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"Zen's still sleeping?"

Floyd questioned when she look down at him, sleeping with his back leaning against his office chair--with his arms crossed and his eyes closed rapidly. "Staying up all night everyday and every nights… oh well," she whispered--before she leans down a bit to kiss on his cheek, she giggled quietly at him. "You worked hard."

Zen feel a warm kiss on his cheek which made him resting peacefully, she returned back to her bedroom, closing the door behind her and plops down on her bed. Wearing her main attire as usual, it still cold which she tried to make the heater goes on. "Urgh! It's cold here!" she shivered, but it was too cold she couldn't going up to the third floor where the rooftop are. Although she have enough courage to face him. She spent her times to posted more posts on her respective Instagram accounts, Twitter and the Facebook page for promoting her musical performances from her fans that saw her performance last month.

Suddenly, a knock could be heard from her door--she closed her mouth that she thought it wakes Zen up from his sleep. So, she took a step towards the door to open the door, turns out Zen was in front of her--feeling a bit sleepy yet tired; looks like he had taken a break from his work. "Oh, Zen… I thought you're working in your office," she said, which she laughed nervously. "Sorry, I was about to check on you in the office but… I don't want to disturb you while you're working, so I had to practice."

"Hm? I was on break, why was that… I see," he trailed off, before he rubbed behind his head. "Thank you for being caring to me, it's fine really. I wasn't bothered at all you know… feel free to visit me in my office anytime, I don't mind if it's you to see me," Zen said as he smiled slightly, which made her blushed slightly; but she shook it off and smiled brightly. "I-I see.. well then, you can go inside, feel free to look around," she said, as she step aside to let him in. He entered inside, looking around while Floyd closed the door inside. Somehow, he noticed a pile of music scores on her study desk. "You're working on your music too?" he asked, which he approached the desk and held up the musical score.

Floyd nodded while sitting on her bedside, looking at him. "Yeah, I mean… I'm a musician, I did took a workshop how to produce a music since... I got contacted by many composers from every stage plays and backyard theater ensemble or BYTE after they heard my amazing violin and piano plays. Why are you so surprised?" she asked, tilting her head with crossed-legs and arms. "I'm a violinist after all. But I'm also capable in vocals, singing and producing a good songs or music. It helped me practice my pitch control, since that's part of my income too."

She admitted the fact that her skill as a musician had develop greatly, making sure that her audiences would get the best experience from the musical atmosphere emanated by her. This is what made Zen amazed, impressed and interested to learn about her. "You're so talented, incredible, perfect for getting scholarships too, just like me."

Zen was truly curious as he stood behind the chair of her study desk, he began reading some of the composition scores or the song sheets that was mostly written using the most popular Music Composing Software: FL Studio 12. He goes to sit next to her on the bedside, somehow he felt comfortable when she's around him. Floyd felt relieved, while she took a deep breath and soon she spoke. "You know… if you willing to get to know me," she said to him, smiling as she added. "I don't mind at all, I could show you some of my photo album that I brought."

Floyd got up and went to her suitcase, grabbing the red photo album and then sat beside him. "This is… when I was young," she said, pointing out at the photos. "Oh my… you're so cute with your chubby cheeks," he said with a smile, chuckling that made her face went red--she growled in annoyed expression, but she has no idea what will happen on her heart. "Don't tease me, that's when I was young back then!" she snarled. 'My mother always hated these photographs, because I wasn't that 'feminine' like any girls. Because I'm never shy to perform or even speak up in the podium. What made her change?'

While explaining about her experience after music competition, as she laughed with another teammate from hers--that is known her friends from college. "Some of these pictures of you when you're so young it's cute, but… you've grown more beautiful with your long hair," he uttered, somewhat seeing Floyd is... bringing a nostalgic and familiar vibe because it looks like--he met her before in her previous institute, although not IN the college yet. The picture in fact, made him wonder when he noticed the resemblance of his old friends on the past when they were so happy. Floyd was aware of the fact, trying not to be startled by his sudden statement and he immediately turned to him, face to face. "Why are you so sure that my hair is pretty and long? Y-You're not-..." she stammered, this makes him confused as hell when he tilted his head. "I'm not... what?"

