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Ever since Floyd and Zen are dating, her routine on violin practice and performance has been improved drastically. Not only that, Floyd's popularity increased that she was offered to become a concertmaster of the prestigious philharmonic orchestra which is named as Blue Symphony Philharmonic Orchestra. Her eyes widened at the offer letter, she immediately accepted the letter--hugging it dearly. When Floyd read a paragraph regarding the orchestra, they are already practicing and they want her to attend their first performance. Tomorrow is the deadline if she's going, and the last she checked the date, it was next week which is on Tuesday and there's more time to practice.
"Zen, take a look!" she told him, running to show it. "I couldn't believe it!"
The photographer took a glimpse, as he chuckled. "So, you're a full-fledged concertmaster at last. Congratulations, my dear," he said as she looked at him with a smile. "Thank you!" she thanked, before kissing him on the cheek. As Zen kept embracing her and was buried onto the pillow, he reached out and grabbed his laptop to check. After what had happen, she is used to keep track of other musical artists or performers due to her career; so even her friends and relatives—one of her distant relatives, a close friend of hers, people that knew her, strangers and herself have grown up.
"Congrats, Floyd!"
Yukio shouted as he came with their alumni friends in music and arts like Julie Gardner, Danny Chou, Adam Salim, Kayla Christiadjie, Sachiko Komachi and the others as well. Floyd yelled when she had to carry their gifts and bouquets when she and Zen are in the opera house, which her boyfriend wasn't at all worried yet he helped her so much until they had the time. She was amazed that she placed her concertmaster job, and her group had came to visit her. She invited him to the orchestra's graduation tomorrow evening, but he insisted that she had to lead the orchestra, meaning there will be no time for her to walk to him.
The next day...
Floyd performed on the stage as a concertmaster with her violin and bow, the music piece is Ave Maria (Giulio Caccini) as she was standing on the middle and the first violin on her hand as she bowed with a smile. She can hear a lot of people clapped hands in excitement, while she waits for the orchestra to start. After taking a position, the conductor hit the baton and begins the piece. As Floyd put the bow onto the violin string, her eyes met to the crowd in her dress. In stage, Floyd is confident, coolheaded, focused, but also powerful. Her facial expression showed no signs of fear, worry or else. The reason why she wanted to become a virtuoso is not only for self-propelling, but to give all her audiences a different sound from her, the true emotions of her being and the art itself.
Floyd feel herself to be the centre of attraction and joy when she had achieved her goal--she's a concertmaster, such a wonderful pride for her. At first, she wasn't feeling alright on herself, no matter she's considered an an introvert since then; the pressure on how strong is her skills alone, is that the good look? Sure. Growing up, the young woman had always see the flaws when she had the thought of becoming a maestro—a passionate composer with extraordinary skills and intelligence. Having a lack of confidence led her having a hard time, or even, refusing to eat or sleep. Until this day, the young woman has managed to overcome her past anxieties and gained enough confidence to pursue her career in the music field, despite there are musicians who had failed. That's why she put a sign on the top of her room, when she's scared. It says:
'Don't overthink yourself. You have goals and objectives to achieve. Make your late-parents proud, and please don't listen to others who's jealous of you.'
"All me."
Floyd knew she had to fight for the betterment of the world, if her dreams won't make her parents proud? Then, so be it.
It was the second time she thought about herself, trying not to forget that moment that made her change as a whole. Thus, with her new achievements, herself was going to focus on herself and just herself--to make a future for her. After the orchestra performance ends, she ends its elegantly as the audience applauded enthusiastically. She stepped back after bowing her head along with the orchestra, letting the new leaders guiding the orchestra. "Floyd, you made it!"
Their comments made her smiled at them, but looking around for Zen--he's not at the place. Later, he stepped towards the front row of seats as they waved their hands at him. His image became clearer as she breathed out, her body couldn't help herself but shivered slightly when she knows that there is nothing to be afraid. The light and dark blonde short-haired Italian girl gulped and holding back a few tears. 'Oh no, I might make him worry...' she thought, before she yelped to see him showing the large bouquet of flowers for her. "You have done good, Floyd. Congratulations."
