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Floyd look up at the building of her previous music school; Starlight College of Music and Arts, she wanted to reminiscing her days when she was in high school until she achieved her early degree due to her achievements. She felt Zen's hand sneaked to her, intertwining and embracing her hand as their palms are pressed together. "No one is going to bother us, Floyd. Don't worry," he said, smiling while the smile reached to his eyes. Both of them were standing near the intersection, she was not certain at first, but her boyfriend assured her enough. "Let's get inside, there's something waiting."

Once she stepped into the main door, a familiar orchestra theme music was playing while they went further inside the college. Both of them explored the hallways and the rest of the rooms, there was a classroom where students are teaching how to play bassoon and viola. Others are making their own song or playing some music. As they moved through the hallway, there are the office where Floyd knew so well—the academy's president was like a mother to her, though her close friend knew her personally.

"Oh dear! It's been a year since we last met, Miss Cecilia!"

The violinist greets her, laughing heartily. The aged professor laughed, as she rubbed her left forearm with a smile. "Wow! So you and Zen have been secretly dating, how cute. Looks like you both are lucky to have each other," she said as her glasses adjusted, followed by a huff. Cecilia turned away from her, trying not to cry--amazed that her dream had finally happened.

"Come here, Floyd. Let's celebrate with our newly gained family..."

After the exchange of moments, Floyd and Zen was returning to their limo while walking near the parking lot. Before Floyd's expression changed to surprise, suddenly she turned around when someone was coming, her mouth agape when her worst nightmare had happen. Her eyes were widened in realization, noticing the person approached her, making her stepping backward out of safety—and into his embrace. That voice--the hands placed on her sides and kept still.

"Zen... oh, I haven't seen you in this college. How is it going?"

The girl was known as Sherly Carlton, she keeps her soft white pale complexion, her red straight medium-length hair to her jawline and her teal green irises shone brightly and she's still kept thin, yet beautiful features like any lady. "You know, Floyd and I have plans right now, but yes, it goes fine," he answered politely, wrapping an arm around Floyd's waist and trying not to make it obvious that he's feeling annoyance. Right away, Floyd can sense a bit of annoyance as well. Why is he like this? She stared at him, her eyes concerned of his wellbeing. The situation with Robin has messed up his feelings, can she just speak out of it?

"Zen, why don't we celebrate next month during Floyd's birthday? We can have drinks and lots of snacks!"

Sherly said happily, but Zen snapped. "Floyd is twenty, yet she's still legal. Tell me the real reason you tried to speak with me, is that because you're jealous? Do you want to get drunk so you can blackmail her? Because I heard this--"

"No, it's not like that, Zen. Geez, she's busy preparing her newest composition and other things that's related to music, and there's nothing happened," Sherly clarified, glaring back. Floyd took a deep breath, before she muttered. "Yeah yeah, I know you're not planning this, but something else."

"Come on now, you can't expect all your past are coming back," Zen scolded, until he saw Sherly smirked. "Floyd, I'm always honest, I'm just worried about him. No need to judge, besides, now you've become famous. At least I feel better and I don't need to lie to you," she said with a wink, but Floyd rolled her eyes with a smile. "Oh, thank you for the compliment after a long time. What a surprising treatment you're giving! I almost forgot the last time you wanted to treat me dinner because we went to work for one day, then after you finished your show, then—"

"Stop! You've won!"

The annoyed look of hers was obvious as a blush painted on her cheeks, not amused by Floyd's smartness and truthfully, Zen thought that it's really amusing to watch--he cleared his throat to hold back his snicker. "Alright, we better hurry," Floyd said as Zen nodded, the couple were walking off without looking at her. Then, she waved her hands at them, being happy despite her past that almost torn her happiness down to shreds. It was embarrassing to have such toxic people come and go, after making use of Floyd's compassion. Nevertheless, that was not the case, and no way would he talk to her again. "Sherly never changed, I have to admit it, it's true."

Zen spoke as they began their detour around the large building, while the violinist went along. "Woah, it haven't changed at all," she remarked, seeing that some things have been replaced by either the new building, or some furniture. The man was holding her hand tightly as they stride into the hallway once again, Floyd looked at him with a smile. Once they arrived at the rooftop, the man squeezed her hand before exhaling.

