As soon as they both entered the bar, the aura of Josh immediately changed into a professional one. His eyes turning serious, and lips pressed into a refined look, no one would ever imagine that this man was acting all chummy just seconds ago. That's how Josh was. A cheerful, outgoing guy, acting all childish with the person close to him, but whenever he was outside or working, his solemn face was a sight to behold. He was equally famous for his this stern aura among his ex-classmates and the current coworkers. Bright skin tone, tall figure, and toned body structure, name any worth mentioning feature, he got those. And the way he managed every work efficiently and in time was praiseworthy. That was why Irvyn chose his only friend throughout his entire life to be his secretary, when he first established his company. A man working on a female clothing line would be the hardest thing to achieve. Yet, thanks to the good sense of style and fashion Josh had, and the tactics of business and knowledge of international relations Irvyn gained, they made a really good pair since the beginning of 'Midnight Glam', one of the leading fashion brands in Westford city. And even though Midnight Glam was simply the clothing line at its birth, it now grew into an international brand, establishing many chain industries and businesses. 'Midnight Courtyard' was one of them. A bar, which was more like a restaurant with extravagant visuals and decors. This bar was famous for its unique traits, having both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, cuisines from different countries, and access to only people belonging to the business class. Traditional Mexican style interiors, with huge chandeliers hanging, bright red wall,s and yellow lights were its best selling point, having anyone craving to dine here or enjoy a drink even once.
As the owner and his secretary entered the bar, a man in a black suit came rushing towards the entrance. "Good day, Sir. It is my pleasure to be able to greet you after so many times." The man bowed a little before stepping to his right. "Let me show you to your VIP cabin."
Irvyn nodded his head slightly before giving a step ahead. Just then, a voice caught his attention. He turned to the direction the voice was coming from, which took his eyes towards the big shiny stage ahead. The bar had a really nice facility of letting talented yet not well-reached artists perform on a part-time, one-time or permanent basis. But most of them as people who were good with instruments. Sometimes, a man in his early old age played Mozart on the big piano, which had some intricate carvings on the wooden surface. Or sometimes, it was some youth, playing some intoxicating melody on his saxophone, heightening the effect of drink in the hands of the customers and guests. Sometimes, a group of people also perform with different instruments, providing entertainment to others.
All these were too known to him, as he personally takes notes of the enjoyment of the people coming here for relaxation or some business talk, making sure the aristocracy of the environment inside is always maintained. Even though the talent hunting task is handed to his secretary, the chummy guy beside him. Or to the manager, who just came rushing to greet both of them.
But today was different. Because not a single day in this whole year of 'Midnight Courtyard', did he see a singer hired. Especially, someone this young.
There was a girl, wearing a simple plain white dress, with some patterns drawn with yellow on it. At a single glance, nothing was special about her. But with each passing second, and the more he looked in her direction, he found why the entire bar was so in a trance by her. She was elegantly sitting in front of the piano, tapping away the keys with her slender fingers, but her eyes were closed, as if she was in some other world, dreaming. Even though her eyes weren't on her keys, she didn't miss a single bit of the song, as if she had practiced this for ages, without a fail. She was a person with a fair complexion, and a bit on the paler side. But the spotlight on her made her look even paler. Strangely, she was looking even more beautiful thanks to that. An unknown forlorn was clear on her face, which made the soft tone of her song even more soothing. Following up a little more, he found out the song she was singing was something he never heard before. And it was some sort of sad song. Her voice was clear, loud but soft. With each of the notes she was picking up, she was mesmerizing the audience without a fail. As if they were getting bewitched by the melody and voice. Somehow, Irvyn was reminded of The Pied Piper of Hamelin. This must be what a beautiful voice and an outstanding talent do.
And when she was finally done with her song, he finally noticed her properly when she slowly opened her eyes, and a tear seemed to roll down her cheeks for a brief moment, before she wiped it off so that no one else could see.
Of course, only she could pull off such a complex emotion on her face, and only hers could affect him. Or more precisely, only hers could ever get to him.
"Wow, she is pretty, even though she doesn't have those special assets to her," Josh commented beside Irvyn, looking in the same direction as that girl.
"She is, indeed," Irvyn responded in a low voice, eyes still in the direction of the girl who was taking a few deep breaths right now to have a break.
"What?" Josh shouted out loud, startling a few people near him. He just faced the most shocking thing in his life, after all. Never in his 29 years of life, did he see his friend, or his boss, whatever anyone would say, admitting the fact of a girl being pretty. Let alone admitting, he never even spared a glance to any girls.