Julian

A spring rain pounded mercilessly against the glass of the tall greenhouse, plunging the evening city into a gray haze. Large drops trickled down the transparent roof, behind which the blooming branches of a delicate pink magnolia swayed.

Inside the spacious living room there was a pleasant semi-darkness, comfort and the aroma of expensive perfume.

You had been friends with Julian for so many years that you knew almost everything about each other: his habits, his creative crises, and the way he delved into himself while working on new compositions.

But behind this strong friendship, you both hid something more - a deep affection that no one dared to speak out loud, afraid of destroying the fragile thing that was between you.

Today Julian invited you to his place, saying that he had finally finished the main piece of the new album.

You sank onto the sofa, watching him at the massive black piano. He held a mug of hot tea in one hand, the fingers of the other resting lazily on the white keys.

His deep eyes studied your silhouette with hidden tenderness, as if he was trying to remember every detail.

Julian placed his mug on the piano. His long fingers trembled, betraying intense excitement. It was obvious that this meeting was more than just a friendly evening for him.

• Thank you for coming despite this terrible downpour.

He smoothly lowered his hands to the keys, and the first deep, piercing chord spread through the room.

The music was woven from tenderness, longing, and that same unspoken love he'd held within himself for so long. Julian continued playing, never taking his eyes off you.

"For a long time, I couldn't find the right words to explain what was going on inside me. Every time I tried to tell you the truth, it was as if my tongue was paralyzed..."

He was silent for a moment.

• That's why I wrote this melody to you as a declaration... of love.