The morning light spilled into the practice rooms, warm and golden. Yuki stretched lazily in his dorm room, feeling the calm hum of familiarity. But today was different. Today, a new piano had been moved in — right beside his room.
He blinked at the shiny black instrument, polished and elegant, the keys gleaming under the morning sun. A small note rested on top: Practice whenever you like.
Curiosity and anticipation bubbled in his chest as he stepped closer, brushing his fingers over the keys. Then he heard it — a soft, tentative note, followed by a melody that made his breath catch. The melody, the subtle phrasing, the perfect timing… it was him. The music that had guided his every step, every turn, every leap in the studio, was here.
And then, from the doorway, a familiar voice spoke softly: "Hello."
Yuki froze, heart hammering. He turned slowly. Standing there, leaning casually against the frame, was Kenji — calm, composed, but with a warmth in his eyes that made Yuki's chest tighten.
"You…" Yuki whispered, disbelief in his tone. "You're… the piano? You've been… all this time?"
Kenji chuckled softly, walking toward him. "All this time." His hands hovered near the keys, as if letting the moment linger. "You were the dancer. I was the pianist. We've been… connected without even knowing it fully."
Yuki's legs felt weak. "I… I can't believe it. All the times I thought… someone else…" His voice trailed off, awe filling him.
Kenji smiled, gentle and patient. "It's not someone else. It's been me."
A long pause stretched between them, filled with unspoken words, realization, and soft laughter. Then Yuki took a tentative step forward, eyes bright. "You… you've been… there. Always. Following me with the music."
Kenji nodded, brushing a stray lock of hair from Yuki's forehead. "Always. You inspired it. Every movement, every leap, every spin. I just… responded."
Yuki's lips curved into a small, awed smile. "I… I can't believe it. I've finally… found you."
Kenji's fingers lightly brushed over Yuki's hand, holding it softly. "You did. And I've been waiting too."
Later that afternoon, they left the school behind and wandered to a nearby rose garden. The air was fragrant with blooms in every shade — deep crimson, soft pink, delicate ivory. Yuki twirled gently, eyes sparkling as he reached to smell a cluster of roses, giggling when Kenji followed suit, leaning close to admire the same blooms.
They walked along the winding paths, brushing hands occasionally, sharing small jokes, and laughing softly. The world felt impossibly bright, impossibly gentle.
Kenji bent down to let Yuki read a small plaque near a white rose bush. "See this?" he asked softly. "They say white roses are for hope and new beginnings."
Yuki's eyes softened. "Perfect." He reached out, brushing his fingers over a delicate bloom. The petals were soft against his skin, and for a moment, he simply breathed in the fragrance, letting the calmness of the garden settle around him.
Kenji watched him, heart swelling with warmth. "I'm glad we're here," he said quietly. "Together."
Yuki turned to him, eyes full of happiness, and nudged him playfully. "You mean… not just together, but… mystery no more?"
Kenji laughed softly, reaching to caress Yuki's cheek. "Not mystery anymore."
The sun dipped low, casting a golden glow over the roses, the paths, and the two of them. Their hands remained entwined, a gentle promise that they had finally found the connection that had always existed between them — the dancer and the pianist, perfectly in tune at last.
Yuki chuckled softly, his hand brushing by a white rose. "I've finally found you. The mystery pianist."
Kenji followed with a soft smile, caressing his cheek. "Not mystery anymore."