Ensemble Leveling

  Chapter 48: SAKURA in Full Bloom at Night Festival

  “So, Karim, you said that the Perfect Cherry Blossom’s teahouse was popular enough to have guests at all times,” Jihoon said, weaving through the crowd as they walked along the lantern-lit path.

  “But is it supposed to have this many people? I mean, look at this.” He gestured toward the sheer number of visitors heading in the same direction as them. Families, merchants, adventurers, and even couples walked together, their faces illuminated by the soft glow of the lanterns.

  Karim furrowed his brows, his sharp merchant instincts kicking in. “That’s strange… I don’t recall there being anything special going on in this place.” His tone was thoughtful, his gaze scanning the crowd with growing curiosity. “Last time I was here on business, it was nowhere near this crowded. The courtyard wasn’t even half this lively.”

  Their group pressed on, following the steady flow of people toward the teahouse’s location. But as they walked, the scenery shifted. What had been a serene path bordered by cherry blossoms turned into a vibrant, bustling festival. Stands lined both sides of the path, each one brightly decorated and manned by vendors calling out to potential customers. The air was filled with tantalizing aromas all over. Grilled meats, sweet confections, and fragrant teas—and the sound of laughter and lively chatter echoed through the night.

  Brightly colored banners fluttered in the breeze, and children ran about, their hands clutching sparklers that left trails of light in the air. The lively chatter of the crowd filled the air, punctuated by bursts of laughter and the occasional cheer. Children darted between stalls, clutching small prizes and treats, while adults haggled good-naturedly with vendors. The sight was nothing short of a full-blown festival. Of the cherry blossoms overhead, glowing softly in the lantern light, gave the entire scene a dreamlike quality, as if the festival had been plucked from an illustrated storybook.

  Karim stopped in his tracks, his eyes narrowing as if piecing together a puzzle. “Wait… how did I miss something this obvious?” he muttered under his breath.

  “What’s wrong?” Jihoon asked, noticing Karim’s expression shift from confusion to realization.

  Karim raised a hand to signal them to wait.

  “Give me a second,” he said, his tone clipped. He walked briskly toward one of the food vendors, exchanged a few words, then returned to the group, his signature smirk back in place.

  “Well, that clears it up,” he said. “The inn is hosting a Night Festival in its courtyard. They’re capitalizing on the influx of visitors from all over Absence during the Odyssey.”

  Jihoon blinked, surprised. “Night Festival? Because of the Odyssey?”

  Karim nodded. “Makes sense, doesn’t it? The Odyssey is one of the biggest events in all of Absence, held every few years. It draws in competitors, spectators, and merchants from every corner of the continent. With that kind of foot traffic, it’s a golden opportunity to make a profit. This festival is just good business sense.”

  Rosa crossed her arms, glancing around at the bustling crowd. “And here I thought this place couldn’t get any livelier. Guess I was wrong.”

  “Of course you were,” Karim teased, his grin widening. “If I weren’t so busy preparing Jihoon for the Odyssey, I’d have been here for this festival as part of my merchant duties. But with all the whirlwind of the past few days, I completely forgot about this part of it.”

  Aquarius, who had been quietly taking in the sights, tilted her head curiously. “So this is all because of the Odyssey? It’s incredible how much of an impact one event can have on so many places.”

  “To say that it is just one event is not doing enough justice for it, milady.” Karim corrected, his merchant pride doesn’t allow the slightest misunderstanding to take root when it comes to merchantry. “People flock to the host regions not just to watch the trials but to experience everything the local culture has to offer. Inns, merchants, artisans—they all make the most of it. And this Night Festival is a perfect example of that.”

  Jihoon looked around, the vibrant energy of the festival seeping into his mood. Despite the challenges and trials that awaited him, he couldn’t help but feel a spark of excitement. “So, this wasn’t part of the plan,” he said with a small smile. “But I guess we should make the most of it while we’re here.”

  “Exactly!” Karim said, clapping him on the back. “Consider it a detour worth taking. Who knows? You might at least find something to lift your spirits before the next trial.”

  The group continued walking, the festival’s lively atmosphere drawing them in further. The sounds, sights, and smells enveloped them, making it impossible not to be swept up in the celebration.

  During their approach toward their destination, the group just can’t help but stray from the objective all the time as they get caught up in the festivity all around and trying out one of the stands just so to not to miss the anything. The journey is what matters and not the destination as the saying goes.

  The first detour was a food stall selling skewered grilled meat basted in a savory-sweet glaze. Rosa was the first to drag them over as her dwarven strength makes any attempt of refusal moot, demanding to try “the best damn thing I’ve smelled all night.”, as she said. One bite in, her smug expression gave way to unrestrained delight.

  “This… this is incredible!” Rosa exclaimed through a mouthful of food.

  Jihoon raised an eyebrow at her enthusiasm before taking a bite himself—and couldn’t help but agree.

  Their next stop was a game stand where contestants had to catch small, glowing goldfishes with fragile paper nets. Aquarius, confident in her skills with Water Magic and her aquatic proficiency, eagerly took up the challenge. However, her overconfidence backfired as her first net ripped apart almost instantly thanks to the unrestrained merfolk strength resulted from constant swimming, much to Rosa’s amusement. By the end of the round, the only one with a prize was Alvorna, who had managed to catch three of them with an elegant yet determined focus.

  “Not bad for someone who said she’s never done this before,” Jihoon teased, earning a playful glare from Alvorna.

  As they passed another stall, Rosa challenged Jihoon to a ring toss competition. “Bet you can’t land a single one,” she taunted. Jihoon, unwilling to back down, accepted—and promptly missed every throw due to him being melee-focused. Rosa didn’t fare much better due to her short stature and the ensuing lack of restraint often overshot the target entirely. This led to a loud argument about whose technique was worse, while Karim standby observed and tried (and failed) to stop himself from laughing at their arguing dismay.

  Despite Karim’s initial attempts to keep the group on track, even he was drawn into the festivities. A vendor selling rare spices caught his eye, and soon he was haggling animatedly with the merchant, completely forgetting his role as the group’s self-proclaimed guide. By the time they pried him away, he was carrying a small bag of exotic ingredients, muttering something about “once-in-a-lifetime deals.”

  The most intriguing activity of the night, however, was a fortune-telling stall tucked into a quieter corner of the festival. The stand was simple, with a small wooden sign that read Draw Your Fortune! in ornate lettering.

  The process was straightforward: each participant would draw a fortune from a wooden box, and the result would reveal their recent fortune, left to interpretation.

  “Let’s see what the stars have in store,” Rosa said, stepping forward eagerly.

  She drew a slip, opened it, and read aloud: “A Golden Opportunity. Success is within your grasp if you seize the moment.” Her grin widened. “Obviously accurate.”

  Aquarius went next, pulling her fortune with a skeptical look. “A Hidden Wave. Strength lies beneath the surface, waiting to rise when least expected.” She frowned slightly, clearly unsure what to make of it.

  Alvorna’s fortune was next: “Winds of Change. The path you walk will bring transformation—though whether it is for better or worse is unclear.” Alvorna read the words aloud softly, her expression thoughtful.

  Finally, it was Jihoon’s turn. He hesitated for a moment before reaching into the box. He wasn’t one to believe in luck or fortune—it wasn’t something a Hunter could afford to rely on in a life-or-death profession. Still, the others were watching expectantly, and there was no way he could back out now.

  He drew a slip, opened it, and read the words written in bold, ominous letters:

  “Absolute Curse. The path ahead of you is fraught with endless challenges due to both circumstances beyond your control and your actions in correspondence.”

  A heavy silence fell over the group as Jihoon stared at the paper. “Well,” he said finally, his voice dry, “I’m not sure what I was expecting, but this feels about right.”

  “You’re taking that a little too well,” Karim noted, raising an eyebrow.

  Jihoon shrugged. “When you think about how my life’s been going lately—participating into the Odyssey, nearly dying at the first trial going above and beyond the original goal, and everything else—I’d say this is pretty accurate. Honestly, it’s probably less of a curse and more of a factual restatement at this point.”

