Chapter Text
You were an aspiring multimedia artist. Painting? no problem, sketching? singing? dancing? Yes! But in reality, you love playing the piano. Whenever your fingers touch the keys as it plays a melody so fluid, you smile and you drift into the sanctuary of music notes prancing around the crown of your head. Then reality hits you, you were not a high schooler anymore; But a grown adult with impossible dreams to reach. You dreamed of opening your own jazz club or bar, isn't it stupid to think about it? how are you gonna land a job with your artistic skills with no connections whatsoever?
“Really!? I’m hired?” your voice hitches as you try to conceal the fact that you landed a job you’d enjoy, a gig in a restaurant where you play the piano. Your hardcore imagination then drifts to another world, you imagined people clapping for your personal pieces. Then “Yes! But in one condition, no free-styling on the piano.” when the words spilled out of his mouth, the world in your mind melted away. How am I gonna achieve my dreams when I can't even play my own melody? a bead of sweat dripped from the side of your forehead, still forcing a porcelain smile towards your employer.
“Then… What am I gonna play th—“
He cuts you off by giving you a piece of stock card. “Heres the list, you play whatever is in season.”
Oh…
Your eyes drifted at the piece of stock card that you took. Your hands trembling a piece of paper never felt so heavy, you saw a list of piano pieces that don't even match your taste. It was the first of December of course they were gonna make you play Christmas songs.
The thought bubble gets popped when your employer speaks, “Come by later at 5, don't be late.” The employer just continued writing whatever is interesting on the paper on his desk. You thanked him as you left the establishment.The winter wind hits your face as soon as you left the doors. Your eyes never left the stock card in your hand. "He didn't even looked at me once...” you muttered to yourself. You then made your way to the café you work in to start your day job. Shame wafts over your head, you couldn't wrap your head on the fact that you settled for… less. You never have ever made yourself below the lows of lows, what a pathetic thing to do for a girl with big dreams— “Excuse me!? Are you even taking my order?” The customer snaps their fingers in front of your eyes as you jolt into reality. You gave the customer your practiced smile as you continued on with your work.
Hours later, your shift ended. It was a cold gloomy afternoon as you stood beyond the establishment where you're supposed to play your little pianist skills. feeling the weight of the unknown, your shoulder slumped, and the light in your eyes dissolved as you pushed the doors open.
The restaurant glowed under amber lights as the place is decorated with leaves and sparkly Christmas balls. And there it was, the grand piano as the centre of the attraction of the whole place as the spotlight illuminates the finish of the paint on the piano. Your employer goes out of the staff room as he greets you and shakes your hand.
“Now places everyone! The restaurant is opening soon!”
he claps his hands as you remove your winter jacket and place it on the coat racks near the bar. You turned to the piano’s direction. You dragged yourself towards it and your footsteps felt so heavy as you sat down on the stool in front of the piano.
Days have passed. you started drifting away from the point of your job. Arriving late, playing the piano with a straight face as you didn't even thank the people who put money in your tip jar. Your employer scolds you at almost every end of the shift saying things like ‘smile! the people would stop coming here if you look so upsetting it ruins the mood!’ or ‘thank them at least! and don't be late for god's sake!’
Those words your manager is saying slips in and comes out of the other end as you didn't give a single shit.
It was a gloomy dark night. It was December 20, 20 days into your job; 20 days of torture. You stood beyond the restaurant, an hour already late and yet you still pushed through the door and the receptionist rolls her eyes on you as she informs you “The manager is furious and wants to talk to you.” you also rolled your eyes on her and just walked past her.
You brushed past her not even giving her glance. You made your way through the staff only doors and there he was your manager. “Youre an hour late again. I heard when I left for vacation you played a free-style piece.” He scoffs and puts his hands on his waist “How many times do i have to tell you? To get this drilled into your head? Remind you people wanna hear merry jolly Christmas, not some stupid jazz melodies from your little head.” As he was speaking he was poking the center of your forehead. Your eye twitches under the cold hard stone finish of your face. You didn’t even let him finished and just went to your job to play as the local pianist.
