One of the main highlights of the Lagen Institute was its concert hall. Open to the public, the venue hosted various performances throughout the year. The large hall boasted beautiful wood panels that gleamed quietly, the tiered seating as impressive as the high ceiling.

Despite the competition consisting of anonymous candidates, all four hundred seats were booked. Lagen had become reputable in their showcases, and guests from various parts of the country had come to witness potential students for piano this year. 

Cas immediately found Erik in the back entrance, waving him over. His heart leapt despite himself. 

‘I was wondering where you were. Come on, let’s go in.’ 

As the last pair to arrive, they both signed in and were quickly ushered by the coordinator to one of the private waiting rooms. There were six candidates in total, who were to remain anonymous until the competition was over. Now that they were in the venue, the nerves started to settle in. Closing his eyes, Cas slowed his breathing. The seconds tick on the wall clock, and he counted each one.

A hand reached for his. Erik’s warmth flooded his skin, and upon meeting his gaze, Cas wished he could tell him everything. In the months they’d been together, nothing ever seemed to get past Erik. Perhaps he already knew, or perhaps he didn’t. But Cas hoped that when the day came, he would no longer be afraid. 

When they finally walked on stage, a thin black screen separated them from the audience. Anticipation laced with the silence, their footsteps the only sounds making their way to the gleaming piano. 

As if sensing his thoughts, Erik murmured, ‘It’s just you and me.’ Their fingers touched slightly. Cas smiled, before they took their positions. 

When the music began, Cas lost all train of thought. The nerves ebbed away, like melting butter in a warm room. There was only the gentle pace of the first movement, an entrancing dance of sorts, fingers flying across keys in a steady clear stream. They were speaking together in silence, in understanding, the same way it had always been since Cas entered the music room. 

A rush of pleasure tugged Cas’ heart with every passage, that he longed to hold on to it. The audience was no longer present, a ghost beyond the divider. Golden light flooded the space, a venue he’d never dreamed of setting foot in, but all he could feel was the growing ache in his hands, and the undeniable pain and love for Schubert's piece. 

When they finished, it was hard to believe the duet was nearly twenty minutes long. Slightly dazed, Cas startled when applause shattered the grand hall. Erik was already looking at him. Tilting his head toward the audience, his eyes seemed to shine quietly like stars. Told you you’d be fine. 

Taking Cas’ hand, Erik led him back through the corridor as the applause faded into darkness. A blast of cold air whipped their faces when they emerged from the school, breaths fogging the night sky. The breeze blew soft sparks in the stiffness of their fingers like a reassurance. 

Still reeling from the performance, Cas wished it didn’t have to end. Playing with Erik in the humble music room was more than he could ever ask for,  but tonight was one that he knew he would always remember, regardless of the outcome. He looked up at the dark sky, his eyes wistful. Mother, did  you see it? I did good, right? 

Night smelled of faint car fumes, street food and the distant wail of a siren. It was already eight, and yet it felt as if no hour had passed. Still holding Cas’ hand, Erik pulled him closer. It was about Erik thumbing over his fingers tenderly, the seconds cutting away the distance between them. 

Before their lips could touch, Cas suddenly pulled away, his mind seized with realisation. 

‘What’s wrong?’ 

‘I have to go,’ Cas responded as calmly as he could. ‘They don’t know I’ve left.’ 

A flicker of concern in Erik’s gaze, but he nodded, ‘See you Monday.’ 

Cas wrapped his arms around him. The familiar scent of peppermint brushed his nose. Erik’s surprise was felt rather than seen, before he returned the embrace.

There was a pause before Cas spoke, ‘Thank you for today. For everything. I won’t forget it.’ 

With a final wave, they parted ways.