(Arc 1 : The raven and the dragon)

Chapter 2 : Misunderstanding

At first, Ashlay was sure he would slip away before the end of the boring event. Yet he remained seated until the last note of music sounded.

When Gwenval finished performing, he stood and bowed to the applauding audience before returning backstage. His face remained expressionless, and he barely smiled for appearances' sake.

The master of ceremonies came back on stage and called all the musicians to line up behind him.

“Thank you again, ladies and gentlemen, for coming to our charity concert. Thank you to all the musicians who performed tonight, as well as the technical team… A buffet has been set up in a nearby hall where you’ll be able to meet the artists. We will also announce the total amount raised this evening there. Please follow our staff to be guided to the reception hall.” He said, pointing toward the exit.

After finishing his monologue, the master of ceremonies and the musicians bowed respectfully once more as the audience stood and applauded. Shortly after, they returned backstage while the spectators headed for the exit to reach the buffet hall.

Ashlay, however, hadn’t heard a word of the closing speech. His eyes had remained fixed on Gwenval.

He was brought out of his reverie when Secretary Shin tapped him on the shoulder.

“What?” Ashlay jumped.

“I called you several times… Everyone’s gone to the buffet. We should do the same.”

“Yes.” He nodded, standing and adjusting his suit.

As he exited the auditorium, Ashlay was deep in thought. He had to find a way to speak with Gwenval.

If I wait for him at the reception hall, I might not get a chance to talk to him. He seems quite popular. There’s no guarantee he’ll show up at all. He might go straight home to rest. That leaves only one option…

“Secretary Shin, go ahead… I’m heading…to the restroom. I’ll meet you there.” Ashlay lied.

“Understood.”

Without another word, Ashlay parted ways with his secretary and headed toward the restrooms. Halfway there, he turned around to make sure his secretary had entered the buffet hall. Once he confirmed this, he grabbed a bouquet from a nearby table and made his way to the dressing rooms.

“Let's hope no one had the same idea…”

____

Meanwhile, Gwenval had just finished speaking with a few musicians and was calmly heading to his dressing room. He was tired but had enough energy to attend the reception for an hour or two.

As he reached his door, a strange feeling came over him. The presence he had sensed before going onstage resurfaced suddenly.

He instinctively glanced around, then carefully turned the doorknob. What he saw inside filled him with deep disgust. Before anyone else could walk by, he quickly stepped inside and locked the door behind him.

“Just what I needed.” He muttered, annoyed.

As he pulled his phone from his pocket, he heard footsteps approaching in the hallway. He unlocked the door and cracked it open slightly to peek outside. A staff member was talking to a stranger. A young man holding a bouquet and smiling broadly, claiming to be a friend of the musician.

Gwenval frowned. He closed the door, but didn't lock it, and turned off the lights.

____

Ashlay had skillfully navigated the backstage corridors. Of course, several staff members questioned him. Thanks to his charm and charismatic smile, he obtained the information he needed : Gwenval’s dressing room location and confirmation that he was alone.

Come on, Ash! Your goal : invite him to dinner!

Once he reached the door, he fixed his hair and jacket one last time before knocking.

Knock, knock, knock!

One second… two… three, four… ten seconds. No answer. Strange… He had been told the musician was inside.

Knock. Knock…

“Mr. Altaha?”

Still no answer. Ashlay had a bad feeling. What if something had happened to him? Without waiting any longer, he entered the room and reached for the light switch…only to be met with a horrifying scene.

“What the…”

The words “Die” were written multiple times in red paint on the mirrors in front of him. Crushed flowers and knives covered the floor. Furniture was torn, cushions were ripped open, and mutilated photos of the musician were stained with paint on a table.

This was no harmless prank. As Ashlay was quickly looking around for the musician, he was suddenly slammed against a nearby closet. The bouquet flew from his hands across the room.

“Who are you?” Only staff and performers are allowed in here. And if we were friends, I think I’d know.” The musician asked coldly.

“Not quite the first meeting I had in mind.” Ashlay joked.

Ashlay was at a loss for words. He didn’t understand why he was being treated like this.

“I asked you a question,” Gwenval repeated, tightening his grip.

Despite the situation, the musician’s eyes held no trace of fear.

“Ow! Okay, okay! There's no need to react like that.” Ashlay said half-seriously. “There's a business card in my jacket. If you let go, I'll show it to you. I can even show you my ID, too, if you want.”

Gwenval hesitated, wondering if he had made a mistake. After a moment, he released Ashlay, took a few steps back, and looked slightly embarrassed.

Ashlay slowly turned around with his hands raised and then froze. From afar, he hadn't been able to get a clear look at the pianist. Now, seeing him up close, his brain simply shut down.

He studied the pianist in detail. His slender, elegant build. The glasses that gave him an intellectual air. His emerald green eyes. His delicate features and the amethyst earring in his left ear. Ashlay’s heart skipped a beat. Gwenval was exactly his type.

