5 1.4

Angelo's job began the next day, and he was an instant hit.

Lara had already pulled up a piano onto the small stage near the back of the cafe and the tables were full with people out on a date, lunch or break. Though small, Lara's cafe was quite popular. The handmade, food that tasted like home sold did wonders for their popularity.

The people at the tables occasionally glanced up at the stage, where a lonely black piano sat. It was a sleek, beautiful thing, made of polished ebony, with a leather seat. But then-

Someone was coming up from the stairs behind the stage. Music was a very big deal in this world, and everyone had kept an eye on the piano and the stage. As they saw a shock of blonde-white hair appear, all talking near-instantaneously stopped. Tens of eyes watched as a god seemed to appear before their mortal eyes.

Wind-tousled hair like a blanket of fresh snow. Pale, unblemished skin and eyes like uncut shards of amethysts. He wore a black t-shirt, and slightly loose jeans. He wore a blue ski jacket trimmed with faux fur. He was tall in build and fit, but not gangly nor too muscular. He gave off an air of a refined gentleman: pleasant, charismatic and distinctly noble.

Jaws dropped at this heavenly sight and sandwiches, forks and knives dropped from hands. Was this heavenly being here to play music?! Ah, such a lucky day that they'd thought to dine at this little cafe. However, as the god sat down on the piano seat, the audience collected themselves and stared scrutinisingly. While looks were also an important thing in these people's hearts, music always came first. If the person only looked good but played horribly, he'd be cast out and sneered at contemptuously. However, if the person not only looked good but could play splendidly, what a catch! Slim hands graced the black and white keys and all was silent. Lara held her breath, wishing her daughter had stayed to watch. Alas, the silly girl was out with her significant other.

Angelo smiled, it was just a small smile that another person could barely see, but it showed that he was confident in his abilities to play. Lara smiled faintly.

Normally, in this world, to make a big impact, people who were first-timing as a musician played a piece that sang loudly, boldly. Pieces of music that didn't die down and continuously roared and forcefully imprinted itself into your head. Channeling their desire to become the best, to become rich, to become famous. Angelo, however, did something very unexpected.

Soft, glass-like chimes rang through the cafe. It wavered at the end, like a bird about to take off. And then the real show began. A slow, haunting tune filled the room; and the lights seemed to dim, the warm temperature suddenly taking a dip and chilling everyone to the bone.

All bodies inside the room shuddered, sitting like a rod, their postures stiff and their faces stuck in shock as they felt a hand slide down their necks. But, when a few people gathered the nerve to look back, they saw no one there, and they were forced to turn back to the front. The light, tinkling, but still dark, tune suddenly took a dive to the lower notes. They could hear, amidst the noise, the sound of thousands of horse hooves thundering against grass and the roar of a million warriors charging forward, only to be slaughtered by a single hand.

As the angel on the stage- for he was an angel, they could see pure white wings from his back, of course he was an angel! -spun a song so terrible, so haunting, they didn't realise tears had begun to stream down their eyes.

And then all too soon, it was over. The room returned back to its normal temperature, the ghostly hands removed themselves from their spines, and the spirits of the warriors settled down once again. No one clapped, and exchanged nervous glanced with their neighbours. Until, it wasn't sure who, someone began to clap. Then another followed suit, and another, and another. Soon, the cafe was filled with loud applause and whistles. The angel smiled, taking the microphone offered by Lara.

"Hello," he said, and the women almost swooned. "My name is Angel. Forgive me for not mentioning my surname, but I would like to keep that private. This is my first time playing for a crowd, and I am very grateful to Lara for accepting me."

"Hell! Like I had a choice!" Lara yelled. "If I let a treasure like you go, my husband would scold me to no end when I die!"

There was some laughter at this, and Angelo laughed too. "Thank you, Lara. Anyway, from now and onwards, I'll be here twice a week, on Monday and Saturday; from 11am to 12pm. Today was just a test run to see if I got stage fright. I thank you for your ears."

Angelo gave a short bow, then headed off stage, much to the chagrin of the guests.

And so, that was how Angelo spent his days as the plot moved slowly onwards. Taking on a few more jobs to waste time, playing his instruments and practising various other things, visiting his body's sister and parents and keeping to himself. Until that one 'little' mistake two days before the Female Lead would appear.