  The group exchanged uneasy glances, but Jihoon simply tucked the slip into his pocket and gave a small smile. “It’s just plain-old superstition. Let’s not let it ruin the night.”

  Before the situation could grow awkward, Karim took the opportunity to steer the conversation elsewhere. “Alright, enough of the doom and gloom. How about we make our way to the tea yard before we get sidetracked again? It’s so popular they had to expand it to accommodate all the guests, so we’re bound to find something amazing there.”

  The group nodded in agreement, the lively festival atmosphere once again lifting their spirits as they continued down the supposed path. The teahouse awaits, promising a proper conclusion to this whirlwind of a night.

  After finally gathering enough self-control after indulging in the festivity, they arrived. Karim’s sharp eyes immediately caught something new. Near the center of the yard was a temporary stage, its simple yet elegant design adorned with floral motifs and cherry blossom accents. Rows of guests were already seated, their attention focused on the empty stage.

  “It seems the inn has brought in a performing troupe to provide the night’s climax,” Karim observed, gesturing toward the stage. “And judging by the size of the crowd, this isn’t just any nameless group.”

  The group found a table and sat down, taking in the buzzing energy of the crowd around them. A server soon appeared, taking their orders with practiced efficiency. Jihoon opted for a simple jasmine tea, while the others ordered a variety of traditional blends and small snacks to accompany the evening.

  As they waited for their orders, the group continued to observe the growing anticipation among the guests. But before their tea arrived, two well-dressed individuals approached their table. Their attire was striking—ornate robes adorned with intricate patterns—and both wore elegant kitsune masks that partially obscured their faces.

  “Good evening,” one of them began, their voice polite but filled with an air of urgency. “Apologies for the intrusion, but may we have a moment of your time?”

  The group exchanged glances before Jihoon nodded. “What’s this about?”

  The second individual, whose mask was accented with gold trim, stepped forward. “You are Jihoon Hyunwoon, the Maestro fastest to debut in Absence’s history, are you not? The one who composed SPIKA and performed Release of the Far South Ocean at the Odyssey’s opening ceremony?”

  Jihoon tensed slightly, unused to this level of recognition. “That’s me,” he said cautiously.

  The first individual clasped their hands together, their tone turning eager. “Your reputation precedes you, Maestro. Many producers have sought to contact you, but your… wandering nature has made that difficult. Tonight, we are incredibly fortunate to have stumbled upon you here.”

  Jihoon tilted his head. “Fortunate? What exactly do you need from me?”

  They exchanged a quick glance before the second individual spoke. “We are part of the performing troupe set to take the stage tonight. It would be an honor if you would join us for a single performance. Your instrument’s unique, gritty tone has a stirring quality that resonates deeply with listeners. We believe it would add a new dimension to our performance.”

  Jihoon’s brow furrowed. “I appreciate the offer, but wouldn’t that complicate things? You’ve already planned your performance, and adding me at the last minute might ruin the flow of it.”

  The first individual shook their head fervently. “Not at all. We have an hour before the performance begins, and our troupe is more than capable of making adjustments. Your reputation for adaptability and fast-composing is displayed and well known since the Odyssey’s opening ceremony, and we are confident you could find your place seamlessly.”

  As Jihoon considered their request, Alvorna, who had been listening quietly, suddenly leaned forward. “I’m sorry, but Jihoon is here on vacation. Surely you understand that he’s earned a moment of peace after everything he’s been through.” Her tone was polite but firm, her protective instincts clear.

  Her unexpected interjection made Jihoon pause. Seeing her so adamantly defending his time off brought a small smile to his face. He straightened in his seat and spoke up. “It’s fine, Alvorna. I’ll do it.”

  She blinked, caught off guard. “Jihoon—”

  He held up a hand to stop her. “I have my reasons. Performing isn’t just about making music. It’s about connecting with people around with whatever you conjure truthfully. This opportunity to improve myself more might not come again, and I want to take it. Besides…” He met her gaze, his tone softening. “Every time I play, it reminds me of why I’m here and what I’m fighting for. It helps me stay grounded. And if I can bring a little bit of joy to everyone here, I’d say it’s worth it even if there isn’t any real reason to do so”.

  Alvorna stared at him for a long moment, her expression unreadable. Then, to everyone’s surprise, she nodded. “If you’re going, then so am I.”

  The performers exchanged delighted glances and immediately began discussing logistics with Jihoon and Alvorna as the two rose from the table. As they walked toward the preparation ground to prepare, Rosa leaned back in her seat, watching them go with a puzzled expression.

  “What’s gotten into her?” Rosa asked. “I’ve never seen her so insistent about sticking to Jihoon’s side like this.”

  Karim chuckled softly, sipping on his ordered tea. “It’s simple, really. Alvorna’s starting to realize what she wants. Not what’s expected of her, not what’s dictated by her status, but her own desires. This is probably the first time she’s ever acted entirely for herself.”

  Rosa frowned, crossing her arms. “Well, I guess that’s good for her. Still, I didn’t think she’d jump straight into performing.”

  “Sometimes, it takes seeing someone else pursuing their passion to awaken your own,” Karim replied, watching the stage with a thoughtful smile. “And if I had to guess, this won’t be the last time Alvorna takes a step forward like this.”

  As Jihoon and Alvorna disappeared into the sea of people, weaving their way toward the preparation ground, the rest of the group remained seated, letting the festival’s vibrant energy wash over them. The anticipation in the air was palpable, and the stage was set, both literally and figuratively, for a night none of them would soon forget.

  When Jihoon and Alvorna arrived at the preparation area, they were greeted by a scene of disciplined chaos. Performers bustled about, making final adjustments to their instruments, costumes, and props. Despite the flurry of activity, there was a sense of order—each person seemed to know their role and purpose without the need for verbal instruction.

  One of the troupe members, a man in a fox mask with intricate silver details, approached them. “You’re just in time. We’ve already set the roles for the performance, but we’ll give you an hour to integrate yourselves into the arrangement. Here’s the recorded version of the piece we’re performing tonight,” he said, handing Jihoon a small music player that began to play a melody as soon as he activated it. Its appearance similar to any musical player of his world but something tells him its inner workings is vastly different.

  “You’ll have an hour to integrate into the piece,” another one of them said. “We know it’s a tight schedule, but we’ve heard of your reputation, Maestro Jihoon, and we trust you’ll make it work.”

  Jihoon nodded, putting on a pair of headphones to listen to the recording. He closed his eyes, focusing entirely on the music. The composition was intricate, filled with layers of traditional instruments and a rhythmic flow that evoked the ethereal beauty of the cherry blossoms in full bloom. Strings, flutes, and drums, each note carrying the soul of Absence’s eastern culture.

  This wasn’t new to him. Back in his world, before the Gates, he often livestreamed impromptu performances where viewers would request songs for him to play. Sometimes, he’d listen to a piece once before playing, other times he’d integrate his own improvisation on the fly. The skill had come from years of practice and adaptability, learning to blend his electric guitar’s gritty tone with songs that weren’t originally written with such an instrument in mind. It wasn’t just him, either. He vaguely recalled his coworkers at Arisen Studio doing the same to sharpen their skills with their own instruments, each trying to push the boundaries of what they could achieve.

  With those memories resurfacing, Jihoon felt a sense of ease and mild nostalgia wash over him. He mentally mapped out how his guitar’s unique tone could complement the performance, envisioning the crescendos and pauses where his instrument could amplify the piece’s emotional depth.

  By the time the song ended, Jihoon had already formed a mental roadmap of how to integrate his guitar into the performance. He gestured for one of the troupe members to hand him his personal instrument, then began testing a few riffs, subtly weaving them into the song’s framework as it played. The other musicians watched in awe as his improvisation flowed seamlessly, as if he had been part of their troupe from the beginning.

  Beside him, Alvorna watched the same scene unfold. She had brought her violin, but as she listened to the recording alongside Jihoon, doubt crept into her mind. The violin, while versatile, didn’t seem to have a natural place in the already rich tapestry of Orient traditional instruments woven into the piece. She toyed with the idea of simply supporting Jihoon from the sidelines, but then another thought struck her.