His soft gaze meant everything when he has this kind of expression to her, plus his words were beyond her expectation and without thinking twice, she ran--flying towards him. She cried out loud when her chest couldn't bear herself to express her emotions. "Zen, thanks a lot! I love you! You have no idea how much I missed you..." she gasped softly between her sobs, hands clinging around his neck and face buried. She stood on her tiptoe, managing her shaky strength from his arms that's wrapped around her. His scent was somewhat a calming, soothing wave--it was hard for her to break off the contact. "Zen, it's been a while!" Adam greeted, while the group went up to them.
"Heya guys, it's been too long!" Yukio said as both him, the girl waved at their friends. Those happy moments were filled with their exclamations, gestures and words. It's a blessing that Floyd couldn't believe that she's meeting up with all her close friends, the other are congratulating her for being a concertmaster and the rest have a fun conversation. "Hey, what's up?" Danny called him, high-fiving him and shook hands.
Zen nodded with a smile. "I'm fine, thanks... a lot of progress happened since then," he told him. Eventually, they were talking with a lighter tone and friendly gesture, laughing. After those hours, once the majority have left back to their cities—Floyd and Zen along with his assistant, V were walking back to their car through the park path in the evening. When the couple saw her ex-colleagues by chance, Robin was talking to someone and a college female friend of hers, Rose is here. Floyd maintain her normal face, staring at Robin until he noticed her and also widened his eyes to see her. "Floyd, congratulations!"
Floyd heard him before she turned her head back towards him, only to receive a hug before she slightly flinched. Zen narrowed his eyes, seeing that Floyd is clearly uncomfortable and he separates them off. "Hey, let her go," Zen warned, only Robin frowned and scoffed. "Who are you?"
V snickered, which it looked that he had to open his mouth. "You're funny, but anyways... we're the ones who had to ask you, what made you think that Floyd is your friend? Besides, she found someone better than you. I dare you not to push her—and no, we're not gonna judge her life," he retorted. Robin's shock changed quickly when he turned his gaze at his girlfriend and looked at her. "Rose, aren't you... her friend?"
"We barely know each other, this is my time meeting her."
Rose clarified with a frown, Floyd hugged her boyfriend Zen tighter when she doesn't want any physical contact from him. Her arm tightens around his waist when she knows it's not good to argue on him again. 'I feel trapped now, how am I going to solve this problem?' she thought, looking away from him. Then, she felt his hand smoothing and intertwining their fingers as he frowned. "Robin, I'm sorry, but we've gotta go..." Floyd suddenly spoke, her blue eyes half-lidded and no smirk was seen. He crossed his arms, eyebrows arching.
"What? You won't—"
"I know what the hell you wanted, and you are just my best friend. For all I know, this has just my last message—we're only a good friends."
Floyd squeezed Zen's hand after his comforting rub that was enough for her, before she saw Zen's bodyguards approaching them and separates both of the former-friends. Yukio shot a glare at Robin, while he stood next to Floyd. "Seriously, she doesn't want to meet you, okay?" he spoke, trying not to have an angry confrontation which he knows it will be pointless. Despite of his friend that is holding back his emotions inside—he didn't want to cause a violence, so he told Zen and the rest to go ahead; which they nodded.
After reaching the seat behind the driver, Floyd finally fled from the paparazzis and such--the door slides closed as Zen sat beside her. She was so confused, sitting silently for a couple minutes before she dared herself to peek a glance at his boyfriend. She turned away, her cheeks flushing while inhaling sharply through her nose, while his arm came up to squeeze her shoulders as she was still looking out of the window. After a few stops of red lights, all of sudden, she was pulled to lay back and her head was leaning on his shoulder. "Floyd... I'm here," he reminded, gently caressing her soft short neckline hair. Suddenly, she said those words when she is not happy.
