Blazing Symphonia

Arc 1 : The raven and the dragon

The cars seemed to be battling to see which would break the sound barrier first. A wildly excited crowd crammed into the grandstands. Signs and flags in the colors of different teams waved toward the track. The smells of sweat and gasoline mingled in the air.

On the outskirts of Seoul, an annual amateur racing tournament had become a favorite across generations. Drawing more and more racers eager to win. Tonight, after five days of intense racing, the long-awaited final was about to finish.

Suddenly, two cars collided.

“Oh, what a shame! Park and Min have crashed! The tournament is over for them!” the commentator announced.

More fear than harm. The two drivers who collided went off the track and escaped unharmed.

“Oh! Choi just missed his turn and was overtaken by Nienrao, who now takes the lead! Although things weren't looking great for him earlier, the favorite is clearly determined to claim the title again this year!”

Intent on securing a crushing victory, the bright red Ferrari accelerated. Widening the gap between itself and the second-place racer.

Final lap. Final corner. The spectators held their breath, unable to remain seated.

To the delight of most, the Ferrari crossed the finish line and the final shot rang out. Cheers of joy and admiration erupted.

Unfortunately for Choi, he finished third after being overtaken in the final seconds.

The Ferrari pulled into its designated pit stop. Amid applause from the pit crew, the race winner stepped out of the car and took off his helmet. The smiling face of a young man in his early twenties with a tan complexion and short brown hair was revealed. Then, He looked up at the clock to his left. His eyes widened in surprise, accompanied by cold sweat.

“Shìp-hăai!” he swore in Thai.

Without wasting a second, he handed his helmet to someone nearby, apologized profusely, and dashed toward the locker rooms.

“Ashlay!”

A few meters away, the second-place driver spotted the young favorite slipping away. Unfortunately for him, Ashlay had already vanished. The crowd of supporters and colleagues surrounded him, preventing him from catching up.

____

Half an hour later, Ashlay had swapped his racing suit for a tailored, chic burgundy suit. The fabric hugged his athletic figure perfectly. It was hard to believe he’d just stepped out of a high-speed race.

Ashlay got into his car and headed for the city center.

Glancing at his phone, he sighed. He was still on schedule. A few minutes after he left, he received a call. He quickly glanced at the screen, adjusted an earpiece, and answered.

“So, you're leaving like Cinderella ?”

The voice on the other end belonged to the driver who had called out to Ashlay earlier.

“Hao Ming, I see you're in a good mood.”

“You missed Choi Si Oh’s priceless face. He really thought he could win, didn't he?”

Ashlay gave a satisfied grin.

“Will you make it in time?” Hao Ming asked.

“I think I’ll manage without running red lights…well, maybe one or two, depending on traffic.”

“Okay, okay.”

Despite his calm tone, Hao Ming clearly found the situation amusing.

“Your mother won't spare you if she finds out you showed up late. Don’t worry about the podium or the trophy. I’ll inform the circuit president.”

“Thanks.”

Just imagining having to explain himself to his mother if he arrived late made Ashlay shiver.

A charity concert was supposed to take place this evening at the Seoul Arts Center. The goal was to raise funds for an organization that helps disadvantaged families around the world. Korean classical and jazz musicians, as well as foreigners, both well-known and lesser-known, had been invited to perform.

Originally, his mother was supposed to attend, but due to other obligations, Ashlay had to go in her place to represent their company : Orchid Prestige Group. This Thailand-based conglomerate has established itself as a major player in Asia’s hotel and real estate sectors. As the heir, Ashlay was sometimes required to attend such events with his mother or alone, as he was today.

Since he couldn't miss the tournament, he promised to attend the concert without fail. His mother even threatened to ban him from racing if he didn't keep his word.

“To think I could be partying with you guys instead of going to this boring charity concert…” Ashlay sighed.

“Then come over to my place once it's over. My father just got back from France with some good wine.”

 “I'll think about it. I'll call you later.”

 “Alright…. Talk to you later. And don't forget to smile.” Hao Ming added before hanging up.

____

It was exactly six p.m. when Ashlay entered the Arts Center. In the lobby, a young man wearing a black suit, club master glasses, and neatly styled black hair was waiting nervously on the side. When he spotted Ashlay, his face relaxed significantly, and he rushed toward him.

“Mr. Nienrao! Finally! The concert starts in less than thirty minutes, and you weren't answering your phone. I was worried—”

“No need to be so dramatic, Ha Ri. I’m here. And how many times have I told you that you can call me “Ash”?”