  Her gaze shifted to the troupe’s lead vocalist after a moment of contemplation, a young woman rehearsing her part with a clear, bell-like voice.

  The Odyssey, with all its grand retellings and reinterpretations, had left a mark on Absence. Among its many tales was the depiction of the Sirens, who had lured Odysseus and his crew with their mesmerizing songs. Over the centuries, the depiction of Sirens varied wildly—some described them as Merfolk with enchanting voices, others as Harpies. While the truth of the Siren Archipelago in Southern Absence was eventually revealed to be a natural large-scale magical formation, one detail remained consistent: the singing voices of Harpies were said to be uniquely alluring, capable of capturing the hearts and minds of any who listened.

  This wasn’t just any myth of unverified origin or grandiose uplifting. It’s the truth of one of the vast capabilities that a Harpy can be easily capable of. When she first met Jihoon in Lengsel Academy after his meteoric rise as the youngest and fastest Maestro of Absence, she deliberately used this entrancing singsong voice to capture the hearts of all the crowd around her as she performs her own personal character theme that she composed herself.

  She no longer needs to rely solely on her violin. For tonight, her voice could take the center stage.

  Alvorna approached the troupe leader. “I’d like to apply for the role of vocalist,” she said, her tone confident.

  The leader hesitated, glancing toward the current vocalist. “We already have one…”

  “I don’t intend to replace her,” Alvorna clarified. “But I believe our voices can complement each other. With some practice, we can harmonize and add depth to the performance with intergration.”

  The troupe leader considered this for a moment before nodding. “Very well. Let’s see what you can do.”

  Alvorna stepped forward, exchanging a brief nod with the lead vocalist. Then they began rehearsing together after she had a look into the lyric, their voices intertwining in a way that surprised even the troupe leader. Her rich and ethereal voice, carrying a natural resonance that evoked both innocent grace and power. Combined with the lead vocalist’s clear and mature tone, the two together created a combination that was so complimenting with one another as though yin-yang, the two extremes within Taiji. A harmony of opposite and contrast.

  Jihoon glanced over as he continued tweaking his part, watching Alvorna immerse herself in the music on her own accord. Although she has tried to step beyond the shadow of her own heritage, this is one of the few times he sees her being genuinely carefree. She has always carried herself with dignity, but this is where she steps forward on her own accord without any obligation or expectation.

  As the hour of preparation wore on, the troupe worked tirelessly together with them to integrate Jihoon and Alvorna into the performance. Adjustments were made, parts were rehearsed, and by the end of it, the ensemble felt more cohesive than anyone could have anticipated.

  Back at the tea yard, Rosa and Aquarius were growing restless. The two had gone through their fifth snack break in a row, Rosa munching on skewered treats while Aquarius stirred her now-empty teacup absently. The anticipation of Jihoon’s performance was starting to get to them.

  “If it’s Jihoon,” Rosa said between bites, “it’ll definitely be worth the wait. But seriously, how much longer is this going to take?”

  Aquarius nodded, her expression betraying a similar impatience. “They’ve had an hour. How much more preparation do they need?”

  Karim, however, remained as calm and collected as always. Reclining in his seat, he seemed perfectly at ease, his sharp eyes scanning the festival grounds. Despite the lack of a visible clock anywhere, he seemed to have an uncanny ability to keep track of the time.

  “One hour is about to pass,” Karim said suddenly, his voice cutting through the murmurs of the surrounding crowd. “And the performance is about to begin.”

  The instant the words left Karim’s mouth, the atmosphere of the tea yard shifted. A wave of excited murmurs rippled through the crowd as the performers began to file onto the stage. The troupe moved in perfect sync, their costumes and movements a flawless blend of elegance and tradition. Among them were Jihoon and Alvorna, now dressed in the troupe’s signature costumes to blend in seamlessly with the rest of the group. Both wore intricately designed kitsune masks, their expressions hidden behind the mystique of the fox-like visages.

  While the masks lent them an air of anonymity, their distinct traits were impossible to miss. Jihoon’s confident stance and the unmistakable shape of his guitar made him stand out even amidst the crowd of performers. Alvorna’s commanding yet graceful presence drew the attention of those who recognized her, her vibrant emerald eyes briefly visible through the slits of her mask.

  “They’re not going to stay hidden for long,” Karim remarked with a knowing grin, watching as the crowd leaned forward in anticipation. “After this performance, Jihoon’s renown will only grow greater. And Alvorna’s, too, if her singing is as enchanting as I suspect.”

  Rosa crossed her arms, still chewing on her latest snack. “Obviously. It’s Jihoon. He doesn’t know how to do anything halfway. But damn, they really look the part, don’t they?”

  Aquarius tilted her head, her sharp gaze fixed on Alvorna. “She’s come a long way since we met her. Seeing her up there with them… she looks like she belongs since the first moment.”

  As the performers finished arranging their positions on stage, the crowd fell silent, the excitement palpable in the cool night air. Lanterns swayed gently in the breeze, casting a warm glow over the performers as the first notes of the performance began to drift through the tea yard.

  Jihoon adjusted his grip on his guitar, his fingers poised over the strings, ready to bring a new sound to the traditional ensemble. Alvorna, standing near the front, closed her eyes for a moment, centering herself before the first line of the song. The two exchanged a brief glance, a silent acknowledgment of the journey that had brought them to this moment.

  And so begin the performance.

  G-~~~|D~~~|D_C_D_F D_C~C~|

  The opening measures were a dialogue between the two instruments, their voices intertwined in a melody that felt simultaneously tender and aching. The other instruments remained silent, allowing the zither and flute to weave a story of longing and introspection. Sustained notes lingered, creating an immediate sense of melancholy, as though the music invited the audience to step into a quiet space for contemplation.

  As the melody shifted, the progression began to ripple with tension. Notes danced back and forth, a delicate balance of consonance and dissonance that brought forth a sense of internal conflict. It was a moment of wrestling with thoughts or emotions, beautifully restrained yet undeniably powerful.

  D_B C~~|A~ F~|Eb~ D~|

  The notes transitioned, the melody descending the chromatic scale with a creeping, almost reluctant progression. Each step felt like a poignant resignation, the kind that settles in slowly, leaving an undeniable weight behind.

  D+ C+ Bb+ A+| F G~~|

  Suddenly, the notes climbed sharply to a higher register before cascading back down to the tonic. The descent was swift, dramatic, and filled with tension, resolving with a finality that closed the prelude with an emotional and dramatic intensity that left the tea yard in silent awe. Thus, officially completing the prelude. Only after that

  As Jihoon had examined the song by melody and what he managed to discern during the preparation. He finds that either is composer is bloody brilliant or lucky stroke of geniuses. Because like how Alvorna hides her own composed theme’s true nature in its key signature. Similarly, this song that was made for a festival has a key signature of…

  G minor. The key signature of resentment.

  A song’s emotion is decided by many factors. Key signatures took half of it and the rest depended on instruments and melodic progression. Beneath the surface of its outward beauty and celebratory context was something far deeper, even darker

  ‘G minor? For a festival song?’ Jihoon thought. ‘It’s the same kind of trick Alvorna uses in her own character theme—masking the true nature of the composition behind a fa?ade. This isn’t a song about beauty. It’s about the fleeting nature of that beauty, the bitterness that comes with knowing it will fade.’

  As the ensemble eased into the next section, Jihoon’s fingers moved instinctively over to the strings of his guitar, preparing to add his voice to the ensemblee. The gritty, rebellious tone of his instrument will stand in stark contrast to the polished sound of the traditional ensemble, but not with the intent to clash or override the pre-existing sounds. Instead, it underscored the raw emotion hidden within the melody, amplifying its sense of struggle and defiance.

  SAKURA in Full Bloom!

  G D_G A+~| G_A+ Bb+_C+ A+_G D|

  D G A+~| D+ C+ D+~|

  With the G minor key signature, the song’s emotion is determined. The rest of the ensemble begins to play in full swing as all the instruments harmonize with one another. Kickstarting from the gong, the flute played heartfeltly as it took the lead while the percussion and Jihoon’s metal underscore played in compliment.

