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Floyd entered inside her studio like usual for her violin practice routine, before her eyes widened by the sudden change. She shuddered in fear when she saw the studio got messed up, WHO THE FUCK BREAK IN?! She sees her broken violin, her guitar cracked, then broken CD and her album was spilled with her OST songs. Her breaths were heavy, she was trembling as well. No... her precious violin... the stress-release... the song... all gone wasted. Floyd went through her mental breakdown, unable to comprehend her bad situation. "H-Huh...? N...No. Nonononono..." she whimpered, leaning her back to the closed door.
It's too much pain, the bad memories rush back, anger within her mind. To think this happened in a swift, after doing her self-care, her own health is going downhill. Floyd, on instinct, screaming so loud that Zen and the other staffs heard her. She began to cry, closing the distance between her legs and knees with a fast speed—the anger builds up inside of her. Zen pushed the people and ran towards his beloved, putting her onto his arms for comfort, without any warning—people were asking for the reporter company.
Everyone was looking on each other, speechless of what had happened, except Zen. "Someone... who... who... WHO DESTROYED MY STUDIO?!" she shouted, hiccuping. Zen told the fans and workers to keep quiet, hearing the dreadful yells and cries of his lover. "Everything destroyed. Someone destroy it... oh please, why? WHAT DID I EVER DO TO YOU?!"
Floyd didn't stop rambling, while her love kept comforting her, swaying them slightly to slow her breathing. V told the bodyguards to search anything and even checking CCTV cameras, he will contact anyone just to find them and be punished. It took Zen hours to soothe her, she couldn't speak as she was having a panic attack, fear was filling up in her system. Even, their songs were deleted and most of the performances were also ruined.
"My violin... my late-mother's violin, destroyed."
"Calm down, baby. We'll find a solution to rebuild, don't worry," Zen assured, knowing the fans are shocked as well and worried. What are the conspiring thoughts, why does everyone have no clue? How did someone easily coming and ruining everything--breaking Floyd's most favorite violins, such a damn miracle. "I-It's irreplaceable! Everything just finished," she stammered, leaning onto him as the rest of the crowd looking with sympathy. "Once you did a good job of moving on, whoever did this, I'll punish them right away. Whoever hurts you, there's no time limit!"
Zen spoke with a stern, yet gentle voice. If only I could just reach it and help her... is that painful? His chest clenched by the sight of the crying violinist, no matter how long it had been, her sadness never going away. It felt surreal seeing her cries that shattered his heart into pieces. It was... a trauma. "There's a luthier that I know, he can fix your violin. Also, we will have evidence regarding the damages," V said as she gazed towards him in confusion, followed by Zen's sigh.
"Remember, it's not the end... alright?"
Once the reassurance spoken, Floyd remained hugging and snuggling close to him until her body twitched. Zen lead her into her bedroom for her to calm down with his support, while V worked his way to finding the right person who might had a camera from the crime scenes. Apparently, the investigators were informed. "Can it be repaired?" V asked, referring to Floyd's violin. "It can be repaired with a luthier, his name is Oscar Weller. He works inside his mansion, in Manchester. Only three musicians in this country which needs special qualifications," V explained. While she was resting, Zen thought he was given a word from the boss and the clients, about the issue.
"Zen, sorry if we need to talk privately. Floyd needs some space," one of the bosses spoke while standing next to him, but the photographer didn't like the tone. "Oh, yes. About her violin, I've heard... can you give me Oscar's contact?" he asked, earning a slow nod, and the boss was glancing at him. "In today's meeting, and the boss wants Floyd to sing the opera at her free time," the head advised. "What do you think? That violin cost expensive, since her mother gave it a decade ago," Zen exclaimed as he explained with worry in his tone, his client nodded. "It can be fixed, just that it might take a while," they answered.
There was a brief silence before the two individuals speak once again. "Although... I decided to bring her on, no matter what. Let's wait until tomorrow, because the session has been cancelled due to the events were happened."
Finally, Floyd, Zen, and their friends have paid Oscar a visit to the mansion, a few hours later as a day and a half passed since the incident. Oscar checked the broken violin, a musical instrument that was passed down into generation. "Mr. Weller, is it working?" Floyd asked. The musician, named Luke was observing everything, while watching the progress. "Ah, it can be fixed. However, the repair must take few weeks, even months. Until then, I think there's no other option," Oscar spoke as Zen understood.