He’s stronger than he looks, too. Ashlay thought excitedly.

Meanwhile, Gwenval had also analyzed Ashlay. It was obvious that he came from a wealthy background. The kind who spent lavishly, partied in upscale clubs, and drank expensive alcohol.

Ashlay noticed that the flowers in his bouquet matched the ones scattered on the floor. Realizing there had likely been a misunderstanding, Ashlay pulled out his business card and handed it to Gwenval.

“Don't get the wrong idea. I found this bouquet in the lobby. I’m not responsible for this mess, if that’s what you think.”

“ How can I believe someone who claims to know me when they don’t ?” Gwenval asked, taking the card.

“I…”

Ashlay cleared his throat.

“My name is Nienrao Ashlay. I really enjoyed your performance and came to congratulate you.”

The pianist looked at him suspiciously, then read the card.

 Nienrao Ashlay, CEO of Orchid Prestige Hotels

Gwenval looked back at Ashlay.

Was I wrong? If that’s true, then he has no reason to do this.

“I was told that only staff, management, and people specifically approved by the performers are allowed back here.”

“I can be persuasive.” Ashlay said proudly.

“… Security clearly needs an upgrade…”

Gwenval turned away from him and started taking pictures of the room.

“Even if I lied to get in here, I really want to get to know you better. But for now, I think we should call the police.” Ashlay suggested, glancing around again.

“No!”

Gwenval immediately stopped the young man’s hand before he could dial a number.

So close. The musician was truly captivating. Ashlay struggled to stay focused. But Gwenval’s strange reaction hadn’t gone unnoticed. Yes, he was a trending artist. Therefore, it was obvious that this incident would make all the headlines. But he refused to call the police for fear of the spotlight. Seriously?!

Realizing he had overreacted, Gwenval took a step back.

“… I have a favor to ask. Could you forget what happened here and not contact the authorities? I can even compensate you for the emotional distress if needed. I’ll take care of the room.”

Gwenval was strangely calm. Combined with his earlier behavior, it was as if—

“This isn't the first time, is it?” Ashlay asked suddenly.

The musician paused, then continued taking pictures.

“That's none of your business. I can handle it myself.”

“Turns out I suddenly care.” Ashlay replied.

Gwenval turned to him, puzzled.

“You see, I don't like injustice and I certainly don't like being falsely accused. Let me help. Let's say I'm doing this for myself, too. I wouldn't sleep well all week knowing you're in this situation.” He said with a smile.

“Well, then you'll just have to endure it until next week.” Gwenval replied sarcastically.

Ashlay didn’t know how to respond. The musician seemed determined not to ask for or accept help. It was as if he had an invisible wall around him.

Just as he was about to try again, his phone rang. It was Secretary Shin. Ashlay had completely forgotten about him. He was supposed to be in the restroom.

“Hello? Sir? Where did you go? Don’t tell me you left.”

Secretary Shin hoped it wasn't the case.

“No, don't worry. I’m still here. Actually… I'm with pianist Altaha Gwenval right now. We were just talking. We'll be there shortly. But first, we need to stop by the surveillance room.”

“What?!”

Secretary Shin realized he’d spoken too loudly when several people turned to look at him. He lowered his voice.

“What happened to make you two be together? And why the surveillance room? Are you okay? Should I join you?”

“Hahaha! Calm down. There's no need to come. It won't take long.”

Shortly after, Ashlay hung up and faced Gwenval’s dark expression. He couldn’t understand why this young man was so eager to get involved.

I've just slammed him against a closet, the dressing room is a crime scene, yet he still hasn't run away. What kind of person have I come across?

“You’re not going to let this go, are you?”

“One week.” Ashlay said determinedly.

“What?”

“I promise to find out who did this within a week. If I fail, I’ll disappear from your life. If I succeed, you’ll agree to have dinner with me. As long as we don't call the police, you won't object, right?”

“Excuse me?!”

Gwenval was speechless. He couldn’t help but laugh nervously at Ashlay’s absurd proposal. On the other hand, he knew that a little help wouldn’t hurt. As he looked again at the state of the room, he pondered his response.

I can’t trust him. He knows nothing, but he doesn’t seem like he’ll back off either. He sighed inwardly.

“All right. One week. Not a day more.”

“Great!”

Overjoyed, Ashlay quickly moved in and warmly grabbed Gwenval’s hands. Despite the situation, he saw this as a golden opportunity to get closer to Gwenval. The latter was very surprised by the gesture and didn’t know how to react. He looked Ashlay in the eyes.

Realizing how close they were, Ashlay came to his senses. He quickly released the musician’s hands and took a few steps back, apologizing awkwardly.

Is he that happy to help me? Just for dinner with me? The musician wondered.

Gwenval found this behavior amusing yet baffling.

Once they were on the same page, Gwenval finished taking pictures of the room. The two men tidied up a bit before heading to the building’s surveillance room.

“So, how long has this been going on?” Ashlay asked.

“It’s been almost a month.”