Brigitte slipped on her coat and bag from her locker. She was one of the last workers to still be around besides one of the janitors and the late night guard. As she was heading to the exit, once again there was music heard from the auditorium.

She made her way backstage, standing behind the back curtain and moved it slightly to look. There he was, the man Mr Muller called Hanzo, sitting at the piano. She had to admit he was pretty good looking this close up. Though she wondered why he had such a frustrated expression on his face. The little bit she heard him play sounded pretty, even if it seemed somewhat disjointed. 

“You can come out now. I know you are there.”

Brigitte jumped slightly at the deep voice, not expecting him to notice. It was an awkward situation but if she just walked away it would have probably been more awkward. So she came out onto the stage. “Sorry, I didn't mean to hide. I just heard music on my way out and came to see what it was. Oh I should probably introduce myself. I’m Brigitte, nice to meet you.”

Hanzo looked at her curiously, by her outfits he could tell she was one of the workers. Getting up from his seat, Hanzo moved closer and offered a hand to shake which she took. “Pleasure to meet you, Brigitte. I am Hanzo. I’ve never seen you around here before. Are you, perchance, a new employee?”

“Yeah, I got hired about a month ago.” Brigitte gave him a friendly smile, feeling a bit at ease. “You’re one of the owners' sons, correct? Mr. Muller mentioned it last night when we saw you play. It sounded pretty from what I could hear.”

“If you think my fumbles trying to compose are good, you should see me when I actually play. I think it would be a bit more enjoyable.” Hanzo couldn't stop the small chuckle, then it dawned on him that it might sound rude. “Apologies for laughing but yes I am one of the owner's sons and that would make sense that I’ve never seen you before because I was out of town when you started here.”

“No trouble at all, I mean I was the one sneaking about.” Brigitte said, scratching at the back of her head.

Hanzo sat down on the bench and came up with an idea. “Would you like to hear something, I can take suggestions. I need a break from giving myself an aneurysm over this anyway.”  

Brigitte took a moment to think, she was never really good at keeping up with music like this and wasn’t sure he’d know anything she’d like. “I don’t know what to suggest. I’m not really good with classical music all that much, how about Moonlight Sonata? That one I know off.”

“Of course I can do that for the lady. Though how about I stick with just the first movement since that's the part you most likely know the best.” Hanzo smiled, preparing his fingers and playing. This was an easy one since he grew up learning it. Closing his eyes slightly as the movements became natural.

Brigitte just stared at him while he played. It was amazing how it sounded echoing across the auditorium with perfect acoustics. She found herself entranced by it and when he finished, Brigitte clapped. “That sounded so beautiful. Where did you learn to play so well?”

“Twenty four years of practice from the best teachers my parents could find, one of them being my mother.” Hanzo said proudly. “It was a long journey but I fell in love with the soul of piano and music. Anyway, if I continue on that train of thought you will be here all night. So is there anything else you wish to hear? If you think I don’t know it, if you have a way of letting me hear it I might be able to play it nonetheless.”

“How about we take turns? I chose a song now it’s your turn to play something you really like.” Brigitte said, she was finding this fun and seeing him so happy was infectious. 

Hanzo blinked a few times and then smiled again, placing his fingers once again on the keys. “That sounds perfect. Here is one of my favorites, see if you can guess it.”

Slowly he started playing the melody, mouthing along with the words slightly. Hanzo was lost in the song completely, swaying along with the music. Not even caring that a Brigitte was staring at him again.

When he finished, he looked back at Brigitte and grinned. “Can you guess it?”

Brigitte knew it sounded familiar but she had been paying more attention to the player. “Hmmm was it something in Phantom of the Opera?”

“The Music of the Night from Phantom of the Opera.” Hanzo gave an amused look of being impressed. “Have you seen it?”

“Only the movie version. Once on movie night my friend chose that.” Brigitte chuckled a little. “So semi lucky guess?”

“Then I take it you have never been to the actual musical.” Hanzo asked.

Brigitte shook her head no.

“If you ever get a chance to see it live, I highly recommend it.” 

“I take it that you like it alot?” Brigitte tilted her head slightly.