"Nothing.."

Floyd immediately pulled a forced grin, averting her eyes. She gulped quietly with darkest crimson blush tinted on her face as he smiled slightly with her, he look back at her again as his tone gets gentle. "It reminds me of a girl I once admired, a child musician of my age who used to play violin in the Youth Music Competition. However, she's never appearing in public or other competitions, in fact, she never told her name to anyone else. I wonder... she has that bright smile that looks like... you..." he recalled, it was his expression of interest yet it was a long story about the old times, how the story actually linked with her.

Floyd raised her eyebrows upon hearing the mysterious musician's tale which leads to herself, as she was genuinely confused--gulping loudly while staring at him. He just hummed to himself after realizing her action, this is the moment where he realized that she's nervous as it is. "She was known as 'Angel of Music' in the circle of musicians..." he said, folding his arms. "The girl's real identity, her name, at that time--the difference is on certain moments, starting off by our childhood and our hobbies."

He scooted over slightly and narrowed his eyes for seconds, before turning to her. "Haven't you met me before in the past?"

This made her flinched a little by his sudden movement to be honest, but of course she was curious of him. Suddenly... Floyd's eyes widened, her cheeks flushed in red in embarrassment, she placed down the photo album and holding her mouth to cover them.

"Zen, you're…"

FLASHBACK—

The girl look up at the winter sky when she was inside her study room of her mess, humming when she think of that person. As she folded her arms on the table, she frowned after she missed the registration of Starlight College of Music and Arts—the prestigious music school that all potential musicians wanted to sign up for achievements--even though she wanted to enroll there. Until, she saw a brochure that shows an updated news--the last minute registration to those who wanted to enter, which her eyes narrowed.

"This is my last chance."

As she was seen entering the building, her eyes widened that all candidates are coming there in hurry so she hurried as well. She managed to sign up early before they could sign up in a rush, she sighed in relief that she might wait for the test soon. When the girl was about to leave, she yelped when someone bumped into her and she fell on her butt. "Are you okay?" the young fellow asked, she didn't look at him due to the sudden impact as she answered immediately. "Yeah yeah, I'm okay—"

The girl noticed that the fellow already left to the registration table, making her wondered but she decided to not bother him. "He seems... familiar..." she muttered, before she turn around and walking happily with a smile to her friends.

"Time to focus on my studies!"

END OF FLASHBACK—

Floyd was shaken with Zen's current position and words, so that meant--he knows? Their childhood tales and the friendship spark had been lingering, only Zen know—but nothing much. "A-Are you the guy who helped me during my first registration in the music academy?" she stammered, fidgeting her coat and blushing furiously. His eyes was widened and then soften to see her reaction, and the other way around was his—he didn't realize the truth from her and now it was unexpected by her. She grabbed his lapel from his coat, before she shook him frantically.

"Z-Zen! You... didn't tell me that—you know? We're knowing each other since our college? What the heck...?!" she stammered out of panic, with her eyes widened along her frown. "Me too, Floyd... me too... please calm down," he insisted, gripping her hands from his clothes, and looked at her straight in the eye.

"Calm. Down."

Those stern words that came out from him was hypnotizing and full of emotion, making the young musician blushed more, but she nodded as she took a few deep breaths. "I... didn't know it was you, because you have a long hair back then so that's why I just only notice those physical characteristics except your voice was... I remembered that tune."

That's what made Floyd understood his point, as she didn't want to admit that her heart had gotten so shaky, even in this situation; she pulled up a faint chuckle before rubbing his cheek gently, admiring it silently. "I'm... glad, it's a huge relief that I'm not alone in those memories with you back then," Zen said, looking directly into her eyes with a sincere smile. It made her frozen until she was slowly accepting him, without thinking the other thing of his career path.

Floyd was embarrassed, yet glad that he was genuinely sweet towards her so she scooted closer until her body was mere inches closer. She was getting nervous, as their eye contact increased--that feeling intensified, causing her to trembled slightly. Slowly and nervously, she gulped. His hand went up to rub her hair while the other cupped her cheek gently, which brings her off-guard and her eyes widened. "Don't look at me like that," he told her, leaning slightly forward.