  The note progression started as it weaved between melancholy and determination as the immediate jump from tonic to dominant before tonicization. The starting measure creates the quality of contemplation before difficult decisions. Then with the following measure follows the ascent closely to higher register tonic before dropping down to dominant, creating the sense of fleeting hope before the immediate fall and resignation.

  In the following measure, the note progression ascends. From dominant to near-tonic, before resolving in higher register. Like a moment of internal dialogue or conflict, where the melody seems to argue with itself through these quick, decisive note changes.

  G D_G A+~| G_A+ Bb+_C+ A+_G D|

  D F A+ F| G_G F G~|

  The melody refrained once more to emphasis and return emotionally before finally ending on a sustained tonic. To end this section with a proper resolution after the previous heightened state in the previous. As though to capture a complex emotional state - perhaps reminiscent of someone working through feelings of nostalgia or bittersweet memories, ultimately finding peace with them.

  The audience sat enraptured, their eyes fixed on the performers. The tea yard, bathed in the warm glow of lantern light and the soft shimmer of falling cherry blossom petals, felt like it existed outside of time. Jihoon gazed briefly at Alvorna who stood at the center stage with the lead vocalist, her role was about to begin as after this following section. The spotlight was shifting toward and her figure was serene yet commanding, her emerald eyes glinting behind the intricate kitsune mask.

  G_A+_B+~B+ C+~| D+_Eb+ D+_C+ G~|

  Starting on the same root note again, the note progression this time ascent upward in stepwise motion. This time even more direct than previous with the sustained B+ to create tension then moving even higher to C+ near-dominant, the progression deliberately creates emotional vulnerability. The lingering sustained notes brought a poignant sense of yearning before softly descending to the root tonic, offering a moment of resolution—but one that felt incomplete, thematically unfinished, as if holding its breath for what was to come.

  G A+ B+ C+| D+ C+ D+~|

  The next phrase followed with clean, deliberate steps, each note rising without haste. The steady motion gave the melody a sense of inevitability, as if it were climbing toward something greater. The tension built steadily, culminating in a sustained D+~ that echoed the high notes from earlier. This time, however, the dominant note felt more resolved, as if the melody had reached a point of tentative understanding.

  G~ A+~| G_A+_Bb+_C+ A+_G D~|

  Eb~ F~ |G_G F G~

  The progression softened, returning to gentler, sustained notes—G~ A+~—that brought a momentary reprieve. The familiar patterns from earlier sections reappeared, grounding the audience in a sense of continuity. The addition of sustained Eb~ F~ notes introduced a brief moment of uncertainty, as though the melody itself were pausing to reflect on what had been said. Finally, the section concluded with the same resolving cadence as before, offering one last moment of introspection before definitively ending the introduction.

  You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

  Alvorna took a subtle step forward as the melody faded into stillness. Her presence commanded the stage, and though she had yet to sing, her aura alone captured the audience’s attention. Jihoon’s gaze lingered on her for a brief moment as admiration flickers behind his mask. Her role is to elevate it—to bring its hidden depths to life with her voice.

  The tea yard was silent now during the moment that as though stretched for eternity, the murmurs of the crowd stilled as they waited for what came next. Jihoon adjusted his grip on his guitar, his fingers resting lightly on the strings. He knew this moment would be pivotal—not just for the performance, but for Alvorna as well.

  With part of the lyrics decided between the lead vocalist and Alvorna, the verse begins.

  D D_F G~| G_Bb+ A+_Bb+ A+_F D|

  As the snow melts, the hibiscus blossoms,

  D_F G F A+| Bb+ A+ G A+|

  and the moonlight soon turns pale scarlet

  The lead vocalist started first, her mature and calm tone setting the initial atmosphere of the verse. Her voice was steady yet filled with restrained emotion, like a gentle pulse rippling through the silence. The zithers provided delicate slides, the strings resonating like palpating heartbeats, while Jihoon’s muted guitar strums subtly added texture to the soundscape.

  The melody opened on a dominant note (D), building tension immediately. The progression then lingered on the tonic note (G~), offering a fleeting moment of contemplation. As the second measure unfolded, the oscillation between Bb+ and A+ created a sense of emotional turbulence, as though wrestling with unresolved thoughts. Finally, the descent to the root note provided partial resolution, though its placement on a dominant note maintained an undercurrent of tension, leaving the moment emotionally unresolved.

  D_F G G_A+_G| G_Bb+ A+_Bb+ A+_F D|

  The birds that- herald spring, sing in euphoric joy.

  D_F G~ F| Bb+ A+ G~|

  In the coming season of hope.

  The following measures brought more restless movement, the notes alternating between registers. This back-and-forth created the sensation of searching, of struggling to find emotional clarity. No sustained notes lingered in this section, leaving an air of unease. As the melody climbed to Bb+, the tension became palpable, while the subsequent descent offered partial relief.

  The next phrase mirrored the opening motif but developed it differently. The oscillation around G (G_A+_G) suggested internal uncertainty, a mind torn between conflicting emotions. However, the sustained G~ that followed provided a brief reprieve, a moment of reflection before the rise to Bb+. This ascent culminated in a soft landing on a sustained G~, suggesting resolution and acceptance after an internal struggle, bringing proper closure to the section.

  The audience sat in awe, their attention riveted on the stage. Every note, every lyric, seemed to carry a weight that resonated deeply with them. The performers, too, were fully immersed in their roles, their music weaving together seamlessly into a rich emotional tapestry.

  The spotlight shifted, and Alvorna stepped forward. Her voice, in sharp contrast to the lead vocalist’s maturity, carried an innocent grace that breathed fresh life into the performance.

  D D_F G~| G_Bb+ A+_G A+_F D|

  Hands held in hand, the children dance in gorgeous clothing.

  D_F G F A+| Bb+ A+ G A+|

  Dancing together, the children compete with one another.

  The previous section refrained once more, this time carried forward with Alvorna’s innocent grace that contrast with the lead vocalist, the backdrop instruments going double time as the percussionists perform in earnest while Jihoon remain almost inaudible between the soundscape yet unmistakably there for the sharp-hearing as it his blended emotionally as though indistinguishable.

  The lead vocalist joined Alvorna in the next lines, their contrasting harmonies intertwining like two halves of the same soul.

  D_F G G_A+_G| G_Bb+ A+_Bb+ A+_F D|

  Hands in hand, lush garments, their happiness fills the air.

  D_F G~ F| Bb+ A+ G~|

  Just before the season of hope.

  The interplay of their voices was breathtaking. The lead vocalist’s calm strength and Alvorna’s youthful clarity created a dynamic that perfectly embodied the song’s themes of reflection and hope. The instruments swelled behind them, carrying the performance to greater emotional heights.

  Jihoon, while playing his part, couldn’t help but analyze the song’s structure. He’d had his suspicions during preparation, but now he was certain: the choice of G minor as the key signature wasn’t just a coincidence. The sheer amount rises to Bb then just drops guide him toward the truth of its melody structure.

  “It’s deliberate,” Jihoon thought, his mind briefly pulling away from the music as his fingers moved instinctively over the strings. “G minor sits opposite Bb major in the Circle of Fifths. Bb major is the key of hope, while G minor is the key of resentment. This song was crafted to deceive. The general audience won’t notice, but anyone with even basic music theory can see the brilliance here. It’s disguised as a song of hope and renewal in melody progression, but at its heart, it’s about struggle, longing, and reconciling with pain.”

  As the final notes of this section faded, Jihoon glanced at Alvorna. Her presence on stage, her ability to take the song’s vulnerability and transform it into something breathtaking, left him momentarily speechless. The audience, too, seemed caught in the spell, their silence speaking volumes about the impact of the performance. Even if he has been part of many performances himself, it is still a unique experience each time.

  This was no ordinary festival piece. It was a masterpiece of emotional storytelling, one that resonated with each listener in a deeply personal way.

