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Is it the time to confront Robin who made her life a living hell? Floyd had enough as she heard the staffs were gossiping about it, how could this happen? Instead of going to the restroom, she was walking faster since her head was a little dizzy—which it led her to not resisting with her stress any longer. And right, the way she gets inside the dressing room she needed to call someone. Someone who was willing to get on her side, waiting in the outside for minutes. "Floyd, are you okay?" Zen asked, and immediately noticing her lover held his left arm and gripping it tightly while her breathing quickened.

Then, she realized that her airways are closing and her heart beats faster. Floyd tried to breathe slower by leaning to her side of the lockers, and gasped once more as her body tremor has intensified—clenching the handbag that she's holding and clenched his arm so tight, it made the man flinched in return. "Sweetie, let me call someone first. Why were you--" he paused, realizing that she suddenly shivered and wheezing at the same time, holding onto his chest as her face went pale. Floyd always take slow breaths to get better, also she trusted him. Once his call was connected, the manager knew what to do and his familiar voice got to him, feeling concern that a panic attack was triggered.

'I can't focus like this... whenever I look around my surroundings... it looks like Robin was watching,' the violinist's mind speaks, the memory was playing like a flashbacks, unable to process. Her skin was so cold and paling—it worries the singer, trying to shushed her without even shouting or whispering. Even the darkness was here and engulfed them, her vision still went to spotty. How long her fingers went numb, her tears started flowing from her closed eyelids. Good thing she was done with the performance, the world tour is so tiring even after they went back to Illea--she was... like all human beings; she has limits. "Why was Rose still standing her even though her boyfriend put her into a discomfort? That jerk is all bullshit..." she said, almost gasping for more air in desperation. What if that happened to her?

She shivered, slumping down as her face was flushed red. She felt an arm wrapping her shoulder, not struggling nor giving her a kiss on the top of her blonde locks. Her shaky breath was released slowly, once she felt calm. "This is killing me inside and out, we shouldn't be happy all the times. Being famous is easy... but I don't expect hard struggles can hurt my confidence. Fans love us very much, we must return their happiness and joy as much as I can."

Zen widened his eyes, he found his fist clenched and he shook his head in disapproval. "Floyd, I know you don't want to disappoint the fans and listen to what you're going to tell about yourself, we will get through this. I have faith in you," he assured, before sharing a sweet kiss--cradling her in the silent hours that only belongs to themselves. They kept a tenderness in each other as they hugged, letting the warm silence surround, a calming factor that they can obtain, an understanding.

Floyd eventually calm down, holding his cheeks as she took a deep breath and looked into his mesmerizing amber-orbs. 'I wonder if we ever need the constant love and soft assurance... to get through with our hardships.'

Her fingers were slowly but gently, yet it makes him hold her tighter than usual as he rubbed her back. Just keeping quiet... until V almost coming, he was shocked that Floyd collapsed all of the sudden without telling him. "I'll handle Robin, that son of a bitch... he will pay!" the photographer snarled, gritting his teeth. It appears the rest of the casts knew about her encounter, such was her friends among her fellow violinists were supportive--after long rehearsals; playing their beloved instruments that were given by their loved ones and practicing they music daily. "Zen... before I rest, tell Rose that... keep her child away from him, he's most likely a threat! He shouldn't be near the people who will..." she called, making him feel uneasy when not trying to get another mood swing. With the promise, he asked his assistant to put a seatbelt for him to return home and rest his legs, taking a break. 'At least, things won't get worse, we knew better about the entire situation. The feelings that are always present no matter what...'

Later, Robin had his girlfriend walked up to him slowly--the amount of pressure was not an exaggeration. For he have to tell her the truth no matter what it cost, leaving Rose sighed sadly, her boyfriend did a mistake. Why can't he even see a good potential he has in others? 'I never considered but... there is something about his changed persona over time. Is it because his father was dead, or maybe has lost his soul?' she thought, beginning to lose hope. Then, the memories has been played in her mind, her tears flowed when one of his shows was scheduled after the announcement and a plan were made. No... a contract!

"Ever since that day I got fired, my life has changed greatly and there was someone who taught me the wrong things. But it was hard for me to get used to his new life and realizing the truth is the key," Floyd explained, noticing the guilt creeping over Robin's face. Slowly, both of them looked at each other. He then nodded in response, feeling his rage began to diminish. "Everything is happening and he's not even noticing this; it never hits him either. Those comments... why are you so...?"

"Floyd... I can't hold it back no longer. Will you please forgive me for what have I've done? My management will pay the price."

