Chapter Text
Sunny gazed his eyes upon the crowd of people below the stage as he bowed down along with Mari. They were cheering and applauding for them. They both stood upright and Sunny let his eyes wander to his sister’s face, her smile reaching her eyes as she waved to their family.
It’s funny that a few hours ago she had been screaming in his face, rage engulfing her entire being as she shouts about how many mistakes he’s making and that they need to be perfect.
He let his mouth curl up as he saw his mom in the crowd looking at him with tears of joy threatening to fall down from her cheeks. From the corner of his eyes, he can also see their friends cheering for them. Basil looks a bit skittish though. With his eyes somewhat turning into a glare whenever he turns to Mari before looking aghast at his own expression.
That’s probably what happens when you catch your big sister figure shouting at her little brother. Ha.
Sunny chose to take a look at his father, who was grinning ear to ear as he looked at Mari. He shrugs and turns back, it’s time for them to go behind the stage anyways. Mari follows after him after one final bow to the audience.
“We did so well, Sunny.” She said, smiling warmly as she walked behind him.
Sunny could only nod in response, making sure his facial features stayed blank.
“… Are you really not going to talk to me, brother?” Mari asks, and then sighs after she doesn’t get a response. She places her hands on his shoulder to make him face her.
“I’m sorry for losing my cool like that, okay?” She pats his hair, trying to soothe him.
Sunny just stares at her. Was he meant to believe her now? He shook his head and backed away, trying to get her hand off him.
Mari’s eyes close as she sighs. “Fine, Sunny. Be that way, I already said I’m sorry.”
Their parents soon come through the door and their father immediately darts forward to hug Mari and start praising her. Mari’s mood immediately switches up and hugs their father back.
“I’m so proud of you, sunshine.” Their mother walks forward to crush Sunny in a hug, and suddenly it feels like everything was worth it just to see his mother proud.
“And I’m so proud of you too, marigold.” She turns her attention to Mari as she gives her a kiss on the forehead, still hugging Sunny with one arm.
“That’s my girl! I can’t wait for the next recital.” Their father says, and Sunny’s brain is put to a halt.
Next recital?
Next recital?
“A next recital? Dad, did you..?” Mari looked at their father with expecting eyes.
Their father chuckled at his daughter’s reaction. “Yes, I had contacted a few associates of mine. You have another recital in a month.”
If Mari could jump up and down out of glee like the characters in the comics Sunny reads, he thinks she would have done so by now with how happy she is. She had gone back to hug their father, and their mom is just giggling at how hyper Mari seems at the thought of another recital.
He loses track of what happens, he thinks their friends come in at some point to congratulate them. But all he knows is that he’s on the way home now and the word ‘recital’ rings through his head.
“Sunny, let’s practice when we get home, okay?” Mari had whispered beside him.
“I want this recital to be perfect too.”
He hums in response, before turning his head and closing his eyes.
WELCOME TO WHITESPACE
YOU HAVE BEEN LIVING HERE FOR AS LONG AS YOU CAN REMEMBER