Half_Boiled_Man

"All I ever had was the piano" Is what I used to think. Through the bullying and isolation, he served as my voice. The only voice I ever had. Well, now I have Jishi. The guy who barged into my life. "Sorry" he said. He used to ignore me a lot, but I didn't dislike him. In fact, he was the only person I counted on. A genuine friend, someone who I can trust. Well, that is until someone, no, something broke into the music room. A BAT?!

Convict of Silence

The rich smell of salami took over my nostrils. The greasy view of its fat conquering my stomach. Saliva started banging at my teeth, flooding my mouth. Beside the salami stood a modest mount of mashed potatoes. Not resisting to the temptation, I sink my fork into the salami. Joy filled my tongue as I chewed. Meticulously savoring the spice of every bite.


Before me sat Jishi, his dish untouched as his gaze fell astray. Jishi? Lost in thought? The idea just didn't click in my head. This is the guy who'd waltz his way into a country music festival with his violin. Dismissing the memory, I tap at Jishi's hand. His body jumps as his eyes frantically turn to mine.


"Are you okay?" My hands worriedly making out the words.


"Yeah, sorry" His voice halfheartedly jotting out words as he lazily ate his food. Jishi felt distant. Maybe we didn't grow as close as I thought.


After eating, I dragged Jishi up to the attic.  Sun rays peeked through the lone window in the far end.


"Are you going to play?" Jishi's voice questioned tiredly.


While nodding, I approach the piano. Jishi walked up to a wall and sat on the floor. His expression wearing a tired, distant look. While slightly worried, I lift my arms and so begin.


A nonchalant echo ran walked across the room. Although a bit subdued. Soon it got faster. From walking to running as Jishi's eyes finally changed.


"Chopin's Allegro de Concert," A feeble smile climbing up his lips. His eyes catching the glow of the sun as they stared at the piano. Allegro de concert, Op 46 Jishi's favorite piece from Chopin. So I hope it cheers him up a little.


As I continued, the high spirits of the piano's run painted a lyrical piece. Slowing again to bear its witness. My fingers turned sore, but I chose not to mind them. As I slowly approached the coda, I braced myself. A colorful run turned into a vivid sprint.


Edging ever closer to the finale. The piano overjoyed as my hands slid through it. Dragging my body to the far end. Only to pull me back as it burst into a colorful roar. Jumping from a vivid sprint to a joyous dance. As I too danced with the sweat stroking down my forehead.


Once in the home stretch, my lips curled up for one last dash. Dragging my fingers from left to right. Following the melody with a grin on my face. Then it all ended. An elated roar ran through the room. Bouncing off the walls and circling around us.


Pulling my fingers away from the piano. I looked at Jishi, who stared in awe. I returned it with a grin.


"You seem better now," Pushing my hands into words, I poked at Jishi. He returned that with a grin of his own.


"And you seem satisfied," His voice ringing across the room gently.


"Well, I'm proud of learning this one," Forcing my hands into a final sentence before collapsing exhausted. My fingers sore from playing couldn't handle it anymore.


"Thanks" Jishi's words stroke at my ears. His eyes shined calmly, a rare sight. Though a bit shocked, I replied with a smile. 


He didn't seem to thunder like he usually did. But he didn't feel like before. It felt as though he was more... real. As if that small smile and those calm eyes suited him. Or rather, they were truly a part of him. The clock hit 12 before Jishi's sleep over and visit ended. As he stepped away under the sun's raging heat. I felt I finally understand Jishi, even if just a little bit more.


Chapter 27: Morning Concerto