Chapter 33: Different Roads

Evan Bell's answer was unexpected. If he hadn't brought it up, the others would have completely forgotten that 'Free Choice Option', an independent record label, had also invited them.

It was surprising that Evan would consider giving up Universal Music to go with Free Choice, but when they thought about it, it made sense.

Evan had always been drawn to independent labels, bands, and the rock-punk scene—something that resonated deeply with Melancholy Mood's ethos. This was who Evan was, idealistic and unwavering in his principles.

You could say he was a big dreamer, but you couldn't help but admire his persistence and refusal to be constrained.

"But it's Universal," Jacob Tibo said, his voice tinged with disbelief.

Evan just smiled. "If I can make the music I love, it doesn't matter if it's with Universal or not. I'd rather set up my own independent studio and live a more carefree life."

The other three didn't respond, clearly not as decisive as Evan. The table fell into silence again. It was getting late, so they paid the bill and headed back to school.

The walk was quiet, each lost in thought, except for Evan, who seemed to be in a surprisingly good mood, taking in the scenery as if he were on a casual stroll.

Back in the dorm, Evan hadn't even had a chance to take a sip of water before Eden Hudson came over. Without saying a word, Eden picked up the temporary contract Evan had left on the table and began flipping through it.

Evan knew his friend well; the man was dying of curiosity and had probably been itching to get a look at that contract since they got back.

Evan watched him, amused. "So, Mr. Hudson, what do you think of the contract?"

Eden was like that—cool and aloof with most, but different with those close to him. At Evan's teasing, Eden rubbed his chin, as if seriously contemplating the terms.

"You're not planning to sign this, are you?" Eden asked, looking up. Evan's reasons for rejecting Universal Music were clear: he didn't want to be forced into becoming something he wasn't, compromising his ideals for commercial interests.

Eden seemed to understand that instinctively. "This contract is heavily skewed in their favor. If you sign, you'll have no control—over your albums, your image, everything. Knowing you, you'll be at odds with them in no time. Within a year, you'd probably be looking to break the contract, and that would just end up in a messy legal battle."

Evan chuckled and shared Craig Cook's interpretation of Melancholy Mood's style with Eden, which earned him a dramatic eye roll from his friend. Seeing Eden's sarcastic expression was so rare that Evan couldn't help but laugh.

Eden shook his head. "The idea of you as an 'idol' is ridiculous. When someone suppresses their true self, they lose all their charm. But when they embrace who they are, that's when they really shine. You're better off being who you are."

"What about your bandmates?" Eden tossed the contract back on the table. He'd never liked the others in Melancholy Mood, finding them pretentious. Even in front of Evan, he didn't hide his disdain.

Evan didn't take offense. Everyone had their own circles. "They said they'd think it over. But I could see the hesitation on their faces. They'll probably go for it."

"Yeah, I figured," Eden said bluntly. "They're not like you. You're committed to your ideals. They're more focused on fame, and if that means shelving their musical dreams for now, they'll do it."

Eden's harsh assessment didn't bother Evan. "Everyone has their own goals. If they want to be idols, who am I to stop them?"

"But Universal wants the whole band. What happens if you're not part of it?" Eden asked, his eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief.

Evan shot his friend a look. "Aren't you enjoying this a little too much?"

Eden grinned unapologetically. "Maybe."

Evan laughed. "Without me, they can do whatever they want. I'm not going to compromise who I am just to sign with a major label."

In his past life, Evan had always put others first, living according to their expectations and suppressing his own desires. But in this life, he was determined to live by his own rules.

Music was his passion, and it would be great to sign with a label, but it wasn't the only option. He could always do Broadway, or even make movies. 

He was a top student in both psychology and architecture at Harvard, with plenty of skills to fall back on. In this life, he wanted to experience living freely, even if it meant stumbling along the way.

"You're determined, but it's going to be tough on your bandmates," Eden remarked, though there was a glint in his eyes that suggested he was more interested in watching the fallout.

Evan waved a hand dismissively. "There won't be any dramatic backstabbing. We're just a band, not some soap opera. There's no money at stake here."

But as he said that, Evan couldn't help but remember a certain incident before his accident—a memory that made him shiver involuntarily. His left hand instinctively touched the ring finger of his right hand, only to pull back as if burned.

Eden noticed the change in Evan's expression and didn't push the conversation further. He knew his friend well enough to recognize when to back off.

The next day, after a long day of classes, Evan stayed behind in the lecture hall to organize his notes. It was a class with Professor Mueller-Reims, the leading authority in the psychology department, and Evan always made sure his notes were in order.

"Evan, I knew you'd still be here," a voice called out in the empty hall.

Evan looked up, squinting against the reflection of the setting sun. As the figure approached, he recognized Gillen Haas.

"Just organizing some notes," Evan said with a smile, gesturing to the papers scattered across the table.

Gillen hesitated, his voice faltering. "Where are Jacob and Bruce?"

"They have classes," Gillen replied, though his tone was unsteady.

Evan looked up sharply. Something was off. Gillen seemed unusually nervous, the sunlight making his discomfort even more apparent. Evan stopped what he was doing. "What's going on? Have you made a decision?"

There was only one thing on their minds these days: the offer from Universal Music. Evan was open-minded about it; he didn't want to be tied down by a major label, but he wouldn't stop the others from pursuing their careers.

Gillen nodded stiffly. "The three of us… we think that if we pass on this chance with Universal, we might not get another one. So we've decided to sign."

Gillen's words stung a little, even though Evan had expected it. The use of "the three of us" made it clear that Evan was now excluded, but he couldn't blame them.

He'd made his position clear from the start. Still, after two years together, the thought of the band breaking up left him with a twinge of regret.

"Congratulations," Evan said, forcing a smile.

"What about you?" Gillen asked, clearly still considering Evan part of Melancholy Mood. Whatever his motivations, the question made Evan smile.

"I'm used to doing my own thing. I'm not cut out for a big label like Universal." Before Evan could finish, a sarcastic voice interrupted from the doorway.

"Evan's not worried about his future. He's got plenty of offers. Unlike us, who might never get another shot."

Evan turned to see Jacob Tibo standing in the doorway, with Bruce Stewart trailing behind. It was clear they had been standing outside for a while.