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Students were entering the classroom, seating down in the same spot they picked the day before as if they all had made a vow to respect the seat of the others. The only change was that today, Sebastian and Chess sat together. They spent all night in Chess’s home and got little to no sleep at all, but it was worth it. He showed Sebastian a different kind of music and somehow, the blonde felt like it was his calling, like all the anger and frustration he lived under daily simply disappeared… at least during his visit to Chess’s, for once he stepped inside his own house again, it all came back.

The boys were planning where to meet that night when the brunette one noticed his friend’s attention suddenly move to the door and stared directly at the girl he briefly talked to the day before.

-Can’t blame you, my dude- he said trying to get his attention back, but failing -that chick’s smoking hot!

-What?- Sebastian frowned, big blue eyes looking confused -don’t say those things.

-Really? You mean to tell me you’ve been staring at her since yesterday and you don’t find her attractive? She’s HOT!

-I think she’s beautiful!- he corrected Chess, annoyed by him and the way he was talking about (Y/n) - …b-but in a respectful way! …because I’m a gentleman!- he crossed his arms and looked away, earning a laugh from the brunette.

-Sure you are…

The class was boring, adding the fact that the old man had a voice that could put anyone to sleep after hearing him just a couple of minutes, it is safe to say that wasn’t a class students really liked. But things got interesting the last 15 minutes.

-Being a good musician in not only about our individual abilities- said the teacher -that is why, as your first exam, you will be performing a duet with one of your classmates…- everyone started nodding at their friends with complicity -…BUT!- added the old teacher -Partners will be assigned by luck.

He divided the classroom in two: left and right side, and made all the students sitting on the left side, wright down their name in a piece of paper, fold it and put it inside a little box on his desk. Then, the students sitting on the right side of the classroom, had to grab a paper, and the name written on it would be their parter for the exam.

-What was the name of your girl?- Chess asked Sebastian in a whisper when they were walking back to their seats.

-She’s not my girl!- the blonde one whispered back quickly, cheeks blushed -and her name is (Y/n)…. (Y/n) (Y/l/n).

-Well, you can thank me later- he said, taking the folded paper in his friend’s hand and placing his own paper on his desk before Sebastian could even process what was going on.

The young man in the suit grabbed the paper that was now in front of him and unfolded it. The name he just mentioned, written in a beautiful cursive font, right before his eyes.

-Now- the teacher asked for their attention once more -please, in order say your names and who are you working with so I can put it on my list… and the ones who don’t have papers, raise your hand when you hear your name, so your partners can see where you are seated.

The young musicians obeyed. Students on the right would say their own name, and then read their papers, while hands were raised on the left side of the room.

-M-my name is Sebastian Shvagenbagen- said nervously when it was his turn -and I’ll be working with (Y/n) (Y/l/n).

He then turned to his left, and his blue eyes flew to the second row, where he knew the girl was sitting, and saw her raising her hand (just for the sake of the exercise, because they both knew each other and were already aware of where the other sat). Once they exchanged glances, the girl offered him a smile. Sebastian couldn’t understand why he was feeling so nervous… could it be the way Chess have been teasing him about (Y/n)? Or how pretty she looked smiling to him? Was he developing a crush on her? Thoughts raced inside his mind for what seemed like an eternity, but were just a couple of seconds. He quickly brushed them off, smiled back to his partner and looked away, in hopes she didn’t notice his little zooming out episode.

They met at (Y/n)’s house that evening to start planning their performance as a duet, about 6pm a young man in a black suit and a violin case in hand was at the doorstep. The housekeeper let him in and escorted him to a living room with big windows and beautiful antique furniture. (Y/n) and her father were there, drinking tea while music from an italian opera flooded the room. He couldn’t understand the lyrics, but found it quite pleasing to hear.

-Ah! Sebastian, do come in- said the man of the house when he acknowledged the new presence. The blonde did what was told. -how’s your father?

-I haven’t seen him much lately, he’s been busy with work…- he lied. Gustav always made himself time to “help” his son study music, to make sure he won’t dishonor the good name of the family. Remembering the hard session they had not longer than an hour ago made Sebastian’s arm burn. -but he’s fine.