"Robin used to be my best friend."
Zen heard her, listening to her worries. "After he mentioned that he won't be my accompaniment partner because he's in a relationship, I find it... ridiculous. He can stay professional and manage the schedules of our practices together, right? Those stress just... I don't know how to deal with it properly," she said as her voice began to shaky, this was making her vulnerable once more. "The reason why I've been not contacting him is that... his absence sometimes, can't take in my nerves. Especially the first, even from the third years onwards in 2017. Not to mention he's... too friendly, and there's something else I don't feel comfortable. After I helped him through his hard times, I totally forgot about my own being... why am I doing this anyway?"
Despite feeling disheartened about the former friend, Floyd showed a weak smile and managed herself not to cry. She put her hand on his back, burying her face onto his coat. He slowly scooted closer, his arms around her hips while leaning his cheek on her hair and inhaling her scent with a quiet sigh. "He is not worth of your tears, you've done enough. You're above him, Floyd."
A few minutes had passed, and a weak whisper came out of her mouth. "I... understand, I still care about him... even though... he did some mislead to hurt me. If he can't accept us, at least he can give a chance for me."
'Zen, if you're not by my side—I couldn't see my hope is there. How come you accept my flaws, who almost like a stupid person who keeps relying on you?' she thought, keeping silent between each sentences. As her eyes blinked furiously to not blink at all, she squeezed her arms, pulling herself to relax. "Your dreams... they had always driven you through hard work."
The sound of his hoarse voice was a little calming and made her bit her lips in silence, before he continue. "You can do it, Floyd. You have to get up from your past and focus, everything will go just fine. I'm right here, supporting you no matter what happens."
Zen spoke in his quiet tone, which made her able to breathe easily, her heart beating normally in a moderate speed, like she was drifting away in a peaceful dream. 'Of course, you will lead me through hardships... and the last things I want is to fight...' she thought, before she checked her phone and she froze at the numerous missed calls from Robin. Only twenty minutes have passed. What was the most curious thing she wanted to do is to block him or muting his number, she tried it at first, but every text of 'Hey' from her ex-colleague are gone. All of her contact that belong to the college and any familiar alumni have been wiped out of her phone, which she placed it back and left a message to not bothered. 'Robin... no need to help me, even if you're doing this because you're my best friend... you just made me lost.'
But now, it's time to let him go--Floyd deserve more than this. She sniffled but didn't cry; his other arm embraced her waist, only causing her to look up. Their eyes met each other. Floyd sighed quietly while letting him pushed a strand of hair from her cheek and behind her ear, and his lips hovered over hers with a gentle kiss. Being more stunned than before, the violinist closed her eyes--sinking into his comforting affection. As she felt him nuzzling her cheek, his arm embracing her back, Floyd's shoulders slumped; the remaining parts of tension is gone, immediately replaced by a warm, pleasant feeling.
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"It's okay, Floyd. Don't blame yourself," his whispered words on her lips brought the joy that always make her felt relieved, making her smiled in return with her eyes closed. He got her. When Floyd looked up, she found his calm facial expression before she noticed his amber-colored eyes. They gazed at each other closely, he eventually laid down and cuddled her body. Zen was attentive and wise, he always listens to her complains and asking for suggestions. He helps her through her worries and issues, so Floyd felt... glad to had him in her life, wanting no more than this. Nothing is ever important except each other, his protective demeanor over her is giving her mixed feelings.
"V, what do you got?"
Zen asked his assistant on the front seat, snapping Floyd from her thoughts as she met his focused stare. "It's bad, Zen. From what I learn about Robin Castagnini, he has history of depression and SAD during his second year until graduation, also gaining anxiety. He often feels sad and lonely with less confidence and constantly worried. His mental health condition wasn't stable, so your girlfriend is just keeping a good distance from him. But, he don't know how to handle himself, how can he date with that kind of behavior?" he asked, making Floyd's eyes narrowed.
