Play my heart

Chapter IX

The kids and the pianist are still there when he gets close, waving an uncertain hand. Now that the rush and the music is over, his mind finally catches up with him, in time to ask if it was a good idea to come at all.

Lee has to make a double take to convince himself he's not having visions. He gets over the surprise rather quickly because—Darren assumes—he has a 'cool guy' act to keep. Darren stops at the edge of the stage.

"Oh hi Prince Charming. What are you doing here?"

"Hi Prince Charming!" yell the children near them. As Darren grins, Lee makes the face of someone who regrets ever opening their mouth.

"Hey everyone," is all he can get out before the orphanage workers start ushering the children back inside. They bid Lee goodbye and he waves at them with a faint smile that doesn't fade when he turns to face Darren again, crouching on the stage floor. Darren has to lift his chin to look at him, for once.

"So, what are you doing here? The competition isn't over yet, is it?"

"I- I don't know," Darren stammers. He suddenly gets the feeling saying he came running as soon as his turn ended is... kind of weird, at least. He's about to have the brilliancy (stupidity) of saying he was just nearby when a violent shudder interrupts him.

Only then is it brought to his attention the fact that he is quite literally freezing. He wraps his arms around himself and his teeth chatter as he paces on the spot to produce some warmth. Lee stares at him with furrowed brows.

"Oi, don't you have a coat?"

Darren's eyes widen at the reminder, until his mind supplies him with the memory of handing his beautiful coat to Dawn, and then forgetting to get it back in his hurry to get here. Well isn't that just great.

"Maybe not," he mumbles, shivering against his will.

Rolling his eyes, Lee gets up and jumps down from the stage. He's much better equipped for the cold, with a fluffy black coat and a green scarf around his neck. He shoots an exasperated look at Darren and starts walking between the few people left, gesturing for him to follow.

"Idiot," he says. "I hope you die from a cold. C'mon, let's get some ramen."

Unable to utter an answer, Darren trails behind him, blowing hot air on his trembling hands and rubbing them together. Lee guides them to a small restaurant, just two buildings down the street.

A rush of delicious warmth hits them both upon entering the place. Darren lets out a long breath and feels like melting right then and there. Lee shrinks into himself, shuddering, and a giddy smile pulls at his cheeks. For the first few minutes, they're both too relieved to say a word, so they pick a table and take their seats in silence.

"Brr," Lee breathes once seated, sinking his bare hands further into the sleeves of his coat.

Still shivering every once in a while, Darren considers his options to start a conversation.

"That Mazurka-"

"Don't wanna hear it," Lee cuts him off.

"Huh?"

The malicious glint on Jung's eyes is the only warning he gets.

"I don't wanna hear criticism from someone who can't best me in a competition."

Just like that, every good thing Darren was starting to think about Lee vanishes in favor of the familiar annoyance.

"I wasn't going to..." he interrupts himself, looking away. To be honest, telling Lee what he actually thought about his performance is the last thing he wants right now. "Whatever, bastard."