Shin Ha Ri, twenty-four years old, had been Ashlay’s assistant since Ashlay officially joined Orchid Prestige. Diligent and organized, he was sometimes too serious. He and Ashlay had known each other since university and got along well.

“Given the circumstances, I’d rather remain professional, Mr. Nienrao.” he replied, adjusting his glasses.

“As you wish, Secretary Shin. Where do I need to go?”

“This way.” he said.

As his assistant led the way, Ashlay could feel the eyes on him : young women finding him attractive, older businessmen looking to make connections, curious stares, and envy 

He was used to it all. He ignored it and stayed focused on the task at hand. However, some gossip caught his attention as he handed an envelope to a hostess at the concert hall entrance on behalf of Orchid Prestige. A group of people were excited to hear a certain musician perform. They had come specifically to hear him play, which intrigued Ashlay.

Just for ONE musician? How good could he be? … I didn’t catch his name…

“Sir?”

“Yes?” Ashlay refocused on his assistant.

“We're being shown to our seats.”

“Coming.”

____

Two and a half hours later : Ashlay couldn't help but yawn. The music wasn't to his taste. Still, he forced himself to enjoy it a little. He dreamed of the moment he could go home, take a hot shower, and crawl into his bed. The music made him want only one thing : to fall asleep.

Meanwhile, Secretary Shin was in his element. Each time a new musician took the stage, his eyes sparkled. He savored every note as if it were a gift from the heavens.

____

Backstage in one of the dressing rooms, a young man was mentally rehearsing a piece. With his eyes closed and softly humming, he mimicked movements on an invisible piano in time with a melody.

Knock, knock, knock.

“Excuse me. Mr. Altaha, it’s your turn in ten minutes.” informed a staff member.

“Thank you. I’m coming.”

The pianist looked at himself in the mirror for a moment, then took several deep breaths to relax. Finally, he put on his glasses and adjusted them before standing and heading out.

In the hallway, he sensed an unpleasant presence behind him and turned abruptly. But he saw nothing. Had he imagined it? He considered retracing his steps to check, but another staff member called to remind him that he was about to perform. He brushed off the thought and continued.

____

In the concert hall, applause erupted after the latest performance. The emcee stepped onto the stage to announce the next musician:

“Ladies and gentlemen, we've reached the final performance of this charity concert. To close the evening in style, allow me to introduce a young prodigy who is also one of our guests of honor tonight. He has already captivated international audiences with his talent as a pianist and composer. Please welcome: Mr. Altaha Gwenval!”

The audience applauded with even more enthusiasm. People began whispering excitedly among themselves.

Ashlay lifted his head, his curiosity piqued.

It's finally time to see this “famous prodigy”. I wonder how good he is at provoking such reactions. Ashlay thought skeptically.

Even Secretary Shin had a smile on his face as he watched the stage with anticipation.

“You know him, too?” Ashlay asked, amused.

“Of course!” Shin replied eagerly. Then, he cleared his throat and returned to a professional tone. “His music is magnificent. He’s versatile and blends styles effortlessly. He’s also very handsome. His popularity has really soared these past three years. You’ve seriously never heard of him?”

Ashlay shrugged nonchalantly.

“Not at all. Since I started working for the group, I haven’t had much time to discover new music. Besides, classical music’s not really my thing.”

Talented and good-looking… Hmm… Is it his looks that have everyone so obsessed?

Ashlay hadn’t even finished his thought when the “prodigy” stepped onto the stage. Indeed, Secretary Shin hadn’t lied.

Ashlay froze, as if hypnotized.

Dark skin, black wavy hair, and a lean figure. He wore only a white shirt and wide black trousers. A single earring glinted in his left ear. From this distance, Ashlay couldn’t make out its exact shape, but that hardly mattered…or did it?

One thing was clear: Ashlay immediately understood why everyone was so thrilled to just see this musician, at least. A thrill-seeker by nature, Ashlay had never felt his heart race so fast just from looking at someone. He couldn’t tear his eyes away. What spell had been cast on him?

Could he really be as good as they say?

Ashlay had no idea what was happening to him. He wanted to believe the attraction for the musician was purely physical, but he couldn't have been more wrong.

Gwenval bowed to the audience and took a seat at the piano. The hall fell completely silent, and the performance began. From the very first notes, the entire room seemed spellbound.

Ashlay sat up straighter in his seat, his heart pounding faster. He couldn’t look away.

“I'm screwed.” he whispered in Thai, a hand over his chest.