"I see. Make sure it got no bruises. This is a memorable experience, once I saw her practicing by a beautiful window glass—there's was light shone, no wonder her mum loved her like her own daughter. Always practice like an angel..."
Zen has a flashback of how adorable she was, when she was playing a violin. "My violin... no no no... it has sentimental value. That was made back then, before Mum passed away. Her grandfather was a German composer and it was inherited to her generation, oh no... please no, don't—"
She was seen holding her legs, a nervous breakdown. "Calm down, dear. Take a deep breaths... don't cry, breathe..."
He offered her water to drink, as she was trembling like crazy. Oscar frowned in pity, finishing his works for the first parts. "It is a good news, it will survive. Do not worry, at least it will live," he assured, looking at the young woman's nervous blue irises. Floyd was sitting down with a hand rubbing her elbow, processing everything. "Okay... I have to take hiatus from work first... until I can get my violin... get better," she concluded, before walking to the outside of the mansion. Owen and Mel noticed that she's having a silent breakdown, and Owen wasn't pleased. "If you hadn't helped me with that violin, Mom never knew that I... could let her down..." she continued, before releasing her breath—she felt a comfortable hug, preventing her to say more. Zen realized that the thing has finally settled down, which is a great news.
As for Floyd... she need to take a break, she looks like she had to deal with every obstacles she had encountered but she need to face them—because this is the risk of her popularity as Floyd Christina. No wonder she easily gave up trying her best. Is... it because of her abusive childhood, or worst trauma? Yet, she thought Robin and his other drama doesn't matter—her purpose in life, wasn't feeling the old jealousy she had got, which is ridiculous.
After that, she needs the time and a space to process the situation--she was not upset, just... not in a good mood. She would still try her best, and everyone didn't force her. One thing for sure, being a bad habit was the most unsetting type and not giving himself a chance to move on. Zen wanted to know about his girlfriend's past, because it seems like Floyd has a dark past just like him, and that might take the chance to bond even closer and not leave her alone.
Sherly walked into her room, her makeup was in a state, and eyes were so tired—showing a sign that she had worked overtime. Frown was visible, and sad. She walked slowly, dropping her bag into the floor. "You idiot... why did you have to flirt with those girls?" she asked herself, shaking her head after seeing the video. Suddenly, her phone was ringing as she saw Robin called her. Feeling hesitation, she decided to call him back. When they got the connection, silence filled up and no one spoken. Sherly looked to see his annoyed look, and only to talk with him over. "Hey, are you done talking to your manager or something? So what the hell you want this time?" he hissed, grunting angrily. Sherly was aware he was mad, but seeing he was serious to settle down for real. "Before we break-up, there's something I have to tell you."
"What is it?"
Silence.
"I... I'm pregnant, Robin," she revealed, suddenly she was given a wide-eye. "You... wait, what?!" he exclaimed, couldn't believe what he had heard. She giggled, holding back her smile. "Yes, yes, Robin... I'm pregnant, I saw the result. So, happy?" Sherly told him sweetly, a sense of proud aura emitting from her. Robin shook his head in disbelief. No, there is no way. He didn't want Rose to know this, why? In his mind, things were getting complicated and too fast. "Damn, my manager won't like it! Dammit, Sherly... you've got a nerve! Let's talk about this later," he argued, hanging the phone. After a moment, she growled and throws a pillow over.
Few moments, the next days Floyd was sleeping next to Zen—it has been quiet after a while ever since her studio was ruined. Few hours before they've fall asleep, she was awake. It wasn't looking normal, though... there was a strange scent around her room, a sound and a sight, it reminds Floyd about her terrible nightmare—she once been. That afternoon, the storm followed with rain and sleets. Then, everything turned cold, and like the music is dying down. Zen seemed he was in a sleep-walking; but didn't know what was making him sleepy. Zen was groaning as his heartbeat became faster, eyes are widen and chest was in pain. "Help," he muttered, whispering, begging.