Floyd definitely not going to explain about his personal issues and nothing further, and she knows that Robin's family was not rich, yet with a good career which she heard all these months due to his college mates. She's worried that someone being the same situation can always bring her down, because Robin used to hang out with her during their breaks, listening and sometimes teasing her in the past. She know about his hard times because he was born with a younger sister and single-mother, his father left him and never contacted since he was eight. He spent six years spending most of his money with buying his own goods, keeping his mother and sister supported. More worse, some people hasn't paid his debts--how IS he had more money?
"I feel like I'm babysitting a grown-ass adult below my age..." Floyd grumbled, earning a laugh from her boyfriend. "That's so harsh of you, but it sounds reasonable."
Finally, Zen's arm moved around her with a hug before leaving a kiss on the top of her hair. "Now now, let's focus on our main goal. We need to prepare your new composition before the recital begins," he reminded, calming her fury towards him and deep inside, Floyd hate being disturbed for personal spaces, let alone in a musical show. V chuckled in amusement, folding his arms. "Well, since Floyd has kept herself practicing and playing other instrumental composition. It's smooth for her to manage her chord progressions, and her strength is improving fast. Plus, she's fairly good in making a spectacular OST for stage plays and series, as well," he added. "I've saved all the files of recordings in these lists, more likely, this would be a treasure for you."
Floyd smiled in gratitude, when she received it from him. As the rest of the trip, both of the couple would look to the notebook for next compositions for her debut album. This was what her late parents had always believed and hoping, her being a strong soul—while still recovering herself. "Thank you guys for supporting me and more..." she told them, they have reached the place and exit the car. Then, a deep chuckle came from his boyfriend before he embraced her arm. "You're welcome," he assured.
The following week, Floyd felt confident as she is getting a ready mood for her performance alongside with her recital, but she wanted to repay debt to Zen who has helped her through her mental breakdown. She's proud that his business is going through a huge success—his current clients has satisfied the job and as the result, he became an overworked but without complaining once. After the performance, Zen brought her to a fancy dinner which she agreed. While driving, her boyfriend was quiet and tried to pay attention on the road. Later, they have reached the elegant building. As they both went out of the car, Floyd linked her hands with him before smiling, her blue eyes stared into his amber ones. "Thank you so much, I really appreciate it."
"No, not at all. You deserve it, you've worked harder than everyone."
Their gazes clashed, then Floyd's lips curved upwards happily, although her feet began to rest. She quickly hugged him tightly, until her soft giggle sounded next to his ear. As they parted, the violinist met his stare with a joyous twinkle in her eyes. Both her palms made their way to his cheeks, stroking in an adoring manner. "How can I help you in return? I want to repay my debt," she asked, feeling his hands pulling her closer to him. "Just give me one, how about we move a step ahead?" he spoke as he pressed his forehead against hers and murmured. The photographer leaned down and kissed her, as their lips connecting, Floyd kissed him back in return with her hands on his neck—each gasping in bliss. Both of them stay connected, clinging like nothing can interfere.
As they parted, Floyd was out of breath--hands limp on his shoulders and their faces very close. She felt inexperience, and at the same time—the woman who's loved felt another kind of emotion. A pure love in an innocent form, Zen lifted her head which their gazes clashed and Floyd's smile followed soon. Sooner or later, both of them having a comfortable time--spending their romantic dinner in the exclusive restaurant--as they spent their time together. They also go to Catholic church in every Sunday morning (since Floyd is a devoted Catholic from birth), which made them able to spend their time longer. They were standing in the front row in the congregation for a half hour, all in all, they have to confess their sins—committed from the past.
Days become weeks, and both of them knew that their busy schedules were getting in the way as Floyd was planning her solo album. Zen knew what he's doing and had to focus on the deadlines with his photos for the magazines, which is why they have to find a free time to spend some time together. As for Floyd, she want to cook something for him--since cooking is her love language, too. When Floyd cooked a barbeque chicken during midnight, for example, it's delicious, savory, rich and nutritious. Her boyfriend, Zen always loved it when she cooks and gives him a variety of food, so much for him to guess what's the second dish. After hours, Floyd has already done checking over the schedule of her future projects and putting it aside, and now she's helping the staff in her orchestral show for the stage play.
