💝 Htsbr25 💝

Welcome to the show~

"Welcome, my dear guests." A voice echoes around you as the lights turn on, surrounding the whole area with different colors. The people around you cheered in anticipation as they waited for the magician's arrival. Even your friend Epel Felmier, who was sitting at your side, leapt up from his seat and screamed louder with his hands cupping his cheeks.

The whole area was buzzing with excitement as you quietly watched the whole ordeal. You were already content to simply watch in silence while Epel begged to differ. He threw a massive fit earlier in the day, convincing you to come and liven up your life rather than staying over to watch your parents shop while they're away.

You ask him how a show could liven up your life when you have responsibilities, and he shrugs.

"Just come and watch, will ya? When was the last time you had fun? Come on, have I ever asked you anything?"

That shuts you up. He also uses puppy doll eyes, which he knew you couldn't refuse. They stare at your soul, begging and trapping you in their hue. Who were you to decline?

You begrudgingly happily closed the shop and accompanied the smirking Epel, and that led you here. The area's noises slowly dwindled as the magician still had yet to arrive with his appearance despite his voice calling out earlier, until a lady screamed from the side, earning your attention, and low and behold, the magician stood right behind her, stiffling his laughter while his whole demeanor showed amusement.

He wore a black long-sleeve tuxedo with white and red heart patterns on his collar and pants. The edges of his tuxedo had gold embroidered patterns, while the sides of his arms were covered with small red hearts ending just below his hand. He also had white gloves and a hat that were similar to the colors that he wears. His whole face, except the part on his lips, was covered with a mask. On the left side of his face, he also had a red heart shape just besides the eye.

His physique leans more on the younger side, maybe even the same age as yours. You expected him to be a middle-aged man or older, judging by the rumors swirling around, but then again, don't judge a book by its cover. The whole area erupted in cheers as they noticed the magician, whose upper body bent slowly as he bowed towards his audience. He slowly lifted himself up and turned to the other person beside him, grinning.

"Hey, mister, can I borrow your cloak a bit?"

"A-ah sure!"

Definitely young.

The people around you stayed silent as they watched what he would do. He lifted the cloak close to himself and turned to the audience with a smirk. He twirled himself around as you watched intently before the cloak fell to the ground and he disappeared. The audience gasps and murmurs. The lights turn to a single position on the stage, with the magician standing in the center. Epel raised his fist in the air as he cheered, while you clapped along with the others.

"I'm sorry for the long wait; I was unfortunately held up for a second." He clicked his finger, and smoke soon covered the ground. He appeared on the other side of the building with a pen in his hand. He twirled it around as he moved around with a laid-back demeanor.

"But I had it under control. Now who wants a show?"

The audience replied with screams and buzzed with excitement, while the magician chuckled before stiffling in laughter at the attention. Why did he laugh? You didn't know.

"Haha! My bad, teehee, I'm afraid I'll need some help with my performance. Who was willing to come up on stage?"

Some volunteered by raising their hands in the air, while others seemed reluctant. The magician tilted his head to the side; his fluffy orange hair swayed just a little, and he plastered a smirk.

"Don't be shy; I won't let anything bad happen to all of you. My tricks are harmless," he assures. You watch in fascination as they seem to follow his words and raise their hands. He picked some of them up before moving them to the stage. He instructed them by whispering in their ears, making the audience curious. Epel, who seemed to be quiet, took the popcorn out of nowhere and offered you some of it. You helped yourself, munched the cheese-flavored popcorn, and waited.

"Tch, it's taking quite some time, Epel mumbled for your ears to hear. You hum in acknowledgement as you watch the magician smile throughout the whole process.

He was at ease.

You noted how he was still laid-back and wondered if he wasn't pressured at all. Instead, he looked thoroughly enjoying his work as he moved in another direction and onto the next; despite the growing frustration of some audience members, he took the time to talk with them. He moved his gaze around and soon noticed your stare, which he assumed was directed at you.

The mask on his face also hides his eyes, which made it hard to tell what he was looking at for a moment, yet you stared. You didn't seem shy looking at him and instead faced him without meaning to. He let a smile grace his lips, very different from the way he smiles at others. He mouthed something in your direction, and you tilted your head in confusion before he clapped hands, earning the attention around him.

"At long last, let the show begin!"

You wondered about something he had said but shrugged it off with the thought that maybe it was directed at someone else; it would be really awkward if you thought it was you but it wasn't.

At his command, hundreds of fireworks emitted from the ceiling. You watch in fascination as it falls to the ground like a thousand droplets; one of them falls to your hand and takes shape into a heart crystal.

The audience clapped in unison as the magician bowed and raised one hand in the other direction. The pen in his hand glowed, and magic seemed to spill from the tips. It flowed through the air like a wind, and when Epel touched the air, an imaginary apple and carved objects danced through the air surrounding him. You laughed as he tried to swat the objects, causing them to split and multiply.

You tried one yourself, yet none seemed to work like it did for others. Disappointed, you lowered your hand and directed your attention to the stage. The audience, who volunteered, made a few tricks with the help of the magician, and they enjoyed the experience while the magician disappeared from view.

