The sun dipped low over Magnolia, casting golden light through the restaurant's wide windows. Ryuji sat across from Wendy, both of them with instruments in hand. Their melodies wove together hesitantly at first, then with more confidence as Wendy followed Ryuji's lead. For the first time in years, he allowed himself a faint smile.
Wendy (smiling nervously, but proud): "See? I'm keeping up this time!"
Ryuji (quiet, but softer than usual): "...Not bad. You'll get better with practice."
Carla watched from a chair nearby, her sharp eyes never leaving the boy.
Carla (flatly): "Don't get too comfortable, Wendy. Kindness can be dangerous."
Wendy pouted but didn't argue. She returned to her instrument, determined to draw another note of approval from Ryuji.
Across the street, Natsu, Lucy, Erza, Gray, and Happy had gathered under the shadow of a shop awning. They weren't hiding well—Natsu's hair and Happy's tail were far too obvious—but they were intent on observing.
Natsu (grumbling, arms crossed): "Man, that kid's always so tense. It's like he doesn't even know how to have fun."
Gray (hands in pockets, watching carefully): "...He looks like he's been through some tough stuff. Way too serious for a boy his age."
Lucy (eyes softened, listening to the music): "His songs... they feel so emotional. You can hear the sadness in every note. There's something more behind it, even if we don't know what."
Happy (snickering, tail swishing): "Aye! Maybe Ryuji just needs more fish and hugs."
Erza (frowning slightly, thoughtful): "It's rare for someone so guarded to open up, even a little. Wendy seems to be his key."
The group grew quiet, the weight of Erza's words settling in.
Back inside, Wendy looked up from her instrument, cheeks flushed with a small sense of accomplishment.
Wendy (brightly, almost playful): "Ryuji... when you play like this, you don't look so lonely. It suits you."
Ryuji froze at her words. His fingers stilled on the strings, a shadow flickering in his eyes. He looked away, muttering under his breath.
Ryuji (softly, almost to himself): ...I can't let myself get too close...
Wendy tilted her head, not fully catching his words, but sensing the weight behind them. She simply smiled, refusing to let the silence feel heavy.
The night deepened, their music carrying faintly into the streets. Across the way, Fairy Tail's Members lingered, exchanging looks—not with judgment, but with growing curiosity and a hint of quiet concern.
Fairy Tail belongs to Hiro Mashima/Kodansha. I only own Ryuji Kazuma and this fan story. Non-commercial fan work.