“I try to see it once every year, as it is my favorite performances. Though I have never seen the movie. So I guess we have something up on the other.” Hanzo laughed again.

Brigitte blushed slightly, he looked so nice when he smiled. Much better than the frustration she had first seen on him.

“Your turn now.”

She blinked and took a moment to realize what he meant. “Oh.”

“That is if you wish.”

“Do you know I See the Light from Repunzel?” Brigitte bit her lip thinking maybe he would find her childish for picking a cartoon song.

Hanzo tried to remember but was not sure. “I may have but I don’t watch a lot of movies. Do you have it on your phone that I may listen to it?”

She quickly got her phone out and went to her playlist of songs. Placing it on the piano before hitting the play button. Hanzo closed his eyes and listened carefully, asking her to replay it a few times. 

“I think I can attempt that, though it might be a little off without proper practice.” Hanzo said and prepared to play. The first few attempts at starting were a little off until he smiled and found the correct one. Though he didn’t expect her to be quietly singing along with it and twirling about as if dancing to a scene only she saw. 

Even though the song ended, Brigitte danced for a bit longer. Then noticed there was no more music, she stopped suddenly looking extremely embarrassed. “S-sorry, I got carried away. You did really well on my request.”   

Hanzo cleared his throat to distract his thoughts elsewhere. “No need to be sorry, music made you drift off to a place you love and that's all a musician can ask for in the end-” 

The sound of a text message ding from Brigitte’s phone surprised them both.

“Sorry, let me get that.” Brigitte said, still blushing. She opened her inbox to see a message from Hana.

‘Hey are you still at work? Because we are right out front to pick you up for eatz.’

“That was my friend and they are here to pick me up.” Brigitte looked up from her phone, she was almost tempted to invite Hanzo along. 

“Then you should probably go and meet them.” Hanzo said. “The least I can do is walk you to the exit.”

Brigitte picked up her bag then quickly typed. ‘Be there in just a bit.’ Before walking with Hanzo up to the main doors.

“Thank you for the small concert. It was a lot of fun.” Brigitte said with a smile, the blush still on her cheeks. “Enjoy the rest of your night.”

“A pleasure, my lady.” Hanzo took her hand but instead of shaking it, put her knuckles to his lips to kiss it faintly before letting go. “Have a lovely evening.”   

She gave him one last look then opened the door and headed outside.

Hanzo stood there, a strange tugging sensation was felt in his chest. The feeling of hoping he’d get to see her again. Making his way back to the piano, picked up his notebook and scratched out the notes he made previously, starting on something new.

----------------------  

Brigitte held a breath, thinking about what just happened. Silently saying ‘oh my god’ multiple times and trying to calm down before she went over to the dark green jeep that belonged to Lucio.

“Brig~!” Hana nearly yelled out the open window of the front passenger seat. “Come on girl, let’s go eat.”

“No need to yell, Hana.” Lucio said but chuckled and waved to Brigitte. 

Getting into the backseat, Brigitte smiled, hoping that the blush wasn’t noticeable. “Thanks guys for picking me up.”

“No problem.” Lucio replied, getting ready to drive off as Hana jumped into the back to sit with Brigitte. “Since we are celebrating your first month of living here officially, your choice of dinner. Our treat.”

“Hmm, I’d kill for a good burger and fries.” Brigitte said.

“Burgers and fries it is.” Lucio said and headed for one of their usual places.

--------------
It didn’t take too long for them to arrive at their destination and get a booth in the corner. After ordering and getting drinks, Brigitte couldn’t shake the feeling of being stared at.

In the corner of Brigitte’s eyes, she saw Hana giving her one of her playful grins. “Hana why are you looking at me like that?”

“Why were you all flustered?” Hana asked in a sing-song tone. “Did you meet a boi at work? Because last time I saw you look like this you were crazy for that Evan guy back in Sweden.”

She should have known Hana would notice it. So she quickly blurted out. “There was a cute guy practicing piano after work yesterday and tonight, alright. I talked to him some and he was sweet, alright. He even played some songs for me and kissed my hand...”

“Oooh. Brigitte’s got a crush~” Hana said eagerly before sipping her drink.

“Ugh no I don’t.” Brigitte said with a sigh, she wasn’t going to hear the end of it. 

