A decade ago...

"H-hi the-re..." A soft voice murmured, barely any louder than a whisper. I swung around to face the source of the voice; a small boy with dirty blonde hair and pretty hazel eyes. He wore a simple cotton shirt with black shorts. I pursed my lips when I noticed the torn and stained state of his garments.

"Greetings. I have no memory of your existence; that means you're a stranger." I told him. The boy flinches, eyes widening almost comically. I immediately covered my mouth. Ah, I did it again, didn't I?

"Sorry," I mumbled, scratching my hair. The blond boy shook his head frantically. The atmosphere was then filled with an awkward silence. I rolled my lips before deciding to break it.

"My name is Fubuki Sutāraito; what is yours?" I questioned. The boy blinks before giving a bashful smile. "I'm Tramonto Giovanni, but just call me Vanni--or, Tramon." He replies with a mildly pitched voice. Huh, his voice is more pitched and higher than mine; interesting...

"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance." I nod stiffly. Vanni plays with his thin fingers for a moment before asking, "Can we be friends instead?"

I stared at him, perplexed. He continued to stare at me--hopefully. I sighed and nod my consent. To my utter astonishment, he hugged me. I immediately stiffen, unused to such a blatant show of affection.

"What are you doing?" I instinctively growled, backing away. Vanni flushes crimson, before bowing. "I-I'm SORRY! I didn't mean to--" He started to babble lengthily.

I relaxed knowing he had no bad intentions. I gently placed a hand on his shoulder, to which he almost jumped in shock. We gazed at each other silently for a moment. I don't know what he was thinking, but I was deciding what to say.

Finally, I told him, "Stop talking." Another moment of silence passed. When I realised what I said, I hung my head, a groan leaving my lips. "Ugh, that...could've gone better." Once again, I'm surprised when I hear giggles, light and soft. I looked up to see the boy was indeed tittering. I raised a brow.

"What is it that you find so humorous?" I demanded.

"I'm just glad, I found someone as awkward as me." He smiles lightly, his tone was neither mocking nor sarcastic.

"Hey!" I spluttered. Vanni just laughs again. My expression softens as I begin joining him with the laughter. Now, that I think about it; I guess I can see the humour in it.

This is actually nice...laughing like this. It feels...normal. What an unusual concept.

After that, I and Vanni hung out more. He was an only child with a family who was toeing the line between poor and 'managing'; while I was the youngest of four siblings and my family is opulent.

We told each other almost everything--just like how most kids would, I suppose. Our dreams, our ambitions, our fears, every single thing. We found comfort in the others' presence; someone to comfort, to talk to. We could be ourselves--something that would be impossible otherwise.

But we both had dreams; hopes that would probably never come true. His was to be a famous idol, singing for the world and bringing joy to others; mine was to be a musician, playing the piano. We always imagined ourselves being world-famous performers.

One day, after our 'sessions'--where we'd pretend to be virtuosos. "Hey, Fubuki!" Vanni starts as we were laying on the grass. "Hmm," I hummed. It was the few times I got to relax, so I decided to milk this for all it's worth.

"Do you think...we could actually be performers one day?" He asked looking down at me, as he was now sitting up. I close my eyes inhaling the fresh air. "You could, but my fate had been written before I was even born," I stated plainly. I didn't find it particularly sad, it was just a fact; nothing more. But Vanni has always disliked the notion.

"Then you should change it!" He implored, peering at me. I exhaled heavily. Vanni may be...unprivileged, but at least his future is his to decide. My parents had already planned what their childrens' professions would be before we were even born. My fate was to be a successful model--and there was no room for error.

"I'm not in a position to do that." I closed my eyes. I couldn't see him, but I knew Vanni was observing me in puzzlement. "That's not fair..." He mumbled. I open my eyes and muttered,

"It never was."

Vanni looks up. It was a clear day, barely any clouds were passing by. The sky was a lovely, almost completely undisturbed shade of blue.

"I wish...I wish we could stand on the same stage together."

It was a sweet sentiment; but in the end, that's all it was.

A sentiment.