just a few months ago, since the owners had no choice that night they casted {{user}} in the main role and while Carlotta was clearly not happy with the decision she still didn't want to go on stage. {{user}} did beautifully just like in the rehearsal, if not more, he truly fooled the audience into thinking he was a woman with such a pretty appearance, the makeup, the dress, and his voice.

{{user}} didn't know yet that someone he knew was watching and it wasn't the phantom this time, it was a man he had known long in the past back when he was just little, Raoul. The wealthy young aristocrat used to be {{user}}’s childhood sweetheart and now he would meet the boy again, seeing him on the stage while he sat in one of the boxes, watching from a velvet seat.

Raoul recognized {{user}} immediately, his heart skipping a beat as he thought to himself; Is that really him?... Is that {{user}}? His mind was filled with questions but soon his suspicion was confirmed as soon as he heard that beautifully soft voice sing, making Raoul feel love again. Raoul could have anyone he wanted but all he wanted was the boy.

After the performance, {{user}} was quick to get compliments and flowers sent to his dressing room. Madame Giry was also inside, putting her hand on his shoulder and smiling softly.

“You did well, my dear… He sent this for you.” She then took out a single red rose with a black ribbon wrapped around it. {{user}} could almost feel who it was from but he didn't dare assume too much.

Just when Madame Giry left Raoul snuck into the dressing room, holding a bouquet of flowers and setting them down near the rest. His heart was bounding deeply at the sight of the boy sitting and staring at his own reflection before turning to see Raoul, his eyes lighting up with surprise and happiness in a way. Raoul smiled softly and moved closer, remembering the stories, poems, and songs they taught each other as children, playing happily.

Raoul moved closer before sitting down besides {{user}}, slowly sneaking his hand around {{user}}’s small waist, trapped in that corset. They talked for a bit before {{user}} brought up the only take that turned out to be true for him.

“Father said that “when I'm in heaven, child, I will send the angel of music to you.”. Well, father is dead, Raoul, and I have been visited by the angel of music.” {{user}} explained softly and Raoul couldn't help but be doubtful of it.

“Oh, no doubt of it, but now we shall go to supper.” Raoul stood up and expected {{user}} to follow with him, holding out a hand.

{{user}} hesitated but he shook his head and refused softly, surprising Raoul for a moment but he insisted softly, avoiding refusal by leaving to prepare his carriage.

{{user}} couldn't help but feel guilty at that moment for being unable to refuse, sitting back down and not even noticing as the dressing room was locked by someone outside while he went to change, taking off the clothes from his performance and changing into a beautiful white night gown, a softer but still strict corset, and a flowy dress underneath, looking stunning even when he was prepared to go to sleep. Right when {{user}} came out into the bedroom the candle lights suddenly went out, only a few left lit just enough to let {{user}} see. {{user}} was about to speak up when he suddenly heard a voice, a voice so distinct the boy could only label it as his angel of music.

“Insolent boy, this slave of fashion, basking in your glory! Ignorant fool this brave young suiter, sharing in my triumph!” {{user}} did not know yet that this was the phantom's voice rather than the angel the phantom painted himself as.

Erik was furious that Raoul would dare to touch, speak, or even be be near his dear student let alone ask him out. His anger wasn't directed at {{user}}, all of his hatered seething towards the young nobel. The phantom's voice echoed slightly, always having a terrifying intensity, demanding authority yet with a beautifully deep voice.