The theater was modest, with a low stage that felt intimate. As the heavy red curtains parted, they revealed a violinist—a man in a sharp black suit, perfectly fitted with a bowtie.
He took a slow, steady breath before drawing the bow across the strings. His movements were fluid and rhythmic; his fingers danced across the fingerboard, producing a melody so tender it felt as though it were touching the very hearts of the audience.
The sky outside was void of stars or a moon, as if the universe had stepped aside to let his music fill the emptiness.
Every person in the room was spellbound. His blonde hair, sleeked back, had begun to fray at the edges from the intensity of his performance, a few stray locks falling over his forehead.
"Simply beautiful." It was the only way to describe the atmosphere—a warm, heart-fluttering sensation that transported them to a place of peace. Even the guests who had arrived in a foul mood were silenced, lulled by the melancholic strain of the violin.
Some were moved to tears, their handkerchiefs soaked through. Aya, peeking from the wings, found herself just as captivated as Master Se.
"I had no idea he was a musician. I've never heard a song like this... it's amazing. It makes me feel... happy, in a sad way," Aya whispered.
"Indeed."
As if cast under a spell, the audience felt every ounce of the emotion Ficky poured into the instrument. Though it was a performance, the sorrow was real. Deep grief, disappointment, and anxiety were woven into the notes.
I wonder what Ficky is actually feeling? Aya thought. I get the sense he went through so much before he ever met me.
"Miss Aya," the dwarf whispered beside her. "Did your friend live here before?"
"No. I met him in my own world. And I only just found out he's a wolf-kin... though he never told me himself. He probably has his reasons for keeping his identity a secret."
The entire building felt enveloped in a shared experience of suffering being healed by sound.
"Ficky... even if I know who you really are, I don't care. But I guess feelings aren't something you can easily fake," Aya murmured to herself, pressing her hand against her chest, feeling the frantic beat of her own heart. "I can't forget how much you scared me at first... but who else do I have to lean on?"
"A masterpiece," Master Se choked out from the front row, wiping away tears that had been flowing since the first note. He and his companions were utterly enthralled.
"Look, Miss Aya! Master Se is giving a thumbs up!" the dwarf pointed out.
"Oh, you're right. He likes it—that's good news."
"And look! I just realized—is that a requirement?" the dwarf chuckled, pointing at the stage. "Your friend is wearing his sunglasses while playing the violin!"
"What? He is?!" Aya blinked, finally noticing. She shook her head, feeling a wave of secondhand embarrassment even though it wasn't her on stage.
The final, soft draw of the bow signaled the end. The room erupted into thunderous applause. Ficky bowed deeply, a rare smile crossing his face that sent the crowd into even louder cheers.
"Good play!" Aya clapped, though her face was a mix of pride and confusion. Ficky caught her eye, looking awkward, unable to understand why she looked so conflicted.
"Bravo! Bravo! You're the best, Master Slacard!" Master Se shouted, standing up to lead the standing ovation.
Ficky bowed one last time to Master Se and hurried backstage as the red curtains drew shut.
"Why does your face look like you hated it?" Ficky asked, brow furrowed.
"Because! Didn't you realize how ridiculous you looked playing a violin in sunglasses?"
"Hey, it doesn't break any rules as long as Master Se gave me permission," Ficky shrugged dismissively.
"Fine, whatever. But I prefer it when you take them off," Aya said, reaching out before she could stop herself.
Her hand moved on its own, sliding the sunglasses off Ficky's face. She looked into his eyes—the stunning result of heterochromia. One eye was sapphire blue, the other a shimmering golden-yellow. They sparkled like jewels that no one else in this world could ever find.
"I saw your eyes once before we came to this world. Looking at them now... they really are beautiful."
Ficky's face flushed a deep crimson at the compliment. In his mind, he thought, She looks so much like 'her' when she isn't wearing those ugly glasses of hers.
"Ah... sorry." Aya suddenly snapped back to her senses, realizing what she had done.
"I wasn't thinking. You probably hate being without them, haha." With a hollow laugh, she handed the glasses back and turned away, flustered.
As the theater began to close up, several gold coins materialized, falling between them. Two more fell near Aya. The plan had been a massive success. The dwarf was already busy selling the rest of his snacks to the lingering guests. Both wishes had been granted.
The atmosphere in the theater remained festive, as if the very air was lighter.
"So, when did you learn to play like that?" Aya asked, picking up a coin depicting another coin.
Ficky gathered his own coins—five pieces depicting two people in a state of happiness.
"I learned when I was a kid. Before I left my family... before things became a mess," Ficky revealed quietly.
"A mess?"
"It's nothing. Just the past. Now, it's just me. Let's get moving before it gets too late," Ficky said, once again shutting the door on his history.