Sunday With Luna Part 1

Her gaze wandered, lost in a world where hues blurred into an endless expanse of blue and grey, mirroring the desolation entrenched within her very being. There was a time when vibrant colors danced before her eyes, but that time felt distant, like a fading memory swallowed by the abyss of her existence. The depths of her soul were void of any warmth, any vibrancy, as if it had succumbed to a perpetual state of twilight long ago.

In the delicate interplay of colorful shadows and light, her eyes traced the subtle shifts of those specific hues nestled within the spectrum of blue. Amidst the gentle dance of color, a realization unfurled within her.

A revelation she had never dared to entertain before.

"Luna! Come on, we're running late. Or would you rather spend some more time here?" A voice, sweet and melodious, broke through her reverie. She turned to find the boy, who had momentarily stepped away to take a call, now standing before her with a bright, beaming smile. It was the first time she had ever been the recipient of such a radiant and genuinely warm expression.

A sensation of warmth enveloped her, spreading through her veins like a gentle caress.

And then, as if a veil had been lifted from her eyes, she saw them—the colors—vivid and vibrant, painting the world in hues she had long forgotten existed.

"I'm enjoying this spot. How about we spend another five minutes here?" Luna suggested, casting a hopeful glance at the brunette before she asked, “What do you say, Elliot?”

He nodded, his smile widening. "Honestly, I never expected you to enjoy it this much. I picked the aquarium, thinking you'd prefer somewhere quieter. But I'm glad you're enjoying yourself."

With a gentle smile gracing her lips, Luna moved forward, her hand coming to rest upon the smooth surface of the glass. Her eyes followed the graceful movements of the hundreds of colorful fish, gliding effortlessly through the water. As she watched them, a thought whispered through her mind, ‘An aquarium, was it? I wonder… if, like these vibrant beings amidst the blue expanse… would mirror Elliot as a splash of color within the depths of my life.’

Never had anyone stepped forward to take the lead and show her something… truly beautiful.

Yet here he stood... a human as delicate as a flower, carving his existence amidst the harsh, unforgiving terrain of the desert.

Observing the fishes as they swam gracefully before her, Luna's gaze shifted to the reflection of Elliot beside her. His eyes sparkled with childlike wonder, akin to a constellation of stars, his slender body framed by the cozy embrace of his purple hoodie and sleek black jeans. The contrast of his attire along with his white and black sneakers seemed to accentuate the purity of his innocence, casting a soft glow around him in the dimly lit surroundings.

Even though Luna's thoughts might have seemed fanciful, she wagered that anyone who laid eyes on him could easily envision Elliot as a pure angel, just as she did.

Lost in the reflection of Elliot beside her, Luna found herself more entranced by his presence than by the wonders the aquarium held. Despite it being her inaugural visit, her attention remained fixated on him. Yet, just as she was caught in this reverie, her attention swiftly shifted. Observing a girl on the verge of colliding with Elliot from behind, engrossed in conversation and oblivious to her surroundings, Luna acted swiftly.

With a sudden urgency, she reached out and her svelte fingers clasped around his wrist, pulling him toward her from the impending collision.

Elliot found himself taken aback as he came to an abrupt halt, finding himself in dangerously close proximity to Luna. Relief washed over him; grateful they hadn't collided—an embarrassing mishap narrowly avoided.

However, as he met Luna's gaze, he couldn't shake the realization of their proximity, a mere inch separating their lips. Heat flooded his cheeks as he quickly recoiled, stammering in bashful embarrassment, a hand nervously rubbing the back of his head. "Um, I think it's time we leave... before our reservation expires," he suggested hastily.

As Elliot stumbled over his words in embarrassment, Luna couldn't help but gaze at him with a faint smirk playing on her lips. With a graceful motion, she tossed back her long, wavy brunette hair, its tendrils cascading freely around her waist. Her attire consisted of skinny black jeans paired with a tucked-in black blouse, which was gracefully kept untucked from behind, completed with sleek black ankle boots.