Floyd woke up by her boyfriend's loud gasping, it means something. Zen was struggling with sleep paralysis, a phenomenon described by many who suffer from it as an awareness of presence in the room. It happens during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, that is, dreaming—his symptoms were the hallucinations, hearing footsteps, unknown noises and even a feeling like someone was looking into his subconscious. The phobias are being enhanced and he tried to hide it--until all goes awry. "Zen? Are you alright?" Floyd turned him, their nose inches away. The photographer's eyes are shifting, his cold sweat.
During the accident in his past when he was ten, the vehicles crashed, everything flashed and went blurry--Zen was still unconscious at that time. Then, when he woke up--he saw his parents' images and bodies that were covered with the blood, and a fire began as the boy trying to escape. Everything became slower and violent, a sudden explosion brought a boom. The flashback ends when there's a lightning strike, which suddenly made Zen panicked as the flashbacks slowly creeping into his mind. "AAAHH!!" he screamed, before Floyd hold his back, squeezing him against the frame of the bed, into her touch.
The storm is raging outside, and flashes of lighting kept disrupting her bedroom, causing her boyfriend to scream and yelled. Once the thunder stopped, Floyd saw his scared expression, his body was trembling as the amber irises were showing a sign of danger, as if it was coming from him. "Zen! Hey, look at me, you'll be alright!" she whispered, her hand are squeezing the photographer's hands as they are intertwined. His vision was still fuzzy and head was ached, there's like many illusions of him. "Where am I? What is this world?" he kept asking, whispering as the violinist had a frown on her face, her blue eyes are teary. 'No, is he having hallucinations and sleep paralysis together? I never knew, no wonder,' Floyd thought.
"Wake up!"
Zen gasped when he woke up, then he saw her face. Without any words, she pulled him up and give him a brief hug. In the room, only the sound of the winds whirring and the soft lights illuminating from the lamp, not forgetting there's still the curtains. Suddenly, Floyd felt his wet tears landed to her nape, soft sobbing were coming from her lover. For every minute passed, she made him calmed down. She's not used to seeing him like this, the tears being shed. After the musician rubbed his back and they've share a moment, a long cuddle--he was silent and unmoving. "Tell me... is something else that bothering you?" she asked. It seems she was being a gentle calming and supporting girlfriend, always be on his side. Her hugs are really warmth to hold her in comfort--strong, and warm.
He wiped away his tears, which his shirt is smeared. Slowly, Floyd could hear the beating of his heart. "Floyd... it's... a nightmare I was having. I'm afraid I'll hurt you... but that won't happen, except if I lost control."
His head moved, slightly enough to pull his eyes from the thoughts he was having. Floyd continued her contact, finding herself wrapped by Zen's hand. Just her presence there alone was enough to feel secure and safe, always be protecting. The moment they've shared was their comfort and affectionate gestures. It lasted for a long time they ever had before. Floyd couldn't help it but didn't stop until... she leaned her arms down to have the space for both of them to be alone. Her forehead lightly touching on his shoulder.
"I'm afraid... that I might get into that accident again when I was a child, and how we got into one in the second time..."
Zen stammered, his body felt the trembling in his system. Feeling how cold he was, as his body feels like it was about to burst out crying. How many nights did he have flashbacks of what happen to his parents? Almost, too many. "Take a rest, Zen... I'm here," she said, before luring him into a nap, holding his neck and slowly letting her fingers draw circles as she's leaning into him. Not a day went by, since they never imagined to bear with the ups and downs when it's hard for both of them.
No matter how things get harder, Zen always helped her to put the things together.
"It all started... when I was ten, my parents died by a car crash in London... now, you might seen through my nightmares," the photographer sniffed, holding a silent groan. No words spoken, only the violinist gave him a comforting rub, soothing his tensed mind. Suddenly, it was going in slower and calmer. "I don't wanna let you down, because I know you're stronger than me. But, it's the power is inside me—I have feelings. I was a tough guy, a bright and ambitious one."
This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
"All the works were important... everything, until I decided to go with photography career and being well known, ever since you told me a story behind music; they've done so many great influences, which helped me find my passion. Until when I found you, there's some troubles, and many worries..."
Both of them rested their heads above the wooden frame, eyes stared at each other.
