"There is an ocean of silence between us and I'm drowning in it." - Ratana Susuki

"Tempo - and forte-!" Eddy clapped along with a metronome.

Playing the last note, Brett lowered his violin and collapsed on a chair, exhausted.

"We can take a break," Eddy sat next to Brett as well, sweating.

Eddy's coaching has enhanced Brett's violin playing tremendously for the past few weeks. Eddy's music was still unparallel from other students, and he was receiving multiple love calls for violin solos. However, Brett knew Eddy's mind was distant, focusing on something else during practices. And Brett knew what it was -

.

.

Darius Gavenii. He was the only musician in the Port Kaiim list that Eddy hasn't crossed out.

"Are you sure it was him?" Brett asked.

"He graduated from Meldovern and entered Port Kaiim 12 years ago to perform Strauss concerts."

Eddy looked up from the list, excited.

"I have a strong feeling... that it was him."

Eddy wrote a letter to Darius and he was still waiting for a reply.

.

.

Seeing Eddy so anxious to find the person, Brett felt a strange feeling stirring in his heart -was it jealousy? Brett shook his head to clear his thoughts but failed.

What were they even? They ate together, went to classes together, and practiced together. Sure, they kissed - twice. However, it was if, after the last kiss, both of them were too scared to move forward, to venture into the unknown. Brett knew they were both being cautious but they have been staying in this strange gray zone for what seemed like forever. And Brett didn't like it- one bit.

"So, any plan for spring break?" Brett asked, breaking the silence.

"Oh, yeah, I'm going back home," Eddy replied.

Home? Eddy had a home? Brett sat up straight with curiosity. Brett has never asked Eddy about his house because he thought it might sound rude. There was a rumor that Eddy was from the street. Brett didn't know how to interpret it so he never brought it up.

"Where is it?"

"In Shobaim."

"Hey, I live in Candra!" Brett exclaimed. He only lived an hour away from Eddy's.

"Of course, Candra is where all the rich people live." Eddy scoffed. Then, sensing the excitement of Brett's voice, Eddy added in all seriousness.

"Do-not-even-think about coming to Shobaim."

"Why not?" Brett asked, confused.

Eddy rolled his eyes.

"Believe me, young aristocrat. There are ALWAYS better places to be than Shobaim."

.

.

.

A few boring days of spring break passed. Brett's curiosity got the better of him. On one particularly boring afternoon, Brett searched for Eddy's address in the Meldovern student contact book.

'6411 Dunham Road, Shobaim, Handorr.'

Alright, Brett could probably surprise Eddy today. Brett had no idea that Shobaim, as Eddy warned, was no place for a naive aristocrat like him.

After an hour, Brett stepped out of the carriage and to the gloomy gray street. He almost called back the carriage that was leaving him. Brett had no idea a place like this could exist just outside Candra.

The road was filthy with grime. It was as if the entire place was covered with dust. The place smelled like urine and bird droppings. A big rat scuttled beside him. Brett quickly checked the address on the old apartment in front of him.

"6411 Dunham Road," Brett read a cracked sign. At least, he was in the right place. He tried to open the door but it was locked. Brett awkwardly stood next to the apartment, waiting for Eddy. It was getting darker and Brett wished nothing more than Eddy to show up - as quickly as he can.

Seeing him so out of place, two women passing by the bar walked up to Brett, interested.

"Searching for a good place to spend the night?"

They winked at Brett, their makeup thick and bright. Little did Brett knew, that Shobaim was the place where all the rich people in Candra came to pay for their darkest desires.

"Um, no. Not interested." Brett cowered further to the back. However, the prostitutes, enjoying his obvious discomfort, hold onto Brett's arms. They gave Brett a thick kiss on his cheek. Brett gulped with fear.

"Don't be scared. Are you... a virgin?" They stroke Brett's thin black hair.

"That, we can change tonight!" And the women laughed, hungrily eyeing Brett's silver buttons and an expensive watch. Brett was almost shriveling up with fear when he heard a familiar voice.

"...Brett??"

Brett turned to the voice. Eddy was standing across the street, groceries in his hand.

"Eddy!!" Brett cried in relief.

"Wow, aren't you just stunning." Eddy sarcastically muttered as he eyed the red lipstick marks on Brett's face.

"You know him?" The women pouted.

"Yes, sorry ma'am. He's mine." Eddy swiftly took Brett's trembling hands and unlocked the door to his apartment. When they came inside, Eddy stopped, turned to Brett and frowned.

"Why the hell are you here?" Eddy scanned Brett from head to toe. Brett didn't seem hurt, just scared.

"I...um...was bored?"

"Well, I'm happy to see you're not, anymore," Eddy sounded stern but he couldn't help but smile a little. It was good to see Brett again. Brett smiled back, relaxing a bit. He missed Eddy's slightly crooked smile too.

Eddy rubbed Brett's cheek with his sleeves, taking the lipstick marks off.

"You wouldn't survive 5 seconds in Shobaim with those clothes. Follow me, you need to change."

.

.

Eddy's room was small and simple - just a bed, a closet, a desk, and his violin. Eddy rummaged through the closet and pulled out a black plain shirt.

"You should have done some research before coming here, Brett. Here, people don't wear things... like that." Eddy gestured toward Brett's fancy white shirt, laden with silver buttons and elegant linings around the sleeves.

"I'm sorry," Brett blushed as he unbuttoned his shirt to change. As the shirt slid off his shoulder to reveal his pale chest, Eddy looked away shyly. Brett changed to an old black shirt, which was a little too big for him.

"How do I look, normal now?" Brett asked.

"Just like a peasant," Eddy laughed. With his clothes on, Brett really looked more ... approachable. However, his clean face and posture spoke nobility right away. Eddy knew that Brett will shine the entire corrupt streets with his aura, drawing all kinds of people to him. Shobaim, really, was not a safe place for Brett but Eddy knew a place he wanted to share.

"Come on now," Eddy took Brett's hands, leading him back outside.

"Where are we going?"

"Isn't it obvious Brett," Eddy rolled his eyes.

"I'm taking you out on a date."