You started playing happy melodies of Christmas carols, as people stroll by and give you tips and you give them a practiced smile. Your fingers started to weigh like stone as you near finishing the first piece. Then you pressed a key, a key that you recognize, the note danced on the top of your head as you daze into your little world of dreams. Then the background fades, cascading into your little world as the flowy melodies change the rigidness of your body. Within those 20 days of torture, you smiled. Your body swayed to the melody as you let your fingers dance on the keys of the piano. Then all of a sudden your blue dress wasn't so dull at all—
“Hey so uhm youre fired.”
DUNG!! A wrong note echoed through the warm amber lights of the restaurant. You look up, you see your manager crossing their arms, face contorted as if they've seen the most disgusting creature. He then grabs your elbows and forces you to stand up from the stool and dragged you to the employees only door.
“Im sure you don't mean that” you scoffed back
“Yes I'm so sure that I am firing you."
“Youre just mad”
“I am not I told you I warned you that you will get fired if you played a different tune I—”
"That only sums up you’re miserable”
Then silence between you thickens.You didn't break eye contact with him as you let the silence eat the both of you. “I will send you your last check, by Saturday, and don't ever show your face here ever again.” He spat back.>
"Well good to know, at least I wont see your bald head again”
He didn't comment, his mouth was just agape letting out a small sigh of annoyance. You began to grab your coat and belongings at the side of the bar near you. The heels of your shoes echoes louder against the mahogany floors than it supposed to be, then a man with his sunglasses and a baseball cap then walks up to your way and utters “Hey that tune was really lovely I—“.
...
It was a night to remember as the speakers blast out loud music that shook the floors. It was a leisure party that was hosted by one of Michael’s closest associates. Or should I say that he was forced to go there by one of his brothers. Though he loves partying, he loves to mingle and let the tension of his successful career loose. There were women and men laughing as they roughly housed around the pool, considering that the season is cold people didn't stop partying.
Michael just finds himself in a corner sipping whatever was in the punch bowl, but he can taste a tinge of alcohol in it. Y'know he thinks of himself as a socialite, but why is it that right now he feels so out of place? Because of the amount of girls he turned down tonight? Or is it just him unwilling to go at all. His mind drifts, maybe he should just leave and return before they notice he is gone? Or is that just a stupid thing to do because he doesn't know this part of town well and he could get lost. But you know what? That's the best part of being bored anyways. So he then hurries to make his way outside of the house, people having insane friction from the dancing and grinding against each other makes it hard for him to glide outside smoothly. He swiftly grabs someone else's baseball cap, what? He was making out with the girl who just asked him out earlier.
He made it outside without anyone noticing he was missing. He then felt the cold blow on the wind on his face, he silently scolded himself that he didn't even get a scarf at least he has a baseball cap to at least conceal his identity. Either way the good thing is that he is out of the house party. The loud music fades away as he wanders off of the streets. The neighborhood was quiet and the sky was clear as the stars twinkled and danced on the heavens above. He lets out a satisfied sigh, ‘oh my god this is the best decision I've made tonight’ he muttered under his breath. He then makes his way outside of the street and down to the establishments nearby, as cars fly by beside him his ears catches something.. New something that piques his interest as he stops his tracks in front of some bar. He glances at the glass door, something in him that he should go inside to check it out. With his curiosity swelling, he pushed the glass door open. Oh good thing that there was no receptionist to greet him, if there was it would be a disaster. He then makes his way into the corner and there they were. The pianist behind the smooth and soft tune was a girl in blue playing the piano as if she put her soul into it. She was smiling warmly like the amber lights of the restaurant mesmerized by the own tune she was playing. She's so mesmerized by the melody her body was swaying side to side gently. Then it abruptly stops ending with a wrong note as the man in a suit stops her. She looked terrified even if she was smiling, and was escorted to the side.
