Ryuji sat on the steps outside a quiet restaurant, lanterns flickering softly in the evening breeze. His fingers plucked slow, mournful notes from his instrument—the kind of sound that carried loneliness rather than joy.
Wendy approached nervously, Carla hovering close behind.
Wendy (gently, with a small bow): "Um... hi. My name is Wendy Marvell... Your music earlier—it was really beautiful. I was wondering if... maybe you could teach me? Even just a little?"
Carla (tail twitching, protective): "Wendy, don't impose. He clearly wants to be left alone."
Wendy (smiling softly, shaking her head): "It's okay, Carla. I just... want to understand him a little more."
Ryuji stiffened at her words, eyes lowering. His grip on the instrument tightened.
Ryuji (coldly, muttering): "...It's not something you can just pick up."
He hesitated, then exhaled and pushed the instrument toward her without meeting her eyes.
Ryuji (quietly, almost like he regrets saying it): "...Ryuji Kazuma."
The name slipped out in a low murmur, just enough for Wendy—and Carla beside her—to hear.
Wendy (smiling warmly, whispering back): "Ryuji Kazuma... Thank you. I'll remember it."
Carla narrowed her eyes, studying him carefully but said nothing.
Wendy sat beside him, carefully holding the instrument. She plucked at the strings—off-key, clumsy. She laughed softly, embarrassed.
Wendy: "Oops... that sounded terrible."
Ryuji (almost rolling his eyes, the faintest smirk tugging at his lips): "Tch... you're holding it wrong. Here."
He reached over, adjusting her fingers gently. Their hands brushed; Wendy flushed, glancing down. Ryuji didn't notice—his gaze was sharp, focused... but not as cold as before.
From the alleyway, voices whispered.
Natsu (grinning, whispering too loud): "He's teaching her! I told you he wasn't that cold!"
Lucy (smiling warmly): "This is... really sweet. Music shows who someone really is."
Gray (smirking, hands in his pockets): "Guess Wendy's got the magic touch. He ignored us completely."
Erza (serious, almost admiring): "It shows her kindness is reaching him. That's Wendy's strength."
Happy (too loud, whispering): "Aye! Wendy and Ryuji, sitting in a tree—"
Lucy (clapping a hand over his mouth): "Happy! Shh!"
Wendy managed to strum a simple tune, shaky but clear. Her eyes lit up.
Wendy: "I... I did it! Thanks to you, Ryuji!"
Ryuji froze for a moment, caught off guard by her smile, before quickly looking away.
Ryuji (quietly): "...Not bad."
For the first time, his voice carried no chill—just the faintest trace of warmth.
Carla (watching sharply, but softening slightly): "Hmph... You'd better not hurt her, boy."
Ryuji lowered his gaze, strumming a quiet note, as if to bury the odd warmth twisting in his chest. Wendy hugged the instrument close, cheeks pink in the lantern light.
The night remained gentle and quiet, but something had changed—an unspoken bond was forming.
Fairy Tail belongs to Hiro Mashima/Kodansha. I only own Ryuji Kazuma and this fan story. Non-commercial fan work.