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The following week, Floyd was having a fan-meeting with her fans around the world in the Opera House where she signed a contract as the concertmaster with the orchestra. She was sitting in front of the large desk after she finished the concert, signing the shirt and her album while the crowd waited patiently as they're taking pictures of her and the rest with their fans and friends—laughing and chatting merrily. "So, Floyd. Is it true you're dating a photographer named Zen Young?" her fan asked, Floyd shushed with a grin.

"I can't really say anything further, I'm already being attacked with internet scandal. Anyway, what did you want?"

"Uhh... can we take a picture together? Besides, you helped me to overcome my anxiety and depression..." her fan spoke, making her smile and nodding once. After she took a selfie with the fan, Floyd sat down and greeted her other fans that's waiting. Her bodyguards and staff keeping the crowds tamed, managing their time while communicating with the musical artist. Floyd signed the signature book and merchandise after talking with the fans for awhile, taking time with every sign and greeting with a cheerful gesture. With all her new debut songs, the people knew that it was a dedication of her memories with both her childhood and adulthood—most of the fans and audiences were excited.

After that, Floyd plopped onto the seat beside Zen inside the limousine, making him staring at her for a while, not sure what to say. "How was it?" he asked, seeing her sighing from exhaustion while glancing back at him. "The meet-and-greet was alright, many fans have questioned about the relationship we have," Floyd said with a chuckle, hugging him right away. She was nuzzling and purring when she was in his arms, before settling down. Zen playfully gave a peck on her nose, the blush made her looked adorable. "Your fans are so fun, perhaps I'll join in next time."

His voice was hoarse and soft, her heart couldn't stopped itself by racing. Floyd wears a long dark blue strapped sleeveless dress with black sleeveless turtleneck underdress with nylon texture, black tights, black heeled shoes and wears a white furred coat above her dress. As Zen remained his black pants and boots, he wears a black turtleneck sweater underneath his light cyan jacket with his favorite necklace that has 'Z' pendant underneath it. "Floyd, be careful of Robin," V informed when he was contacting the bodyguards to keep them updated regarding the actor. She shifted on her seat, a frown became apparent—before nodding.

As the car was making an abrupt brake and stop, she saw her friend running and tried catching the limousine, but failing so. To her surprise, it was the ex-colleague and friend, Robin. The door slides open. "Floyd, let's talk about—"

Floyd froze as she shake her head lightly, thinking clearly. But suddenly, Robin grasped her arm, trying to pull her. "Please, Floyd, I can't—"

She glanced at Zen, who's seeing his sudden movement. "No," she responded without any panic, shoving him and letting her pass. Before Robin can ask her anymore, she was dragged by Zen into the car. Slamming the door shut, Zen made sure Floyd was already near and cuddled her. Floyd was having a panic attack after encountering Robin twice, this is why she's a high-energy introvert. She hated any kind of sudden interaction, it always gives her negative response. As the limousine drove away, Floyd settled herself in Zen's lap and hugged him, trying to lessen her anger--keeping calm. "He—I can't believe he has the nerve to grab me like I'm his."

Floyd said as she trembled once, while Zen calmed her down--assuring her. His amber eyes looking straight to her, no sign of fear and anger could have been seen. No, not yet. How could Robin harass Floyd? This is the last moment he spent everything on her friendship? The worse thing he can do is he had to wait, wait for someone he knew. It's kinda sad, Floyd couldn't stand to watch him not to succeed in his career, but how he can accept his life being a failure? She can help, but she had tried to say him a thing, and he will abuse her kindness. "Floyd, you gotta think about yourself," he reassured her, before pulling her into a hug.

Finally, Floyd regained her composure back until she slowly snuggled up to him, inhaling his scent and felt the familiar touches of his fingers in her hair. Suddenly, the car crash was caused by the media that chased his limousine. Her eyes went wide, holding back a scream when her boyfriend shielding her body.

Few minutes later...

Yukio heard a car crash that was near the city hall of Illea, noticing the same car being driven was registered as owner of Zen Young. He rushed to the scene, heading inside with the bodyguards and police escorting him. Until he reached the ambulance, his heart palpitated when the vision become clearer. It was the four-seat limousine being turned upside down, and there are police cars, fire engines and medical ambulances occupied the places, plus it's an accident and blocked the roads. "What's going on?!" Julie asked, rushing into the scene. "Floyd... Zen... they were-"

"Calm down, Yukio. Oh damn, this isn't good," Danny gulped as the others nodded in terror.