"Floyd, is there any moment you regretted it?" he asked, his voice was a little lower. In response, the violinist pondered and sighed, feeling sorry and apologetic to whatever that was troubling him. "Zen, I feel so attached on this place, because I couldn't live without the dream..." Floyd told him, scooting closer and embracing his arms. "If I regret it, I couldn't face you in that same performance—and that means I haven't been that level of greatness and having a professional composer career until now," she continued, wanting to embrace him. "Thank you, for everything... so... I want to repay you for your kindness."

She said as she moved towards the man's left ear, making him chuckled before turning over his shoulder to kiss her forehead. "Floyd... remember I said that before? I always follow the crowd. We're one, and I've been waiting my whole life to sing that I love you. I hate to be selfish, it's worth the wait," he responded, kissing her lips quickly with the emotion that brings her teary to see him. They clasped their hands together, embracing and humming—allowing themselves to linger in the moment before heading off.

He didn't deserve a second thought after Floyd broke up, not another second thought.

Floyd almost forgot the time, because Zen was paying his attention towards her. Her stomach rumbles and feeling hungry that's causing his chuckling. "There's a restaurant inside the campus, let's get something to eat," he said, tugging her gently. In response, she giggled as both of them entered the elevator to the first floor. Finally, they have made a reservation and sat at the nearest balcony across the main entrance—talking with the waiter and ordering some foods. The waiter came back and put the tray of their lunch while Floyd stared at her old pictures of herself and her group friends; mostly, those were taken from Robin—the only decent thing he has, with himself and some of her high-school memories. "What are those?"

"I always kept this album with myself, especially the lyrics I had written. Some of those pictures have been erased... once, before everything happens. Now... the future is calling me," she answered, before flipping the page, seeing some photographs with the piano, violin, guitar, bass and other music-related instruments, and performances with the graduation ceremony. "Hey, let's make new memories," Zen suggested as she grinned with a nod, pulling out her phone from the pocket. Both Floyd and Zen posed each other with various funny and silly faces as a photo was taken, they saved the pictures. After lunch was done, it's going to be nice to grab a quick dessert and not getting weight up. Floyd felt silly, ever since she met him and made her felt comfortable because he reminded her. "For an instant, when you first kissed me... I just can't believe it. Not even in a million years, Zen," she told him.

Zen lean towards her shoulder, giving her a look. "And?"

"We met during registration date," Floyd continued, gulping after seeing their entwined fingers. The moments were amazing because she still can see his calm-yet handsome features and his dark brown long strands of hair, covering his amber irises. "It was actually fun, I wish we can remember," he whispered. It took Floyd a minute to realize it, and when she does, her jaws dropped. She did not forget the memories and feeling the hope was given, now she had known him beyond and still she had the feelings back at him. This time is different, when her heart suddenly began to pound, causing her blush. 'Geez, I didn't know. His amber eyes are so beautiful...'

"Zen, if I'm not your classmate... then I will probably make a move," Floyd said with a mischievous glint and chuckle, which gave him some thoughts. "Really? But doesn't matter at all, I meant if my room didn't block the path," he joked with a smug tone. She giggled, blushing once more after their hands brushed. However, they heard some kind of gossips about the orchestra that got into internal feud--due to pressures, long hours, mental and physical health of the musicians--it made Floyd aware of the situation. She know how it felt to practice and being onstage can be a trial, always got the risk of not a good sound. Most of the times, the orchestra need players of 13 to 150 players with a tight schedule due to the large size, the tension is even a hazard.

Floyd was having a flashback of how she was having eating disorder before the performance when she was thirteen, the memories keep rushing within her mind. Despite practicing her music pieces—she had been hungry, she needed to gain the weigh so she could make her dream. Plus, more pressures from her seniors and her peers forcing her to made a great entrance, not to mention, Robin... he used to remind her when she nearly lost herself and the way she was going, and he helped her back to stability, not mentioning with anger and guilt. Even a reminder of stress sounds like a painful hell, worse is when no one understands them and do not trust them.

