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Balam sat at his desk and tried his best not to throw his keyboard across the office. He tried to take a deep breath to calm down but instead he just cursed inside his empty office.
Whenever he was in a tough spot he always looked around his office for inspiration. The room was warm and colorful, decorated with fanart sent by children of his books’ characters. But today, they did nothing to brighten the author’s mood.
He looked back at the monitor.There on the screen in red letters were the dreaded words. Mocking him.
“Naberius Kalego Solo Event-Sold out”
The hope of seeing the wonderful pianist at the town’s concert hall two weeks from now had been destroyed in less than a minute.
He wasn’t even sure why this event was sold out! Or why tickets were being sold only online! He’d always been able to purchase tickets without issues in person at the box office. Well, he did always get the back rows every time, but to think even those were all sold.
He groaned and face planted onto his desk. This was the universe’s way of punishing him for his cowardice these past months. If only he had been brave enough last time! Or the time before that…or the time before that.
Balam groaned at his situation. He really wanted to thank the musician. He felt like he owed something to the pianist after all this time. The man’s musical skills always pulled him out of his worst writer’s block.
To think he found the pianist by accident almost six months ago.
Balam had been having a bad day with writer’s block and decided to step out of the office. He walked with no plans, face mask on and shabby bright green cardigan thrown on. He thought maybe he’d watch a movie, or grab a tea and a pastry at a bakery. But somehow, lost in his thoughts he got off at the wrong stop on the train and found himself walking till he saw a busy crowd trying to enter into a building.
Not just any building, but the esteemed Royal Amducias Hall. Looking at the marquee, he saw that a recital was happening soon. A ‘Naberius Kalego’ was playing.
Always one to follow fate, he bought a ticket, one of the last ones, thankfully in the back and made his way to his seat.
He hoped the musician today would at least provide music that could help him out of his clogged thoughts for a moment.
When the recital began and for the next two hours, Balam no longer thought of his writing woes. Instead he was enthralled with the live music and he was even moved at certain points to where he could feel his eyes water. He had no idea he would be so affected with live music.
After the final song, he’d brushed his eyes with his sleeve, and clapped till his palms burned. When the musician faced the audience and took their bow, Balam stopped clapping.
Oh.
Balam felt his face burn in a flush, by how stunning the pianist was. He was so handsome. His eyes were sharp and thick with eyeliner that made him look somber. His attire, all black and tight, emphasizing his lean body. His hair styled back with a few strands loose curling on his forehead.
Compared to Balam, they were exact opposites. His trips to children centered events to advertise his newest book had his wardrobe consisting of colorful clothes. His own hair was wild and long right now. And of course, he was practically spilling into the empty seat next to him with his large frame.
They would look quite silly standing next to each other. Very silly. Comical. What is he even thinking?
And yet.
Balam felt himself drawn to the pianist. He walked to the middle of the auditorium, before his courage ran out and he fled. Leaving the Royal Amducias Hall, he repeated the pianist’s name like a mantra.
Naberius Kalego.
He may have come into the recital by fate, but every recital of Naberius Kalego, afterwards, he was first in line at the box office and the last to leave the recital.
Each time arriving at the concert hall with a bouquet of flowers that he was determined to give to Naberius-san.
But alas, he always ended up staying in his seat, fingers clenched around the flowers’ stems. Trying to get himself up and walk to the musician who stood at the front, to receive others’ bouquets and speaking to colleagues. He watched Naberius-san shake hands with others, and he never once smiled.
The fear of being rejected and scowled at, always had him leaving the concert hall. Defeated, bouquet in hand.
The flowers always ended up decorating his hallway. Greeting him with a harsh reminder that he failed again to work the courage to approach the musician.
But he promised that at this upcoming concert he would give a bouquet and talk to Naberius-san.
But looking at his computer screen, that wasn’t possible now.
So he sulked for two weeks.
The day of the concert, he drew stormy clouds and blue settings for references for his next book. He did not open his phone. Did not answer calls. He simply sat in his office and felt miserable.
But then as he was about to lock up his office and spend the night alone, he heard the sound of running feet and a familiar voice.
“Balam-san, please wait!”
Turning to spot the blue-headed editor sprinting over, Balam felt his mood lighten.
“Hello Iruma-kun-“
Iruma interrupted him and between catching his breath, explained in a rush. “Balam-san, I’m so glad I caught you! I’ve made a mistake. I thought I bought three tickets to tonight’s event at the Royal Amducias Hall but it was only two. I can’t use these tonight would you like to have the-
The paper was snatched from the editor’s hand before he could even finish. Balam’s eyes scan frantically over the confirmation printout to see if it was too good to be true.
