Ability Wielders - Chapter 143 Classical Pianist Showcase

Of course, with the budding talents of singers in the world, there were many out there that was spectacular, but Jin-ae, and the other CHORUS members who were participating for that matter, stood out amongst them.

Afterwards, Hayden, Eun-ha, and Sayuri went to the Inner Area’s Thriller Park. Eun-ha, known for her intolerance for heights amongst fans, which she still was even with her power to fly and the speed of it, was holding on for dear life to Hayden’s and Sayuri’s arms during the rides.

Meanwhile, Hayden filmed for a vlog the entire time, proudly ‘fanboying’ over the two agreeing to accompany him in the Thriller Park. It was all for publicity and preparation for the big reveal. It’s also for his time to extend to new types of videos for his growing channel to attract more viewers.

In time, the curtain of stars draped over the sky. Hayden and Sayuri went to watch Eun-ha to the event held by the Global Pianist Congregate. It was a formal event for those that enjoyed piano pieces.

As Eun-ha came earlier than them to submit the piece she was playing, Hayden and Sayuri went to the event together. Sayuri wore an elegant red one-piece off-shoulder dress. On the other hand, Hayden donned a white polo underneath a black vest, black trousers, and black leather shoes.

As it was a formal event, Hayden and Sayuri wasn’t flooded by the fans, only conversing about them from afar. The event was held at a majestic grand hall fit for the elegance of the piano instrument.

Hayden and Sayuri stood in an obscure corner of the hall. Sayuri, in spite of her extrovert nature, gladly accompanied Hayden in his solitude. She let go of any thoughts on ‘partying’ as she fully understood that Hayden doesn’t want to do it.

“You can go and socialize, you know?” Hayden drank from his wine glass with poise. “I’m perfectly used to going in social events alone and staying in a corner. It’s kind of what us introverts do.”

Looking around, there was indeed a number of introverted people around Hayden. Still, the position was compromised thanks to Hayden’s outstanding disposition, attracting such attention that part of the spotlight was starting to scoot over to where he was.

“No, I’m fine with hanging out with you.” Sayuri sweetly smiled at Hayden. “I’m here to support Eun-ha-ya alongside you in the first place, not socialize. I think I do not need to emphasize on my point further, baby.”

“You don’t.” Hayden shook his head with a smile on his face. “Because I should know by now that you like spending time with me more than socializing since I’m a ‘fascinating wonder of nature.’”

Hayden and Sayuri was quietly talking in the corner when they were approached by none other than Akwasi, Kokou, and Adwozi. They were all sporting fanciful formal attire. Akwasi put up a respectful front. “Hello, Hayden. Miyazato Sayuri-ssi, nice to meet you. I’m Akwasi Quatei, this is Kokou Osiwa and his girlfriend, Adwozi Asamong.”

“Nice to meet the three of you.” Sayuri bowed slightly at the trio. “Are you here to watch Eun-ha-ya as well?”

“I am, I am.” Akwasi giggled. Hayden, Kokou, and Adwozi all shot glances of repulsion at Akwasi, which Akwasi ignored. “As for these two, they’re here for a date.”

“How romantic.” Sayuri gave the two her signature bubbly smile. This struck Akwasi’s heart. “I hope the two of you stay strong together.”

“Thank you very much, Sayuri-ssi.” Adwozi politely nodded at Sayuri. “We won’t be bothering the two of you any longer, right, Kokou? Akwasi?”

“Yes, yes, enjoy your night.” Kokou got what Adwozi was trying to achieve. Akwasi didn’t.

“Why not join them for the night?” Akwasi was clueless, his eyes stuck on Sayuri’s stunning beauty with love-struck eyes. “We don’t have to leave them, righ-”

Akwasi was woken by a force hitting his head. It was Kokou. Kokou then forced him to bow and apologized for Akwasi. “We apologize for Akwasi’s behavior. He doesn’t know the boundaries of personal space all that well.”

“You…” Akwasi was insulted by Kokou’s disparaging words. “Do-”

Akwasi, making eye contact with Kokou, stopped talking midway. Kokou’s gaze transmitted all he needed. ‘Let’s stop bothering them. They’re clearly increasingly becoming annoyed by you. So stop, let’s leave them alone.’

Akwasi, looking into the direction of the ‘beaming’ Hayden and Sayuri, finally noticed Hayden’s docile hostility targeted at him. Hayden disregarded Akwasi and turned his head to Kokou. “It is fine, Kokou. This is a formal social event. Anyway, I don’t believe we have formally introduced ourselves.”