Inside the car, Floyd was unconscious while her boyfriend wrapped her body above him, face-planted onto the roof. Her head was bleeding a little, but his head was hit badly by the shattered glasses. Thankfully, her forearms have protected her head and face a little, whereas his head that was once cushioned by his own arms are more critical. The young woman coughed weakly, scrunching her eyes open. The ambulance has arrived, and the medical staffs immediately check for their vital signs. They put both Floyd and Zen into the stretcher, with IV fluids, and then transported to the nearest hospital.

Yukio, Julie, Sachiko, Adam, Kayla, Danny, Julie and the other members came after hearing the news, sitting inside the patient waiting room. V did his best to contact Floyd's uncle and Zen's aunt, and informed them about the accident. They arrived and sat with them, calling the other colleges and relatives of hers too. Like no matter how hard they want her back, she couldn't even wake up now. Until a doctor appeared, this made everyone seated up.

"Is Floyd safe?"

"Is she dead?"

The bodyguards of theirs were holding the reporters and news away after the family announced about the car accident and what happened, leaving the rest of the peoples questioning, curious and gossiping. The doctor answered briefly, stating that she was going to be alright. Her injuries and external wound wouldn't last for her long—but she will have a serious of medical appointments to make sure everything's okay. She won't wake up yet, and the vital signs are still weak—but stable.

Floyd was laying on the bed, asleep. She was having a nightmare, a dream where she was inside a void and suddenly, surrounded by a rain of lavenders and crimson butterflies with similar characteristics of flames. Tears were threatening to escape her face, her eyes opened as she find out that she's in the hospital bed. As a heartbeat was heard on the sound equipment, the bandages and her stitches made her winced in pain—flinching. She turned her head over the window as the sunlight blinding her sight, forcing her to see a view as she looked out into the mid afternoon weather.

Zen was in critical condition. Even the best treatment has given for his head concussion, the other were not improved. His eyes open, trying to make an eye contact with the family. "It's hard, Zen. Please... you have to heal," his aunt muttered, crying before embracing him in comfort. V also came over when he received the information, visiting his boss and friend. "H-Huh...?" Floyd muttered, before V look up to see her awake.

"Floyd, you're awake. Thank God..."

The violinist looked at him, smiling weakly and rubbing her sleepy eyes. V did his best to prepare the visitors, so the crowd (Floyd's fans and relative) can calm down. Thankfully, the media haven't caught it yet, letting her had some private moments. Meanwhile, Floyd knew it would take days to recover and make an appointment with the management regarding her practice routine; before she saw Zen woke up on his bed. He looks different, his forehead had wrapped gauze and bandages; making her surprised. "Hey..."

Floyd was crying, her voice was nothing but a whisper and didn't have the energy to reach him—causing Zen's chest heaves. This is not the time to be mad and have their second problems, if anything happens, they would blame themselves. "So, this is an accident... of course, I know all of these risks. But even, it was a way to protect you from that lunatic... sorry," he said, as he managed himself to get up. "Listen, no matter what problems you face; don't neglect your health. You have a lot of dream, you still can survive," he added, giving her cheek a stroke.

"Okay, I... can do it, s-s-since I have friends, fans and family, cheering and supporting me. Zen, I want to write more songs and keep making them, improving and developing them with changes that lead me to a better future. No matter what obstacles come to my way, even there were times, I-I haven't expected," Floyd told him, coughing once before continuing. "Even now, I'm really not so strong at everything, but having positive friends helping out in my everyday life has made me have fun. If there's anything I can't accomplish, the support I've received can't be compared."

In her mind, she was still thinking about her memories before the accident. "If there's something going wrong, there's still many paths to choose. I can think about the solutions—as it was said to do not neglect my health. Zen, sometimes, we can never be so predictable. Have hope in yourself and move on, maybe we can seek the happiness together... and not to share," she whispered, reaching out for his neck to pull him to the top of her hair. In his hands, he gently placed hers onto his left heart. "Now I understand why my late-parents kept encouraging me to pursue in music, both in piano and violin. With happiness, I do not regret."

