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The sun beat down mercilessly on my head as I walked down the sidewalk next to a co-worker and friend of mine . Her name was Andrea , she started talking to me a week or so ago and we finally found time to hang out outside of work . Or rather , she finally made time in her schedule to spend time with me . She was middle aged with a husband and large family , so needless to say , she had a pretty busy life .
I didn't really have much going on in my own , just work , so actually having someone to talk to was a nice change of pace . We didn't have too much in common , but we got along well . She mostly talked about herself , her chaotic kids , and complained about things her husband did . I'd never been in a relationship before , nor had I really ever been in love , so I didn't have too much advice for her . But she always told me I was a good listener , and that made me feel better for not having much to say .
Andrea fanned her face with her hand and sighed dramatically . “ Ugh , it's so hoott.. “ she groaned . For a middle aged woman , she sure didn’t act like it sometimes .
I giggled and nodded , “ Yeah , it’s pretty bad . ”
“ Hey , is that the café that plays live music ? ” She had stopped to catch her breath and rest , but something must have caught her eye . Following her pointing finger , my gaze landed on a building across the street on the corner . The name sounded vaguely familiar , La Belle , and I recalled seeing it on an advertisement in our work building .
“ I think so… Do you want to go ? ” I turned back to Andrea , who looked like she was about to explode from excitement .
She eagerly nodded , “ Yes ! ”
Air conditioning embraced us as we stepped inside of the building , and Andrea sighed in relief , then she inhaled deeply .
“ Mmh , it smells so good . ” She was talking about the smell of coffee beans that permeated the air , and I simply shook my head with a slight chuckle .
I can’t even begin to recall how many times I’d heard that from people her age . I didn’t really understand it . “ You old people are all the same… ” I teased , immediately hearing an offended gasp .
“ Who are you calling old ?! I'll have you know I'm only turning forty-five this year ! ”
But Andrea's words faded in the background as I looked around the establishment . The sound of harp strings being plucked suddenly stopped , which caused me to realize there was something being played in the first place . My eyes shifted in the direction where the music had been playing from , and I saw a man sitting on a small stool in front of a large black harp .
His hands were hovering elegantly over the strings as if He had been frozen in time while playing a song , and I noticed that He was wearing a jacket . It was a deep , navy blue , with gold piping as an accent . The left shoulder of the jacket had what looked like a small rope hanging from it with a gold tassel , like what would be on a graduation cap . My eyes continued to take in the Man’s appearance , finally landing on His face . To my surprise , He was looking in my direction . Well , His head was facing me , but His eyes were closed . However… It seemed like He was staring directly into my soul .
It was like a spell had been cast on the two of us , both of us stuck in place , staring at each other . It felt as though eternity passed in a second , and then He smiled . The corners of His lips curled up , not too much though . It was gentle , almost serene . If I had a heart , it would have skipped a beat . It might have even stopped beating right then and there .
“ Kiyo ! ” The sound of Andrea’s voice calling out to me snapped me out of my trance , and the spell broke . I flinched , blinked for the first time in however long , and looked over at her .
“ What has gotten into you ? ” She huffed .
“ Who is that ? ” I didn't bother answering her question , I had one of my own . She furrowed her brows at me in confusion before I gestured my head in the direction of the mystery Man .
Andrea looked at Him , then back at me . “ Uhh… I don't know . ” She shrugged . “ Hold on . ”
I watched her look around frantically before spotting a bulletin board near a window . She walked over , eyes scanning the mess of papers that were hung up , then wave me over . Once I was at her side , she pointed to one of the papers . It was a list of upcoming performances for the next few days with times and their names . I found today , then looked for the time frame that matched ours .
“ Prince Light… ” I murmured aloud , and heard Andrea scoff beside me .
“ That's a bit arrogant , isn't it ? Calling yourself a prince . ” She crossed her arms and turned back to look at Him .
I did as well , and again , I was awestruck . “ I think it's fitting… ” The words left me without much thought .
“ Huh ? ” Andrea glanced at me , then back at Him , then me again . My enthrallment must have been written all over my face , because only a second later , I heard her practically guffaw .
I jumped at the sound and my gaze returned to her with irritation . “ Will you be quiet ?! What is so funny ? ”
She just laughed harder as I tried to hush her .
As her laughter died down , the music started again . I gasped and snapped my head back in the direction . I recognized the song immediately . I placed my hands on Andrea’s shoulders and shook her with excitement , though I didn't bother looking at her .
“ He's playing Jason Mraz ! He's playing Lucky ! ” I was whisper-shouting , I didn't want to disturb the sound too much .
I was referring to Lucky by Jason Mraz , one of my favorite musical artists , but I'd never heard any of his music on a harp . This Prince Light was covering it so well , too… Andrea shoved my hands off her shoulders , but she didn't seem upset . She just dragged me over to the barista counter for us to order our drinks . Once we retrieved them , we found somewhere to sit — I insisted we sat near the stage .