  As the performance moved forward, the song transitioned into the pre-chorus, signaling a shift in tone. The ensemble, which had previously played in full force, now pulled back. A hush fell over the instrumental section, leaving space for the lead vocalist to pour every ounce of emotion into the lyrics.

  G_A+ Bb+_C+ D+~| Eb+ D+ C+ Bb+| A+ G~~| A+_G D~~|

  When the festival music sounds, the moonlight spills out… all around.

  The soundscape thinned dramatically, heightening the weight of each note. The percussion provided only brief, steady slaps, marking time with quiet authority. The zithers played in delicate, fluid motions, their strings barely touched as they shimmered in the near silence. Jihoon, too, held back, his guitar’s muted strums striking only once per measure—like a heartbeat steadying the breath of the song itself.

  The melody ascended ambitiously, moving through multiple registers with elegant precision. The sustained D+~ at the peak created a moment of emotional suspension, holding the audience in breathless anticipation. Then, the line gently descended—Eb+ D+ C+ Bb+—a gradual release of tension, flowing like a sigh of relief.

  The phrase landed softly on A+ G~~, a double sustain that lingered in the air like the echo of a deep-seated emotion. Then came A+_G D~~, where the extended sustain on D~~ seemed to offer a fleeting sense of peace. This entire section created an emotional wave—rising tension, then a soft, soothing release—like the rhythm of natural breathing, drawing the listener into a moment of quiet reflection.

  The melody continued, contemplative and dreamlike:

  D F Eb~| F G~~| Bb+ A+~~| G~ A+~|

  The light overflows into the foliage's shadow.

  The progression moved with shorter, more exploratory phrases, each sustained note acting as a stepping stone in a sequence of emotional realizations. The earlier sustained notes—Eb~ F G~~—felt like moments of contemplation, each note lingering in thought. The later ones—Bb+ A+~~—felt more purposeful, as if emotions that were once uncertain were now beginning to take form. The use of double sustains (~~) emphasized these realizations, offering a deep and meditative sense of peace before the melody moved forward.G_A+ Bb+_C+ D+~| Eb+ D+ C+ Bb+| A+ G~~| A+_G D~~|

  The curtains of a wonderful night, falling upon with splendor of moonlight.

  ‘Here!’ -Alvorna

  At that moment, Alvorna stepped forward, her presence undeniable as she seamlessly joined the measure. Her voice, lighter yet no less powerful, intertwined with the lead vocalist’s mature resonance, creating a striking contrast that sent chills through the audience.

  Then came the most crucial moment.

  A+_Bb+_A+~ A+_Bb+_A+~ A+_Bb+_A+_G A+_Bb+_A+_G| A+_C+_D+~D+ D+_D+ Eb+_D+|

  Let us eat, let us drink, let us dance this night away until the dawn. Until the dawn.

  The repeated A+_Bb+_A+ pattern introduced a new intensity, an emotional insistence woven into the fabric of the song. The oscillating notes felt like a struggle—an internal dialogue mirroring the pull between joy and lingering sorrow. The rise to D+ and Eb+ marked an emotional culmination, the tension building toward a climactic peak. Yet, rather than resolving entirely, the section ended on D+, leaving a lingering sense of expectation, a prelude to something even greater.

  The festival crowd, enraptured, swayed with the rhythm, their expressions mirroring the emotions carried in the music. Some closed their eyes, lost in the moment, while others watched in awe, unable to tear their gaze from the stage.

  Its hidden complexity, the deceptive use of G minor—a key of resentment—against Bb major, the key of hope, was a masterstroke of composition. The interplay between the two key signatures mirrored the very essence of the festival: a celebration that acknowledged both the fleeting nature of joy and the beauty found within it. One could endlessly argue about whether it was a festival song or not, but the undeniable fact remains that it truly touch the heart of many regardless of its described nature.

  As the final notes of the pre-chorus rang out, the music hushed once more, as if holding its breath. The tea yard was silent no longer. The festival’s peak had arrived, and the audience was swept into the music’s embrace. The flickering lanterns overhead swayed gently, their soft golden light cascading over the performers. And with it, the song would finally reveal its true heart.

  The chorus begins, with the full weight of emotions arrived.

  D_F G D_F A+| G_A+ Bb+_C A+_G D

  SAKURA, SAKURA, and a scarlet sky above.

  D_F G Bb+ A+| Eb+ D+ C+ D+|

  When I think of you, I know that you are with me

  At once, every performer on stage sprang into action. The percussionists struck their drums with newfound vigor, their rhythms pulsing like a heartbeat driving the song forward. The zithers and strings joined in full force, their harmonies swelling with the combined weight of longing and celebration. Jihoon’s guitar roared to life, his sharp, distorted notes weaving into the soundscape without overpowering the traditional ensemble.

  At the front of the stage, Alvorna and the lead vocalist sang together, their voices intertwining in a stunning harmonic interplay that carried the soul of the song. The contrast between Alvorna’s ethereal clarity and the lead vocalist’s mature resonance made the words feel tangible, as if they were reaching beyond the music and into something more profound.

  The chorus opened with a rising pattern, its notes climbing steadily, gathering emotion with each step. The ascent to A+ built tension, like the tightening of a held breath. When the second measure descended back to the root note D, there was a fleeting sense of relief—but it was not yet true resolution. The melody then surged once more into the high register (Eb+ D+ C+ D+), intensifying the feeling of yearning, of searching for something just out of reach. This pattern of the entire section establishes an emotional question of yearning

  D_F G D_F A+| G_A+ Bb+_C A+_G D

  Round and round, come and go, all the horrible dreams and nightmares.

  D_F G~ F| Bb+ A+ G~|

  Until it all melts into the sound.

  The progression echoed the opening motif but evolved, shifting its emotional weight. The sustained G~ added a contemplative moment, lingering in the air as though giving space for a deep breath, a quiet reckoning. The final sustained G~ provided a more definitive rest—a moment of pause before emotions surged once more.

  The festival audience, now fully immersed in the performance, swayed with the rhythm. Some clapped softly along with the beat, others closed their eyes, letting the music pull them into its spell.

  D_F G D_F A+| G_A+ Bb+_C A+_G D

  Keep dancing, keep dancing, I give myself over to the cheerful music

  D_F G G_Bb+ A+| Eb+ D+ C+ D+|

  Letting the whirldwind of the night carry me away.

  The melody refrained once more, its familiarity now imbued with greater urgency. The new variation (G_Bb+ A+) added a fresh layer of tension, a subtle shift that deepened the emotional weight of the piece. The high-register ending lingered, refusing to fully resolve, as if emotions were still swirling in the night air, unsettled yet intoxicating.

  D+_C+ D+_Eb+ D+~| C+_D+ Bb+_C+ A+_G D

  Hiding deep within my heart, is the wish we made that night

  D_F G~ F| Bb+ A+ Bb+_A+ G|

  That I kept within so tight.

  From the high, soaring register of the previous section, the melody immediately launched into an emotional peak. The sustained D+~ stretched across the measure, holding tension in place, as though suspending the audience in a moment of profound realization. The notes then began their gradual descent—C+_D+ Bb+_C+ A+_G—but rather than a simple resolution, there was still ascending movement, an internal conflict easing into reluctant acceptance.

  Each section revisits similar emotional territory, and each return adds new elements or variations upon. Which suggests processing emotions from different angles. The final section provides the most complete resolution.

  The final oscillation (Bb+_A+) before the melody’s soft landing on G provided a gentle, reflective closure. It was the sound of an emotion fully processed, a memory acknowledged, and a fleeting dream embraced before it slipped into the past.

  Each return to the chorus had revisited similar emotional ground, but each time, new elements emerged—subtle shifts in the harmony, variations in phrasing—suggesting that the song wasn’t merely repeating itself, but rather, allowing the audience to experience the emotions from different angles.

  By the time the last note of the chorus faded into the cool night air, the festival crowd sat in stunned silence, their hearts still caught within the lingering echoes of the music.

  Jihoon exhaled, fingers still resting on his guitar strings as the vibrations dissipated. He could feel the weight of the performance in his chest—not just as a musician, but as someone who had lived the emotions the song conveyed. He glanced at Alvorna, who stood with her hands clasped before her, her emerald eyes bright with an emotion even she probably couldn’t name.