"B-But... are you sure that you--"

"Never mind that, the point is... I know that we're close to each other, feel free to call me through my phone... or come to me if you had an issue or a problem," Zen assured, interrupting her sentence. Her other arm went up to wrap around his shoulders, her head leaned against his shoulder--subconsciously. Her vision began to feel a little blurry, tears flooded her eyes when she was very relaxed after long days of finding a perfect moment. She felt warm embrace when it comforted her, before wiping her tears away. "Zen... if you weren't there, I wouldn't have the courage to even face and talk to you. Even I know that I will let you down, I feel lonely once again..." she admitted to him, as her voice shaking.

A sniffle came out from her, which Zen continue to hug her as he comb her hair. It's been a long time that he felt this way of emotions with someone dear, such as hugging and comforting. "What happened, Floyd? From what I know, you wanted to take a break from the stressful work that you have," he asked curiously, wondering what would be in her life. "I had a best friend, his name is Robin... we've known each other for six years--when I realized I had a crush on him, I wanted to say something to him through chat messages... turns out he's already in a relationship..."

Zen remembered that story when Floyd is in podcast known as Musician's Radio, talking to the host named Davide Estrello about her friendship and circle Of course, since they are closest friends—Davide wanted to make a story between her and Robin; by clarifying about her recent status on her Instagram about 'It's time to move forward' regarding Robin was caught dating with someone. Floyd ended up clarifying some things, which she stated: "Robin was having a hard times, I've been helping him for three years and not gonna lie... I was happy and sad that he found his happiness. Haha! Why would I get attached to someone one-year younger than me? He's my best friend, and it's obvious his personality sucks, huh."

Then, she added, laughing loosely. "No I'm kidding, all I have to say is... we are supporting each other! There's someone out there for me, just like him... sooner or later. Oh well."

Turns out, that story was legit. It revealed that Floyd just wanted to move on, but ever since Robin keep contacting her for few days—sooner or later, she didn't know what she felt and right now. "Robin.. meant so much for me. He was a college student, and I felt more stressed when he was asking me for advices. I've been avoiding him for awhile, such as muting his notification or ignoring his messages for days. Like, let his girlfriend handle him if he was troubled about something."

She buried her face onto his chest, clutching the fabric tightly with her hand when she let her tears fell. "I hate this emotionality, I always considered myself as... strong, a reliable friend that could be trusted. Even my friends trusted me, but... here I am, I couldn't moved on. My aunt and uncle would never believe me once they found out, my friends know about this and worried at the same time."

All this time, Zen listened to her every words and wondered how does it feel like. It wasn't easy, more like letting go of something that happens when they got into a life-long crush--the reality was scary, painful and complicated to even dealing with such a small yet impacting issue. Zen put his hands on her cheeks and lightly stroke them, without rushing her feelings until she opened her eyes and meet him. Now that her eyes got droopy due to crying. "Floyd..."

Zen muttered, his eyes covered by his bangs as she doesn't know what expression he shows. His thumbs made another motion, soothing her pain. "It's okay... it's gonna be alright, just try to take a rest... for once. I'm right here."

The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

If anything bad does happen, he was always been there; even her family isn't here for her ever since the day her parents died five years ago, and her aunt was the one who's taking care of her. Floyd was wide-eyed, feeling his touch. This made her face flushed brightly, yet she nodded slightly with a sniffle. Suddenly, his face was leaning closer to hers—lips puckered up and pressing against hers. Surprised and confused, she knew that it's a long-lasting kiss as her heart was pounding so fast.

Is this really a dream? Kissing someone who's closer to you? Both of them had stayed close for so long and never breaking contact. Her body went limp as her tears already rolled on her cheek and the sound of her soft whimper came out as well, so much when she closed her eyes and reciprocating his movement. Phew, for once--her first time was better than how she imagine to be kissed by a guy. She only have this first kiss moment, the other ones are different. She pulled back while getting herself together and her hands still wrapped around his arms, letting out a shaky sigh. "What...?"

"Thank you."