After a while, she was carrying her belongings, he decided to build up his courage and smiles as he walked up against her and manages to utter “hey that tune was really lovely I—”
She just bumped against his shoulder and didn't even take a single glance at him! That shoulder bump just felt like a boulder was thrown at him, his face then contorts into a shocked face as he turns around and sees her blue dress float away from the scene.
Of course than any other interested man he follows her like a shadow, and walks out the door too. He finds her just standing in the middle of the street, with her fist clenched like a ball. He then slowly jogs towards her.
A tap on your shoulder, you swiftly turned around to see a man with a baseball cap and sunglasses. At 10pm this dude has sunglasses. It was evident that you were confused as your eyebrows naturally irked up. “Yes I know I look absolutely ridiculous, but may I ask for directions?”
The silence was louder than the cars flying by. You look at him with squinted eyes as you tilt your head and reply “What?” Who is he even? God I hope it isn't some kidnapper you thought. He lets out a light giggle as he scratches the back of his head and continues:
“Well I kinda uhm drifted off from a house I’m supposed to be in and I forgot my way to get there, I- Im sorry you must really think Im suspicious but seriously Im not!”
“So you saw me walked out of the bar.” you point your finger down as your eyebrows irked up.
“Uhuh” he replied in a playful tone.
“And you thought that… I'm a local here?”
“Yea!”
“What if I'm not?” You sarcastically remarked and gave him a taunting pull on your lips.
He catches on “It’s obvious that you are, you're playing with me.”
You raised both of your hands as you nod in amazement. “Okay, okay, now do you remember where you went?”
“Why else would I ask you for directions silly? But I do remember the name of the street, I just don't remember the direction” He giggles as his lips tugs upwards, grinning like an idiot.
So are your lips, but you avoided the evident shine on his sunglasses. You tapped your chin with your index finger as you took steps towards him. “I think you got lost because you were wearing those stupid eyeglasses.” Still with that mischievous tug on the side of your lips, as your gaze looks at him from the side waiting for his reaction.
He lets out a scoff mixed with a laugh and turns around copying the direction she's facing. “You’re mean!” he pouts as he folds his arms and lets out a petty ‘hmph’.
You look away to hide the smile he is infecting you with. Somehow this stranger is very charming even if he looks stupid in his current attire. She lets out a sigh as a breath of fog comes out of her lopsided lips. “Fine, come on now lost boy, let me guide you there.” She then begins speeding up her foot steps, not giving him enough time to react. “Hey! Wait up!” he jogs towards you matching your pace.
Heading to the familiar street he went through, hands in pockets, warm breaths shaky and fogging into the cold wind. You looked up at the skies, somewhat it doesn't seem so gloomy and dark anymore. Instead there were stars that twinkles under the quiet blankets of the night. You blink as your gaze lands on him, you don't know if he's actually looking at you or the houses you pass by together. “You know if you want me to remember a charming man I met tonight you should remove your stupid sunglasses.” Evidently he raised his eyebrows and smiled. “What if I’d like to keep the mystery like this?” You rolled your eyes as if they were tumbling out of your head, but a playful smirk plays along with your lips.
“Okay…? Whatever suits you well, I'm not interested anyways.” a heartbreaking remark, yet her face has this stupid smile spreading into her cheeks as she avoids his gaze. He jogs further as he abruptly stops facing you, you quickly stop on the tip of your toes as the soft footsteps on the stoned side walk stop. “What?” you scoffed as your eyes flickered from his shiny loafers to his sunglasses.
“You dont mean that right?”
“What if I do?”