  The music had reached them all. And the night was far from over.

  Back at the group’s table, Karim observed the performance with a practiced poker face, betraying no emotion as he listened to the lingering echoes of the melody. His sharp eyes stayed fixed on the stage, following the interplay between Jihoon and Alvorna as they prepared for the next section.

  Aquarius and Rosa, however… their reactions were far more complicated.

  Aquarius sat unusually still, her gaze distant, her fingers lightly gripping the edge of her teacup. The usual veil of detached elegance she wore was gone, replaced with something softer, more vulnerable. The song, with its poignant lyrics and aching melodies, resonated with something deep inside her—something even she didn’t fully understand.

  Rosa, on the other hand, was fidgeting. Her foot tapped an uneven rhythm against the wooden floor, her arms crossed in front of her as if trying to shield herself from what she was feeling. She refused to look at anyone, her gaze locked onto the stage.

  Karim glanced at both of them, his expression unreadable.

  "When you're happy, you enjoy the music. But when you're sad, you understand the lyrics."

  A certain quote resurfaced in his mind, one he had heard long ago. It wasn’t that he was particularly happy or sad, but as the lyrics continued, something about them struck him differently.

  The words. The emotions. The way Jihoon and Alvorna’s voices intertwined in perfect harmony, almost as if their souls were speaking to each other through the music.

  Karim exhaled softly, leaning back in his seat. He had been watching this entire thing unfold from the beginning, yet only now, as he listened to this song, did he take a step back and truly see everything for what it was.

  Jihoon.

  The Daughter of the Matriarch.

  The CEO of Magni Conglomeration.

  The Princess of the Sargasso Royal Family.

  All of them, tied together by the most improbable of circumstances. A man who, by all accounts, should have remained a fleeting presence in their lives. A wandering musician, nameless and unheard in entirety of Absence. And yet, somehow, he had become the crux of their intersection, the force that had drawn all of them together.

  Karim had witnessed countless chance meetings in his life—alliances forged through trade, strangers crossing paths for fleeting moments, destinies altered by mere coincidences. But this… this was something else entirely. The way their lives had intertwined, like celestial bodies aligning in the sky, was almost unthinkable.

  Was it just music that had brought them together?

  Or was it something far greater?

  Karim wasn’t one to believe in fate. He preferred to think that life was built upon choices—decisions made in the moment that led people down different paths. And yet, when he looked at the stage and saw Jihoon and Alvorna standing side by side, their voices carrying the weight of something neither of them had put into words yet…

  He wondered.

  What would their lives have been without him?

  Would Alvorna still be the faithful Daughter of the Matriarch, forever bound by duty, never daring to chase her own desires or having her own aspiration? Would Aquarius still be locked in her pursuit of pitiful defiance as someone whose entire life until now has been sheltered? Would Rosa remain just as much a holder of a title, never knowing the full-depth of her own ancestry as she just moved along with the flow like a rock falling down a mountain?

  Would Jihoon still be wandering alone aimlessly, unsure of where he truly belonged?

  The thought lingered in his mind as the song shifted, the intermission drawing to a close.

  Karim closed his eyes briefly, allowing the music to wash over him once more.

  Whatever the truth was—whether it was fate, coincidence, or something in between—it didn’t matter.

  What mattered was that they were here, together, sharing this moment.

  And as the performance continued, Karim had a feeling that their journey was only just beginning.

  As the tea yard held its breath, the music resumed.

  Surprisingly, it was Alvorna who led the next verse, stepping forward into the dim lantern glow. The ensemble fell into a delicate hush, the traditional instruments reduced to mere whispers in the soundscape. It was as though the stage itself had pulled away, leaving only her voice to carry the weight of the lyrics.

  D D_F G~| G_Bb+ A+_Bb+ A+_F D|

  "Cloudburst and wind, a blurred moon in the distance."

  D_F G F A+| Bb+ A+ G A+|

  "And many fragments of sweet memories."

  Her voice, soft yet laced with something deeper—something raw—filled the space. She sang not as a performer, but as someone living the words.

  D_F G G_A+_G| G_Bb+ A+_Bb+ A+_F D|

  "Even though we loved each other, it still has yet to come true."

  D_F G~ F| Bb+ A+ G~|

  "A sad story of our unrequited love."

  The second half of the verse was but a refrain of the first, yet the repetition only made it heavier. There was a purpose to refraining, after all—to emphasize, to etch meaning into the listener’s soul. And for Alvorna, who had studied the lyrics intently before the performance, she had not failed to notice how much this song mirrored her and Jihoon’s relationship.

  But then again… wasn’t that the nature of music?

  Songs of love, of longing—anyone could find a reflection of themselves in them. But standing here, singing these words beside Jihoon, Alvorna couldn’t shake the feeling that this was more than coincidence.

  As she held the final note, the pre-chorus arrived once more—but this time, something changed.

  Jihoon’s guitar, which had thus far woven itself within the fabric of the ensemble, suddenly rose.

  With a deliberate strum, his sound cut through the delicate tapestry of traditional instruments, overtaking the entire arrangement. The song, once a grand festival performance filled with layers upon layers of musicianship, now shifted into something much more intimate.

  For a moment, it was no longer a troupe performance.

  It became a vocal-instrumental duo.

  Jihoon and Alvorna, bound by the song.

  G_A+ Bb+_C+ D+~| Eb+ D+ C+ Bb+| A+ G~~| A+_G D~~|

  "Let the horrifying fate come to an end and vanish without a trace."

  His guitar wailed with newfound intensity, its gritty, distorted tone cutting against the soft elegance of the original composition. This was no longer merely an accompaniment—Jihoon had claimed his place in the song, carving his presence into it like a blade etching into stone.

  Alvorna’s voice rose to match him, their combined sound creating a tension so raw, so real, that it made the air itself seem to tremble.

  D F Eb~| F G~~| Bb+ A+~~| Gb~ A+~|

  "May the days of happiness continue unabated."

  The gentle, contemplative phrasing from earlier returned, but now it carried something deeper—like a desperate wish sent into the void, uncertain if it would ever be answered.

  G_A+ Bb+_C+ D+~| Eb+ D+ C+ Bb+| A+ G~~| A+_G D~~|

  "I will always be watching over you from this place, from far away."

  Jihoon’s fingers moved with effortless grace, plucking out notes that bled emotion, raw and unfiltered. It was not just accompaniment. It was a conversation, a declaration in sound.

  Alvorna turned her head slightly, casting him a glance from behind her kitsune mask. Jihoon did not look back at her—his focus was entirely on the music. But he didn’t have to.

  She understood.

  And so, she gave her answer in song.

  A+_Bb+_A+~ A+_Bb+_A+~ A+_Bb+_A+_G A+_Bb+_A+_G| A+_C+_D+~D+ D+_D+ Eb+_D+|

  "Spring evening, intoxicating, stars in the sky, a tiger on a bamboo branch, until the dawn... Until the dawn."

  The repeated A+_Bb+_A+ pattern built insistently, demanding to be heard. It oscillated back and forth, as though refusing to let the song end unresolved. It was yearning, it was insistence—a desperate push against the inevitable.

  The night reached its peak, the performance reaching a crescendo as the final chorus surged forth.

  The entirety of the troupe joined in full force, surging forward with their instruments, their voices, their presence. No longer were they the ones guiding Jihoon and Alvorna. Instead, it was they who were assisting them.

  It was no longer a performance where the two had to fit into an existing framework.

  The framework moved to accommodate them instead.

  The lead vocalist harmonized with Alvorna in perfect synchrony, their voices weaving together into something greater than the sum of their parts.

  The flute soared, its melody spiraling around the vocals like a guiding wind.

  The zither and percussions surged, adding weight and momentum to the sound, pushing them forward rather than restraining them.

  The festival, the cherry blossoms, the lantern lights—they all seemed to blur into a singular moment of music, alive and burning with passion.

  Jihoon’s guitar roared, no longer merely blending into the soundscape, but standing at the forefront, reinforcing every rise and fall in intensity.