Those words were nice to hear as his cheeks were tinted in rosy pink, his lips lifted into a genuine smile. "How can a girl being pretty as you being attracted with someone like him? Even he barely had a thought about you... " he said, still holding her cheeks. "You already know my story, haven't I?" Floyd said, causing her to break in smile but eventually chuckled lightly--how come she never see a truth that had already shown? "Haha, Zen... you and I are both idiots."

Zen blinked, before breaking into laughter with her. "You're right, I guess we've been blind of each other," he said, his touch finally left from her cheeks to put his arms around her, his gaze met her. That gesture felt uneasy for her, those cold look which was supposed not to be. The love-sick gazing, when the person you liked was being all romantic and gentle, which makes you unable to refuse him. "Alright, since Robin is dating with someone--you should date with a different man; just like me," Zen proposed.

"What...?"

Floyd blushed intensely once more, staring down at the floor for a moment, thinking how she would do it. Or instead the words stuck in her head when he uttered that one word of a suggestion. Well, both of them have been friends for eight years yet they have no interactions with each other, ever since their respective senior colleges--until the moment when they entered the college before graduating together. "Z-Zen... whatever, I also need a partner like you," she whispered, pulling herself closer for warmth until her arms were around his. He found this adorable when she's red as a rose or cherry, finding the way of comfort in him. "I will support you and your career, but never forget what I've said before. I'll be the one whom you can depend and rely during your hard times, is that clear?"

She knew she couldn't go back yet, nor turning her head away from him. An unavoidable kiss and an unbreakable contact makes her wonder why would she fall for him--a photographer who is rather, rough to the others. But, his kindness made her flustered as he had kept talking about his opinions--even an open book. "Yes... it's clear, loud and so--"

He leaned closer, connecting their lips to hers and shared a new, deep and more passionate kiss. Floyd kissed him back, before she felt him pulling away and whispered. "Let's began your musical journey, Floyd. Forever and always... together."

The young musician couldn't help but grinning in return, before she had no strength in standing up and ended up laying in the bed, but then her body were lying on the mattress sideward while he was laying beside her. "Why are we doing this... is it a natural feeling between a guy and a girl, aren't we supposed to be lovers, not friends?" she teased, before she laughed when he tackled her down and let out an exaggerated whine.

"Floyd, shut the hell up, why are you mocking me like that?"

But, he looked at her more lovely than ever and didn't want to admit it before. As the clock ticks, Floyd sighed out of relief while gazing at him until she didn't realize how late it is. This time, it was almost late in the afternoon until it turns into night. "Wish me luck for my performance, will you?" she asked, Zen rubbed her short hair gently before leaving a brief kiss on her forehead. "Of course I'll come, I'm the owner of this studio and I can ask V to take over the work."

Floyd was flustered as hell that her cheeks gets even more crimson, she stared up at him--thinking that's one of the things that she loved the most from him, which is the gentle smile. "A-As long as you're my lover, I don't mind... staying here in your rooftop."

"That's what I wanted, too..."

Two months later...

"Floyd, it's been a while!"

Yukio Arai; the twenty-years old young Japanese pianist, friend and partner in music greeted her, waving at her with a smile. He has a short black messy hair with his bangs over his brown eyes and has fair complexion, he also wears glasses and braces on his teeth. He wears a jogging pants and wears a black turtle-neck jacket underneath his grey zip-up jacket that shows his sleeveless brown shirt with chest pocket and red bands around both upper sleeves of his jacket, a grey tube socks and grey sneakers.

Floyd stopped when she heard him, she turn around. "Oh, Yukio? What are you doing?" she asked, blinking at him while placing her hands on her hips. Zen was standing beside her, recognizing him as one of the best pianists in StarlightCollege of Music and Arts back in the past. "Yukio, it's been a while!" she greeted her friend happily with a smile, somehow she was thankful that Yukio is quite healthy so he can run fast. They were friends ever since they began composing music together, he used to be a lyricist, too. Until, the young pianist needed a partner during musical stage plays, they began working together for the musical performances.

"Hey, uhh... sorry about what happened between you and Robin, are you two okay now? Well... except no contacts," Yukio asked her, before she frowned a bit--it was complicated since she let him do whatever he want with his life. Until, she felt Zen's hand intertwined with hers, which made her embarrassed since she wasn't alone. "Well, we decided to focus on our own goals. Also, I found a love interest, so I'm fine!" she said, the last words came out cheerful.