Hayden and Kokou shook hands. Hayden had a good impression of Kokou. He was the one who acted as a ‘cushion’ for Akwasi’s simpleton personality. Their dynamic was similar to Hayden and Daniel’s, albeit Daniel was less ‘feral,’ much cleverer, and was sensible.

“Yes, it is nice to meet you.” The atmosphere between Hayden and Kokou was harmonious. As if two like-minded people have found each other. “I’m a big fan of your skillful plays, Hayden. I am looking forward to our match.”

“I am looking forward to it too, Kokou.” The topic shifted into that of a light-hearted rivalry. Hayden and Kokou got along easily. “I’m a fan of your fast-paced plays and great strategic sense.”

“You flatter me.” Kokou humbly accepted the compliment. “Anyways, we’re not all that familiar to accompany you for the night. We will be taking our leave.”

“I hope that you enjoy the performances, Kokou.” Hayden was satisfied of Kokou receiving Hayden’s subliminal message. “Have a lovely night with your girlfriend. As for Mr. Akwasi, enjoy Eun-ha noona’s performance later on.”

Akwasi’s face twitched. The familiarity that Hayden had with Eun-ha was jealousy-inducing. Especially since Eun-ha was his bias. He was going to spout words when Kokou dragged him away from Hayden and Sayuri.

“Interesting duo.” Sayuri smacked her lips prior to sipping wine. “That Kokou has a similar mentality with you, huh?”

“Indeed.” Hayden didn’t deny it. “Akwasi should be thankful that Kokou is his friend. Akwasi’s too much of a straightforward attitude in life would be his downfall.”

“Tsk.” Sayuri chuckled. “What a hypocrite. You’re also a straightforward man.”

“I’m not.” Hayden pouted, staring at Sayuri. “Is that how I come across to you?”

“I’m joking.” Sayuri nudged Hayden in the arm and snorted. “Seriously, you’re straightforward. But controlled. You’re more of a go with the flow guy. Swaying in the wind. You’re exclusively straightforward when dealing with those close to you. Like me, or Eun-ha. Or Mieko. Or Chung-hee. Or Shu-Ching. Oh yeah, let me ask, what’s up with you and Shu-Ching-ah? She’s smiling a whole lot these days when she’s on her phone.”

“Really?” Hayden innocently questioned. “Well, it is odd that she initiates text conversations with me nowadays. She enthusiastically asks about my matches on calls too.”

“Ahh, that’s why she locks herself in her hotel room at times.” Sayuri chortled. “Take care of that girl, okay? You’re a fan, you know how she is.”

“Are you suggesting that she likes me?” Hayden narrowed his eyes. “I’ve always seen her as a good friend. And she has stated herself that I’ve become her best friend.”

“You two are best friends, huh?” Sayuri bobbed her head. “You know, the best kind of relationship stems from-”

“Stop, Sunshine. Stop.” Hayden looked at her with flattened lips. “It’s so weird that the two of you are always shipping me with other women. It’s not that I hate it. It’s that… Well, it’s weird.”

“Heh, we like teasing you. What can we say?” Sayuri was tickled by Hayden being weirded out by them. “Also, the more, the merrier. You are welcome to take on people outside of CHORUS too. We’ll make sure they’ll fit right in.”

“You two are so weird.” Hayden shook his head in amusement. “I seriously do love both of you guys’ sense of humor. Sometimes it’s a bit sadistic though.”

“Oho, sadism. Are you that kind-” Sayuri stopped in the middle of her sentence, feeling that Hayden’s gaze was on her. “Let me guess, Eun-ha asked this question to you.”

“Nearly the exact same one, Sunshine.” Hayden chuckled. “Nearly the exact same one.”

At that moment, the lights dimmed as a spotlight was shone on the stage. A beautiful woman, dressed in a blue mermaid dress that accentuated her body, exited into the stage.

“Good evening, piano aficionados.” The woman’s announcer voice boomed out of the speakers. “Welcome to the annual Classical Pianist Showcase held by Global Pianist Congregate. As we all know that you are here to listen to original piano pieces created by classical pianists, we will get straight onto it. Let me introduce the first pianist. She is considered as one of the most prodigal pianist that got her Classical Pianist certification recently last year. She has published five pieces thus far, all regarded as masterpieces by pianists in the whole world.”

Hayden was curious as to who was this. Why? He remembered that Eun-ha got her Classical Pianist certification last year and has published five pieces on the internet. Yes, those five were all indeed held as masterpieces.

