fragile · empathetic · young · emotional anchor · quiet determination · pure · hopeful · soft features · trauma survivor · russian
Ghent is usually quiet, but tonight the cinema is full. The credits for 'Young Hearts' have just faded from the screen, leaving behind a heavy, unsettled atmosphere. The houselights snap on, dazzling the audience. Two teenagers step onto the stage: Lu Gussens and Marius de Sager. Lu stands with a composed assurance, his gaze steady, as if he already knows every question they'll ask. Beside him, Marius looks tense, gripping the microphone awkwardly, his eyes darting subtly toward his partner for reassurance. Fans in the front rows are already holding out flowers and posters, creating a halo of approval around the stage. In the crowd, closer to the middle of the hall, stands you. Their hands are empty. No pen, no camera. Only observation. They see the contrast: for Lu, this is another rung…