Even if she received a sad text message from Robin on her phone, she had no choice but to mute his notifications and simply pretended that nothing happened--including looking at the picture of them together. When Robin sent a sad emoji, Floyd already replied that she doesn't want to hurt his feelings so that's why she didn't reply to him. Zen know about Floyd's bad habits in not replying until three hours had passed or if she fell asleep, for eight hours or never, so it was a nightmare.

Although, Floyd responded after nine days--this happened all the time. It made him worry about her so he watched her like a hawk every time, which made her irritated and nervous due to the fact she had been caught many times. But, it was for the best. Yukio blinked and not sure who was that, anyway it's a cute relationship between both of them. Before he approached the guy behind Floyd, then gave him a firm shake. "You're really him," he said. "Photographer Zen Young, didn't you got asked for a few professional commercials before?"

Zen was speechless, especially after he meet him and shook his hands. "Yes, I'm the owner of Forsythian-Eden Photography & Studio, but since I'm busy. My secretary, V or Kim Sang-Hyeon is currently assisting me in my sessions," he said casually, Yukio smiled in relief. "It's nice to finally meeting the most famous photographer guy from the college, who took hundreds pictures and becoming the youngest photographer around! I mean, both of us are somewhat very rich right now due to our career paths and hobbies," he stated, before looking back at Floyd with her violin. "Sorry, I still had to rehearse my composition with Floyd! Will you join us?"

The male photographer hummed, looking at him calmly. "Sure, although I'm just here to observe. You two can practice," he said, knowing well that the musician has a practice before the real thing. "Alright, this time..." the male pianist said as he went next to the piano on the stage, grabbing his leather notebook and turned to the last page. "This is the song for the beginning, my friend," he explained, before he turned to her. "Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto In E Minor, the op. 64: II. Allegro Vivace, are you ready for the rehearsal?"

Floyd nodded with a bow, smiling at him. "Yes, don't waste your time and try to prepare."

The pianist chuckled, beginning to playing the piano and creating a tune of soft note that signaled Floyd to play the beginning. She did as asked and kept going with each tunes, in perfect timing and pitch with gentleness so that she could imagine the images of how each tone creating such beautiful harmony with melody. Zen was itching to take a photo of their practice, even it would be so difficult without a proper stage light and backlight. After several hours practicing the beginning, the end; the timing and the feeling as if she was one with the sounds itself. In the same way with the young pianist.

It was only one word for describing this moment, amazing and stunning. His fingers moved across the keys of the piano, showing a bit of his expression when he was expressing his own emotions. Zen was in charge of documentary and angle of the cameras, he had to manage his employees who will taking pictures of the performances. "This is so nice..." Yukio said, still playing the piano. "Think of the rest of our piece, I will show you after we finished this part," he added.

She just nodded, playing her strings that follow the progression with her concentration. All of her focus was on creating the perfect and exquisite tunes, until she felt a light tap on her shoulder. Floyd could feel Zen's presence behind her, coming up from behind with his camera in hand while he's keeping an eye at the video cameraman. "You look stunning, in this angle.. you could notice the changes of lights, the sky and other things," he whispered. It could make Floyd shiver, which made her messing a single tune due to being distracted. "A-Ah, I was caught off guard... Zen, not when I'm playing in the middle of practice!" she groaned at him.

After the said photographer chuckled, he was still capturing the recordings in HD with the angle of the 1080 HD, a little glimpse of the lightings and the background. "The backlight is a little messy in that back, more attention," he ordered. "I didn't realize they need to hire a cameraman for this..."

Before the performance, the two heading off to the stage to perform. Her accompaniment partner; Yukio is her best friend after she was trying to move on from Robin. He supports her decision to become a violinist, soon-to-be virtuoso and composer. They met at Seoul, where Floyd was performing in the venue. They promised themselves as partners and best friends, even Floyd treated him like a big brother to her. Floyd began to draw the rosin on the strings, playing the exact chord of the piece, with Yukio follows the flow through playing the piano keys. The melody was peaceful and harmonious, she could be seen swaying slight the posture of her standing position, she was flexible and express her inner peace through music along her expression.