“She will be performing for us her new written piece.” The emcee declared graciously. “Its title is Lonely Nocturne Star. Please welcome, Miss Kim Eun-ha.”

A round of applause pervaded the room. Hayden and Sayuri clapped with surprise contained in their countenances. They weren’t informed that Eun-ha was the first performer. Being the first and last performer was always the most important positions when it comes to any event.

Eun-ha entered the stage with free flowing wavy hair and in a white sheath dress. She was nothing but tantalizing for the men in the audience. Who wouldn’t be allured by the seamless combination of her sexiness, beauty, and cuteness? That flawless milky white skin just made it worse for the crowd.

Eun-ha, in a trance, sat in front the grand piano upfront. She hit the first key and started playing. The music was elegant and lonely at the same time. Which then transitioned into a more intense pace. It was as if you were in a game.

Next, the piece became that of a romantic and passionate rhythm. One that gives the heart flutters and the impression of a burning romance. The last part of the performance was that of gentleness.

Everybody interpreted the piece in a different way, as all music is. Akwasi simply loved the piano piece. Kokou and Adwozi felt that the piece tells the love story of a forbidden love. Sayuri thought that this was the life story of Eun-ha.

Solely Hayden got the true message of the song. Lonely Nocturne Star. A night sky with a single dot. It was a story of how him and Eun-ha met. It was fantastic. It was lovely. A single teardrop trickled down the side of Hayden’s face as he watched Eun-ha’s impressive performance.

He questioned whether he was really deserving such a woman. Gentle. Kind. Loving. Passionate. Adorable. Sophisticated. Sexy. Considerate. Smart. There were no words to describe how grateful Hayden was to have met such a woman.

A fervent round of claps followed the dreamy end of the piano piece. Eun-ha stood up, her eyes skimming through the crowd. Hayden and Eun-ha found each other at a standstill when they locked gazes. The entire world froze. It was as if they were alone.

Eun-ha’s eyes relayed one loud message: ‘I love you.’

This eye contact lasted for an eternity for the two. In reality, it was merely a single second. The announcer came back out. “That was amazing, Miss Kim Eun-ha. It was tear-jerking and soul-stirring for me. Can you tell us what was your inspiration for writing this piece?”

“That is a personal matter.” Eun-ha ‘struggled’ speaking in English. “It is a piece that is better to be left comprehended by the soul and heart rather than the mind and ears.”

Hayden smiled upon hearing Eun-ha’s answer. It was a smart way to avoid the truth of the piece. ‘Fuck, I love this woman.’

With that, Eun-ha’s performance was concluded. She exited the stage and met with Hayden and Sayuri. Hayden and Eun-ha hugged tightly. The two wanted to make out. Alas, they couldn’t as they were in such a high-profile setting.

Akwasi, with a piercing gaze, rotated his head to their direction. If looks could kill, Hayden would’ve died a million times over. He was slapped by Kokou in the neck. “Don’t gawk at them, you fucking idiot.”

“I love you so much, Gonjunim.” Hayden whispered to Eun-ha’s ears.

“I love you too, honey.” Eun-ha whispered back. “I never thought I was capable of loving someone to this extent till last week, when I wrote this.”

“You wrote this last week?” The two finally let go of the other. “When?”

“During my free time.” Eun-ha beamed at Hayden affectionately. It was a heart-warming smile and look. “You’re a big inspiration. This is the first movement of what I named ‘Endless Night.’”

“Oh, so that’s your love story, huh?” Sayuri chimed in with her own comment. She was captivated of the new outlook of the song she was exposed to. “I thought it was the story of your life or something. That’s awesome.”

“Right?” Hayden couldn’t believe Eun-ha’s talent in composing. “What a talented woman. You became more attractive, tsk.”

“What can I do to become more charming in your eyes?” Sayuri pouted angrily at Hayden. “I don’t have any hobbies, you know?”

“You’re a skilled conversationalist, Sunshine.” Hayden pinched Sayuri’s right cheek. “Don’t undermine your own value. You’ll be a great asset in the near future. On top of that, that perfume thing will be a great business prospect.”

Sayuri was speechless of Hayden’s answer to reassure her. It was an iron-clad answer that you cannot find a fault in. Unless you were that hell-bent on doing so, that is. Sayuri was not that kind of person.

“Thanks, baby.” Sayuri was delighted.

Subsequently, the trio watched the performances of the classical pianists. It was intriguing as to how many emotions piano music can invoke. ‘And they say that piano music is an acquired taste.’

