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Her wish was simple.
"I want to recreate the scene!"
Seeing her brilliant smile inside the dark theater, eyes reflecting the colored lights, it was an otherworldly sight. Witnessing the moment his best friend fell in love with singing and acting, witnessing her love reflected with utter joy and delight, was simply unforgettable. He wanted to see that every day, every moment.
So when she spoke those simple, childish words, he got to work.
Rui spent every day after class inside his parents' garage, working away with the clutter of his projects. Everything else was sidelined for her wish. Though he was inexperienced, he was eager to learn, eager to make her wish come true.
"Ta-da~!" he cheered, pulling away the tattered blanket to reveal a small boxy machine.
Nene bent down with her knees, carefully hovering the small machinery. "And this is…?"
"A bubble machine—like the one in the play!" Rui exclaimed, getting down to her level. Bringing his hand to the front, he pointed at the circular holes. "These are where the bubbles come out of. I already loaded up the solutions so all we need is to set the stage!"
Nene's face twisted with uncertainty, a little pout emerging from her face. "Are you super duper sure this will work, Rui?" she asked. "I don't wanna have it explode and make our mamas and papas worry."
Rui laughed as he reaches over to hold her hand. "Don't worry! I tested it and made sure it works! Now come on!"
Rising up to the ground, he drags her along to the playground set. Carefully, he sets up plastic shells and drew bubbles all over the sand pit. Nene made sure to join along, drawing a castle not too far from the bars.
"Are you ready, Nene?" he asked, holding out his hand for her to take.
Looking at him, her cheeks flushed a soft pink before a smile bloomed from her face. "Yes!" she responded eagerly, taking his hand.
Slowly, he helped her up to the bars. He kept his hand tight, waiting till she found her balance. Just watching her from below had his heart racing with excitement. The thought of witnessing her fulfill a wish was exhilarating.
Turning down to him, Nene continued to smile. "Ok! I'm ready, you can start!"
Rui grinned in return, slowly letting go of her hand before rushing over to the small machine. With a quiet countdown, his finger flicked the switch. Within seconds, small bubbled emerged from the circular grates of the machine. Then, larger ones, all clustering in the air around the green-haired girl.
With the stage set, the little mermaid began to sing. Her voice melodically following the tune of the finale song of the play. Though imperfect and unprofessional, she made sure to emphasis each emotion she could convey. The mermaid's longing, desire to roam the world and connect with others. The emotions she felt during that play, she channeled it through her voice, letting it carry every feeling onto those who would listen.
And they would reach him. Rui knelt beside the machine, watching from below and Nene bellowed her feelings into the world. Just like the play, he felt his heart race with excitement, as if he could feel the mermaid's fascination of the world around him. But, most of all, he was moved by Nene's desire to be heard. How she emphasized certain words over others, characterizing herself as the little mermaid rather than just singing the song. Paired with the simple scenery and bubbles clouding the air, he could believe the idea that she was the mermaid.
He felt accomplished. He did more than just help her achieve her wish. He was able to discover and accomplish his own wish too. To see her shine.
Nene continued to sing, but found herself peeking through closed eyes to look at Rui. He seemed utterly infatuated with her voice. The thought of being viewed as something incredible like that actress felt unreal, yet here she is. It empowered her to keep singing, reaching the bridge of the song, and ending with the final chorus.
Nene lowered her arms, breathing heavily to catch her breath. Immediately, Rui applauded. His bright smile and glimmering eyes reassured Nene that she did an incredible job. The incoming cascade of compliments did the same.
"I could really feel it, Nene!" he exclaimed. "You really were the little mermaid!"
"But! It's not fun if the mermaid is all by herself!" she interrupted him, reaching down the hold his hands. "The mermaid needs her companion too. The smart and wise alchemist that helps her throughout her journey!"
Rui tilted his head in confusion. "The alchemist? But, there's no alchemist in the play?"
"I know that, silly," she replied, a meek shy plastered on her face. "It's our version of the story! And in our version, the little mermaid doesn't meet a prince. She meets a kind and smart alchemist! And together, they perform all over the world!"
It clicked in that moment, the dream they would hope to accomplish together.
Rui smiled, taking Nene's hand with his. "Alright! We'll do it together!"
The two children shared a joyous laugh, dancing below the floating bubbles. Unaware of what life had planned for them.