  The song had transformed into something more than just tradition.

  It was alive.

  D_F G D_F A+| G_A+ Bb+_C A+_G D

  SAKURA, SAKURA, I entrust myself to you.

  D_F G Bb+ A+| Eb+ D+ C+ D+|

  On this melancholic, lonely night.

  Alvorna’s voice rang clear as crystal, resonating in perfect harmony with the lead vocalist. Their voices, so different yet so complementary, wove together like twin threads in an intricate tapestry. The flute soared above them, embellishing the melody with delicate trills, while the zithers provided a textured, rippling backdrop.

  Jihoon’s guitar roared back into the mix, no longer standing apart from the traditional instruments, but blending seamlessly into them. His electric chords reverberated like thunder, bringing a weight to the chorus that pushed it beyond mere festival music

  The rising pattern returned, but now it soared, lifted by the combined power of every performer on stage. The ascent to A+ carried a weight that had not been there before—a sense of longing transformed into action.

  No hesitation. No uncertainty. Just pure, unfiltered emotion. As the melody descended back to the root note (D), there was no longer an unresolved feeling, no lingering doubt.

  This was no longer a song about sorrow but a bold declaration.

  D_F G D_F A+| G_A+ Bb+_C A+_G D

  I believe that someday, my wish will become true.

  D_F G~ F| Bb+ A+ G~|

  And my thoughts toward you will never fade.

  The second half of the chorus refrained, but its meaning had deepened. This wasn’t just repetition—it was affirmation. The voices rose, the instruments built up like a cresting wave, every note reaching upward, straining toward something greater.

  Alvorna and the lead vocalist pushed their voices further, carrying the chorus beyond its original intent. Their voices stretched across the festival grounds, reaching every soul present. Jihoon’s guitar burned through the measures of the phrase, echoing their voices in defiance of impermanence.

  The next refrain surged forth, no longer bittersweet, but radiant. The audience felt it too. Many had their eyes closed, not merely listening but feeling. Others watched the stage with an intensity that spoke volumes—this performance was something they would never forget.

  And then, as the song surged forward, Alvorna smiled. Not just a polite smile. Not because she is being the distant, unreadable Daughter of the Matriarch.

  A real, genuine smile.

  And Jihoon saw it.

  D_F G D_F A+| G_A+ Bb+_C A+_G D

  Keep smiling, keep smiling, a sad face doesn't belong at a festival

  D_F G G_Bb+ A+| Eb+ D+ C+ D+|

  Yet tears still fell no matter the spectacle.

  The percussionists hammered their drums, not in somber restraint, but in a celebratory burst of power. The flute swirled in joyous defiance, soaring above the layered voices, guiding the melody like wind carrying sakura petals into the sky. Jihoon struck his guitar with renewed intensity, his sound no longer melancholic but empowered, steadfast, like a heartbeat refusing to fade.

  Even if the festival was meant to be joyous, tears could still fall. Even if they smiled, it didn’t mean the past didn’t weigh upon them.

  But still—they kept going because life awaits no one.

  D+_C+ D+_Eb+ D~| C+_D+ Bb+_C+ A+_G D

  The spring snowflakes dancing in the night, like a dream of paradise.

  D_F G~ F| Bb+ A+ Bb+_A+ G|

  A shared heaven where only we reside.

  The final lines of the chorus rang through the night, the words sinking into every heart present. With how much Alvorna is impassioned by the performance, the way she expressed it toward her targeted recipient makes it a barely disguised confession.

  A whispered truth carried on the wind. Jihoon let the last note of his guitar fade into silence. Alvorna’s voice lingered for a heartbeat longer before falling still. But the performance hasn’t ended yet. The song enters another interlude or as defined in song structure. Middle 8.

  A middle 8 is a section of a song that differs in melody and lyrics and helps the song develop naturally by providing contrast to what was previously playing in the song, usually set after the second chorus.

  Whatever is chosen to put in this section, there is only one important factor to keep in mind: a middle 8 exists to bring variety to a song. It is a sort of break before we go back to the main part of the tune, the chorus. It serves the need to make the song more dynamic, as it adds movement and tension, finalized to resolve on the hook.

  Even if the terms are often used interchangeably, the middle 8 and the bridge are still different parts of a song. The bridge usually connects a verse to the chorus, while the middle 8 doesn’t serve as a connection but, rather, as a turning point.

  G~~~|D+~~~| D+_C+ Bb+_A+ G_D~D| D F Eb~| F G~~| Bb+ A+~~| G~ A+~|

  The flute began to play. Alone.

  Its delicate melody filled the space left behind by the fading instruments, weaving through the night like a spectral whisper. Every other sound, every presence on stage, faded into absolute absence, leaving behind only this singular voice—a quiet reflection of the festival’s mystique.

  It felt like stepping beyond time itself, where the world continued to move, yet the soul remained suspended in stillness.

  The initial long-sustained notes and instant jump from tonic to dominant give the feeling of emotional awakening while lost in suspended time itself. Then with the cascading descent from high to middle register, gives visualization to the layered emotions as it gradually settles.

  Then with much more gentle motion that the note progression moved, the sustained flat (Eb) gives sense to melancholy then with the resolution to tonic gives brief stability before jumping to higher register to showcase lingering emotional intensity. Before ending on sustained A+~ leaves feelings unresolved but peaceful

  Finally, Jihoon performs once more. The percussions returned, soft and measured, like footsteps in the snow, while the flute lingered just enough to guide the way.

  But this moment belonged to Jihoon alone.

  G~~~| G_A+ Bb+_C+ Bb+_Bb+ A+| F_F~F~~|

  The guitar’s first note rang out—a single, long-sustained G, its sound raw and unfiltered.

  It was a moment of stillness, a confession held between trembling hands.

  Then, the ascent began, the notes climbing steadily, trembling with growing intensity. The perfect fifths of G and Bb reinforced the weight of this unspoken turmoil, the harmony clashing yet complementing, creating a tension that spoke louder than words. Where hope and resentment but two sides of the same coin.

  Then came the fall—Bb+ A+—the melody dropping suddenly to the lower register. The descent was not gentle despite its stepwise motion. It was heavy, like the slow collapse of something unsaid, something breaking under its own weight.

  F_G A+_Bb+ A+_A+ G| Eb_Eb~Eb~~|

  Each refrain fell lower, dragging the melody further down.

  It felt like something spiraling downward, like a weight pressing onto the chest. The guitar wailed, its tone bending into something between grief and defiance. Jihoon’s fingers pressed harder against the strings, as though forcing the instrument to scream in his place.

  Eb_F G_A+ G_G Gb| G~ A+~|

  The descent seemed endless. The falling notes continued, pressing downward, drowning in lament—until suddenly, there was a shift.

  A single, unexpected Gb—an accidental note. A note that didn’t belong to the expected structure. A note that broke the downward spiral.

  It was a moment of resistance. A struggle against fate itself.

  And just like that, the melody climbed again—G~ A+~—not fully resolved, but no longer falling.

  Jihoon played on. His fingers moved instinctively, the notes now woven with raw emotion, no longer held back by conscious restraint.

  G~~~| G_A+ Bb+_C+ Bb+_Bb+ A+| F_F~F~~|

  F_G A+_Bb+ A+_A+ G| Eb_Eb~Eb~~|

  Eb_F G_A+ G_G Gb| G~ A+~| C+~ D+~

  He repeated the phrases, the guitar crying out once more. Instead of remaining trapped in an unresolved fade, Jihoon pushed the melody into a final rise, reaching a higher register dominant (C+ to D+), allowing for a fleeting moment of resolve—imperfect, yet resolute.

  The highest note yet in the progression. The solo had not resolved in the traditional sense, but it had refused to surrender. Allowing for a fleeting moment of resolve—imperfect, yet resolute.

  This solo is Jihoon’s returning confession to Alvorna herself. Because of his role as guitarist to her role as vocalist, this is his only way of responding to her own during the performance itself. He can’t convey any word to her with such personal closeness in public lest another incident similar to the first meeting when he dares try to connect with the Daughter of the Matriarch repeat itself. Now even more considerable as he now has a lot more at stake in Absence.