I couldn't take my eyes off of the Man as He performed , every second passing made me even more entranced . After His set , He bowed gracefully , and left . My gaze followed Him until I couldn't see Him anymore , and I visibly relaxed when He left my sight . I could hear Andrea snickering like a teenage girl who just got new information to gossip about , and I glared at her . She definitely knew what I was feeling .
As we sipped on our drinks , I noticed Him at the counter . I nearly choked on my matcha from just how excited I was , and I knew I had to say something . I shifted anxiously in my seat , my leg beginning to bounce as I stared at Him . I probably looked like a creep , but I couldn't care . When He stepped aside after ordering , I knew it was my chance . I was so nervous I felt like I could pass out . I'd never been this nervous to talk to someone before , it was embarrassing . However , I steeled myself and stood up from my chair . With shaky , unsure steps , I walked towards Him . That smile from before hadn't left His face , and that didn't help my frazzled nerves one bit . His eyes were still closed , which interested me . They hadn't opened once at all the entire time He was here . Eventually , I was in front of Him . He was decently taller than me , and there was an air of regality around Him that made it even harder to speak up .
“ U - um , hello… ” My stuffy voice was small when I spoke , and I immediately wanted to run away . But it was too late now , as His head lowered to look at me . I almost squeaked . “ I just wanted to say that I - I really enjoyed your cover of Lucky by Jason Mraz… He's one of my favorite artists . ”
His smile broadened , and I wanted to scream , cry , and faint at the sight . “ Why , thank you ! I appreciate it very much . I don't often get feedback on my covers , so this is a pleasant surprise . ” He gave another small bow , then continued . “ I also quite like Jason Mraz , I've never met another fan . ”
I could feel my entire face light up at the mention of Him being a fan , and I clapped my hands together . “ Oh my goodness ! What's your favorite song of his ? ”
He chuckled , and I tensed up . When He opened His mouth to respond , His name was called by the barista . It was Light , like His stage name suggested . He excused Himself to retrieve His drink , and when He returned , I noticed that He got a matcha as well .
“ Oh , hey ! That's what I ordered , too . ” I pointed at the cup in His hand .
There was another chuckle , and He brought the cup up to take a drink . “ Is that so ? What a coincidence . ” He smiled down at me . “ Ah , your question . That's a difficult choice… Hm , if I had to pick , it would be ‘Song for a Friend’ . ”
I gasped , “ Really ?! That's mine , too ! ” Oh I wanted to kiss Him right then and there .
“ Haha , oh my ! That's wonderful ! You have good taste , my friend . ” Approval dripped from Light's voice , and I wanted to squeal with glee . “ Ah , that reminds me . What is your name ? ”
“ O - oh , it's Kiyo… ” I don't know why I stuttered . The nerves must have not left me .
“ Well then , Kiyo , would you like to exchange contact information ? Our conversation has been so pleasant , I would love to be able to have another . ” As He spoke , Light pulled out His phone .
This was a dream come true , I couldn't believe He suggested this . I nodded quickly and pulled mine out as well .
“ Yes , that would be lovely ! ” I cringed at my voice , I knew I would sound too eager . I just hoped Light didn't pick up on that .
We unlocked our phones , and as I went to the contact app , I listened to Light ask for the assistant on His phone to take Him there .
“ Kiyo , would it be too much trouble for you to add yourself ? I am blind , you see , so I am unable to myself . ” He held out His phone towards me , and I suddenly understood why He didn't open His eyes .
“ Ah , that wouldn't be any trouble ! ” After shoving my own phone in my pocket , I took His and typed in my information . Once I was done , I handed it back towards Him .
“ Thank you . ” Our fingers brushed together in the exchange , and I could feel how warm and soft His skin was . It sent my mind blank for a moment . “ Let me know when you're ready for me to tell you mine . ”
“ Oh right . ” Bringing out my phone again , I went to create a new contact , putting in the things He told me . “ Alright , got it . I'll text you so you know it's me . ”
“ That sounds perfect , Kiyo . ” The sound of His voice saying my name made me feel weak in the knees , I wanted Him to say it more . “ Well then , I should be going . My sister must be waiting for me . It was a pleasure to meet you , Kiyo . ” Light held out His hand for me to shake .
I took it and shook it firmly . “ It was nice to meet you too , Light . Have a good day . ”
“ Thank you , you as well . ” With a squeeze , Light let go of my hand , nodded , and then walked out .
Yet again , I stared at Him until I couldn't see Him anymore , and my entire body relaxed exponentially . I sighed , put my hand on my chest and closed my eyes . As I replayed the conversation in my head , I smiled . I was definitely in love .