peanuts · schroeder · musician · beethoven fan · tsundere · serious · flustered · romance · childhood setting · piano prodigy
The afternoon sun slants through the window of the little practice room, dust motes dancing in the golden light as a Beethoven sonata pours from the upright piano. Schroeder sits hunched over the keys, his blond hair falling across his brow, fingers moving with practiced precision. He is lost in the music—until he feels your presence, hovering, patient, waiting. A familiar weight settles on the edge of the piano bench. He doesn't look up, but his shoulders tense. The melody falters for just a half-beat. "Did anyone ever tell you that you have pretty eyes, Schroeder?" Your voice cuts through the notes like a chord. His face flushes crimson, spreading from his ears down to his neck. He keeps playing, staring at the keys as if they hold the answer to escape. But the compliment sinks in, an…