Orchestra musicians also face performance anxiety, which is a natural and accepted consequence of performing. However, they tend to cope with it better than other stressors in their jobs, such as finances and personal problems. At the worst, performance anxiety can induce low motivation. The self-awareness, muscle control and ability to play is affected. Nervousness, sweaty palms, butterflies in the stomach, loss of fine motor control, or blanking out can affect people. Floyd almost made an attempt to end herself after several tours for school assignments and performances, sometimes that led her and Robin doing arguments behind the scenes. She would have to rest by eating so much in which resulted in a lot of stress and gained weight, she'll made herself to not crying and kept learning.

Floyd was never a fan of attending the drama shows, but then, those were hardships.

"Floyd, what happened?"

Zen asked, seeing her downcast expression before he caressed her cheek. "Stressed days can be challenging, and of course, it will change someone's expectations. The real problem could be caused by the staff or management—nevertheless, you got a degree of two years higher degree, Master of Music. You are resilient because you have a bright and warm heart," Zen told her softly, hearing the words made her let out a shaky breath. "I know, it's just... I'm having a flashback from my high-school era where people got nervous and angry, it was real painful when people didn't believed in you and even treating you as a garbage, when you're not listening the advice they have to be said. I'm just—"

She trailed off, gasping silently when Zen reached to hug her tightly. "Okay, Floyd... you're my center. Take a break," he assured, stroking the back of her neck with his fingers, smoothing her tension. As Floyd was comfortable, Zen put the fork on the plate, gazing at her with love. Floyd was looking back, showing a smile as her cheeks began to heat up. "I never thought of this happening. My life has become harder since school... until the end of my music college days, you know... I tried to end myself when I was in depression and being upset over Robin, but... when I met you for the first time, I have strength and not going to keep myself just yet."

Zen hummed, his eyes locked with her--causing a little nervous that she almost melted. "I know, I'm glad you're safe. One the fateful day of entering this school, I've noticed you weren't looking well. I actually find you very amazing and quite smart, when Robin isn't around, I had to ask you things to do, you're very helpful. Second, ever since we enrolled, you grew and managed to make your major, while I'm struggling and had gone with professional photography career... it was quite a miracle."

"Zen... you are still great and perfect the way you are," Floyd responded, admiring his facial features and touch as they both stayed there for a little moment, not saying anything, relishing the comforting tranquility. "In the end, I will find a way and follow my routine... even though this career has different methods... which I need time to get used to," she finished her sentence, hearing him chuckle in amusement.

"What is it about?"

"I will write the music sheets, read all of the chord progressions, rehearsed and recording to send, and eventually, made a live performances. At least we have an assistant like V, it's pretty helpful so so much," she grinned, laying her head on his chest when his arms placed his around her. Being in the arms of this kind of man, a loving tender caring boyfriend, filled the room. Until, they heard a shouting from above--the sound seems... familiar. "So I was correct—it's Sherly who's fighting with her idol in the high school... Sherly must be busted," Floyd commented, as Zen burst out laughing and holding her sides, hugging her. "Oh... I'd say that they became rivals, also back in high school. No worries, she's harmless and the rest don't like her," he confessed.

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

They headed to the principal's office, where Cecilia was working like usual and it's been a while since they graduated. In the corner, it's visible her husband's picture.

"Welcome, Miss Christina, Mr. Young!"

Cecilia greeted them with the book in her hand, her spectacles are adjusted as she keeps her same personality--strict, energetic and inspirational leader. "So, why did you brung us here?" she asked, the principal sighed when she decided to explain what's going on. "The truth is, our music college's reputation has been brought down because of our alumni--David Wong."

"No way, you're being serious?!" Floyd exclaimed as the principal nodded, while Zen was so dumbstruck as well. Then, they looked down at the floor, thinking deeply. "It happened when he was having a fight with an alumni too, right? Seems similar to what we had, Floyd's childhood bully and the rest," he muttered as Floyd stared at him—something crossed her mind.

When both of them received several phone calls from their friends and family, another set of gossip has spread faster than a wildfire. "Looks like we're popular nowadays. To be honest, that was unexpected, this could be a trap for no one's business," Floyd remarked. Of course, in few seconds, both Floyd and Zen were being stalked on social media from news reporters and the list goes on, until some people are looking on them. All of a sudden, their phones were ringing and they answered at the same time--it was Robin. "Again...?" Floyd said, feeling annoyed.

