"And— That's basically it! Hey, were you listening!?"
With a start, Kazuha snapped back to reality, his gaze meeting Venti's concerned eyes. "Yes?" he responded, his voice soft yet distant.
Venti let out a sigh of relief, but his suspicions lingered. "Kazuha, were you listening?" he probed, his tone tinged with a mix of curiosity and accusatory doubt.
"Yes, I was," Kazuha affirmed, his words lacking their usual confidence.
The infamous lie, people say.
Unsure of how to proceed, Venti chose to confront the issue head-on. "I don't think so, buddy," he remarked, his words tinged with playful banter. "You seemed out of shape."
Out of shape.
Really, Venti? How so?
The words echoed in Kazuha's mind, stirring a whirlwind of emotions within him. How true that statement was, he thought, as he recalled the tumultuous thoughts that had plagued his mind in recent days.
He despised it.
Kazuha also hated the feeling of being unable to concentrate on a task at hand without his mind wandering off to places unknown. The frustration it brought him was palpable, like a heavy weight on his shoulders that he couldn't shake off.
Struggling to mask his inner turmoil, he mustered a weak smile and replied, "I'm fine, Venti. Just a bit distracted, that's all."
However, Venti was not convinced. With a penetrating gaze, he pressed on, "You know you can confide in me, don't you? I am here to listen, if you are willing to share."
His heart ached at Venti's genuine concern, knowing he couldn't keep up the facade any longer. With a heavy sigh, he poured out his frustrations, letting the words flow freely as Venti listened intently.
"Oh my, young love!" Venti exclaimed with a mischievous grin, nudging Kazuha playfully, as he tried to lighten up the mood.
"Indeed," Kazuha agreed, a faint blush dusting his cheeks at the teasing implication in Venti's words.
Venti's expression softened as he looked at his friend. "Though, I must say, you do need to rest soon, Kazuha," he commented gently. "I must take my leave now."
Kazuha nodded in understanding as he watched Venti rise from his seat. The sound of Venti's soft footsteps echoed in the room as he made his way to the door. Before opening it, he turned to look back at Kazuha, a warm smile on his lips.
As Venti bid his farewell, Kazuha's thoughts drifted back to the moments they had shared together. The white-haired boy turned his attention back to his desk, and reached out to grab a quill. The room was quiet once more, filled only with the soft scratching of the quill against parchment as Kazuha began to write.
✵
⠀
⎯⎯⎯ September 1, 2020.
To my dearest [name],
The weight of the world presses down on me, and I find myself drowning in the demands of this place. In the absence of your calming presence, I struggle to find inspiration in my music. Working with Venti only serves to remind me of how much I miss you by my side, my dear.
⠀
Each concert that passes serves only to underscore the void where you should be standing, supporting me with your unwavering love and strength. In every note I write, in every melody I compose, I find myself longing for the harmony of your presence, the gentle melody of your voice.
⠀
My darling, I always long for the day when I will once again feel your presence beside me, when I can hold you close once more, and when the distance between us is but a memory of the past.
⠀
⎯⎯⎯ Yours always and forever, Kazuha.
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