-Shvagenbagen is always busy- laughed the older man -give him my greetings, please. And tell him we must have a drink one of these days.

-Will do, sir.

-Well, I’ll leave you kids work- he said and walked to the door, closing it behind him after saying he would be at his office.

The housekeeper offered tea to Sebastian which he accepted while taking his violin out of it’s case and placed it on his shoulder to start tuning it, but his right arm hurt badly and tried his best to not make a face from the pain. The girl sitting in the armchair across from him suddenly stood up and approached the record player from where a man was singing in Italian.

-Sorry, this is distracting you. I better stop it…

-No, it’s not that! It’s… wait.- the young man’s thoughts were suddenly cut by a melody that enchanted his musician’s mind -what is that?

-What? The aria?- said (Y/n) surprised by the sudden interest -It’s called “E lucevan le stelle”, from the opera Tosca.

-It’s great!

-One of my favorites- she agreed and then laughed -what a shame it was written for a man’s voice, sometimes I wish I could sing Tenor just to be able to sing it.

-You could sing it.- Sebastian’s gaze was still lost in space, with all of his attention focused on his hearing, he was surprised words were coming out of his mind in the right order.

-What?

-Let’s do that song for the exam- he finally looked at the girl, big blue eyes shinning with inspiration -we can do the arrangement for your voice range to shine and accompanied by a violin it would sound amazing!

(Y/n) couldn’t help but smile at the idea… or was it because of Sebastian’s reaction? She knew she have been crushing on the young Shvagenbagen since they first met, and the whole duet project made her mind fly in all kinds of delusions.

Being accepted in the conservatory was the happiest news she had this year, the fact that she was the third highest score in the exam, almost made her explote. You can say she had a good feeling about this summer.

She got up early that morning to get ready for her first day as a music student. Her father accompanied her at breakfast to wish her good luck.

-And (Y/n)…- said the man as he walked the girl to the front door -remember our agreement?

-Yes, father- sighed his daughter. As if he hadn’t asked the same question since the day they traveled from Italy.

-Fave fun, my darling… oh, and break a leg!

His daughter just smiled in return. That was a little awkward, she thought, but had no time to waste. She knew she had to arrive early since there were a few things she still had to get done before she could go to class, so better get moving.

Once she got inside the building, she had to get to the coordinator’s office to get her schedule and all about her classes, but she had no idea where that was. She looked around her to find someone that could help her out and luckily saw a girl with curly blonde hair that she knew.

-Lydia! Hi.- said approaching her, relieved to know someone who knows her way.

The girl turned her head after being called. Does she always have that look on her face? Thought (Y/n). Lydia looked her up and down as if scanning her very soul.

-Yes?

-Can you tell me where’s the coordinator’s office, please?

-Upstairs. First door to the left.

-Thank you so much…- she began to thank her, but the blonde started walking away the second she responded her question.

(Y/n) brushed it away, a spoiled girl wasn’t going to ruin her first day. She followed the directions and found the office without a problem.

She got everything she needed to start her school day and walked to a big room where her first class was going to take place.

It was still a couple of minutes early and the teacher was nowhere to be seen, yet quite a lot of students were already seated. (Y/n) sat in the second row and waited for the teacher to arrive.

Suddenly, she felt someone's gaze on her. She turned her head and found Sebastian a couple of seats to her right, on the first row, looking directly at her, smiling as big as he could -but without showing his teeth- and eyes wide open, as if they were going to jump out of his handsome face. When the girl looked back at him, Sebastian waved his hand eagerly to say hello. Then, he returned his attention to the front of the classroom, where the teacher had just arrived and started talking.

(Y/n) found Sebastian's behavior a little odd, but as much as she fancied the mysterious Sebastian she met at the Spring Ball, she felt somehow glad to see him so happy... he must be excited about the first day.

The teacher talked and talked nonsense for what seemed ages. Everyone could feel their neighbor as bored as themselves, but they couldn’t do anything about it either.

Once the torture was over, the students started to leave the room. (Y/n) checked on her schedule what was next for her and was glad to see she was going to have her first voice lesson in the conservatory. She grabbed her bag and walked towards the door. On her way, she walked in front of Sebastian, who just sat next to a brunette boy in a green jacket.

