Chapter 8: Separate Paths, Same Beat
Noah & Lana – The Library Moment
Tuesday – 3:56 p.m.
The library was quiet except for the soft clatter of keys. Lana and Noah sat side by side, notebooks spread out, studying for the upcoming biology test. Or at least, trying to.
Lana stole a glance at Noah, who was so focused he didn't notice the world turning around him.
"You ever stop?" she asked softly.
"Hm?"
"Thinking. Planning. Perfecting."
He blinked, leaned back. "Planning is how I breathe."
She smirked. "Well, I think you need air."
She tossed a stress ball at him—it hit him square in the chest.
"You're ridiculous."
"You're too serious."
They both smiled.
For a moment, the world felt simple.
---
Ethan – Music in the Hallway
Wednesday – 1:12 p.m.
Ethan sat in the back stairwell with earbuds in, humming a tune into his phone mic. The rest of the school was at lunch, but he didn't mind.
He layered chords over soft beats he had mixed the night before.
"Play that again," came a quiet voice.
He looked up—Lana stood at the top of the stairs.
She sat beside him, curious.
He hit replay. A soft piano intro led into a slow, smooth rhythm.
"That's… beautiful," she said.
He shrugged. "Just a draft."
"No," she said seriously. "It's a story."
And that meant something.
---
Aiden – Pressure in the Paint
Thursday – 5:24 p.m.
The gym was empty except for squeaking sneakers and the sound of the basketball pounding the floor. Aiden was running drills alone, sweat clinging to his shirt.
Coach Harper watched from the bleachers.
"You've got scouts coming to the tournament," he said flatly. "No more clowning. Take this seriously."
Aiden nodded, wiped his face.
But inside, something twisted. He loved basketball—but lately, it felt like a weight.
He missed the chaos of detention. The sarcasm. The laughter. The calm of Aria's voice.
He made the next three shots perfectly—but didn't smile once.
---
Aria – Quiet Pages, Loud Heart
Thursday – 7:14 p.m.
Aria sat in her room, a sketch of the group halfway finished. It showed all five of them: Aiden in mid-laugh, Lana with her arms crossed but smiling, Ethan with headphones, Noah holding a book, and her—standing behind them, quiet but centered.
She stared at Aiden's drawing longer than she meant to.
Then she flipped to a new page.
She drew a basketball.
And next to it… a heart.
She quickly scratched it out, heart pounding.
---
Later That Week – Friday, Lunch Break
They all met at their usual table now—like it was always meant to be.
"Are we still on for poster prep after school?" Lana asked.
"Only if Ethan brings his playlist," Noah added.
"I've got a new mix," Ethan said casually, but his grin gave away how proud he was.
"I'll be late," Aiden said. "Coach has me staying longer. Tryouts are around the corner."
Aria looked at him for a second too long.
"Don't burn out," she said quietly.
He met her gaze. "Not when I've got a crowd like you."
They all teased him for that line—but Aria… she just smiled.