During the fourth performer, a beautiful woman approached the trio from behind. It was Likoria, dressed in a blue princess seam dress. Likoria playfully ‘scared’ Hayden.

Orienting his body to face Likoria and laying his eyes on her, Hayden’s expression twisted from confusion, to rage, to tranquility within the span of a second. “Likoria, what are you doing here?”

Hayden’s change of expression didn’t escape the perception of Eun-ha and Sayuri. They didn’t speak of it, prompting to observe the situation for the meantime.

“I’ve never known that music can be this titillating.” Likoria made herself comfortable in the company of Hayden, Sayuri, and Eun-ha. “Why didn’t you invite me here, Hayden?”

“Uh… Because we aren’t that close?” Hayden was vexed by Likoria. Was she trying to sabotage his relationship with Eun-ha and Sayuri? “Also, wouldn’t you be punished if you’re caught wandering out of that place?”

“Nah, we are all free to exit that place whenever we desire as long as we don’t leave this island.” Likoria didn’t hide anything from Eun-ha and Sayuri. “Aren’t you going to introduce me to these two lovely sisters, Hayden?”

Hayden narrowed his eyes. For the first time in his life, he couldn’t read what a person, Likoria, was planning. He had his predictions, but he couldn’t pinpoint it. It was startling. “Why are you here, Likoria? What’s your business with me?”

“I was curious as to why you were going to this hall.” Likoria’s straightforwardness went right back out. “Anyways, since Hayden here isn’t introducing me, hello sisters. My name is Likoria Thorian, a friend of Hayden.”

“Hello.” Sayuri smiled at Likoria and shook hands with her ‘without much thought.’ “How are you, Likoria? It is nice to meet you.”

“Uh, excuse us for a moment.” Hayden grabbed Likoria on the arm and dragged her away forcefully. He asked angrily, “What the hell?”

“What? Can’t I enjoy music as much as you?” Likoria frowned. “Don’t worry, I’m not here to challenge you or anything. I genuinely find piano music, well, music to the ears. It’s beautiful.”

“You’re the one who was following me around, weren’t you?” Hayden pinned his suspicion on Likoria. “Nobody from the Overseers sent someone to monitor me. It was you who was monitoring me. Did you see anything?”

“No, no, I didn’t see anything.” Likoria waved her hands. “I still respect your privacy. Wait, you sensed me when I was tailing you?”

“Yes, my instincts are that powerful.” Hayden sighed. “Just, please, don’t ruin my bonding time with my girls.”

“Rest assured, I’m not going to.” Likoria denied. “Don’t worry, I’m only here to enjoy the music. Nothing else. I’ll zip my mouth the entire night. You have to let me come with you though. I don’t know the layout of this place.”

“What are you? A little kid?” Hayden had a headache. “Fine. Please behave, you spoiled rich kid. Don’t you dare use the sympathy card on me. I can understand that you’re perfectly used to the lonely state of life.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Likoria seemed happy that Hayden let her tag along. The two returned to the side of Eun-ha and Sayuri.

Akwasi, far away, gave Hayden the stink eye. He was indignant and internally breaking down. ‘Who the hell is that pretty lady? Why is she with Hayden? What in the freaking world is up with him?’

Hayden, although he can sense Akwasi’s hostility with his Danger Sense, ignored it. Hayden’s Danger Sense worked in such a way that it notified him what kind of threat something was by stimulating his fear and survival instincts. And Akwasi was apparently a non-threat.

That was when his Danger Sense fed him information of an oncoming catastrophe. ‘What the fuck is happening?’

Abruptly, the lights in the hall dimed. Shouts of fear and shock came from the crowd. They were obviously affrighted of the sudden event.

Hayden, with his Divine Perception, remained aware of his surroundings. Thankfully, it appeared that there was no attempt for his life based on his Danger Sense. Nor was there any attempt on Eun-ha or Sayuri’s life with the way the surroundings looked.

Creating a bit of light and redirecting it to the front, Hayden created pseudo-night vision for himself. In front was a man in black ninja-like apparel alongside silver boots, his face covered in a white mask that had realistic human features. He wore a green poncho with golden lines.

He was accompanied by a woman with the same mask, except that it had a clownish design. She was also clothed in a black bodycon dress that covered most of her body and a white sash in place of the poncho.

The spotlight lit back up. A man’s voice, tenor, came from the speakers. “Um… Hello, mic test, mic test. Okay. Congratulations! You are all effectively hostages!”