  Jihoon had never been one for myths, but even he recognized the shape of their story.

  A man with no place in the world, and a woman bound by something far greater than herself.

  It was the tale of star-crossed lovers, a love denied by heaven itself.

  No matter what he wished to say to her—he couldn’t.

  Not even in words. Not in a place where her duty, hierarchy, and expectation loomed over her like an immutable law. And its shadow by collateral cast over him.

  All he could do was wail toward the heavens, pouring his emotions into the grit of his guitar and hoping for a faint chance of reciprocation. Or even bolder, to forcefully move heaven by his heart.

  As his final note hung in the night air, he exhaled. His answer had been given.

  And now, it was Alvorna’s turn to respond. The weight of Jihoon’s guitar solo still hung in the air, a wordless confession left unanswered. Yet, as the music swayed into its final verse, she took a step forward, lifted her voice, and let the song carry her reply.

  D_F G_F G_Bb+ A+| G Bb C D

  A morning cloud arrives from the east as the sky opens.

  D_Eb D_Eb G_F G_A+| Bb+~ A+_Bb+ G|

  The feast is almost over, and spring will soon pass.

  Her voice floated through the night, delicate yet unwavering. The quiet acceptance in her tone contrasted with the intensity of what had come before. This was not a verse of sorrow or regret—it was one of understanding.

  Her melody, much like Jihoon’s solo, traced the arc of emotions struggled with, wrestled down, and finally embraced. Her voice, carrying all the weight of unspoken words, rose into the cool night air. The zither and flute trailed behind her like wisps of mist, delicate yet present, as though hesitant to break the spell.

  This part of the lyrics held meanings that she could not help but reflect upon her own circumstances. A fleeting moment, something that could never last.

  F_G F_G~G~| D+ Eb+_Db C+_Bb+ A+_G|

  From one to three, I counted the falling petals.

  The words struck deeper than they should have.

  Jihoon, watching from his position on stage, felt his grip instinctively tighten over the guitar. The imagery was clear. One petal, then another, then another—falling away one by one, never to return to the branch they once belonged to.

  Hadn’t they all been counting petals this entire time? Counting the few seconds together that is inevitably stripping away before they are truly unable to meet with one another again as Alvorna’s Rite of Ascension draws close.

  Hadn’t they all known, deep down, that this moment—this song, this festival, this fragile world where he and Alvorna could stand on equal ground —was destined to fade away?

  Alvorna’s voice, unwavering despite the emotions she must have felt, carried the final lines of the verse:

  The melody swelled, and the ensemble gathered their strength.

  A+_Bb+_A+~ A+_Bb+_A+~ A+_Bb+_A+_G A+_Bb+_A+_G| A+_C+_D+~D+~~|

  I wish over, and over, in my voice until I can reach you. No matter the distance.

  The melody became insistent, her voice layered with urgency, almost as if she were pleading.

  Each repetition of A+_Bb+_A+ carried more weight than the last—an undeniable sense of determination, of hope clashing against reality.

  Her voice climbed higher, reaching for something beyond what could be put into words. As if she was calling out to someone she knew would never hear her.

  And yet, she still sang.

  She still reached.

  Because if she didn’t—if she stopped wishing—then the emotions would fade, just as the petals did in the spring breeze. And she couldn’t allow that.

  This was the turning point—the final buildup before the grand finale.

  D+_D+~D+ Eb+_D+ D+ | Eb+_D+ Eb+_F+ Eb+_D+~D+|

  Over the sea, Over the stars, and over everywhere

  The sustained D+ stretched across the measure, soaring as if desperately trying to close the distance between them. The percussions rumbled, pushing the melody forward like rolling waves.

  The final line stretched outward, her voice carrying across the night like the wind itself.

  Beyond the sea.

  Beyond the sky.

  Beyond the world itself.

  If Jihoon had wailed toward heaven, then Alvorna was calling back from the stars.

  The moment hung suspended, the weight of her words rippling outward like a stone cast into still water. She knew Jihoon was listening. She knew he understood.

  Even if neither of them could say it aloud.

  As the final notes lingered in the night air, the song neared its end. Then— The final chorus began.

  And the troupe gave it everything they had.

  D_F G D_F A+| G_A+ Bb+_C A+_G D

  SAKURA, SAKURA, the pale scarlet sky above.

  D_F G Bb+ A+| Eb+ D+ C+ D+|

  The sky is changing to heavenly hues of blue

  The percussionists struck with fervor, the deep, rhythmic pounding of their drums echoing like a heartbeat. The flutes and zithers danced, wrapping their melodies around the harmonies of the vocalists. Jihoon’s guitar roared with electric flourish, unrestrained—his chords ringing out in tandem with the ensemble, as if his emotions had finally found their place in the music.

  D_F G D_F A+| G_A+ Bb+_C A+_G D

  Round and round, come and go. The rustle of life draws the road ahead.

  D_F G~ F| Bb+ A+ G~|

  Of that path that we must tread.

  The music shifted, taking on an almost bittersweet weight.

  Though the festival was vibrant, though they stood on a stage bathed in warm lantern light, the lyrics spoke of a journey—of a path that must be walked, whether one wishes to or not. The melody, once sorrowful, now carried a different weight. It was no longer just longing, no longer just lamentation. It was acceptance.

  The voices of the two vocalists intertwined as their harmonies lifting each other like the meeting of two stars in the night sky.

  And then came the final refrain.

  Time does not wait.

  Seasons change.

  Cherry blossoms bloom, only to fall.

  And only because of its impermanence it was beautiful. Yet… some things remain regardless passage of time.

  D_F G D_F A+| G_A+ Bb+_C A+_G D

  SAKURA, SAKURA, no matter how many years may pass.

  D_F G G_Bb+ A+| Eb+ D+ C+ D+|

  There are some things that can never be changed.

  The final lines rose and fell, carrying with them the weight of everything unsaid. The very idea of fate, of a love destined for one another yet denied by heaven itself, paradoxically.

  The ensemble reached its peak, the voices rising in unity, the instruments lifting them ever higher. The tempo

  Even as time marches forward, even as life moves in endless cycles, some things are eternal.

  The music climbed, yearning, reaching.

  D+_C+ D+_Eb+ D~| C+_D+ Bb+_C+ A+_G D

  The heart of love that yearns for you, and the place where we first met.

  D_F G~ F| Bb+ A+ Bb+_A+ G|

  Where our red thread of fate tied its knots

  The voices softened, pulling the song into something intimate, something deeply personal.

  This wasn’t just a festival song anymore.

  It was a confession—to the past, to the present, to the future. Whispered through melody, carried by the wind she cast.

  D_F Eb G_F A+| G~~~|

  Beautiful cherry blossom.

  G_G F_G~G~ | D+ G+~~|

  His guitar sang its last cry into the night, the sustained high note G+ of the flute resonating like the last petal drifting from a branch—a farewell. But not an ending, as the updraft brings said petal to somewhere far away from sight.

  And then after that —silence. As the wind chimes reverberate with the scattering wind.

  For a heartbeat, the world stood still.

  The festival lights flickered. The cherry blossoms floated soundlessly in the breeze.

  And then— applause. Thunderous. Deafening. Endless.

  The tea yard erupted, cheers and whistles shaking the air as the audience rose to their feet. A standing ovation. A celebration not just of a performance, but of something far greater—something alive that had taken root in the hearts of every single person who had witnessed it.

  The troupe members stood, breathing hard, their faces stunned as they took in the sheer force of the reaction. Jihoon slowly lowered his guitar, his chest rising and falling. His hands still trembled from the final notes and the entirety of the performance, but his mind was elsewhere—lost in the song, in her voice, in everything that had been said without words.

  And Alvorna… She stood still as stone, her gaze distant, as if the performance had carried a piece of her away with it.

  Jihoon wanted to speak. To say something to break the silence. But he couldn’t, because she was already looking at him.

  And in her eyes, he saw it. The same truth he had tried to convey in his music.