Fate was rooting for him. Because everything looked perfect. Thanks to Iruma, he would be able to see Naberius-san!
Grabbing the short editor, he spun him around in circles while yelling his thanks. “Iruma-kun, you don’t know how happy you've made me. I would love to have them, let me get my wallet-“
He placed Iruma down and frantically grabbed his wallet but he couldn’t even bring some bills out before Iruma was already rejecting the idea. The other shook his head harshly till the three strands of hair atop of his head shook.
“No Balam-san, they’re a gift! It was you who introduced me to the concert hall. Please enjoy them, I know nobody else who would enjoy them more than you.”
The words warmed his heart, and with a quick hug between the two men, Balam was off. He had a recital to attend. It was meant to be.
He had half an hour to go to the hall, which sounded fine, except he had to accept fate’s challenge. He was going to give a bouquet tonight!
Stopping by his usual flower shop on the way to the hall, he already knew which flowers he would like to pick. The ones that represented admiration and gratitude would be picked. The flower shop owner, Suzy-san, was always so helpful. This should be a breeze.
Except when he walked into the shop, the shelves were bare. Leaves, stems, and petals littered the floor, but yet there was not a flower in sight. He saw Suzy-san walk out from the back stockroom where he got a glimpse of more empty shelves. Oh god. What had happened? Was she robbed!
The florist looked at the tall man standing confused in her empty shop on the busiest day of the year and couldn’t help but sigh. “I’m sorry Balam-kun, you’re too late-yis. Don’t you know what today is?”
“I don’t.” Balam answered in shame. He didn’t want to look at his phone and see the date. He deserved to stay ignorant.
He must have looked pretty pitiful since the florist sighed and walked back to the storage room.
“Oh. Oh dear. You poor fool. Let me see if I have anything-yis.”
The moment the small lady went through the doors, Balam let himself have a silent freak out. He wished he could just cover his entire face with his mask and just leave out of embarrassment. But no, he had to be strong. He needed to do this. He’d take anything!
Anything!
Once again fate blessed him when he heard an excited yell from the back. “I do have something!”
“Whatever you have! I’ll take it!” He yelled back with a smile.
He was thankful his mask hid how quickly his smile fell when Suzy-san returned.
He did say he’d take anything.
So that’s how Balam found himself sitting in his snug seat in the middle section of the auditorium, with a small cactus in his lap. At least his luck was still with him and he got an aisle seat.
But strangely enough, the seat, which was the second ticket from Iruma, was the only empty seat in the house.
There were usually a few scattered empty seats on nights. But his, was the only empty seat. Looking around, there was also a lot of PDA happening. Kisses, holding hands, and gentle touches were everywhere.
There were alot of couples. Actually, it seemed they were all couples.
The words of Iruma and Suzy along with the weird vibe of tonight filled his brain as he finally pulled his phone out and checked the date.
February 14th, 2023.
Oh god.
Today was Valentine's Day.
Balam wondered how fate could be so cruel to him at the very end! This couldn’t get any worse!
Of course he cursed himself because at that moment he looked towards the stage and happened to see Naberius Kalego standing, looking at the audience.
They locked eyes for a moment, and Balam had to watch as the other’s gaze shifted to the empty seat. The musician quickly left backstage.
Great.
Not only was he the only single person in the entire auditorium, Naberius-san now knew that.
There was a part of him that wanted to stew in misery. But another part of him yelled that it was fine. Because tonight was the night he would be courageous enough to hand his bouque- his cactus and give his thanks!
Fate allowed him to be here, and he was not going to disrespect fate by being a coward!
So with a deep breath, he allowed himself to relax and give his full attention to the recital. It wasn’t hard to forget his worries when the music started. Especially when Naberius-san surprised the audience by playing a variety of instruments throughout the night.
It was all so wonderful.
But all good things must come to an end, and when the lights were turned on, Balam steeled himself. He was careful with his steps, to not prick anyone, but he finally exited from the crowd and waited.
When he saw Naberius-san finally emerge into the main hallway the butterflies in his stomach grew tenfold. He stepped forward to approach him but he was beaten by another.
He couldn’t be upset that he was beaten, this person had the longest legs he’d ever seen. They were beautiful from their shoe wear to their hair. They walked in heels in a striped suit, and their layered dyed hair that would look horrible on anyone else, somehow made them glow.
Balam watched the beautiful man approach the musician, and it took only a moment for his heart to sink.
He could only watch on the side with dread and cold sweat as the beautiful man launched himself at Naberius-san. They spoke to the musician so casually, and even leaned down to place a kiss on his cheek.
