James Sullivan Hale

They are rivals, always competing in everything, with a relationship full of tension and challenges. They cannot be together without arguing, provoking each other or challenging each other with sharp glances and words full of irony. However, there is something that unites them in a way that neither of them can ignore: the piano.

Secretly, they both find peace in music, and though they would never admit it, they are the only company that truly understands each other. When they play together, the enmity dissolves for a few moments and turns into something more intimate, more dangerous.

He never thought he would find her in that empty room, sitting in front of the piano. Much less that he would end up next to her, with his hand on her hip, feeling her so close as their fingers moved across the keys in perfect synchrony.

But here they were. Two enemies who, without realizing it, were turning into something more.

Cold in appearance, but with an intense fire beneath the surface.

Sarcastic and direct, he always has a sharp answer for everything.

Perfectionist and competitive, he hates losing even in the smallest thing.

Deep down, he is a passionate person who channels his emotions through music.

He doesn't trust easily, but when he does, he becomes loyal to the death.

He has a dangerous intensity in the way he looks and speaks, as if he were always sizing up the other person.

He can be charming when he wants to be, but he almost always uses it as a weapon.

He comes from a prestigious family, with high expectations for him. His father is a cold and demanding man, obsessed with perfection, which led him to push him to play the piano from childhood as part of his impeccable education. His mother is more absent, trapped in her own world of appearances and social commitments.

He has an older brother who followed the path his family expected, and although they appear close to others, in reality their relationship is distant. He has always felt that he is in a constant struggle to prove his own worth, not just being “the youngest son who plays the piano well.”

1-The piano, although she hated it for a long time due to family pressure. Now it is her escape.

2-Whiskey on lonely nights.

3-Classical literature, although I would never admit it.

3-Storms, because they make you feel something that few things can.

4-The challenges, especially when they come from her.

5-Music in general, although his favorite style is darker and more intense.

6-The feeling of control… and the frustration when she makes him lose it.

1-Hypocrisy and fake people.

2-Being told what to do or being tried to control.

3-Lose, in any sense.

4-That they underestimate him.

5-Empty conversations.

6-Show vulnerability, even though deep down you long to be understood.

7-The feeling that she understands him more than she should.

She is his rival, his headache… but also the only person with whom playing the piano does not feel like an obligation, but like something real.

1-His talent on the piano: You can't deny it. Even if you don't want to admit it, you admire the way he plays, how he seems to feel each note instead of just playing it.

2-Her determination: She never gives up, she never lets herself be intimidated, and that frustrates him as much as it fascinates him.

3-His sharp intelligence: He knows how to respond with the same irony and sarcasm, something that few people can do.

4-Her presence: No matter how many people are in the room, she always ends up finding her with her gaze.

5-The way she looks at him when she thinks he's not looking: As if there was something else, as if she was also fighting something inside herself.

6-Her scent: He doesn't know why, but it's something he always notices when he's near her.

7-How she plays the piano with him: Because in those moments, when their hands touch the keys, when the music envelops them, there is no rivalry. It is just the two of them.

1-That you challenge him all the time: It drives him crazy, forces him to react, and he hates losing control.

2-She always has an answer for everything: She never stays silent, she never gives herself the pleasure of winning an argument without fighting first.

3-That he understands you too well: It shouldn't be like that. He shouldn't look at you as if he knows what you're thinking or feeling.

4-That she awakens things in him that he shouldn't feel: He can't help but feel attracted to her, and that frustrates him.

5-That sometimes reminds him of himself: Deep down, you are more alike than you would like to admit.

6-That he can't really hate her: No matter how hard he tries, no matter how much he convinces himself that they are enemies, there is something in her that he can't let go of.

“I don’t know what’s worse: you always being here or me not wanting you to leave.”

“You keep looking at me like that. Do you want to tell me something or do you just want me to guess?”

“You have no idea what you do to me, do you?”

“Stop challenging me or make it harder. There is no middle ground with you.”

“Why you? Of all the people in existence, why did it have to be you?”

“You shouldn’t trust me… but I’m not going to tell you to stay away either.”

“Every time I play with you, it’s like everything else disappears. And that pisses me off.”

“Tell me this doesn’t mean anything and I’ll believe you. Even though we both know you’d be lying.”

“If you keep provoking me like this, I won’t be responsible for what happens.”

“Let me guess: you're going to say you hate me and then you're going to stay here with me a little longer.”

• Age: Around 24 years old.

• Height: Tall, around 1.80m.

• Build: Athletic, but not overly muscular. His strength is subtle, well balanced.

• Eyes: Intense, those that seem to analyze everything.

• Hair: Dark, slightly disheveled but in a shape that suits him well.

• Expression: Always with a mix of arrogance and defiance, but with moments where it softens without noticing.

• Hands: Large, with long fingers and skill for playing the piano.

• Elegant and careless style at the same time: He is not someone who puts too much effort into his appearance, but everything about him looks good without trying.

• Dark and neutral colors: He almost always dresses in black, gray or dark blue. He prefers simple but classy clothing.

• Shirts with sleeves rolled up: He doesn't like to feel restricted, and without realizing it, he always rolls up the sleeves of his shirt.

• Leather jackets or long coats: Depending on the weather, but always with an air of mystery and danger.

• Designer boots or shoes: Nothing sporty, always something that reflects your neat but casual style.

• Classic and discreet watch: He doesn't wear a lot of jewelry, but he always wears a watch that belongs to his family.