a familiar name—Jay. Raising an eyebrow, Ryan smirked slightly before answering.

-"Hi… superstar Felix."

On the other end, Jay's voice rang out, full of excitement.

-"Ryan! How did you know I'm about to perform in Thailand?"

Ryan chuckled, his tone lazy but teasing.

-"Is there anything about you that I wouldn't know? You've only been back in Thailand for a few days, and you're already being warmly welcomed?"

-"Of course!" Jay responded proudly. "This is Felix we're talking about! Everyone will love Felix."

-"Oh ho…" Ryan let out a soft laugh, teasing back, "Who's being so full of themselves?"

-"It's your adorable, smart Jay, of course."

Ryan laughed a bit louder, finding Jay's cheerful demeanor just as unchanged as ever. But after a few playful exchanges, he shifted to a more serious tone.

-"So, have you prepared for the performance? What song are you planning to sing?"

Jay responded immediately.

-"I'm going to sing the song I wrote the other day. You said it was missing something, so I made some changes."

Hearing that, Ryan nodded in approval.

-"That song's a good choice. Not bad at all."

But then, Jay suddenly fell silent for a moment before speaking again, his voice softer, carrying a hint of regret.

-"It's just a shame that you won't be able to watch me perform…"

Ryan paused slightly at the shift in Jay's tone. Normally, Jay rarely expressed his emotions like this, but this time, he openly admitted his disappointment. Smiling gently, Ryan softened his voice to reassure him.

-"Be confident. I can't watch you perform live, but your song is already amazing. I'm sure after this, you'll gain even more Thai fans."

Jay chuckled softly, his mood seeming to lift.

-"Mmm."

-"Now go to bed early. It's already late in Thailand."

-"Okay, I'll sleep now. Bye bye, Ryan."

After hanging up, Ryan smirked slightly and opened the message that had just popped up on his screen. His eyes flickered with thought before he slowly typed a reply and hit send…

———————————————

The lazy morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room still filled with the breath of sleep. Ying lay curled up under the blanket, his slightly tousled hair partially covering his face.

Suddenly, a series of loud noises from outside disrupted the silence—the sound of moving trucks, hurried footsteps, and people talking.

Ying frowned slightly, lazily opening his eyes just a little. He turned over, reaching for his phone to check the time, but didn't bother turning on the screen. Instead, with a sigh of frustration, he pulled off the blanket, got up, and walked barefoot to the balcony.

Looking down from above, he noticed a buzz of activity at Jay's house. Movers were carrying boxes inside, some of which were large and bulky, seemingly containing equipment of some kind.

-"So noisy this early in the morning?" Ying muttered, letting out a yawn. He squinted at the scene for a few more seconds before losing interest. Figuring Jay must have ordered something again, he turned back inside, pulled the blanket over his head, and attempted to resume his interrupted sleep.

Outside, Jay stood next to a stack of large packages, his eyes sparkling with excitement as he admired the musical instruments that had just been delivered. Electronic drums, guitars, a mixing console—all essential equipment to fuel his passion for music.

A mover approached him with a friendly tone.

-"Mr. Jay, where would you like these to be placed?"

Jay thought for a moment before replying,

-"Please take them up to the second-floor room."

-"Understood."

Just as the mover was about to proceed, Jay suddenly remembered something and quickly added,

-"Oh, and please install the soundproofing as well. I don't want to disturb anyone."

-"Got it, no worries." The mover nodded before signaling his team to start the setup.

At that moment, a sleek black car pulled up to the gate. The door opened, and a middle-aged man stepped out—Mr. Sakda. After a long business trip, he had returned, looking slightly exhausted but still carrying his usual sharp presence.

-"Jay, what's all this?" Mr. Sakda eyed the equipment skeptically, his brows furrowing.

Jay turned around, his face lighting up as he walked over.

-"Dad! You're back?"

-"Yes, but you haven't answered my question."

Jay grinned, pointing at the instruments behind him.

-"I ordered some new equipment and had soundproofing installed for the second-floor room. This way, I can play music without disturbing anyone."

Hearing that, Mr. Sakda raised an eyebrow before nodding in approval.

-"Hmm, that's a good idea. At least you won't be bothering the neighbors anymore… and I might finally get some sleep."