Zen smirked as he stood beside her, which seems he's taking a revenge. "Let's see how they're gonna bother us," he said, before she shrugged. "Hi, Robin," Floyd answered, chuckling. Once she pressed the speaker, Robin and Sherly were talking at once--they realized that... it was THEM the whole time from above the restaurant! "Maybe he accidentally pressed the call button," Zen whispered, but he kept silent and Floyd had to know their motives. "You are lying to me now! Our relationship, our special—"

"Nothing is going on. We just separated and forgot about our childish romance. Besides, everyone is changing and grown-up. Those five years was never a time," Floyd listens to Robin and Sherly's arguments, her eyes widened that Robin was... actually had a thing before meeting Rose? His tone began to sound desperate, having a breakdown and he sounded so hurt. She didn't want to get in the middle, and everything about Rose sounds like her own situation but he's a grown-up now. "Well, if you have the memories, or never. Time didn't help and feelings change, you decide now, Robin," she said as her voice began to sound irritated, not liking their tactics. "I got them recorded," Floyd mouthed, she also put a recorder for this opportunity. Zen motioned a thumbs-up, grinning and it took them few minutes to silence.

Cecilia listens to everything while reading a newspaper, a frown was seen on her face.

'This boy... he needs more help,' she thought, blinking a couple times and turning the page, starting the next one. 'Not to mention, I was hoping the faculty can do a better job of monitoring their behaviors and make some questions. I must find out,' the president thought, rubbing her chin and eyebrows arched as a smirk formed on her lips. After the recording stopped as the call ended, she folded her arms. "Miss Christina, Mr. Young, I have a proposition for you two."

Floyd exchanged looks with her boyfriend, before walking closer. "Give a chance, we'll come back at work," he spoke as Floyd gave a thumbs up, with a soft smile. "What is it about?" the young woman asked, while the principal explained the important message.

"Do you know who are those people during your time in school? Probably they're making a scandal, and whoever sabotaged the school, we must find them and give the punishment as well," Cecilia demanded, a hint of stern in her tone. "This involves personal space and professional life, any kind of behavior or harassment we've discover—we will ensure that it will not happen again. The classical music industry can be a toxic place that is damaging to mental health," she added, earning a nod. When the conversation is over and heading out, the couple shared a hug for a moment.

"Floyd, you look too good for him."

A whisper came out from his lips when she turned back her head on his chest, and without a warning, he pecked on her cheek. Floyd smiled, snuggling her boyfriend as their hug grew warmer. Suddenly, she placed her lips around his, kissing him. "Thank you for noticing, dear. From all those troubles I've made, we finally made it. We're here," the violinist replied. He grinned, closing the gap between their faces and held her neck. Every little thing, everything that came into this was the happiness Floyd never regret, and he, despite having his best days—made him appreciate and grow into self-reflection. "What was that all about?"

Zen asked as she shook her head as an answer, her gaze locked on him. "Don't worry, after all these moments, it was supposed to be a big case in their lives," she answered, knowing it will be complicated and long time to sort things out, and will still have the consequences. Then, she leaned to touch her forehead against his—tilting his head with a knowing stare.

Robin kicked the trash can as he walked out from the café, drinking his coffee while moving on towards his journey. "Dammit... I've trying all this years, to find her. I haven't see how she look like, her name was deleted and phone number were changed. Wherever she is now, please stay safe and sound, Floyd... no matter how long, just let me hear your voice..." he muttered. In his eyes, she's just his best friend--so he managed his way to find her, by tracing her, messaging in the community account and groups. No reply.

It's been awhile when he heard her broken voice on the phone, after being rejected for the thousand times, it seems Robin was given a fresh start, on returning back to the track. He looked up at the window to see his reflection, his turquoise irises were dull and lonely. He wondered how long he has been dealing with his SAD symptoms and he tried not to cry. Even, if it's true that Rose isn't Floyd, he's totally lost. He leaned his back onto the tree as he sat, and slowly, he let out a sob. "How come she had to disappear?" he muttered, a sigh escaped through his lips.