Oh.
Of course. Someone as beautiful as Naberius-san would have a partner.
He turned away and faced the doors. Maybe fate was trying to be kind in showing he had no chance.
The hold on the cactus felt heavy, and he lost himself trying to decide what to do. Should he leave? He didn’t want to abandon the cactus. But he desperately didn’t want to be reminded of this night, if he kept it.
Damn his bleeding heart for plants.
Sighing in defeat, he was about to walk away, taking one last look at Naberius-san, when the musician suddenly turned to stare directly at him.
Balam felt his heart beat wildly and a sweat covered his body. Maybe he could put his feelings aside and just give thanks! That was his original plan anyway.
He could do that. Can he? He didn’t know, honestly. Wait…why was Naberius-san walking towards him.
Oh no. Oh no. He was probably upset that he saw the kiss and his partner hugging him.
He was going to be banished from the concert hall. He was going to be called a pervert! A voyeur!
He wished he could bolt away but instead he froze. Even till the end, he was a coward.
666
Kalego always volunteered to play at the concert hall on Valentine’s Day. He didn’t have anyone to spend the day with. He didn’t want Amduscias-san working and leaving his husband alone on such a romantic holiday. He’d never hear the end of it if that happened.
But honestly, he enjoyed playing alone for events. He also didn’t mind working on his birthday, he actually preferred it than being alone at his apartment. So it was fine.
But god, standing there looking at everyone with their dates in the audience tonight never burned this badly than when he saw the strange regular was in attendance.
He’d seen the man at every one of his solo events and even some where he was just being featured. And every time that beautiful stranger would show up with a bouquet of flowers and leave with it.
He always sat in the back, but his large build quickly caught Kalego’s eye. He always sat next to an empty seat. Lingering in the audience after the last song, until leaving with his head hung low. Kalego watched him every time, and he wished he could break the musician's code and approach the man. But musicians could not leave the hall until the last guest left.
And by the time he ran outside, the mysterious stranger was gone.
He’d thought about why the man kept bringing bouquets, and there was only one explanation.
The poor bastard was being stood up. REPEATEDLY.
Kalego felt like beating his dates because who would dare stand up that beautiful man!
Oh how fate could be so cruel!
Bringing such a beautiful man in his life multiple times only for him to be using the concert hall as a date site.
He had to return backstage after seeing the stranger in the audience and he tried to calm his rapidly beating heart. His palms felt sweaty and he knew tonight’s music was going to be raw and emotional.
Great. Just what he needed on his birthday.
Sitting down at the piano, Kalego felt his fingers hover above the keys, and the next two hours became a blur.
He finally came back to his senses, when the roar of applause hit him like a tidal wave. He moved in stiff movements to bow, and he took a longer time in his room backstage to collect himself. He needed to step out and greet the guests, but oh god he wished all the couples would leave immediately. He did choose the most sensual pieces to play with that in mind.
When he walked into the main hallway he was happy to see that the usual line of greeters was not present. Good, now all he needed to do now was find the stran-
“Kalego-chan!”
His thoughts were rocked out of his head when his boss blindsided him and picked him up with ease like a rag doll. Despite this happening every time, Kalego still felt himself grow embarrassed at the public display of affection.
“Happy birthday Kalego-chan! Delkira-sama and I thought you were just lovely as always!
“Thank you Poro-chan.” He mumbled into the very solid chest that he was being pressed into. He was given one last squeeze followed by a peck on his cheek, and he was finally let down.
Before he could even regain his balance, a teasing whisper hit his ears. “Oh I see your admirer is here, once again looking at you with that hungry gaze of his. Allow yourself a birthday gift and go say hi to them. Hurry, I'll empty the hall for you.”
He regretted letting his boss in his love life, or lack of one honestly. The moment he knew about the mysterious stranger, he pushed Kalego to make a move like a pushy mother. Even now, Kalego could only look at where his boss was staring at, and tried to reason.
“Poro-chan he’s not here for m-“
All thoughts vanished when he finally spotted the stranger in the hallway. But instead of looking at their masked face, his entire focus was on the cactus in their grip.
He walked forward, captivated even further the closer he got to the rare cactus.
Oh, cruel fate would have his beautiful stranger holding a cactus he had been searching for months. He was in front of him and the only thing that could stumble out of his mouth was an idiotic question.
“Is that a-“
He never got to complete the question as the stranger looked down at him with a red face and yelled loud enough that it echoed throughout the hall.
“Hello Naberius-san, your performance tonight was simply wonderful. I’ve been watching you for months. You are amazing!”