Floyd murmured her apologies between her sentences that he can barely hear, but the idea that this woman has went through makes him feels a pain. Zen slowly shaking his head, grasping her soft bangs on her cheek. "Floyd, it's fine. Your late-parents were right, you have to pursue the happiness in the next path, wherever you decide. Anything you prefer as your career and your relationship can't affect mine and I don't hold a grudge. Although, sometimes, I can't stand it when they didn't let us focus on the goal--meetings and such."

He added in, leaving her bit a shaky breathe before his soft eyes made her relaxed. He kissed her hand, cheeks and then, her lips once. "Floyd, you have a nice path, in life and career. Don't let a bad relationship and people being a distraction. No one should pull us down, but both you and I are the symbols of change; we're doing this... together."

Floyd was feeling alright enough to get up and moving around as her body has started to heal due to the prescribed medications by her doctor. Currently, she was seating on a park bench while her legs were stretched. She was walking around while she had nothing better to do, since she was waiting the police. Then, the same figure that made her eyes twitched came into the picture. Zen was beside her, also had nothing better to do and holding her wrist before frowning.

"What are you doing here, Robin Castagnini?"

Floyd's breath stopped a little when the young man spoke in his hoarse, low tone; deep enough for him that he made the actor gulped. Zen's face seems to have no change, although his expression looks a bit creepy due to his dark brown hair strands, covering his ambers. Robin hesitated, before spilling the beans. "If... I might talk to you, Ms. Christina? Of course, Mr. Young."

As a famous photographer—Floyd's boyfriend has accepted his request with a smirk, crossing his arms. Robin was surprised, by seeing him said: "Why not. I'd love to see how our conversation will be."

And then, he turned his stare to hers with a questionable raise from his eyebrows. "Floyd... are you jealous?"

Her face was crimson red but she scowled, she was thinking the same thing when Robin was dating someone else. Robin had always brought her hopes, and had always helped each other. He, along with a number of others, has trained the music skill that is hard to achieve. But, Floyd was the ONE who helped him in his hardest times--and she was betrayed after realizing what she discovered from him. "I'm jealous... because you have a better life than I am... yet, you always absent whenever I'm around and you never told me where have you been," she admitted, he stared at her.

"Floyd, I'm just--"

"And, there's a lot of pictures of you having a fun date with your girlfriend, Rose," Floyd mumbled, the second name was a childhood friend that was once interested in him. As she stood, the anger on her face was gradually more prominent than ever. "You don't need me anymore, go have fun with her."

She continued as her tears rolled down, her palm began to wet. His words and actions were like an opening the Pandora Box, she has kept waiting until it has grown its desire... only to know the reality. This is Floyd's low self-esteem and the way that made herself miserable at time to time, she doesn't deserve this. Zen scowled at him, narrowing his eyes. 'Wait a minute, you're the only guy from the musical field? Okay, now your behavior is real...'

Floyd was surprised that Robin pulled her hair and hold her tightly against his body, making her yelled out. Her breath hitch and she was still thinking of the good memories of them, before he whispered near her ear. "Floyd, I will never betray you. Not in a million years," he said, before Zen punched him in the face, a direct punch that she couldn't had expected. Zen was ready to protect her, from any risk of a violent encounter. Floyd goes to Zen, hugging him in return and crying onto his shirt, letting him wrapped his arms around her trembling body.

"There, there, I'm here..." he comforted her, running a hand to smoothen the backside of her head and hair. Not caring about the stares and gossips among the people. "You should leave, Robin. Are we clear on this?"

This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

Robin panted and wiped his bleeding mouth from her boyfriend's punches, before making an eye contact with him. "Sorry for the misunderstandings. Just... I'll go now," he finished, his shoes tapped on the concrete and walked away from them. Floyd wanted to let him go, so he can pursue his dreams and continue what he wanted—but it's inevitable. She felt a peace inside her mind, settling the grievances and bad memories that had long to go. Nothing is more important except having each other—but she need her own balance. Her only goal is to try to make a purpose and live a happy, contented life.

Because she never had another thing or person could feel the same but him.