He appeared beside you while the audience's attention was captured on the stage. You turn your head just in time to see him lower himself to the floor and seem to be preparing for his next performance before noticing your gaze on him. The lines in his mask seemed to widen before his lips curled up once more with his finger on them. You shyly smiled and tilted your head before turning around and noticing how your face was getting warmer.

You had no idea how you caught the magician in his act or how he noticed you. One thing is for sure: he was actually handsome, even with a mask. Maybe the way he carried himself added to his charm? You didn't want to know.

He watches you as you turn your head away, noticing the red tint in your ears.

even from the darkness in his view. 

Cute.

. 

. 

. 

The whole performance ends when the clock turns ten. The guests started to leave while chatting among themselves. The two of you waited for the crowd to disperse before you went home. Epel yawned without a care while you stood at his side, blowing your hands as they slowly became warmer.

Epel kept praising the show the whole time as you walked home. You merely smiled in response, half listening as you recalled the event in your mind. The heart glass was still in your palm; it was oddly warm despite the temperature.

You lifted it up in the air and stared at the transparent crystal.

Epel noticed your silence and saw the crystal hanging in your hand. He smirked, covering his mouth as he looked at you with a knowing look in his eyes. You noticed your weird friend pointing at signs while you scrunched your eyes.

"What is it?"

"Nothing; you seem to enjoy yourself."

You didn't reply as you continued to stare at the crystal, looking quite thoughtful. Epel was surprised as you pondered his question by the way your lips turned into a thin line and you stared blankly.

Then you smiled softly; the moonlight glistened your figure under its glory; your eyes brightened for the first time since you came and you nodded, causing Epel to blink his eyes.

"It was fun."

. 

. 

. 

Epel invited you once again to the same show after a few months had passed. You were tending your shop as usual when he slammed the door, surprising you and even the customer. He threw the ticket in your face while bursting with excitement. You read the contents as he shared the news with the customer, who was also your friend, Jack.

"-That show was interesting, ya hear?! Even y/n had fun watching the show!"

"R-really? He was here? Can I join?"

The brute's tail wags without his knowledge, and Epel takes full advantage of his sudden interest and puffs his chest.

"Buy one on your own. Ya know, it was hard getting these tickets by myself, so you better buy that-"

"I see, thank you very much!"

"W-wait! Do you even know where- and he's gone."

Jack's actions left the two of you confused. Epel, shrug it off as him being a fan before you nod. You tap your phone and contact one of your friends whom you haven't seen in a long time. Epel encouraged you to contact him, as he too missed the other brute. You put your phone on speaker and waited for him to pick up. After three dials, the other side of the phone muffled a greeting.

"Sebek!" The two of you cheered before the mood changed.

"HUMAN! Who dares to call the king's guard in the middle of his duty?! What is it so important for you to make a ca-"

Ah, convincing him would probably take a long time.

. 

. 

. 

Sebek had a frown on his face as the three of you spotted him in the crowd. He was easy to find, being taller than most people nearby. They gushes about how handsome and tall the half-fae is; he could somewhat hear what they were saying as he looked quite uncomfortable under their gaze. Jack, being the kind he was, also didn't notice the way people stare at him called the king's guard, Sebek.

"Sebek, here!"

The said person craned his neck to glance behind him and made his way towards the group.

"Took you long enough."

"Hah, like I did. I have been waiting for ten minutes!" Epel chirped in.

"You were just too early!"

"Guys, keep your voice down! People are already looking." Jack scolded the two while you stood there, feeling embarrassed as people watched your group.

"*Sigh* Let's just go." you mumbled.

. 

. 

. 

You four sadly sat down chairs away from each other. Apparently, Epel blindly bought the tickets without checking if the seats were next to each other. Jack didn't know which number our chair was and bought a random number, while Sebek was a similar case to Jack. Jack was on his phone while Epel mumbled curses at his mistake. Sebek was so done with everything that he flopped down on his chair as he stared into a hole in the stage, wishing for everything to end so he could return to his master.

You were calm as you sat down, greeting the lady beside you with a court nod. Just as you sat down, the lights turned off and on in different colors, just as before.

"Yahoo everyone! Did you miss me? Of course all of you do!"

He bowed to the audience and plastered a smirk on his face, with which you had grown familiar. He floated in the air, earning the audience's awe, before he flew around the crowd while thousands of different flowers fell behind him.

You catch a red rose as it falls before you and admire its beauty, caressing the petals before turning your attention back towards the stage where you assume he would be. To your surprise and shock, he stood before you, offering his hand. He was still wearing a smirk, and his demeanor showed pride in him.

You were confused as to why he was standing before you while the audience whispered among themselves; your seatmates even moved away as they gawked.

"Is she his girlfriend?"

"Lucky girl, imagine having the magician as your boyfriend."

"How romantic."

You were growing more flustered under their stare, and I have no doubt your friends are staring hard at your form. You had completely forgotten the man who was responsible for the attention as you covered your flushed face with your hands, wishing the chair could swallow you whole. You heard a chuckle in front of you, and you chose to ignore it.