“What’s his name? I’m curious.” Lucio asked.

“Hanzo, son to one of the owners of the concert hall- ”  

Though Brigitte didn’t get to finish the rest as Hana did a spit take on Lucio, who got some napkins to wipe his face off.

“You said his name was Hanzo?” Hana asked.

“Yeah...is that bad?” Brigitte was really confused and looked between both her friends.

Before Lucio could get a word in Hana jumped in again. “Describe him.”

“About my height. I’d say toned build. Long black hair and goatee with brown eyes. Japanese.” Brigitte said, still really confused.

Lucio shushed Hana and took out his phone, showing Brigitte a picture and then an article. “Is this him?”

Brigitte nodded and then looked at the title of the article from an online music magazine, reading it out loud. “‘Young classical musician genius, Hanzo Shimada returns back to Austria for the final stop of his exclusive European tour. He will-’. Wait is that the...“

Then took a moment to process the fact that she had just spent time with a celebrity and didn’t even know who he was.

“The man we were going to see play this Saturday and one of my clients.” Lucio said. “Sorry for not saying his full name at the time. Didn’t think this would happen, though I should have expected it since he likes to practice where you work.”

Brigitte laid her face on the cool table. “He probably thought I was weird to not even know who he was and that he’s some sort of musical genius. Ugh I’m an idiot.”

Their waitress gave Brigitte a slightly concerned look as she handed out their food. Lucio kinda gave her a shrug, indicating it wasn’t anything bad.

“Enjoy your meals then.” The lady left them to eat.

“Brig, I wouldn’t worry about it. Knowing him personally, he probably liked the fact that you didn’t fawn over him like some god of music or suck up to him because of his family.” Lucio smiled, taking some fries. “Hanzo’s actually a really nice guy. I think you’d make a good friend for him. Unless you are too embarrassed to show your face to him again because he will be at that private party.” Lucio chuckled teasingly then focused on his burger.

“Maybe you two can become more than that, hehe.” Hana joined in the teasing. “I’ll make him fall head over heels.”

“Guys, I just met him so I’m not going to jump into some relationship.” Brigitte started eating, hoping the subject would be changed.

“We know but hey, with how giddy you looked coming out of the building. You must have enjoyed his company at least a little.” Lucio said. “It’s good to have friends here besides just me and Hana.”

  “At least you met Hanzo first, his younger brother can be a bit of an avid flirter.” Hana mumbled through some fries. “You know that GreenDragon guy I play with in streams?”

“Only what you say about him but yeah.” Brigitte said then took a bite of her burger, luckily her appetite was coming back. She also remembered the swearing she heard through the padded walls too.

“That’s Genji Shimada, Hanzo’s brother. You would have seen him two nights ago at the club if you hadn’t left early. Be prepared to be hit on Saturday since he’ll be there to play with Hanzo on stage.” Hana continued, rolling her eyes playfully. “He’s not really that bad but it can get annoying.”

“Do you two know everyone here?” Brigitte half chuckled. 

“Well I work with ALOT of people in my business so I probably do.” Lucio returned the laugh. “Though you not knowing all the Shimada stuff is kinda understandable. They are world renowned but they also have particular circles of influence that deems more to..”

Hana finished the sentence for him with a posh like accent. “High Society.”

“That and long fans of classical music, which usually entails people of high standing. So with his concerts comes families of wealth.” Lucio explained. “Anyway, if you want to hear more of Hanzo’s work before the concert, I can make a playlist for you to sample.”

Brigitte considered it while she ate a few bites of her burger, she did enjoy what little she heard Hanzo play. “If it’s not too much trouble.”

“Nah it’s not, I’ll make it once we get home.” Lucio said, giving her a thumbs up.

-------------
Brigitte curled up under her blankets after getting ready for bed, with Sushi sleeping next to her. She grabbed her phone and put her earbuds in. Slowly Brigitte shifted through her music playlists to the one Lucio downloaded, named ‘Hanzo’. Her finger hovered over and pressed the play button. The first song gently filled her ears as she leaned back into the pillows and closed her eyes.

There was so much passion behind it and Brigitte felt as if she was being teleported to other worlds by magic as each song went by.