Zen tilted her head so she can face him, his fingers wiped her tears. As his index finger reached the bottom of her lower lip, her cheeks were painted with pink color. "You're not alone, okay? You won't lose me, yet this is why I have a concern. Please don't blame yourself, you don't deserve it. This is real life, everything is fleeting and it will be over. It's unfair for anyone, some had to die due to sickness. So... let's go," he said, bringing her along to somewhere. After the police arrived and heard the information between the three, it finally had ended.

Floyd learned that Zen was once Robin's friend in music college, she knew that--but there are more details that he described. "He and I were classmates before, too. That was before I heard rumors from Yukio, including you, which happens to be true. He left his home right before Christmas, he seemed had got into a fight with his mother and sister, so I did my best to calm him down—but..." he explained, intertwining their fingers and squeezed hers. "He was angry after meeting his estranged father who never helped him, their dad wasn't satisfied with his money and there were the time that he tried stealing his job."

"Robin Castagnini... he had a job and currently on bachelor's degree right?"

Floyd was shocked, she also remembered that Robin took associate degree... he already graduated from there and now going to bachelor degree? Zen nodded, admitting with a disappointed expression. "Yes, I was his senior with Floyd and the rest--except Julie and Danny who are part of his class," he explained. The young woman gaped slightly, that is unexpected. Her eyes were half-lidded, biting her lips. "Robin chose his degree based on music career, so it means that he will definitely succeed for sure... why is he suddenly become less interested, it makes no sense," she grumbled, curling her fingers.

A month later...

Floyd managed herself not to make a conflict again, her life as concertmaster and composer had improved throughout these days. Her friends had given a lot of support and cheers when it came from her performances and her latest composed albums, they were expecting great achievements. For now, the violinist is waiting for the final meeting she had to set for her practice routine. Zen hugged her from behind and kissing her head with a whisper, telling her that the rest will settle the rest of her business. "Urgh... I want a smoothie..." she whined, leaning on her seat and earning a chuckle from him.

"Should we take a break for a while then?" he asked, slowly releasing her shoulders. "Yeah..." she muttered, before taking a sip on her unopened bottle and cuddled his side. After taking a fresh breather, which was no longer the same ever since their lost contact and her last argument against Robin. The air surrounding became fresh and welcoming. Eventually, she bought a lemon grass flavored bubble tea and holding his hand, before she felt Zen's lips on her cheek, causing her to look at him with a blush. "I love you," he told her in a croaky and low tone.

"I love you too."

The couple smiled, tilting their face toward each other and kiss—to which their first kiss has been sealed. Floyd always like hanging out with Zen, whenever she feels bored or what. Of course, her work had distracted her from not taking care of him. If something to happen, nothing and no one could be apart them, a dream for a peaceful and meaningful life are forever.

Inside the limousine, Floyd was furnishing her bow with a rosin on her hand--so it can produce the audible note within seconds. She checked the horsehair for a moment, nodding in satisfaction. Then, she strummed the G sharp string, the vibrato note were heard and she lowered her violin, calming her mental health with a peace mindset. The violinist still wearing her usual dress whenever she had a practice or performance, including her new bow. 'All violins and bows had their own unique story,' Floyd thought, putting it back onto the case and latched. Now she wrapped up all of her performances and got paid well, she always took care of her precious violin--even practicing hard for perfection, skills and satisfy her previous teacher who taught her.

Zen watched her putting back the violin, bow, rosin and the shoulder rest inside the bag below her--before she yawned and resting her head on his arm. Along the way, the young woman was staring at the window when the night cloudy weather was appeared. Rain droplets started falling above the roof of the limousine, as the beautiful scenery that has made her peaceful mood had never been broken. "So, when was the last time you talk to Robin?" he asked, playing with her streaks of her long strands from her short hair. She slowly raise a brow, thinking.

"I... finally let him go, because he told me what... I shouldn't have known. Besides, if we remain as friend again, I might just... being tired, knowing that his antics are still there. Our friendship are at its end," she admitted, feeling his hand were lifted onto hers and kissed. "I'm completely worn out just by thinking of him, good thing he has his girlfriend who accepted him who he is. Look, my head hurts right now and all I can do is... just end it indirectly, my friends supported me enough," she finished.