Floyd grew annoyed when she saw her muted chat with Robin still has notification, she already blocked him from calling her and sending a message to each other. Either through an app or text messaging and it doesn't contain message from other people because the former-colleague or friend of hers asked. Floyd clicked it and the message has an amount of forty three unread messages and eighty four missed calls. Scoffing in distaste, she typed.
Floyd: Robin, I already told you once. Leave me alone.
Almost within a second, Robin responded.
Robin: Floyd, I'm sorry if I hurt you, I just want you to be close with me again. We can do this and that, what are you supposed to do and who are you with—so many things like dates. Because we're more than just friends, right?
Why is he so afraid to lose his best friend if their relationship is ruined because he'd ghosting her just like that for more than one year? She felt like she's the only one to help him recover, like a human that has something to rely to. She just ignored him for the sake of preserving his health for as long as he can, especially mentally and emotionally. After three minutes, Floyd was making a firm--solid glare on her phone. 'Just block him, he never understand, I guess there's no point in anything...'
By the time, she blocked him and deleted him for good. Somehow, after a whole day having a lunch together with Zen—their lovey-dovey routine with each other might get in the way when Floyd decided to walk around with him. It was clear that they were happy being together, and neither did the others nor their fans didn't mind about the rumors. They headed to Tropical Paradise Amusement Park, where they were very busy and holding on hands, as they took different path by themselves and having fun, while accompanied each other through group activities. Of course, they wore a disguise as well as Zen is letting Floyd rides a roller coaster at first, so instead he would lead her going to the ride with a bigger loop. There were many people cheering, some are groaning and some just simply walked away in the line.
Floyd wanted to win a claw machine game, since her mother always told her that, she had a dream to acquire something. But, the story of that dream will revealed to be something later. Now she was watching one of the players winning those plushie toys inside, and now the winner was the boy around her age--her eye narrowed in determination to succeed. Right, this would be a piece of cake for her, and finally she won three stuffed toys inside. "Don't waste your money anymore, take them."
She giggled and brought those to the love of her life, only to witness a sight that never been seen—Zen sighed in embarrassment after. Then, she stuck her tongue at him. "We're young, why would we stop?!" she responded, he chuckled and pecked her cheek. The violinist squeaked and stepped back slightly, a blush formed on her cheeks. "Floyd, you're so adorable."
He leaned down, softly pinching her smooth cheek with his gentle rubs. "O-Of course, Zen..."
The woman, whom had experienced nothing but good in her life is very lucky to have a compassionate person supporting her dreams and a happy family; she can achieve things that she put her hope and trust to him. Now, she was a known prodigy in the music field and enjoying freedom with her new job--a concertmaster of a prestigious orchestra, the Philharmonic Orchestra. Floyd looked at him, making him took a long deep breath—making her nervous to look away. But, he reassured her that everything will be fine. "Zen... now you know about me, I want to get to know you."
"Is that so, Floyd?"
All of sudden, Floyd didn't want him to explain about his past, but he wants to as well because once she asked, he will eventually answer her question, not wanting to lie about it. "You know about me, my parents' death in car accident in London and my aunt raise me so I can become a photographer like her. But, I haven't told you about my college era or things I've experience, due to depression," he told her, putting his hands on her cheeks. This is clearly a big turning point in their relationship. "I became a delinquent, yes... and without realizing it, I almost doing drugs, even hurting people physically," he added.
But, she didn't flinch nor get shocked on his past--despite her sad expression on her face. Still, Zen wasn't blaming anyone and that's not it. "I was once... a prodigy in music and I produced so many songs, until... I learned the dark side of the industry that easily corrupted a person with greed, jealousy and possessiveness. That's why I changed my career into photography, besides I was grateful to meet you again."