"With the experience what had happened, the journey has made me stronger... also, the man I am right now. Floyd, you are a treasure... for me," he said after taking deep breaths, as the violinist's cheeks redden. Before this situation turned worse, Zen chose to cry his weakness and letting his emotions out in front of her. Floyd was listening to him, and slowly the world stops. In this moment, Floyd was almost to burst into a tears, but she had to remain strong for her loves one.
Slowly, their lips were connected; which felt that something blossomed inside of them.
The kiss between them was gentle and relaxing, their cold body slowly become warm. The minutes passed, the kiss was parted as they were still staring onto each other, unable to think straight. Then, their lips touched again, but briefly. Finally, the time arrived that Floyd had fallen asleep, once Zen checked his phone, it was nighttime. It's better to be silent and calming, no one wants to wake her up. Before, they are only hugging into each other as close as they can, legs twined.
"With my future bride... and Floyd, the love of my life. At least, I'm lucky to have you guys," he muttered, his thumb rubbing on Floyd's hair gently.
"One of the things I've missed in the past was taking pictures, even after being an intern in the studio; it's more challenging than it is boring, photography is the thing for me. So why keep yourself upset, huh? Look, the rain has stopped," Zen whispered, showing the sun that's visible behind the clouds. He glanced again, to take a look at the windy conditions. Sometimes, they have been stressed up, he felt that he had to hide the news. Especially, the death anniversary of their respective parents are coming. "Sorry... my love... why do I have a troubled childhood and high expectations, after ten years old? Now, I feel free... knowing that music and photography will save us," he replied silently, staring at the beautiful and breathtaking face. One thing he never understand is what had happened to her traumas, the panic attacks, and what had happened in the studio. After the sudden waking-up and her heart beating faster, Zen could feel like that she was taken care very well, especially the song was played for him.
"When you came around, everything became less stressful—your love, your support, your smile, your forgiveness, your talent, everything, Floyd... I am so sorry..." he said before kissing her hair, staring at her lovingly--suddenly, the same weird feeling was growing on him, and his irises sparkled. It was really too beautiful, for him to process what she could do when it goes downhill. Every words in his mouth was gone, after explaining for less than fifteen minutes. "Zen... you know I love you, right? Just... when can I rest for the moment, to forget my sorrows?" she asked, hugging him tighter. The man realized, suddenly his mental health are building up. Despite all the dark memories from his traumas and the accident, but everything was different with her. The violinist could tell, the amount of times they spend was a complete happiness... and she was happy with him. "We can rest anytime... we can do it," Zen responded, feeling the warmth behind those blankets that they kept sharing.
"Tried to look at the bright side, in the end, being an inspirational one."
It doesn't matter if they are alone during the night, for both of them don't want to feel miserable, lonely and the best thing was, spending time. "I was always see them smiling, once I stood on the top, I'll never have enough of my freedom. Whatever I make myself, I'll dedicate it to the important person that are my treasure," Zen hummed as his eyes focused towards Floyd, her beauty and the nightgown is shown. "You know, Zen... you know I made a new piece 'Memoria' right?"
Floyd asked, intertwining her fingers with his as she clenched it and he did it in return. "I... made that piece, inspired by your kindness and my late-parents, it's also dedicated to the special ones like our friends and you. While still hoping for the full recovery of the studio, I only hope you can calm down and sing along, at least."
Then, Zen smiled as he kept shifting his eyes to stay awake. "Everything will be okay, Floyd... I really appreciate you help, everyone's giving."
Right before the morning rise, Floyd yawned and stretched while Zen held his arm around her waist protectively, as they're sleeping together in the covers. Her eyes still swollen, indicating that she cried earlier--and the same for her boyfriend. Few minutes passed after V arrived, calling her name, but since they were still sleeping... until he knocked again. Suddenly, Zen opened the door, looking exhausted and rubbing his left eye. "Forgive me, V, but what is it that you were wanting?" he said, letting him in. V took a glance, watching Floyd fell asleep soundly before he whispered. "You might not happy with this, but Robin still trying to call her," he replied.