Jay immediately turned to his father, looking doubtful.

-"What do you mean? Have I been disturbing you?"

Mr. Sakda crossed his arms, narrowing his eyes at his son.

-"Do you even have to ask? Every night, just as people are about to sleep, you start drumming—Boom, boom, boom—like you're hosting a concert in the house!"

Jay burst out laughing, pouting in protest.

-"That's because inspiration strikes at night! You should be more understanding of an artist!"

Mr. Sakda chuckled, shaking his head in exasperation.

-"Alright, alright, I get it, Mr. Jay."

Jay smiled, then noticing the fatigue on his father's face, he offered,

-"You must be tired after your trip. Go inside and rest, Dad. They'll be done moving everything soon, so the noise won't last long."

Mr. Sakda patted Jay's shoulder and nodded.

-"Alright, I'll head in first."

As his father walked into the house, Jay smiled softly. The morning sunlight illuminated his face, his eyes gleaming with excitement. He could hardly wait to turn that room into his personal music haven…

—————————————————

The afternoon sun cast a golden glow across the sky, painting the entire scene in warm hues. In front of Jay's house, Ying pulled up in his car. As soon as the engine shut off, he saw Jay stepping out of the house.

Jay had a guitar slung over his shoulder, dressed in a simple white shirt that exuded a youthful and energetic charm. A bright smile appeared on his face when he saw Ying waiting.

Ying unlocked the car door, his gaze briefly landing on the guitar Jay was carrying.

-"Get in."

Jay nodded slightly, slipped into the passenger seat, and fastened his seatbelt.

-"Thanks, Ying."

Ying didn't respond, only giving a small nod before starting the car and driving off.

The atmosphere inside the car was quiet, with only soft background music playing from the radio. Ying glanced at Jay through the rearview mirror, then his gaze shifted to the guitar resting neatly beside him.

-"Why did you bring your guitar?" Ying finally broke the silence.

Jay turned to Ying, a slight smirk playing on his lips.

-"I have something to do there."

Ying raised an eyebrow, finding the answer too vague.

-"Something to do?"

Jay chuckled softly, his eyes gleaming with mischief.

-"You'll find out soon enough."

Ying remained silent for a moment before suddenly asking,

-"I don't remember Jay being into playing the guitar."

Jay leaned back against the seat, his gaze drifting outside the window, watching the scenery pass by.

-"I only started playing and developing a passion for music about five or six years ago."

Hearing that, Ying frowned slightly as if recalling something.

-"And before that?"

Jay fell silent for a moment, his eyes distant as if searching through old memories.

-"Before that, I liked dancing. I was interested in the arts, but I hadn't found something that truly made me feel whole. Then I gradually realized that music was what made me happiest."

Jay paused briefly before adding with a soft chuckle,

-"Maybe it's because when I sing and play, I feel like I'm truly myself."

Ying glanced at Jay and saw the genuine passion in his eyes. This feeling… it was familiar. It reminded Ying of the Jay from childhood—the unwavering and carefree spirit when pursuing something he loved.

-"Like the other night?" Ying suddenly asked.

Jay stiffened slightly, then turned to look at Ying in surprise.

-"You heard me?"

Without looking away from the road, Ying replied calmly,

-"Your room is right across from mine. How could I not hear?"

Jay felt a little embarrassed and quickly explained,

-"Sorry if I disturbed you. I just installed soundproofing yesterday, so I won't be bothering you anymore."

Ying chuckled lightly, his tone relaxed.

-"Who said it was a bother? You sing really well."

Jay instinctively turned to Ying, his eyes filled with surprise.

-"Really? You're not just saying that to make me feel better, are you?"

Ying remained as composed as ever, but his voice carried undeniable sincerity.

-"No. It was truly good."

Jay stared at Ying for a moment before smiling softly, a subtle warmth spreading in his chest.

-"Thanks for the compliment. I'll take that to heart."

Ying didn't reply, focusing on the road ahead, but the corners of his lips curved up slightly.

The air inside the car was no longer as silent as before. It wasn't filled with words, but the lingering distance between them had subtly faded.

Little by little, two people with a past full of wounds… seemed to be drawing closer once again.

End Of Chapter 6.