"Well... as long as you're happy, then it's fine. You shouldn't feel guilty, despite if there were many possibilities," Zen murmured, while she nodded and looking at him. "Right, let's just focus on ourselves and we would be alright. Thanks," she mumbled, before she look up at him as she smiled. "My boyfriend is sometimes easy to read... and the fact he supports me makes me happier," she thanked, making him chuckled and squeezing her waist with a hug.

"They're just passing by, not chasing us again like last time."

V informed both of them as he was in the front seat with the driver who was their bodyguard; when they were heading back from the concert hall and opera houses. It's Friday and it's raining through the weather report, until they're here. Their fingers linked together, as their limbs are intertwining with a faint blush and peaceful, silent breaths. The blonde-haired girl's dress was a black turtleneck sweater underneath a black fancy jacket, black tight pants and black boots. "V, what do you brought for us for lunch?" she asked, seeing their bodyguards preparing food for them inside the limousine. Zen sat on the opposite seat as she, grabbing the utensil and plate of the delicious food that was perfect. "Woah, you brought pizza and barbecued spare ribs, huh? Hey, don't eat without my share..." she laughed, before snatching her food--dumping the spare into her mouth.

The photographer chuckled, kissing her temple as she hummed with a smile. "This is delicious," she commented, he nodded as they enjoy their meal peacefully.

After that, Floyd went back home with him as she plops onto the bed--rolling while his arms were around her waist as he let her rolled him over, until she realized something. She was under him with a face as her body and hair were on the top and backside of the mattress. They stared at each other silently, listening to the thunder on the rainy afternoon. "Hey, I see you're troubled," he greeted, their eyes met and smiling to each other, when his arms snaked her frame. "This is my first time having a boyfriend like you, you're... so generous and supportive. I like that about you," she murmured, closing her eyes as his lips touched hers gently, before the photographer slowly nodded with a smirk. "You're all mine," he replied, making her chuckled. His smug, low tone was alluring than a soft one, something that would get straight to the point; or even, made her blushed. His amber eyes, hair and handsome smile turned upside-down made the girls and women alike panted--since Zen doesn't show his perfect gorgeousness on camera to avoid fans of his. All the attention is always on her, sometimes she wondered why so much trouble?

Floyd can see that he has a visual of a singer, even though he's currently a photographer--perhaps his past career was a composer, DJ, pianist, bassist, guitarist or being a musical actor. Her jaw dropped while accidentally thinking how he looks like on the stage. "Floyd, your temperature is rising so fast," he replied, before she pouted. "Sorry... I forgot to rest and..." she muttered, before she felt a headache and fever suddenly rose. She slumped on the bed again, lying down as she scrunched her eyes, the pain gradually overwhelmed her body.

'Should... should we meet again?'

Before her eyelids closed as she falls asleep, her flushed face became evident before him. Her body slowly became cold, bringing him anxiety. He grabbed a wet cloth and placed it above her head, dabbing to make sure it drenches the temperature and prevent another bad case of fever. It was a normal fever after overexertion from her work, she needs rest. 'She had no proper sleep last night... yet, it was our responsibility to let her in private time--her body couldn't hold more.'

Zen thought, before he caressed her head and cuddling her. He sniffed, sniffing her fragrance and leaving her neck as his eyebrows arched, frowning in confusion. Before his phone rang and answered the call. V was reporting, informing about the success of the classic music industry and its stocks goes up, same with hers. It was her final decision to get more solo activities and perhaps composer which they had decided to become the manager. Even though Zen still owns his photography studio and freelance as well, he has experience in music industry and composing in the past, making music for her and the students in the musical field of Illea.

'Everything was not always sunshine, she will be fine,' he thought as he hugged her frame and leaned his chin on her shoulder, staring at her. Her face, scent and hair smell, everything he didn't realize and knowing it better, causing him not wanting to let go. Floyd sniffled as she's now asleep, her lips twitched into a smile when he touched her cheek once, running his fingers onto the side of her dark brown eyebrow and onto the nape. It makes sense, and he smiled. His arms around her--protecting his peace, happiness, and hopefully, her secret. He wouldn't let her leave, nor he would have let her down. Somehow, he have to protect her forever... she was like a sunshine of his life. His heart is filled with happiness whenever she was with him.

