They entered the quiet, spacious choir room.
Sunlight streamed through high stained-glass windows, casting colorful patterns across the floor.
Barbara stood at the center, took a breath—and began to sing.
But perhaps because of her special audience, or lingering nerves from the morning, her voice trembled slightly.
At a high note—
crack.
A clear voice break.
Barbara froze.
Her face flushed red as she covered her mouth, not daring to look back.
Embarrassment before someone she cared about was unbearable.
Then—
A clear, flowing piano melody suddenly filled the room.
The notes seamlessly connected to her broken phrase, smoothing over the flaw and guiding the song forward like gentle water.
Barbara turned in shock.
Yi Chen was seated at the piano.
His long fingers danced effortlessly over the keys. He tilted his head and winked at her—keep going.
With the power of [Idol Trainee], musical mastery was only natural.
Barbara felt her tension dissolve into warmth.
She sang again.
This time, her voice was steady, pure—enhanced by the perfect accompaniment.
It was no longer practice.
It was a dialogue between two souls.
The piano anticipated her breath, echoed her emotions, and danced with her melody. No words were needed—only music and fleeting glances.
The harmony was breathtaking.
Others noticed.
A nun paused to listen.
More gathered at the door, smiling knowingly, unwilling to interrupt.
Sunlight framed the black-haired pianist and the golden-haired singer in radiant gold.
It was a scene worthy of a hymn.
One elderly nun even made the Anemo sign, her expression saying:
Our cabbage finally has hope.
When the final note faded, gentle applause followed.
Barbara blushed—but this time with joy.
Yi Chen waved cheerfully at the door, sending the nuns away laughing.
Barbara turned to him, eyes shining.
"Mr. Yi Chen! You were amazing!"
She clasped her hands excitedly.
"You can play piano—and so well! Singing with you feels completely different!"
Yi Chen accepted the praise proudly.
"Right?! I think I'm pretty good too! Must be natural talent!"
Barbara laughed, utterly charmed.
She sat beside him on the piano bench.
"…The church has been much quieter lately," she said softly.
"Oh! Albert and the others?"
Yi Chen grinned.
"Looks like he's doing his job."
Barbara leaned slightly closer.
"Thank you… truly."
Yi Chen smiled gently.
"As long as it helps you sing freely and live more easily, it's worth it."
Just then, a beam of sunlight framed his face perfectly.
Golden light outlined his smile.
Barbara's heart skipped.
Then raced.
Her world narrowed to him.
"B-Barbara?" Yi Chen leaned closer.
"Is something on my face?"
"Ah—no!"
She jumped up, red as a Sunsettia.
"I—I have prayers to attend to! I'm so sorry!"
She fled the room.
Yi Chen blinked, touching his face.
"…I'm not that scary, right?"