Robin turned his head with tears—his shoulders shook as it seemed his heart would torn, but Floyd find his gaze... seems chilling. His pleading tone makes it slightly uncomfortable. She shake her head no, her stern expression quickly comes off. "I can't, after what you did? Rose was involved too, you know. I can't explain, it's all too much to bear," she muttered, before a heavy sigh escapes his lips. Rose felt guilty and distressed about her boyfriend's mistakes, as the wind blew like a peaceful night. Floyd will talk to her the moment Zen came, being protective and calm by not letting Robin get in her way. Those amber eyes, which represent the courage and strength.

But this time, Robin can't accept it, so it'll be his biggest regret. This went on for too long, Robin was scared if another consequences. "No, don't you dare spill this and you will take the consequences. I will be glad to ruin your fame and never recover, my family are keeping secrets and evidence, those photos and calls..." he threatened, and Floyd became speechless when his glares widened. Her eyes widened when she saw a knife on his hand, which she used her karate skills to hold Robin in choke-hold. In just a matter of seconds, Zen managed to catch a hint of danger while the security was alarmed. "You don't wanna kill me and show mercy for me?! Let go of me, bitch!" he laughed hysterically.

'Can't I do anything but wait for them to arrive and put him down? Will everyone feel bad for me if I speak out the truth...?'

Floyd could hear more footsteps approaching and slowly weakened her grip to fall on the ground, while she quickly held her hands while gasping as the adrenalin has been drained. Zen quickly checked her, his amber eyes can be seen worried when he's carrying her in his arms, then a few security guards have caught Robin in the act. One of the police cars arrived to help, while Rose look back at Floyd reluctantly--before she spoke. "So, you're his former best friend?" she asked.

Floyd didn't want to speak to Rose anymore, she look away from her. "Rosalyne Romano... all this time, his selfish desire won't even change once he destroyed the happiness. To begin with, what kind of love is that? Giving no a single chance?" she retorted, blinking twice. Tears broke out as her frustration went into control. One thing about fighting--not getting physical and the psychological part. Seeing her crying is hard to hold back since her heart still hurt, looking away with few inches more. "You... TOOK ROBIN AWAY FROM ME! Taking it to the next level!" she shouted back, pointing at Floyd's chest which made her shudder. Since Rose was about to lashed out and her hormones were out of control, it would be not worth it for her to add fuel into the fire. Floyd must find a way to comfort her pain, it was time to begin.

"No, Rose! You're pregnant and we need to think about the child's future. Please calm down, and don't get too far with your anxiety," Floyd's boyfriend told her, feeling his arms wrapped over his lover's body, then the security guard was closing in by cuffing Robin as he could do nothing but watch his two former friends were on the other side, before a sigh hit their own selves. "Robin... take me with you," Rose muttered, while Robin was speechless. All their memories have flown as it can make both of them tearful. Soon, their cars were driven as their next destination is unknown—no one knows where will it lead.

Robin Castagnini and Rosalyne "Rose" Romano are arrested for their crime against Floyd Christina and Zen Young—once he fell, tears were streaming from the lids as he was taken to the facility while the police squad talked to Floyd and Zen; then, he received a warning. Several days have passed, the amount of negative views appeared—which they have to deal with. His hands were chained, as a cop guided him towards a jail. But, there is no one else around him without getting ignored. Floyd became a plaintiff with Zen, who was willing to be supportive enough. The judges were there and witness what will come, without breaking down, the judge are ready to give their verdict.

"Without a doubt, this man took everything away from me and started his mess. Even if we couldn't win as much I remembered, the evidence was strong... and my lawyers are brilliant, the pictures can be able to describe the truth."

Floyd spoke as she was tired of this, pressing the truth because not everyone can be tolerant at Robin's personality especially, since that girl can only wish him the best. The trial finally ended as they have been getting ready, while the jurors were discussing--it's time to make a final call to proceed. Everything becomes a struggle to know the difference and let everything clear up their blurred misperception. Floyd didn't want to go to the trial, she just wanted to rest her head on a soft pillow until tomorrow. Rose is already nine months and a scheduled labor once her boyfriend broke free, knowing that his girlfriend was not in a good state. So, he calmed her with a soft gesture.

Moments later...

Floyd took a hiatus from her musician schedule, so does Zen who need to take a break from photography for several weeks. "So, this is the end for them... whatever had happened, do not go angry, never," Zen told his girlfriend, comforting her on their bed, no more nightmare, no more rumors, just relax with the presence of each other. "Okay... but first, make me English breakfast," she said with her face on the pillow, making him chuckled by her request, kissing her forehead before checking the status of his phone and camera. It was important, no, he wasn't depressed. No, he was being concerned for Floyd's mental health--but he also worried about himself.

Oh well, they should see the bright side, and continue their careers. 'It'll have a long ride in the next few days. Like when are we going to our relationship ceremony?' Zen thought, taking his camera as he opened the door for the balcony. Wasting no time, he'd taken every corner for the perfect angle, which can depict some atmosphere, like the melancholy. Floyd was resting her entire mind, body and soul, doing yoga exercises to block her feelings. Thanks to the private investigator, he obtained information of Robin's company and a couple of his managers. Is this a threat or not...?