But his jaw dropped as a groan escaped, V can feel the intense heat of his eyes--slightly open wide. "He got Sherly pregnant too," V whispered, making Zen reacted in shock, completely loss of words. Without an answer, he entered inside the room and knelt down to whisper to her girlfriend. "Baby... can we leave you alone? I'll be right back," he softly whispered, wanting Floyd to get some sleep--until she nodded in response, almost falling asleep.
"Sherly had done what?!"
Even though the story behind her studio has ended--which her violin repaired at last, and her songs not deleted at all--good thing the datas got backed up in her laptop and backup files are safe, as for the office phone there's no calls. "Yeah... turns out, she was jealous of you and Floyd. So, she plotted something and let's not discuss this a long time, he told me he wants to get the child raise, but then, his manager won't let him take the bad mouthing press interview. There are some evidence and rumors to be covered up, he managed to broke up with a girl he was been with--a singer," V finished, sitting at the park bench while Zen was pacing a few steps, scratching his head as he thinking the painful incident in the past.
Then, the memory got neat hit him--who was the one responsible for the car crash that killed his parents in London? From what he learned, Robin was born in England before he moved to Italy. Wait, that rainy days... he remembered who did sabotaged the studio, and what had actually caused his phobias. Does Rose need the consolation and self-reflection that she does...? No, Robin was responsible for it.
There is a twist and the plot has slowly grown. He wanted to find out why Robin do such a terrible behavior, but still had a lot of respect and wanting to learn new thing, doing new stuff but since the trust began to vanish, each second passed the things become a tragedy. Is that also why Robin texted him before. "Ah... I get it now, back then... Robin once told me that before his father left him, his younger sister and mother... his father is a drunkard and never went back home..."
Zen took a deep breath, to which V patted his back reassuring. "That's the main reason, and the other thing that come along way, it might not related to him to be an alcoholic, even not even mention he had done a lot of awful deeds..."
Robin groaned, covering his face--looking around as his room door closed with a kick. "Zen shouldn't know... he shouldn't know about what my estranged father had done! He... I can't bear the sadness, like the heart was ripped apart. He and Floyd will see me differently, maybe my secret will ruin my career... and my fame, even though I'm young..." he muttered, until a chuckle escaped from his throat. Then, without hesitation, he throws a glass of his alcohol drinks at the table--realizing what had just happened and slapped himself. "Rose... I ruined everything. She forgave me a long time ago, she might hate me," he mumbled before staring the picture of himself and Rose took together at the theater, a romantic setting.
Back to the photographer, he was having a mixed of feelings; confused, angry and a shattered heart. Zen was trying to clear his mind, while V was making sure Floyd is safe. Before the two guys had met, there's a situation followed up in a press briefing. "Oh no, is this rumor true? For years, the suspicion was really raised..." a man's voice was heard in the TV studio, with his stern tone. Another host of the show was observing, including the attempted murder on Floyd Christina and Zen Young. "The fans are also worried after witnessing the suspect walking with the drunken, the blood involved. So far, the stabbings are also another one made by Robin Castagnini," the female host shook her head. "I want to see Robin's estranger father."
Zen muttered, as his fist formed and he pressed his lips onto his knuckles. Seeing the broadcasts, Zen was getting tense and stressed out, a pang of sadness. 'Ever since I met Floyd, she give me the comfort I needed. Whenever I feel stressed, her violin playing while waiting the sunset as my photos can inspire and calm everyone and us. Meanwhile, Robin... when we're becoming teenagers, he told me that he lost his father, and I wasn't aware it's another trauma...' he thought, standing up as he clicked his tongue. "What was his name?" he asked.
"His name is... Emilio Castagnini, he's currently in London now," V answered, glancing at the gloomy morning. "But, turns out he's in prison with a judge to punish him... he also has cases of causing a plane to crash by robbing the ATC Tower that have security guards with a gun. Wait, no... it has something to do with the death of Floyd's parents in that plane. Oh no, poor her..." V stopped as his eyes widened--then, everything around Zen's view, colors changed into red. It all makes sense now. "Floyd... she was a victim like me... she doesn't deserve it!" he gasped, beginning to fume in anger.