The next morning...

Floyd was in her new studio room, practicing her violin while recording the audio, listening to it as she gave a thumbs up and repeated the part that had gone wrong. Then, after her second attempt, she approved and wrapped up her piece in almost two hours. V gave a pat on her shoulder and a thumbs up, praising her skills and saying good things for her. As a composer, songwriter and making the songs arrangement for the actors and actresses as well, she was quite flexible. V is like an older brother and mentor as well, helping her whenever she needed advice. "Since there's many pieces and several instrumentals had been improved, you can have a break," V said, noticing Floyd was on a window spot, looking at the scenery at the courtyard of the studio and below her floor with a small garden in the middle.

On the opposite side, she turned her stare and head to see her boyfriend as he was the building where she stood, standing beside Yukio—their bodyguard as he gazes back at her, greeting. Suddenly, the sunset through the bridge made a soft picture that seems to soothe her calm heart. Since she got Zen, she felt relieved. With the sun and the clouds—she remembers the day, when she is usually alone since he helped her... it was like there's... some sort of changes he didn't recognize himself. 'Zen... you are my gentle, considerate sun,' she thought, before finally, leaving a kiss mark on the glass. His eyes softened and he pointed at her, making her chuckled softly. "I love you."

She mouthed those words, a hand over her heart and gazing back at him, the only man that makes her happy.

During the orchestra practice...

Floyd was trying to find her style as a virtuoso violinist, playing her last few notes on a slow section, a very beautiful scene that lasts for a minute. There's another reason why the director ordered her to become the first chair; another talent and high quality made the audience amazed. Furthermore, they showed off the crowd if Floyd was going to perform something else, even their friends would have believed. When the last note and bow were heard from her violin, she lifted her head and flashed the polite smile. Then, the entire theatre were cheering for her. She thought it was wonderful, and they clapped loudly.

Floyd knew her performance was smooth, well-balanced, powerful, lively, soulful and brilliant from her peers. Aside from her skills, talents, her kindness, emotional and a romantic-gentle person, she earns it with her trust; including her ability to read music, rhythms, and various scales, and learn instruments quickly. It took her a long time to find her style, because many famous virtuoso violinists has their own style. But, because of her skills being able to handle hard pieces, as a result, she chose the violin. Finally, when all the pieces have finished and cleaned the instruments—it was the final performance and ready to end. The violins and violas play A string, followed by C string; an entire thirty-seconds pause before the cello and double bass play D string for two measures before ending the song for their finale.

Floyd recalled that she used to take ballet, because of this--she always able to get the position of the angle perfectly. She got her postures throughout these months, memorizing the chord progressions, improving and developing her way. By the time she played until she stopped playing, she put the violin down to perform an Arabesque by stretching her legs to the back and bend down a bit. Many people did this exercise in order to make the posture stronger and to be able to play the violin properly. Not only that, she also took diets and work out every week. She knows that her late-parents wouldn't want her to starve, but never neglect her health. Finally, she was stable enough; the audience began yelling and cheering for her in a roars when she finished.

Yukio played his piano as an accompaniment along with a second violin who's the first chair, as Floyd lead the tempo and showed her enthusiasm towards her music partner. Floyd glanced back to her pianist partner, earning a grin—exchanging a fun expression. Both of their performances ended, followed by applause. Of course, the third year that's in the performance isn't in the main character, so she got a side roles which her career and hobbies continues on. After the musical show has ended, the public applauded and cheered loudly for the end credits have been rolled.

Zen got himself inside the limousine, waiting outside by the opera house lobby, seeing her friends leaving their belongings to their partners, the ladies rushed into the entrance door. Floyd wore her typical black sleeveless dress with straps, long separate black sleeves with glittering embroidered patterns and and high heels. She hugged Zen who greeted her--wrapping his arms to pull her closer, feeling his warm scent calmed her down--placing her forehead on his suits. "V, it's all over. I can't believe all the performances have ended..." she said with a beam, making him smiled back and sitting on the front seat together.

"Yeah, you did a good job, Floyd."

V complimented with a smile, before he checked so many incomes they received after their partnership with Floyd and her management.

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