Oh.
Kalego felt his brain turn to static and though he heard the words the stranger was saying, he could not understand them. Instead the only thought he had was the undeniable fact the stranger had such an attractive voice. Oh god, how could fate be so cruel to make this man so stunning.
He waited to see if he would shout more but when the man took a breath instead, he used this chance. “Thank you for your kind words…..also is that a Pediocactus knowltonii?”
The man took a moment to understand the last two words, and his eyes lit up. Despite his lower face being covered by a face mask, Kalego sensed he was smiling.
“Oh, yes! Yes it is! Do you like it?”
Kalego let himself be honest when he answered with a smile. “I do. Where did you find such a rare beauty.”
“Oh, the flower shop in the corner.”
The quick answer left them in silence for a moment. Kalego wondered if he should say the words he wanted to, but if fate was going to be cruel, he could be crueler to himself.
With a sigh, he finally responded. Trying to keep the bitter tone out of his voice. “Your absent date is really missing out on receiving such a treasure.”
He didn’t even get to enjoy the relief of finally saying the words because he was once again given a surprise.
The stranger reached out to him, handing him the cactus, while crying out with joy.
“A date? Oh no, it’s for you!”
The cactus that felt heavy a moment ago to look at, now felt light as Kalego felt an unbearable weight lift that had been on his shoulders these past six months.
“For me? Really?”
Kalego tried not to let his mind wander. This didn’t mean anything. This was just a gift this one time. It didn’t mean-
“Oh yes. I’ve….I’ve actually been hoping to give you a bouquet for quite some time but….anyways I’ll let you go back to your boyfriend. Have a good night Naberius-san.”
“My boyfriend?” Kalego yelled in surprise and looked at where the stranger was looking at. Sure enough he was looking at Amduscias-san who was ushering all the remaining couples outside.
Kalego couldn’t help himself, and though he covered his mouth to muffle the laughter, he couldn’t stop. The idea of him being in a relationship with his boss was just so ridiculous.
He apologized over and over again until he finally stopped laughing. Wiping the tears from his eyes, he was glad to see the stranger was staring at him with an amused expression and not one of anger.
“I’m sorry. That’s just such a ridiculous statement that I couldn’t help but laugh. This boyfriend you speak of is currently leaving with their husband.”
Both of them turned to watch the tall man run in the arms of an even taller man. They made a beautiful couple. A power couple is what instantly came to mind to describe them. The love between them was so evident that Kalego felt he didn’t have to say another word to prove how absurd it was.
“Oh.” Said the stranger.
“Yes.” Kalego smirked.
Silence again filled the hallway and Kalego turned to confirm that they were the last two. Thanks to Amduscias-san’s efforts, they were, and Kalego let himself be greedy and asked a question he’d hoped to ask for months.
“There’s a bar down the street, I have a private room reserved tonight, would you care to join me for a drink?”
Kalego felt his heart skip a beat when the beautiful stranger nodded enthusiastically “Yes! That sounds wonderful, Naberius-san!”
“Please call me Kalego.” Oh he couldn’t wait to hear his name being said in that amazing voice.
“Alright, Kalego. Oh, and my name is Balam Shichiro.”
Finally, the stranger had a name. Kalego let himself say the name with a smile that felt like victory. “Nice to finally meet you,Shichiro.”
666
Orias was having a real shitty Valentine’s Day. Despite the pay being great tonight at the main bar, he was also having to work the private rooms.
And the couple in room 66, was just the worst.
Shoving their love in his face!
Every time he came by to drop off their drinks, the two were in their own world. Just talking to each other and having the most intense eye contact he’s ever seen. And oh god, the laughter. He heard them from outside at times and the short one laughed like he hadn’t laughed in years.
He didn’t even want to bring up the cactus that was sitting just on the couch.
He would rather deal with broken heart drunks than the obnoxious couple celebrating their anniversary. He gets it, they’re in love, in every way imaginable. Fated Ones, Soulmates, One and Only, all that romance novels nonsense.
He tried to tune them out, and with them being VIP, he wasn’t allowed to ask them to quiet down even when the main bar complained about the noise level of their laughter and shouting.
But finally, finally, at six am, the couple exited the room, and the short one was signing the bill, while holding the cactus.
Orias finally asked the question that had been burning in his mind. “Happy Anniversary. How long have you two been together?”
The taller masked one, with an arm wrapped around the shorter one hiccuped before answering. “Oh we just officially met tonight.”
The glass that Orias was cleaning shattered in his grasp.
He was never working Valentine's Day ever again!