Floyd stirred awake when Zen hold her head, caressing her blonde locks with light streaks and darker highlights on below her neckline-length hair--making her hummed. "Floyd... do you want to hear something?" he asked, taking a deep breath before revealing the sad truth. He took a moment, listening to her breathing and heartbeat. As he explained everything about the truth, her eyes widened in shock... making her nodded slowly as she wasn't the only one who was suffering in the horrible accident. Zen gasped as her cold skin turned warmer than usual. Now that the musician is knowing the truth, her ex best-friend was the one responsible the day that took away their parents. "Zen... when we'll visit our parents' graves later? Once the weather is safe and better, we can meet them."
Tears formed as her eyes gleamed when she heard his gentle whispers, a sniffing followed when her eyes squinted after he pulled her head closer to have a cuddle. She couldn't get a word out, as many tears rolled down, but a couple minutes later she sat up straight. Floyd is strong, she can endure it. After all, there's a comforting person behind her back, even her aunt had made a huge impact for her, and it was nice to have his mom was given a present a decade ago. Then, the only thing left... how to properly move on. Just after the dreadful moment of understanding what's been going on, the accident, and how people used to hurt someone they love or get attached to, as for the same thing that Robin once did was unforgivable... but at least, they're coping and trying. Robin was confused, afraid to hurt her again.
The memories coming into her head was like a flashbacks. There is something inside her was tearing her insides, a pain in the back of her memories are burning. Since Floyd was a little girl, her blonde locks were curled that reaching onto the middle of her back, as her fingers reached the strands of her hair. 'I can do it... I must face it, hold my tears from crying,' she thought, wiping away her tears. She is willing to endure the pain from her childhood, she couldn't hold the tears any longer. "Zen... we have to do something, let's not leaving this problem unsolved."
While some times afterwards, in Venice, Robin kept arguing with his girlfriend. "Floyd was always like the mom, the supportive and reliable friend to listen to my problems, how can she leave just because of me being immature and hurt her in the past? I made her so upset, no wonder she hated me," he stammered as tears poured out, realizing he can't hold onto her.
Rose sighed softly, before she folded her arms. "Robin... if she has something she can't handle nor accept, don't make it hard for her. You do remember the time Floyd stood up for you? And look, you abused her and didn't know about her conditions—that she couldn't protect or save herself, not even forgive herself."
Robin chuckled, laughing then shaking his head, having a difficult expression. "Even myself was the one who made her hurt... this is worse, Rose. Just know, I knew that Zen hated me, the cast also questioned me over and over, but the worst was... Floyd also blamed herself. What a nightmare..." he whispered, covering his eyes. Then, Robin lifted his arm, revealing his cold irises that were bloodshot. Rose watched her boyfriend's reflection on the mirror, heaving a heavy sigh. For years, this feeling was almost similar, yet different. "Robin, it'll change once you apologize sincerely. Be honest and truthful, at least the entire rumors can be spread in media," she advised.
"You must tell the truth to the officials—they will listen. Always trust someone who's mature."
Rose was wise and knows how everything could end, she also needs him to be honest. "It's not the matter if it hurts my image, but... I'm afraid it will hurt you."
Yet, he realized that it has become unbearable to manage his career—not only his current girlfriend, but Floyd's work has increased rapidly and her self-writing songs were well-loved, he remembered that her kindness was only true and real, not trying to betray others. When they do shows or rehearsal, they are always happy—a bond between friends, his supporters, and audiences. Rose was speechless and gasped in shock, the news around them had blown up. "I don't wanna let you to see the pictures of what I've done. I can't understand what was in my mind and the events..." he admitted, causing her shake her head. "Listen, I already forgave you. We'll overcome this together, I have faith in you. Once you told the truth, it'll come clear. Even though, they are a bad influence, don't let them control you."
Robin smiled upon her words, hugging her as they stayed quiet, Rose was calmly comforting him. "Go... follow your heart, and tell the truth. Let them flow, and no one's going to judge us."
However, it seems like Robin was somewhat... carefree, as he's been drinking his favorite tea. In his mind, still the regret have took over his mind and unable to function well. How much of these moments—too many... and the day and months that they've spend, wasted their times. At the same time, whenever the audiences started to doubt him with a mixed reaction, the silence followed up until no one spoke at all.
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