-Oh, bye (Y/n)!- Sebastian’s voice sounded a little higher in pitch as when they talked in the Ball.

-See you, Shvagenbagen.- She smiled and kept walking.

Her voice lesson went great. It was a private class of almost two hours, which was a bit tiring but she was beyond happy about it. The girl felt like she and her teacher understanded each other quite good and were going to be able to work together to have the best result possible.

It was time to go back home. She walked the long corridors of the conservatory and down the stairs, when she heard something around the corner.

-I reserved that room, go get another one!

-Can’t, all of them are occupied. Looks like you’re gonna have to wait until I finish…

(Y/n) peaked and saw Lydia arguing with another girl.

-You know perfectly well I don’t have time for this, Amelia.- said the blonde one, clearly irritated.

-I know. You must have a very busy life, with everything revolving around you… but you know what? Some of us actually deserve to be here for our talent, and not just because of our last name. So you can go now, I am using this room to rehearse.

-Outrageous! I’m here because of my talent just as anyone else!

-Sure, Lydia. Who told you that? Your daddy?

(Y/n) didn’t like Lydia very much, but the girl named Amelia was being insufferable.

-Don’t talk about my father like that- warned the blonde.

-Or what? You really think you can scare me? You can’t do anything for yourself!

Amelia was yelling at this point. (Y/n) was sure her yelling could be heard upstairs and wouldn’t be surprised if a prefect came to see what was all this noise about. She even started to get nervious.

-I..I- she never thought she would hear Lydia stutter, yet she just did.

-You what?- Amelia pushed Lydia making her drop her books. -Are you gonna go cry to your daddy?

-Hey!- (Y/n) couldn’t help but intervene -Amelia, right? I think that’s enough.

-This is none of your business.- she responded.

-Listen, you’re making a scene here. In no time, someone’s going to come and I don’t think you wanna be found fighting over a room you didn’t even booked like everyone else does.

She saw out of the corner of her eye Lydia grabbing her books from the floor, and wiping a tear.

-See what I’m talking about? You couldn’t even defend yourself, this girl had to jump to the rescue…

-I said that’s enough.- (Y/n) cutted her out. Amelia looked at her with anger.

-Ugh!- she simply said and walked away.

-You didn’t have to do that- Lydia finally talked, her voice low and eyes not daring to look up at (Y/n).

-She was being very mean…

-But I was mean to you too.- her blue gaze met (Y/n)’s. She looked concerned, she couldn’t understand why the girl stood up for her… nobody had stood up for her like that before.

-Yeah… Anyways, I’m gonna go.- she started to walk towards the front door.

-(Y/n)!- called Lydia, making her turn her head -Thank you.

She smiled. Maybe Lydia wasn’t as bad as she thought.

The Spring Gala. Only the wealthiest families of the city were invited and it was known in the past for being the night where most marriages were arranged. Sure, times have changed, but if the kids of these families were to marry for love… it would be even better if they fell for someone whose last name meant economic security for the rest of their lives, right?

Gustav and Mary Shvagenbagen attended the Gala every year. Last year was Lydia’s first time attending, since she reached the majority of age first, and this year was Sebastian’s debut. The whole family wearing their best clothes and pride high. They are the best of the best, after all.

As usual, once inside they became the center of attention. Many guests looking their way but no one brave enough to approach them and start an actual conversation. That was until…

-Gustav Shvagenbagen!- a smiling man walked towards them followed by a young lady. -It has been a while.

-It has indeed, my friend- both, Lydia and Sebastian were surprised by their father’s unusually friendly behavior. -Where have you been all these years?

-Italy. My daughter and I just returned to Russia.- he then turned to the girl behind him. -(Y/n), this is my good friend Gustav Shvagenbagen.

-A pleasure- she timidly offered her hand, and he kissed it in an old fashioned greeting.

-This is my wife Mary, our daughter Lydia, and our son Sebastian.- the women shook hands politely. Then, the young man placed a kiss on (Y/n)’s knuckles like his father did.