“It doesn't matter, I'll look for that beautiful blue dress everywhere”
You felt your cheeks heat up as if it's gonna melt the winter nights. You took a step closer to him, his perfume floating into your nostrils while your mind taking notes of how he smelt tonight. You tilted your head, you looked at the reflection of yourself on his sunglasses. “May I?” She asks as the fog of warm breath hits his chin and neck. He slowly nods, and replies “Promise you wont freak out if you remove them.” he has this smug look, yet the quiver of his lips tells you something different. “Why? Are you ugly?” he shrugs and you shake your head and chuckle.
You then lift your cold hands to the sides of his frames. Then slowly takes the barrier that separates their souls from each other. The moment you removed his sunglasses you were immediately captivated by his droopy eyes and long lashes. Down to the sharp features of his nose and jaw. There was an evident blush erupting from his cheeks, his eyes darting back and forth from every direction, but only one place to come back to; Your eyes staring him down.
The silent wind whooshes against his back tickling his nape. You were staring at each other as if both of you were long lost lovers that were separated for years. She then scoffs with a playful smile lingering on the sides of her lips, breaking the mutual silence shared together as she grazes her hand over her hair and tears her gaze away from him. “I wasn't expecting a super star in the streets and… all.” Her voice trails as he feels the expectations of the world crash down on him. Embarrassment creeps up to his cheeks. Even if he was a widely known super star, he still is the young boy who dreamed to be loved.
Her gaze then lands on him once again. Her eyes drifted to his now sagged shoulders, and pursed lips. You walked up to him, and gave him a genuine smile as she tries to open her mouth to say something. His eyebrows hiked up waiting for her to say something. But nothing comes out, just her walking forwards nodding her head signaling him to follow her. She didn't freak out, or she didn't overreact, or even scream at the top of her lungs when she revealed it to herself that he was widely known. Instead, just a signal for him to move along or else he’ll get lost again…
It's been a while since he felt this kind of leap in his heart. It's been a while since a person who didn't acknowledge him as a super star or a spectacle. Just a person who she met on the sidewalk asking for direction. A subtle smile then tugs the sides of his mouth as he walks along with her.
Still holding onto his sunglasses, walking slowly as she puts her hands behind her back. She decided to not pry into his flaming fame. “Why are you in this part of town anyways?” She turns her head towards his. He was already staring back at you and already has a small tug on his face, he then replies “Oh, uhm, I was forced to go to a party by one of my brothers.” she hums in amusement, “Oh? So you were bored and decided to get lost?” he snorted at her comment and let out an airy giggle, “Welp you could say that.”. Then the loud blasting of music started to come nearer and nearer, she then nodded in agreement. “Well that sums up why you wanted to leave, I’d leave too honestly.”
Beyond the house flashing colors and music shaking every pane of the glass of the house. They stood together looking at the same thing. “Well, It's time for me to leave.” She then turned around and was getting ready to disappear into the night. But she felt cold hands grip her wrist gently. You turn to look at him, his eyes watery and filled with longing. She felt her body relax on her own, she then turned around to face him directly. His eyes were so expressive, you can predict that he was yearning and longing for a person who just sees him for who he is. But—
“My sunglasses, silly.”
“How about a trade?” You fought back with a playful smile.
He smiles, and chuckles and shakes his head and looks back at you.
“Sure, what kind of trade?”
“I get your sunglasses, you get to have my scarf”
“Oh…!” he was bewildered, as she wrapped her yellow scarf around his neck. Embracing him with her scent and subconsciously leans into the warm and plush fabric of the scarf. In return she wears his sunglasses, smiles, turns around, and leaves him standing in front the yard of the house.
Grinning as if he won the lottery, he begins walking towards the party again. With his fingers fiddling with the plush fabric of her scarf. He stops dead in his tracks as he remembers he didn't even catch her name scolding himself like an idiot, he turns around again to look for her. Rushing back down the steps he turns to the direction where she was. He caught a glimpse of her blue dress already turning left at the end of the street. “Oh my god! I'm such an idiot!” he flew his hands on his head and crumpled on the pavement. He was too spell bound to the point where he didn't even ask for her name.