She adorned herself in the timeless elegance of black attire. Elliot wouldn’t ever hesitate to acknowledge that she seemed destined to effortlessly carry off the color black, as it always accentuated her beauty in a breathtaking manner.

"Alright, where are we headed?" Luna inquired, slipping her hands into the pockets of her jeans as she strolled alongside Elliot. "Oh, to a café that’s just around the corner," he replied, and Luna nodded in agreement as they made their way out of the aquarium.

As they stepped out into the crisp, refreshing breeze, Luna found herself unable to resist the urge to inquire, her steps falling into rhythm beside Elliot as he led the way to their next destination. "Elliot... may I ask who called you back when we were still in the aquarium?" she questioned, her curiosity piqued.

As they navigated through the bustling streets, teeming with the vibrant pulse of city life, Elliot responded nonchalantly, his attention divided between the conversation and the lively surroundings. "It was Felicia," he explained his tone light, not quite grasping the gravity of the conversation. "She forgot to mention yesterday that she wanted me to come to her performance in our university's ‘performing arts contest’. She seemed really keen for me to be there and wish her luck. She mentioned it's a tough competition. I hope she manages to ace it. She sounded both thrilled and anxious about it."

Luna gritted her teeth as she discerned the genuine happiness in his voice as Elliot spoke of her.

Stepping into the café, she scanned the surroundings, noting its simplicity adorned with touches of elegance in its design and decor. Yet, as her gaze swept over the other patrons indulging in desserts, Luna couldn't help but notice the vibrant array of colors and the exquisite presentation of the dishes, contrasting starkly with the cafe's understated ambiance.

As they settled into the cozy corner by the window, Elliot signaled for the waiter, who promptly made his way to their table. Leaning in slightly, Elliot turned to Luna, his eyes glinting with curiosity. "Luna, what would you prefer to have?" he inquired, his voice laced with anticipation.

Luna, her gaze wandering around the quaint café, responded with a simplicity that betrayed her inexperience in such settings. "Coffee," she stated matter-of-factly, her tone revealing a hint of uncertainty.

Elliot raised an eyebrow, a faint hum escaping his lips as he awaited further specification. When Luna offered no further clarification, he couldn't help but prompt her gently, "Um, but which one?"

Luna pondered for a moment, her thoughts drifting like leaves in the wind before she finally responded, her voice soft with indecision, "Whatever you choose."

Elliot, ever perceptive to the nuances of her mannerisms, didn't miss a beat. He responded promptly, a teasing glint dancing in his eyes, "Oh, really now? But you know me, I have quite the sweet tooth."

Luna's inner monologue echoed with a silent curse as she mulled over her response. "Well, alright then," she relented, her tone tinged with a hint of resignation. "I suppose anything works, just not anything too sweet."

A subtle grin curved Elliot's lips as he observed her, noting the resemblance to a somewhat grumpy cat. With a nod of understanding, he acknowledged her preference, his amusement evident in the sparkle of his eyes.

Following his exchange with the waiter, Elliot shifted his focus to Luna, who seemed lost in contemplation, her eyes fixed on the view beyond the windowpane. Eventually, she turned her attention back to him, curiosity shining in her gaze. "Have you considered participating in the performing arts contest?" she asked, her voice tinged with interest.

Elliot shook his head, a faint smile touching his lips. "Nah, not really my thing. Besides, I don't think I've got much talent to showcase," he admitted with a shrug, his tone light yet tinged with a hint of self-doubt.

Elliot released a sigh tinged with melancholy, his fingers absently toying with the napkin resting on the tablecloth.

Meanwhile, Luna reached out, her hand finding its place on his, a gesture of comfort and solidarity. "You know that's not true," she interjected softly, her voice a soothing melody amidst the cafe's gentle hum.

Memories flooded her mind, and she recounted a pivotal moment, her words laced with nostalgia. "That day, when I came to share something with you, and you were... occupied with Felicia," she began, her gaze steady as she recalled the scene vividly. "I remember showing you the new piano room after our university day had come to an end. And I distinctly recall the remarkable performance you delivered when you got the chance to do again what you loved so much. You have talent, Elliot, and I believe it's about time you started believing in yourself. After all, you've honed your skills all on your own."