(Y/n) couldn’t stop herself from noticing how handsome Sebastian was. His tall and slim figure wearing an expensive looking suit, blonde hair perfectly slicked back, sharp factioned face, but above this and his serious expression, two beautiful blue eyes. Even with the short glimpse they exchanged, she felt like those eyes could see right through her. She felt heat on her cheeks and looked down as soon as she could. Hoping no one else noticed her blushing.

As the night went by, the old friends catched up. (Y/father) talked about their life in Italy and that they came back so (Y/n) could study in the famous music conservatory of the city this summer.

-So you’re a musician.- Said Lydia. -Which instrument do you play?

-Voice. I’m a singer- she felt a little intimidated by Lydia’s presence, plus she could feel the weight of Sebastian’s eyes on her -…Mezzosoprano… I-I sing opera.

She seemed content with the girl’s reply. Gustav then spoke about his young musicians. How Lydia was already studying in the conservatory, and that Sebastian was also going to enter in summer.

After a while, (Y/father) asked for Gustav’s permission to dance with Mary, and after agreeing, Lydia was guided by her father to the dance floor as well, leaving (Y/n) and Sebastian alone.

They stayed silent for a while, looking at the people walzing in the center of the room. Once she gathered the courage, the girl tried to start the conversation.

-I’m glad I came here today. Now that I know Lydia and you, I won’t be alone at school.

He didn’t reply. Just looked at her for a few seconds and then returned his attention to the people dancing. She became nervious again, maybe he didn’t hear her, or her accent was too thick for him to comprehend. After all, she had lived her whole life in Italy, maybe her Russian wasn’t as good as she thought.

-Which instrument do you play?- she tried again.

-The violin- he finally talked, not looking at her.

-You must have good tone then.

-I have ideal tone.

-Cool.- she said a little disappointed at his attitude.

Some time passed in awkward silence but Sebastian didn’t realized it, his eyes were glued ahead while listening to the music the guests were dancing to. When he snapped back to reality he noticed (Y/n) was still beside him, but she looked uncomfortable, looking around as if searching for a way to escape the scene. He suddenly finds himself talking without thinking the words first.

-Do you wanna dance?

She looks at him with a confused look. Wow, she really IS pretty, he thought. Sebastian found her attractive since he first saw her walking behind her father from one side of the room to the other, greeting people every now and then, but now he confirms it.

-Sorry, you asked me to dance with you?- she couldn’t believe her ears. Minutes earlier he acted like he didn’t wanted her near him and now he’s asking her to dance?

-I mean, if you want to, of course- The young man extended his hand. After contemplating it for a while, she took it and let him guide her to the center of the ballroom.

They had fun for hours without noticing, swirling around with the music. He was thankful he didn’t have to spent the night around his family, and dancing with (Y/n) almost made him forget about the pain on his right arm from the studying session he had with his father earlier that night.

She laughed almost every time he made her spin, and that sound made him crack a little smile on his stoic self. He did it often, trying to surprise her every time in hopes to hear her laugh again. Sebastian thought to himself that if her singing was as melodical as her laugh, she was going to be the best singer of the conservatory.

Months passed and summer finally arrived. All the young musicians in the city have been studying for today’s exam, for its result would define if they could study in the conservatory or not.

(Y/n) entered the room and scanned it looking for a place to seat. Walking towards an empty chair, her eyes met a pair of known blue ones. She hadn’t seen Sebastian since the ball, but the anticipation of meeting him again was more stressful than the actual exam. And there he was, sitting at the back of the classroom.

She sat down and saw more people enter the room, one of them was Lydia. She headed straight towards the back without looking at anyone, head high as always. (Y/n) assumed she sat next to Sebastian in the back and forced herself not to take a glance behind. Why was Lydia in the exam if she was already studying in the conservatory?

She closed her eyes to take a deep breath. She needed to focus. This exam was the first step for her to achieve her dreams, she could not afford to be unfocused by the blonde duo sitting behind.

The girl kept her eyes shut as she tried to stabilize her breath and heartbeat. Once she opened them, a tall figure in a black suit was standing in front of the teacher’s desk, violin in hand, ready to take the exam first.