When the curtains began to close after they bowed to the audience from finishing their musical pieces, Floyd starts to trembling and fell to the board stage comically--good thing her violin and bow is still on her hold. "Ow... I realized that my legs are worn out..." she whined, before Zen sighed as he approached both of them behind the curtains. "Alright, Floyd! You did great, let me handle your instruments so Zen can carry you around," Yukio said, taking her violin and the bow gently. "Wow, you're so strong... thanks for helping out my fragile friend!"

She looked at the young pianist, then blushed. "Yukio, I'm not—"

Zen's arms were carrying her bridal style, even his face was totally serious while the two are observing each other. Floyd decided to give up, after all, this isn't the first time he had to carry her on his arms. "Z-Zen..." she mumbled, wrapping her arms around his neck as he smirked and said. "No need to overwork yourself, darling. Go on, go back to rest," he joked at her, before they were separated due to his assistant called him out for a while. 'Oh God, he called us!' she thought, her face blushing even more. Meanwhile, the young pianist helped her holding the violin case that has her violin, bow, shoulder rest and rosin. "There you go, Floyd. Thank you for the performance, it was fun," Yukio said with a nod, smiling down at her.

"You're welcome, I really wanna sing tonight but I feel exhausted already," she replied while carrying her case, despite being carried by Zen who was her current boyfriend--the greatest photographer. She decided to tag along with Zen when they're heading into his car and entering his black-design 1970 Plymouth Cuda convertible. Plus, she gathered more flower bouquets not only from her lover, but also her fans around the world. Floyd leaned closer to him, slowly wrapping her arm on his, her head leaned on his shoulder. "Thank you, Zen... for everything."

He smiled in return, then he drove them home. "It's really tiring sometimes, especially for you. Means, all I want is you being there when I come back home," she added, kissing his cheek. "It was my pleasure for letting you live in my building, be rest assured," he told her, making her smile. As they arrived, he noticed that she is already in sleep mode so he was the only person who carry her. "I guess we have to move into different place... like our 'new' house," he suggested with a smirk, knowing that both of them are rich for their chosen career. Floyd was shocked after waking up from her own slumber, staring at him when he carried her like that, being held her against his arms. "Excuse me, did I hear you...?"

"Yes. I said, we have to move into different place."

"... yeah, because we really need to, don't we? Since we need a bigger space. I'm trying to compose a new song, too."

The female violinist said as she tilted her head as they went inside from the basement parking lot, inside the elevator and headed back to the fourth floor where the recording studio are, her previous recording for her songs; Orchestra Version. "Should we rent the condo apartment since the landlady is quite wealthy, or we will hire the interior designer?" she asked, they were sitting on the couch while they are having a dinner meal, Floyd couldn't take it anymore if they lived in a cold, metal building like the record studio above her. Zen chewed his steak, looking thoughtful after sipping his wine in a wineglass. "Do whatever you want, I'll support your decision," he replied.

Floyd was smiling happily unlike usual, thinking that somehow Zen didn't complain for her stuffs are all over the place after she unpacked her boxes after moving here into his building, and somehow Zen didn't have any idea about his best friend until V told him earlier--that Floyd was already a career-woman and about to release the new single orchestratedsongs along with the orchestra playlist. The violinist already left her working contract of Illea Music after eight months ago and her savings are enough to take care of her for a full two years with a remaining deposit of her past income when she was still under the contract. "Ever since we're together, I'm grateful to have someone like you," Floyd admitted, holding his hand. He couldn't help but showing his amused look at her, squeezing her hand a little before replying. "Yeah, I know. I can't resist such kind of beautiful woman."

"I mean... I'm too tomboyish for you, I'm not that beautiful and..." Floyd trailed off when his grip on her hand increased, followed by him looking at her slightly angry, but still gentle. "Let me decide whether you're perfect or not, even what you're wearing isn't my liking. Instead, you showed me yourself beyond expectations," he scolded her gently--still caressing her knuckles and moved the front strands of hair behind her ear with his other hand--before kissing her on the lips. When they pulled away, Zen admired the woman sitting beside him and he felt his heart beating so fast when she smiled in response.

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