He take out his phone to check if his girlfriend Rose had texted him or not, he clicked on the app. "Rose... why am I a sucker all these years? All of this time, no matter how much we cared, I wanted to make Floyd happy, but why?" he asked himself while massaging his left temple, thinking the troubles he made. Suddenly, the wind blows and the tree leaves rustled, but then, he heard a car stopped nearby.

"Hm?"

Once he turned around and stood up to follow the path through the trees, he peeked through the glass door to the opposite direction of the car. Robin jerked, stupefied as his jaw dropped when he saw a somewhat illusion of—Floyd walking onto the building lobby, and his vision became misty. He blinked furiously, unable to comprehend of what had happened. The car was his co-actor car's, it might be. However, Robin was looking around but the ghost-like image has gone disappeared as quickly as he sees.

Something ached deep inside his heart, making him placed his hand above his chest. "You're my best friend, but... why am I have a hard time to move on? That was nonsense, Floyd will never forget me..." he said, blinking the tears, muttering his worries until he gasped, he managed to smile and chuckle. He had the same memories, and now... let himself be happy. "Robin?" Rose asked, which in result, he wiped away his tears quickly and ran to her, embracing her. "Ah, that must be a family members I thought."

Two weeks later...

The tension became high, due to a new viral video that has taken over social media. They were shocked as everyone knew about the news that leaked, especially Rose. Sherly burst out crying, running out from the studio. Floyd watched the news as her eyes widened that shows Robin was seen talking with girls, kissing and even walking together—but she doesn't think so, it was all an evidence until he was reported. Her heart softened, ignoring the pain that had been coming back. "Robin..." she called him, her eyebrows were narrowed in pity.

Zen approached her and rub her back gently, trying to calm her down. "It will take long, a mental health journey can't fix it... unless they'll seek advice, but what are their excuses? I hope this lesson will be learned very well," he whispered, only making her smiled. Despite all the horrible words, none of them matters--he came up and cuddling her by hugging her arm. They leaned the back of their shoulders onto the wall, staying quiet while some people were also staring. "Take your time, Zen... don't work yourself up," the violinist said as she was being worried, and he leaned his head on her shoulder. They share a conversation, laughing and made jokes, before V appeared and told Floyd it was time to go.

"We got a podcast invitation, both of you."

Musician's Podcast that was hosted by their friend Danny has just begun, followed by Julie who interviewed the guests. "Now, please, give a welcome to Floyd Christina Young and Zen Young!" they greeted, clapping and smiling as she sat next to her boyfriend. There is a monitor screen which showing a multiple chats with usernames, Floyd chuckled when she checked what she received. Right after the questions and answers were done, he held her hand and intertwined their fingers while bringing her to leave a room during break hour. "Do you think... I'm moving on?"

She asked, noticing his sadness as the cold wind blew. The photographer hummed. "Listen, I know that the death is never easy... and most of the time, I worried about you so much. At the last recording, your eyes were shimmered," he said, placing his hand on her shoulder—her blue eyes narrowed as her fingers clenched. They stared at each other, silence in the atmosphere--waiting for any response. "Oh, that... nothing, no need to get emotional. Even, how could you?"

In response, she was being pulled to a hug. Floyd buried her face on his collarbone, leaning on his broad shoulder and finding a comforting support in his tight embrace.

"You're like an angel. This is only gonna get worse."

Floyd giggled and lifted her hands up, her body had slightly turn—in attempt to cover the embarrassed blush. Then, they continued their podcast like usual. "So, how long have you guys been dating?" Danny asked, gave them a minute to count. "Well, it's... less than two years. Just want to tell we're together since college, and... the rest have been keeping us waiting."

Zen was answering since he almost lost his words, a proud smile curled. Floyd looked down with a shy smile. "Also, tell me about your past romances before you dated Zen, if you can," Julie commented as Floyd snorted, grinning confidently. "Hey, I've been single before meeting Zen. You know, I had a rough start with music majors, and sometimes, the pressure made me stressed. Now, everyone who is here just wanna have fun and so, we have a lot of adventures," she revealed, rubbing the back of her neck when her boyfriend nodded.

"Back then, before he told me I'm a crush, no matter what, I'd never gotten the letter from the person I trusted. Even though we have a bad situations, our dates are quite nice. When we did exchange, mostly had good values and morals—mostly, not too complicated."