Once she'd woken up after having a little catnap, Floyd can smell something delicious coming in, her hunger made her quickly sat up and walked downstairs. Zen was humming, finishing the final touches of his cooking. Looking at the breakfast, she was so hungry and sat down in the front table. His food was so good, and being grateful. "Sweetie, thanks for the meal. Well, let's have a movie night," she commented, and he smiled. Who knows, the outcome had gone into this?

'I hope the media will put us well. I don't want anyone to be obsessed.'

When they saw the news of the verdict... oh well, money is not everything when we truly care. "You know what, let's move out from Illea... our friends also had their contracts ended this year," she suggested, in which Zen widened his eyes but soon chuckled. Their mansion must have given away and sold, they gonna find a better place, while he agreed with her suggestion and no complain. Although it's risky, due to the new life. He would feel the happiness never falters like any other couples. With their savings they can rebuild the life, also their managers have sent message regarding their plans on their current careers. "Sure, how about going to Venice? Your hometown in Italy?"

Zen suggested, adjusting his reading glasses and smirked when she didn't resist with a nod. "Fine, you're lucky my late-parents' relatives still taking care of it. Also, I bet you want to visit Venice, the theme won't gonna change, right?" she teased, she have to work harder than ever before, she got carried away. He just nodded once his phone was turned on, as usual, she chuckled. Soon, the final decision has been made, where's the tickets for them to purchase? She was a little hesitant to see her hometown once more, hoping not to encounter enemies that can break her own spirit. V was happy that he always wanted to go to Italy one day, like their trip when he'd followed them to one of the festivals. When the announcement is well received, an event in Rome was highly recommended.

"We'll meet again, right?" Yukio asked his best friend, seeing Floyd preparing her luggages with her boyfriend Zen. The others like Danny, Julie, Akiko, Adam and Kayla are truly going to miss them. Is it really about the 'golden opportunity' that will determine their next fate? Or is it choosing your freedom as long they able to take risks, and... friendship could last longer and the memories won't forgotten? Anyway, it was okay! For a matter of fact, 'why not' questions...

Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.

"Of course... but we still make a return if we should. There will be a celebration for Rose's baby shower, after six months," Floyd replied, before standing up. Due to her music competition are also starting in the next week, in the last minute she'd checked her fans online which shows her fanfiction and artworks created. "Ahh... I'm definitely going to miss you all," she whimpered, before sharing group hug while she handed to her best friend his smartphone and favorite album, putting it inside her best friend's backpack. "Please stay safe, everything will be settled, let us know through phone, okay?"

"Don't worry, we will keep in touch. Actually... after the move to Italy, we planned to get... you know what I mean," Zen replied with a confident smile, making Floyd nodded and put her violin case on the cabin trunk along some paper works, the road on the highway was the empty. Looking at her boyfriend, the decision is sure become brave and smooth. She thought about when they learned a foreign language and it makes sense, after all. 'I'm feeling less nervous, there are so much question that been answered all along,' she thought, her lips slowly curled into a dreamy smile.

After a group photo, their respective flight came as they departed to their respective destinations. Floyd walked beside Zen to the flight, this is where their journey will start--and the sunset had taken its own path, revealing a dusky sky. Witnessing the horizon is the way they have their break. His hand held her left shoulder, leaning her head close to his, closing their eyes for a peaceful silence. Zen never ever regret making decisions on everything but only time would prove her, their relationship wouldn't take a waste of time as long as she be patient with him.

Venice, Italy...

Floyd plopped onto the bed and grinned happily, breathing heavily as she said. "Home sweet home, we're here!"

Zen nodded, raising his eyebrow while chuckling lightly. And it's the beginning of a new era, the vacation where no one can disturb—hopefully. "Yeah... before we started unpacking, show me some places. That's would be awesome," he said, receiving a confirmation as she had her shoes on, walking out of the house. Her family of her late-parents were very supportive when she wanted to use her passions as career, and so her grandparents. Her celebrity status are needed to reduce, since Floyd wanted herself to reach self-growth. Just by seeing them having a great fun--since they decided to be in disguise, nobody recognizes them.

Floyd wondered if Zen wanted to go back to London, but because his aunt and his relatives doesn't come back anymore and prefer to live abroad--it seems like he wanted to move on from his past. He just wanted to start a new chapter with the person who understand him, a person who respects his limits and concerns. Besides... they should have a few things in their place to remember. Some of the elderly and other people often look after them, admiring their attractions, asking if they could get a souvenir for themselves. 'We've been dating for five years... it felt like a month or year,' he thought, rubbing his fingers over her left knuckles.

