Magnolia thrived with life and celebration, yet in the corner of a small restaurant, a boy played a melody of sorrow. Each note carried years of pain, loss, and solitude—a heart weighed down by scars the crowd could never see.
On a modest wooden stage, Ryuji sat with his instrument resting in his hands. His silver-blue hair hung loosely over his face, icy-blue eyes half-hidden as he strummed and sang.
His voice was calm but heavy, the kind of sound that silenced even the most talkative guests. The melody wasn't loud, nor was it cheerful—it was bittersweet, as though each lyric carried fragments of memories too painful to speak aloud.
Lucy Heartfilia, seated near the front with her guildmates, lowered her drink and listened intently.
Lucy (softly, almost to herself): "This song... it's beautiful, but so sad..."
Natsu Dragneel tilted his head, sniffing the air curiously.
Natsu (frowning): "Hey... this guy smells weird. Not like a normal person."
Happy, perched on the table, blinked his big eyes.
Happy: "Aye! You think he's hiding something, Natsu?"
Beside them, Wendy Marvell sat forward, her hands clasped nervously. She felt something stirring in the boy's song, a pain that resonated with her own. Carla hovered protectively at her shoulder, sharp eyes narrowing on the performer.
Gray Fullbuster leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, trying not to show that he, too, was drawn in.
Gray (grumbling): "Tch. Whoever he is, he sure knows how to pour his guts into music."
At the head of the table, Erza Scarlet sat straight, her piercing gaze never leaving the boy. She wasn't just hearing the music—she was studying the one playing it.
When the song ended, the room gave a gentle applause, but Ryuji only lowered his head slightly, accepting it without a smile. He quickly packed up his instrument, his body language screaming that he didn't want to be approached.
But Fairy Tail didn't miss the aura around him. Natsu was the first to stand, grinning despite the sadness he'd just heard.
Natsu: "Hey, you! That was pretty good. What's your name?"
Ryuji glanced at him briefly, then looked away, his voice low.
Ryuji: "...Not interested in talking."
Natsu scowled, but before he could snap, Wendy leaned forward, her eyes soft and sincere.
Wendy: "We just... wanted to say your song was beautiful. We'd like to be friends."
For the briefest moment, something flickered in Ryuji's eyes—a mix of longing and pain. He whispered under his breath, words meant only for himself.
Ryuji (whispering): "Friends... I can't... I can't lose anyone again..."
Carla caught the whisper. Her eyes narrowed, but she said nothing, simply watching as the boy stood and walked away, leaving Fairy Tail curious and concerned.
Fairy Tail belongs to Hiro Mashima/Kodansha. I only own Ryuji Kazuma and this fan story. Non-commercial fan work.