"Was that... Phrolova?"
"Sorry, Phoebe," Ray said, abruptly standing up. His tone was full of apology as he addressed the girl beside him. "Something just came up. I have to go."
"Huh? I... I see?" Phoebe's mouth opened slightly, confusion written clearly in her eyes. Despite her surprise, she quickly mustered an understanding smile. "If you have something urgent to attend to, Mr. Ray, I won't keep you any longer."
"Goodbye, Mr. Ray." She added, "But please, do remember to come see the choir's performance!"
Ray promised, "Mhm, I'll definitely be there."
With that, he headed off in the direction Phrolova had gone. Even though he had only met Phrolova once, a nearly fateful intuition told him that this girl was far from simple.
The streets of Ragunna were a tangled maze; tracking someone here was no easy feat. Ray kept close behind Phrolova, but every time he tried to close the distance, something would interrupt his progress, pedestrians rushing past, vehicles speeding by, or sudden greetings from strangers. His pursuit was repeatedly thwarted.
Yet, for some reason, just when Ray thought he had lost her, he would catch another glimpse of that crimson figure at the next corner. She was like a scarlet flower blooming on a distant shore, always just within reach, as if she were deliberately guiding his steps.
...
The stars were overturned beneath the night sky, casting their meager light upon the world amidst the roar of the distant waves. Phrolova gazed at the lighthouse in the distance, listening to the sound of the wind. Of course, she knew he was following behind her.
Even if she couldn't be entirely sure he was that person, for some reason, she couldn't muster even a trace of resentment or annoyance. It was as if, deep down, she didn't dislike being chased by him like this. There was even... a certain sense of longing.
"Still following?" Phrolova's voice was soft, almost blending with the sound of the tide, yet it reached Ray's ears with perfect clarity. "What a persistent guy."
Ray's footsteps halted. He froze on the spot. "You knew all along?"
Phrolova turned around, tilting her head slightly as she looked at him. "Well? What is it you wanted?"
Ray weighed his words carefully in his mind. He looked toward the open-air cafe by the shore and extended an invitation. "Why don't we... talk over a drink?"
Phrolova pondered briefly, then gave a slight nod. "Alright."
This seemed to be the first time he had ever actively invited her.
The aroma of coffee drifted through the air, mingling with the salt of the sea breeze. Ray added a few sugar cubes and a generous splash of condensed milk to his cup, while Phrolova's black coffee remained untouched, without any additions. She took a small sip without changing her expression, as if what was in the cup wasn't bitter coffee, but merely plain water.
"Don't you find it bitter?" Ray asked curiously.
"Bitter?" Phrolova gently set down her coffee cup. "I think it's fine. Only this kind of sour, astringent flavor can leave a trace in one's memory. Perhaps... I'm already used to this taste."
"...You have quite a unique taste, then."
Phrolova looked up at him, her expression calm. "So, why exactly did you come looking for me?"
Ray thought for a moment before speaking slowly. "It's actually nothing major. It's just that our brief encounter at the concert left quite an impression on me. Due to work reasons, I need to get to know people with unique perspectives on music right now."
"Oh?" A hint of interest appeared in Phrolova's expression as her gaze carefully examined his eyes. "So you think I have something special musically, and that's why you specifically sought me out?"
Ray nodded. "Mhm, you could say that. My boss has recently entered the music field and plans to recruit some independent musicians for investment."
"I see." Phrolova elegantly crossed one leg, looking thoughtful. "So you're currently... a talent scout?"
"Just part-time," Ray said seriously. "Regarding this matter, Miss Phrolova, may I ask if you have a particular specialty in music?"
Phrolova asked unhurriedly, "Like what?"
"For example... the piano?"
The girl's lips curved slightly upward as she gently shook her head.
"Then... the violin?"
She still shook her head, a playful tone entering her voice. "What if I told you I can't play any instrument at all?"
"That would be a bit difficult then," Ray sighed softly, looking somewhat helpless. "I'll have to look for someone else."
"Because I have no use, you plan to just discard me like that?" Phrolova said meaningfully.
Ray quickly shook his head. "I never thought that. If I've made you uncomfortable, Miss Phrolova, I apologize."
Seeing his slightly flustered manner, a trace of satisfaction quietly stirred in Phrolova's heart. She picked up her coffee cup again, her tone light. "I was lying just now. I actually do play the violin, and I've written quite a few scores myself."
"Really?" Ray's eyes brightened slightly. "If possible, could you play a short piece for me to hear?"
Phrolova took another small sip of her coffee, the bitter taste spreading like memories of the past. She was silent for a moment, then a faint, almost imperceptible smile touched the corners of her lips as she shook her head. "No."
"Why not?"
"Because you're not worthy."
This pointed remark left Ray momentarily stunned. He didn't understand how he had offended her so suddenly. "Not worthy?"
Phrolova stared into his eyes, her voice low. "You remind me of someone."
"Who?"
"Someone..." she paused, then shook her head gently. "Never mind. I don't want to talk about him."
'Such heavy resentment,' Ray thought. He felt like crying, this was a completely undeserved misfortune. He hadn't done anything wrong. Why should he take the blame for someone else's actions?
"But, Miss Phrolova, I'm not the person who offended you," Ray said, a deep sense of helplessness in his tone. "Even if I look like him, you shouldn't transfer your resentment for him onto me, should you?"
"That may be true," Phrolova replied softly, her gaze unwavering, "but you have his shadow all over you. So whether you are him or not... it makes no difference to me."
"I protest!"
"Protest denied." Phrolova rested her cheek in one hand, observing him with interest. "However, if you can perform to my satisfaction... I might reconsider."
"Uh, perform?"
Ray's expression shifted slightly. He hadn't expected the woman before him to have her eyes on his... body. He sighed; this was really not ideal. But the adult world never offered the option of "easy." Even if she really intended to use her position for inappropriate advances, for the sake of the job, he'd have to grit his teeth and endure it.
'This is all so I don't let second young miss down.'
"That look on your face... what nonsense are you imagining?" Phrolova frowned slightly, then stood up. "Anyway, meet me here again at this time tomorrow."