"You were kind of cute, weren't you? I couldn't help but notice you since I have come here, he confessed so casually. You sat there, frozen in place and blushing like a fool.

Moving your hands away, you saw he was still offering his hand, but his face was much closer than before. He tilted his head. Innocence was emitting from him, but you knew he was enjoying your flustered state.

You reluctantly accept his hand, not wanting to delay the show and wishing it to end. His hand was warm despite the glove he wore, and the idiot was grinning like a fool at the sight of you so deeply red. He clasped your hand in his and lifted you up.

"Would you mind joining me for today? You were the perfect candidate for my heart, you know."

You lifted your gaze unimpressed before scoffing loudly.

"How am I the perfect candidate? I don't recall anything that could peak your interest, sir magician."

"Ace."

"What?"

"Call me Ace."

You stared at him, dumbfounded, as he casually said his name. The crowd cheered for the both of you while your eyes flickered with emotion. You could hear Epel screaming louder while you wondered what happened to the other two. You shut your mouth and looked at him, even more confused. He took pity on you by simply tightening his hold on you and holding your waist before flying in the air. You shriek in surprise and hold onto his coat. He chuckled and put the rose in your hand behind your ear.

"Don't be afraid; just relax."

You nodded, still gripping his coat, as you took a deep breath.

"I'm ready, but if something happens to me, I'm suing you."

"Haha goodluck."

The air shifted as you moved in the air. You breathed in the scent of roses lingering around you as he swayed you back and forth, dancing in the air. The whole time you were looking down on your feet as you watched the crowd and noticed their intense and fascination stare. You were stiff as he twirled you around, and for a second, you thought he would drop you.

"Relax, you're doing just fine. Did you know when I first saw you months ago, you were sitting with a lack of interest in your eyes?"

Oh, did I just look like that?

"You did."

"Did I just say that out loud?"

"Nope, but your face is."

He laughed as you glared in his direction.

"I'm sorry for having such an expression." You couldn't help but apologize as you remembered the way he was attentive to the audience. He was trying to give everyone the best of his abilities, and here you are, being unappreciative of his work. You observed his expression for any signs of malice, yet you found none; his  face was neutral.

"Is that why you noticed me now?" So you could prove everyone should be happy under your watchful gaze?

"Nope, I made a promise to you, remember?"

What?

You furrowed your eyes and continued to stare at him. He grinned, and his face grew closer.

"Remember? I recall you reading my lips before the show started."

He let a smile grace his lips, very different from the way he smiles at others. He mouthed something in your direction, and you tilted your head in confusion before he clapped his hand, earning the attention around him.

"A-ah that?!"

"Now you're talking."

"But the thing is, I don't remember. I thought it was for someone else." You reason while his lips turn into an o shape. He looked quite thoughtful before smiling, just like before.

"Then just read my lips like before."

"What?"

You didn't have time to ask again, as he moved his lips soon after. This time, you watch intently, and you catch most of the words.

If you weren't impressed today, the next time I'll show you the best.

You let your lips curl into a smile and shake your head at his musing. Why would he make a promise to a stranger like that? You didn't know, but it warms your heart.

Try your best, Ace; I'm counting on that one.

"I'm still hoping to catch your heart in the process by the-'"

"Not the time!"

.

.

.

Ace really did try his best; he let you sit back down in your chair after quite some time before showing more of his magic around the area. It was relaxing and satisfying to watch, yet it didn't seem to satisfy him, as he sometimes looked in your direction before flicking magic surrounding your area like the one before.

You remembered it didn't work the last time and wondered if it would be the same.

You tried to reach out again, and you were surprised at how many tiny little hearts surrounded you. They changed into different forms each time, showing different animals and flowers, and you felt at ease by how warm they were. Sadly, everything came to an end when the whole area was swarmed with police officers.

"Ace trappola! You are under arrest for fraud!" One of the police officers spoke with a gun pointing towards the suspect. His cyan-colored eyes flickered around you, and he did a double take when he noticed you were there. His eyes widened before turning furious at the magician.

Deuce?!

"Oops, that's my cue to leave!" The magician bowed to the audience one last time with a grin on his face.

"Once again, thank you for coming. See you next time!"

He disappeared into the thin air, and you shrieked in surprise when he appeared beside you as he carried you into his arms and left the scene still grinning.

Why is he dragging you with him?

He was quite fast as he dodged the police line of sight with you in his arms. You tightened your grip on his shoulders before turning to face him with a frown on your face.

"You could just leave me there, you know?"

"Sorry!" He didn't seem quite sorry, judging by the tone of his voice. You were growing more frustrated the more you flew away. You turned to face him with anger written in your face.

"My friends are waiting for me; I can't simply leave them behind for a stranger whom I have only met twice!"

"Too bad, you still didn't seem to be impressed, just like I promised!"

"Huh, what? But I-"

He took off his mask, and you were surprised. He had unusually red eyes that stared at you with cheekiness in them. His lips curled in mischief as he noticed you becoming quiet under his gaze.

"You'll be seeing me from now on; I'll impress you with my tricks just while you wait."