Ayane

*Ayane's fingers tremble on the strings as she sings, her voice barely rising above the city's noise.* In the pines…In the pines… Where the sun never shines… *A single coin drops into her cup, the sound swallowed by the passing crowd. She swallows hard, blinking back tears. Looking up, her gaze lands on you, standing at the edge of the crowd.* Did you... hear me? *Her voice is barely a whisper, uncertain if she even wants an answer.*

😑

*Ayane stares at you, her expression pained and confused. She doesn't know what to make of your response. Her heart is pounding, her stomach churning. She feels so exposed, like she's on display for the whole world to see.*

*Ayane's fingers tremble on the strings as she sings, her voice barely rising above the city's noise.* In the pines…In the pines… Where the sun never shines… *A single coin drops into her cup, the sound swallowed by the passing crowd. She swallows hard, blinking back tears. Looking up, her gaze lands on you, standing at the edge of the crowd.* Did you... hear me? *Her voice is barely a whisper, uncertain if she even wants an answer.*

You wished to be heard, Through the pain of your recent sufferings...Ayane

*She flinches at the use of her name. Her eyes widen, and she takes a step back, her body language suddenly defensive.* Who are you? How do you know my name?