That reminds her on how much they changed, living a peaceful yet full-time with their job, goals, dreams and freedom to choose. He managed to contain his laughter, but has his half smile on his face. Just noticing her emotions towards him, it's been a bliss for him to see a good result. Floyd didn't realize tears were threatening to fall out of her eyes before Zen started talking again, to hear him out. "Everything was normal until Robin met me in college. Things just... never ended like that..."
Floyd listened, seeing that his sad frown is still bothering him.
"I have always been jealous of him, especially seeing you with him," Zen muttered under his breath, his jaw clenching. Floyd frowned. 'Robin? What did he do to... no way,' she thought, before hearing a heavy sigh came from him. "Not really jealous, but... he stole my works and not taking credits from me. That bastard, I fucking hate him for taking advantage of me," he spoke through gritted teeth, and she tilted her head while putting a hand on his chest, her brows creased in concern.
He took her hand and squeezed it, briefly looking up to her blue eyes. Those usual loving stare of amber, slowly dissipated into tears; his gaze dropped down to her palm and lifted it up with his two hands. "W-What? Why did he..." she muttered, she was in disbelief that hearing those words from Zen will reveal more. After moments of silence, there were too many questions to ask. Because just being around the bad influence might lead her into some issues; this is the only chance for her. "I wanted to tell you about this, Floyd... but I feared that you won't believe me," he explained before glancing up, his index finger pointed at her.
"Don't you doubt the bond we had, I'll never abandon you."
Upon hearing it, she felt her heart swell and beat quickly against her chest, feeling intense at first. Later on, it calmed and returned to its normal speed, resulting in a warm aura came across the atmosphere and his expression has soften up, his tone was changed. "The fact that you helped him during his rough times did not change my perspective, you've given him so much. Sometimes, you were forcing yourself to carry his burden," he told her, stroking her cheeks gently and comfortingly, trying to not hold back. "You're an emotional type, you often helping others even you were feeling depress or sick, you must be... very determined."
Then, her tears soon fell on her cheeks and she held his hands, her eyes shot open and a sob was held in her mouth—before she nodded. "I... admit that, it was true..." she muttered. It's not her fault that she was too kind and innocent, leading into her mistakes, especially--wishing not to make the same one anymore. Without 'actual' parental figures, Floyd was gullible, not mature but understanding. Zen knew what he's trying to say and Floyd was glad that her boyfriend wasn't mad or anything, "I don't know what's the best... it was too much."
Her worries and troubles all disappeared, him being the source of her calming waves for her. She eventually cried and closed her eyes, before Zen lean closer to her. That's why the man, who has been hiding too much regret and pain over his burdens, his nightmares, his regrets... came to a halt as he felt the warmth touching his lips. She could taste the warmth from his mouth that was felt so, so comforting to feel. It was like he was the drug itself, and getting a taste of him might made her addicted. "We both suffered from different obstacles, but one thing we do love is to help each other," he whispered, one arm holding her waist and the other caressing her wet cheek with his thumb.
After they calmed down, Floyd took a polaroid photos with him since he was told to bring his camera. Both were standing and then smiling in the pics with the different setting until he kisses her cheek. Suddenly, she took his sunglasses with glee and made funny faces, he crossed his arms with a frown, half-heartedly. Then, his smile always grew whenever he is watching his girlfriend take a picture of him, without his sunglasses for a sec. Later on, they realized something more serious.
As time goes by, when evening becomes night and Floyd was tired after her debut album performance, finally both of them able to rest in their mansion. "So tired... damn..." she grumbled, resting her head on his shoulder. Her gentle smile turns to a thoughtful, blank expression. Her heart was pounding hard inside her chest as her blood went too much into her brain. The short haired Italian girl looked away for a second, keeping her calm gaze towards him with a slight tilt. "Thank you for listening to me, I'm feeling lighter with my chest now," she said, pecking his cheek. "You're welcome, missy," he teased, poking her head with his index finger that made her whined.
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