All of the guys laughed in amusement, then the questions keeps coming. While listening, Floyd was glancing around at the screen, to think Zen was not hiding his feelings, and many things that has been said. "I always thought falling is so ridiculous, especially when Zen walked up and started talking, not like the others. Maybe I've already prepared," she answered truthfully. "I also listen to him and he didn't hesitate when I met him, at least he knows all along my fears—we also work our best as couple... like how much Zen has supported me so much."

"Aww, that's really sweet and lucky guy," Danny told him with a hint of laugh, followed by him. "In the past, me and Floyd was good—best friends," he said, staring at her blue eyes as she smiled. The podcast continues, while both of them were wrapping up the show, Floyd got a surprise present. "Woah!" she gasped, seeing a huge flower bouquet. The photographer placed the bouquet on her other hand, while holding her waist to have balance. Floyd was shocked with a smile, giggling when Zen kept doting her. At the end, they took few pictures of themselves and doing selfies, and the interview was over.

"You are the most honest guy I know. Thank you for being by my side, you brought light to me... and I never regret it."

Zen placed his arm around her as they return to their limo, smiling proudly at her before planting a kiss on her forehead. "That was awesome and fun, if you can become a celebrity, you could join the cast. So, what are we going to do after the recording?" Floyd pondered, leaning onto him. The photographer stayed silent and hummed, his arms gripped. "Some shopping, or just taking time, I won't know," he answered, giving her another forehead kiss. She remained her snuggle to his right collarbone, as he scooted closer, noticing her smiles forming, then his eyes locked on her. "Floyd, take me out."

He whispered, turning towards the driver—but it seems V's phone is ringing loudly.

After their podcast session was done and meeting their fans. Suddenly, his phone rang in his pocket as both he and Floyd looked at each other. It's an emergency, which made Floyd curious and worried. "Is there something happened, V?" he asked after his assistant answered it, he slowly widened his eyes with an unpleasant news. "Guys, be careful when you entered the Sunway's Street, for now, I need to report the police and I'll catch up to you later," he advised with urgency. Both of them exchanged looks again, not sure what to say.

"What had happened?"

Zen asked while driving further, only making him glanced quickly. "There was a stabbings incidents occurred and suspect are running outside, someone had filmed from near the scene. Well, somehow, Robin was involved..." V trailed off, before he continued. "Alright, better come to the limousine now! See you!" he called as the call ended, throwing a box of tissues into the back seat. The photographer saw Floyd's conflicted expression, clenching her fists. "Let's go, we better hurry," he said, which she nodded.

When they got out, they got shocked to see the stabbings going on as it came from... a hooded man?! Floyd yelled when the man had a knife on his hand and she evaded the attack. Zen grabbed her wrist to pull her away from him, until she saw the man was about to attack him. "Zen, watch out!" she yelled, barricading him as the man run off. A sound was heard, and the musicians knew it was his heart began to race. Floyd rushed over to give him a hug, watching the scene. Right away, the man screamed as the rest of the men came and approached, handcuffing him and calling the medical team. Zen sighed, calming himself down before turning to see his beloved, touching her hair.

"Are you alright, Zen? I don't want that knife to kill you, or worst," Floyd spoke softly, despite hearing the noises. Zen nodded, embracing her. "Nothing happened, Floyd... thank goodness," he said. V walked towards them, patting their shoulders. "I know who that is, but I can't publicly say it because there's so many witnesses. No one knows, but Floyd."

"Robin was in a dangerous situation, which led to where he was dragged into the alleys, and he might be... no... how bad had it gotten?"

Floyd let out a shaky breath, being held tighter by Zen. "Keep the distance and play fair, okay?" he reminded as V agreed, looking around. Few minutes later, Sherly was seen running out from the restaurant and stumbled upon a long pole. Floyd narrowed her eyes, unamused--it seems she wanted to see him as usual. Sherly looked up and widened her eyes in shock, her heart nearly stopped. Then, the camera started focusing towards the couple holding hands while talking, only making the girl furious. 'I better get going...' Floyd thought, before Zen guided her way to his car, leaving a jealous and angry woman watching.

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