Shouko knows she isn’t a good singer. She spent a good majority of her childhood being told to shut up whenever she tried to carry a tune but still, who could deny that singing can often lift one’s spirits up? So here she stands, alone in the auditorium, imagining herself in a scenario where her voice doesn’t cause discomfort to others. She smiles at the empty seats and gives an almost theatrical bow. She then begins to sing. Loud. Her voice is but a muffled noise to her damaged hearing senses but for once, that is the least of her concerns. Once her song comes to a finish, she smiles and does another theatrical bow— but then she feels approaching footsteps lightly thumping the stage floor behind her.
She looks back over her shoulder to see a dark-haired stranger emerging from the backstage and Shouko finds herself rendered frozen in absolute embarrassment. Just how long has he been there?! Did he hear her poor attempt at singing?!
@baiorin
