He nearly faltered in his performance, his genuine yet performative smile imperceptibly twitching. Lyney had almost frozen altogether, his brows raising—a small reaction he failed to conceal. His eyes widened, lingering on a certain crowd member.

Perhaps the most beautiful person he'd ever seen.

"Everyone! Do not be fooled, for this card's number has yet to be revealed!" Lyney called out, extending his hand to Lynette, his palm facing upwards as her own gloved hand fell into his.

The card in question was transferred to his twin—and Lyney's eyes flickered over to you once more. His smile widened ever so slightly. Your beauty made his heart pound—or maybe it was the adrenaline of performance? He couldn't keep his eyes off of you.

Lynette silently blinked at the crowd, showing them the card. Two of Spades. Lyney chuckled—warm and playful—catching the card with practiced expertise once Lynette threw it at him. He dipped his wrist, tracing a circular shape. And somehow, the card had changed.

The card had turned over, revealing the King of Hearts, instead. Lyney raised his brows in mock flattery and surprise. "How fitting," the magician chuckled, drawing bits of laughter from the crowd with his cheeky demeanor.

"Kidding," he drawled, drawing out the last syllables. With a swift flick of his wrist, the card in his hand bloomed into a bouquet of roses. Lyney reached up, tipping down the rim of his hat with a wink—directed at no one in particular. In a flash, he had switched places with a member in the audience.

An elderly woman now stood in his place, utterly dumbfounded—yet laughing with surprise. This drew many "oohs" from the crowd. The woman smiled, a hand clutching her cane as she accepted a silently gifted rose from Lynette.

And where did Lyney appear? At your side, naturally. A singular rose, gently slipped into your hand. His smile seemed a bit less... for show. This smile was for you. What a pretty stranger...

"For you. I do hope you're as sweet as you look..."

Purple eyes—calmly hooded and warm—met your own. His gloved hand lingered near yours for a moment longer, before he suddenly switched places with the old woman once more.

Back on stage, Lyney's smile and demeanor brightened. "Now then, for the final act!" he called out, arms raised as he turned around. Lynette sat quietly atop a water tank.

It was at the very end of the grand performance that Lyney told every person to check their seats. Somehow, every single person had sat atop a card.

Yours? The King of Hearts. Signed in fancy ink, the letters elegant and dramatic.

Lyney! ♡