Elliot fell silent, his gaze clouded with a sense of despondency as he contemplated Luna's words. "Yeah, I'm self-taught," he murmured finally, his tone heavy with self-doubt. "And maybe that's why... maybe that's why I never feel good enough and every piece that I create comes out to be trash."

“Who told you that?”

Luna's sudden question pierced through the weighty atmosphere, catching Elliot off guard. He was left momentarily speechless, her inquiry hanging in the air like a challenge he hadn't anticipated.

Luna's head swayed gently from side to side before she responded, her words measured yet resolute. "Think about it, Elliot. Your friend Felicia, she's renowned as a singer, practically unmatched in our university. Hell, no one could ever fall on her caliber, and yet, some students dared to challenge her. Why? Because they believed in themselves."

Elliot nibbled at his lower lip as he responded, his voice carrying a hint of nostalgia. "Back in high school, I used to practice a lot. But I don't have access to a piano anymore," he explained with a tinge of regret. "So, I can't really play anymore. That day was just another fleeting moment of reconnecting with my childhood hobby, nothing more."

Elliot's mind wandered back to the days when playing the piano was his sole source of joy.

He reminisced about the times he spent alone in a club room during summer vacations, diligently attending the school as part of his scholarship program to maintain his funding. Whenever he attended classes, he would seek permission from his professors to indulge in his passion for just an hour. They always granted his request, fond of him for his dedication, as he had earned himself the label of a teacher's pet.

Luna's lips curved into a gentle smile as she intertwined her fingers with his and secured their connection. "It seems," she remarked softly, "that it's less about 'you can't' and more about 'you don't want to' play."

Elliot's eyes widened in surprise as the familiar female waiter approached, delivering their drinks to the table.

Despite the interruption, Luna maintained her hold on his hand, her grasp tightening as she continued to gaze into his wide, honey-brown eyes with her own intense, dark grey ones.

After the waiter departed, Luna's voice returned, soft but laden with a gravity that commanded attention. "It's not about talent or competition," she began, her words deliberate and sincere. "It's about what you truly desire. That day, when you played the piano again for the first time after such a long time, I saw the joy it brought you. I want you to have faith in yourself and pursue it, not for accolades or recognition, but for the sheer happiness and tranquility, it brings you. Why relinquish something that illuminates your soul so beautifully?"

"You don't need to prove anything to anyone," Luna continued, her tone reassuring. "Even if you believe in yourself a little, playing solely for your own enjoyment will resonate just as profoundly within your heart."

‘Believe in yourself a little, huh?’

Elliot wondered inwardly, his mind turning over the simple yet impactful phrase.

As the words lingered in his thoughts, he realized with a jolt that this was the first time anyone had ever directly spoken those words to him.

But what options lay before him now?

Just when he had mustered the resolve to leave behind all that was sweet and tranquil in his life.

What remained to believe in, from back then to this moment?

"Everything."

Luna replied abruptly, catching Elliot off guard as her response penetrated his thoughts.

Did he accidentally utter it aloud... he couldn't discern.

"Yes, you did say it out loud, and you're still at it," she affirmed.

Elliot felt a rush of embarrassing warmth flood his cheeks as he grasped the realization that his inner thoughts had escaped him, even though he hadn't voiced a single thought.

It seemed… Luna was the one playing with her dirty little tricks.

Luna delicately sipped her coffee while a thought crossed her mind, ‘wine would be far superior to this mediocre brew.’

Before she gently suggested, "Perhaps it's best we set that topic aside for now. Take some time to think it over, and then we can revisit it later." Elliot nodded in agreement, following suit by taking a sip of his chilled ice cream coffee, the frosty liquid providing a brief respite from the warmth of the conversation. Unbeknownst to him, Luna observed him intently, preparing to catch him off guard once more with another unexpected inquiry.

"Were you and Felicia out on a date yesterday?"