Chapter Text
Standing ovation.
The audience always gave their standing ovations right after his performance.
Sweat glistened on his skin, red hair basked under the spotlight on stage. He took one last gulp of air before stood up from his seat and fastened the button of his tailcoat. As he turned his body to face the audience, he took a few steps forward. He gave one quick look into the audience and took his bow.
The hall was filled with non-stop applauses. The best form of encouragement every musician could ever receive. After taking in the applause to his fill, he lifted his head and took one last look at the audience. Albeit exhausted, he does not show it. His gaze was gentle, lips shaped into a smile as he thanked everyone for their presence. Standing tall, he gracefully made his way off the stage.
“Another great performance senpai,” Akutagawa praised his mentor behind the stage and hands him a hand towel and a bottle of water.
“Isn't it always?” Chuuya proudly declared.
“Perfect as always Chuuya-kun,” Mori, the school principal of PM Academy, approached them, softly applaud and complimented on Chuuya's performance.
“Thank you sensei. It was like a walk in the park.” Chuuya shrugged.
“Senpai, even after all those last minute practiー”
Right before Akutagawa could finish his sentence, Chuuya hit his back and gave a loud cough.
“Hah… Let's go out and listen to the rest of the performances.” Chuuya laughed awkwardly. “Now, please excuse us sensei." Flustered, Chuuya grabbed on Akutagawa's wrist and rushed out from the backstage to the hall.
Mori chuckled. "You've worked harder than any student I know." He stared at them leaving from his sight.
“Chuuya senpai! Otsukare!" Tachihara and Higuchi greeted Chuuya that entered the hall with Akutagawa. "Akutagawa senpai, I've saved you a seat." Higuchi chirped and tapped the seat beside her.
"Oh, it was nothing," With no shame, Chuuya proudly exclaimed and sat at the seat Higuchi prepared for Akutagawa.
"S-senpaiー" the blonde girl pouted as Chuuya sat followed by Akutagawa sitting beside him. "What?" the redhead sat comfortably and relaxed as if nearly sucked into the chair. "N-nothing..." Higuchi sat back on her seat and sulked at how ignorant Chuuya was. Akutagawa doesn't bother as long as he is by Chuuya side.
The hall lights dimmed, only the stage light remained, signifying the start of the next performance. The hall fell silent as the audience settled down.
"Number 10. Dazai Osamu."
Footsteps entered the stage, breaking the silence. A brunet donned a tailcoat suit with a black bow tie to suit made his way towards the grand piano. Before he took his seat, he looked into the crowd and gave a bow.
An applause from the crowd to welcome the young man.
Dazai raised his head and gave one last look at the audience. He scanned through the crowd like he was finding someone.
“I found you.” he whispered. His eyes locked onto one person; a particular redhead with blue eyes, almost glowing in the dark.
Chuuya felt a slight chill ran down his spine, as if someone was watching him. He looked around towards the audience behind him but everyone was staring at the stage. He hadn't noticed it was actually from the man standing right in front of him.
The brunet smirked.
He took his seat at the grand piano. The beautiful keys of black and white shined under the stage light. With a gentle smile, he closed his eyes and placed his hands on the keys lightly as if he was saying a prayer.
With one deep breath, he lifts hand and struck a key.
Playfully his fingers struck each key. His head danced through each phrase of the melody. Such a joyous tune he portrayed. The audience can't help but be entranced by his graceful movements. The build up that Dazai expressed in every key he strikes attracted the audiences' attention, and of course, not forgetting Chuuya's too.
Dazai's hands ran through the keys ever so fluidly, in each thrill, each note was crisp and clear. Every diminuendos and crescendos, brilliantly executed with no mistakes in between. The audience were in awe of the spectacular performance.
At that last note, he lifted his hand with a short pause, and slowly released the pause to rest his hand on his lap. His head lowered, and gently shutting his eyelids.
“Thank you.” A soft whisper escaped his lips, an expression of gratitude towards the instrument that gave the music life. He stood up from his seat and faced the audience.
Standing ovation.
Everyone stood up and applauded, even Akutagawa. All but one remained seated, Chuuya. He sat still, jaw dropped. Never had he met such a pianist that could perhaps par with him.
Dazai bowed, sweat rolled down his face and dripped on the stage. Upon raising his head, he looked at Chuuya's way.
Their eyes met. Cerulean eyes widen and stared intensely. Hazel eyes gazed back while carving a smirk on his almost chapped lips.
"Now I have gotten your attention." He spoke but the sound of the audience’s applause muted his words. He turned and made his way to off the stage.