𝐌𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑 - 𝐀. 𝐆𝐀𝐊𝐔𝐒𝐇𝐔𝐔

𝟭:𝗖𝗔𝗣𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗘

—monsters in the dark hear our plea
come out and set us free

THE ELEGANT CLANKING OF CHAMPAGNE GLASSES, the faint praises of expensive virtuosos, and the intricate melody coming from the two skilled Lovers playing the piano filled the dim-lit room with eminent people of wealth.

Dominance. You were both fighting for power in the keys. Rachmaninoff - Vocalise. A calm and melancholic tune turns into an intense and astonishing harmony of notes. Rachmaninoff's Vocalise is performed in the background of the vigorous people in Nishi Saikyo, the western half of Tokyo Metropolis.

And you were enjoying every second of the seven-minute piece. This was the only time the two of you felt overpowering in the same room as your fathers. The spotlight is focused on you and your betrothed redhead.

Lavish Lovers. They would describe the two of you as Lavish Lovers. Your provocative but elegant red dress with black visuals and Gakushuu's Black suit with a red tie looking good even from afar. The way the two of you would slightly bob your head when the piece gets climatic and intense. How you both had solos and wouldn't want to lose to the other. Your ego getting higher as you caught sight of the smiles and smirks the crowd was showcasing.

Your fathers, Asano Gakuho and [Last name] Botan, were at the end of the table looking smug. Nothing else in this world feels more pleasurable than seeing your child perform and possess every tension in the room.

We raised those two

As the piece comes to an end, both of you were wishing for one thing; Did our music reach you?

The both of you were not good with words, but who needs words if you have your music. Vocalise, opus 34, no. 14 Sergei Rachmaninoff is the act of reflecting the concealing depression. And oh boy, do you have a lot to express.

Vocalise by Rachmaninoff, the brilliance of farewells and admitting that you don't love one another anymore.

Father, I don't think you love me anymore.

In reality, you can never say goodbye. You'll be stuck with each other until your guardian's last breath. A prisoner, You two are monsters held in captive.

But what makes you different from other monsters? While other monsters held in captive are weakened and executed. The two of you, [Last name] [First name] and Asano Gakushuu, were getting prepared and fueled with petrifying knowledge about the defenseless world you shall take over.

The two beloveds ended the piece with one final intense note. You raised your left hand while Gakushuu raised his right as an indication of its end. The high virtuosos went silent, taking it all in. That performance was too breathtaking. They then clanked their glass as a sign of pleasantry. You and your betrothed redhead bowed and sat beside your fathers.

"You did well, my dear," your father praised you with his infamous charismatic smile on display.

"Congrats," Asano Gakuho feigned an act of love.

The two of you simultaneously nodded, looking thankful, unbeknownst to anyone in the room how firm you dug your nails on your exposed arm.

"So how long have you two been playing the piano?"

"When we were five," Gakushuu answered for the two of you.

"You two are indeed exceptional. I don't know why your fathers kept this talent away from us for 10 years."

"I believe that they were polishing our talent for the past years so that we can showcase an extravagant performance," you replied with a smug yet respectful tone.

"Very well said," Gakuho interjected and gave your father an unfathomable look.

"Have you guys thought about how many kids they will have?"

With that question, Your [eye color] eyes widen. It is undoubtedly too early for that question.

"I don't think they should have any. Kids are merely extra responsibilities," Your father, Botan, remarked.

As if on cue, you and your lover gaped at each other with a knowing look.

We are nothing more than pawns.

"I second that, Gakushuu and his darling [name] will have too much work that it will be impossible to take care of the kids," Gakuho added.

The two main subjects forced a smile. The words of their fathers on repeat inside their heads like it's a broken record.

Put on a show. Don't let anyone know what you're against or what you're for

"Well then, a toast to the newly betrothed."

The guests stood up and raised their glass as they all looked at you and Gakushuu.

"May your love always be true," a virtuoso started.

"May the both of you always be in good health."

"May your union be the strongest of them all."

"May you rule over the world," two stern and masculine voices exclaimed.

Your eminence-filled eyes were greeted by the two sad excuses of a father. You indeed wanted to rule the world. Just not for their benefaction.

We'll rule over the world, and everyone shall bow down before us, including you two.

"Cheers."

The glasses then clashed for the nth time tonight for the two relatively young monsters. Your father and father in law chuckled as they witness you and Gakushuu in a vulnerable state.

Gakushuu observed you, concern mixing with his amethyst eyes. Your unshaken superiority complex slowly reaching its limits. The nails on your arm, digging deeper and deeper.

Damn, I wanna gamble already.

This tedious dinner felt like an endless flight of stairs to the unknown. And maybe you don't want to know what's above those stairs. It is the unknown, after all. Who knows, it might be just as dull as this dinner.

"[first name]" the redhead beside you breathed.

You turned to him with an unamused expression.

"At least act like you want to be here."

"You sound just like your father," you taunt with a swirl of provocation in your eyes.

Clearly offended, he grabbed the arm you just finished mauling and stood up, gaining the attention of all the adults in the room.

"May we be excused for the night?"

"You may."

"Enjoy the rest of the night," you greeted as the corner of your mouth quirked up.