***

Maria Hirano or Maria; the twenty-two years old Japanese-American pianist and music teacher in the music school came back to the homestead, where she lived with her roommate since they lived together. She's a young woman with a long black hair with her bangs fell to her cheeks and her upper bangs almost covering her violet-blue eyes, she has porcelain complexion and wear glasses. She wears her brown trench coat to cover her white-collared shirt with black vest and knee-length skirt with black tights--she also wears a black heeled Mary Jane shoes and carrying her bag. Maria is known for her shy and taciturn disposition but very kind despite doesn't smile a lot, she also very strict when she was teaching her students.

Dean Fujioka or Dean; the twenty-three years old Japanese-American music lecturer in college to bachelor's degree and Maria's roommate was in the living room, grading some papers on the table with his pen. He was a tall young man with a short dark brown hair with bangs almost covering his hazel-colored eyes and he has alabaster complexion, he wears a black denim jacket covering his white shirt and dark blue jeans with black shoes. Dean is quiet and lack of emotions but his tone shows that he also kind and caring, he also doesn't smile a lot and always seen like an introvert--but he will try to open up if it's necessary to do so. "Oh, you're back."

Maria heard her roommate Dean greeted her, she look back at him as she adjusted the folders on her arm. "How was your lecture?" she asked him, since they lived together (as friends for now). They met when they were in the music seminar in Starfast University of Music; a prestigious private university that's located on this city where Maria and Dean studied music and eventually Maria fell for Dean's calm and stoic nature, the latter have a crush on her for her kindness but they're so shy that neither confessed their love. "It went well I guess...you know how boring these are. I'm glad we get a break next week," he answered, scoring the marked exam before putting it on his bag. Maria nodded. It's nice that both she and Dean could take a rest, but this meant that they will have winter vacation.

Dean look up at her before she yawned while she checked the papers of the music sheets that she wrote down in class, she sighed and take off her glasses to rub her eyes as she placed the papers inside her folder. "Ugh, I can't believe that I didn't even realize that I got so tired until now..." she murmured. Both of them shared some familiarity, they were bullied in high school for being half-Asians and it only makes things harder because they had to endure the discrimination--until they meet each other at a music academy. "We can go out tomorrow if you like," Dean suggested to Maria. "You've been cooped up here all week, I think a change of scenery will be good for you."

"Yeah, sure...but I really should finish these papers and then I should practice, I haven't been doing my lessons either," Maria answered to Dean who nodded, before she went back to her room, while Dean sighed as he went back to grading papers.

"You can take a break after you're done with this, you know. I just want to get everything done before the winter break, but you can do whatever you want," Dean told her, making Maria looking back at him--before she glanced at the calendar and glanced back at him. "I don't have teaching class tomorrow," Maria spoke to him, finally--after moments of being silent (since it usually is with this girl) like usual. "So, that means we can hang out together," she added, almost smiling at Dean, to his shock--but he found it a bit cute. 'Was this the first time she tried to smile a little?' he thought with widen eyes, even he rarely smiled but this girl smiled once in a while in front of him when they were alone.

Maria is a pianist and music teacher in the music school, known as Symphonia Music School. Ever since they were college students and their last years of music majors, Maria has always been praised by her professors and the teachers due to her works and assignments and she always tops for her knowledge in the music, she also works very hard at her career and student teaching to become a certified music teacher. She was the eldest of two siblings, one younger sister named Maya Hirano who was a high school student and one younger brother Kamiki Hirano who was in middle school--her father is Japanese and her mother is American.

Dean is also a pianist and college lecturer in the university, majored in Musicology and Ethnomusicology. He was a son of a Japanese mother and American father, he was raised in Japan and lived there until his childhood, after his father's job, he and his family moved to the United States to live there, he was 12 years old when he first came to the United States. He has two younger siblings, one younger brother named Hikaru Fujioka in high school and one younger sister Karin Fujioka in the middle school.

After they finished their work yesterday, Dean and Maria went to the park together in the morning. Maria was texting her friends on her phone, even her younger sister Maya who was exact opposite of her--cheerful and bubbly. Maria is quiet and taciturn, she rarely talks, but she's not rude or mean, she's actually very kind and considerate, she listens more than she speaks. She's rather reserved and quiet, but she isn't the type of person who keeps things inside. "Are you texting your sister?" Dean asked, sitting beside her on the grassy hill in the riverbank.

"Yeah, she keeps asking me if I'm free or not because she always curious about my work and sometimes worrying a lot, we're close even to our youngest brother," Maria replied, making him sighed as he look forward. "It's so nice to have a sibling asking if you're okay or not, my younger brother only calling me when he needs help with his homework," he stated.

"Is that why you're helping him with his math, last month?" Maria asked him, raising an eyebrow.

"He's smart, but he's so lazy to do his math assignments..." Dean said to her, before he noticed her checking her phone and he suddenly lean closer to her--because they were roommates; there's no privacy for both of them. "That's your sister?" he asked, making Maria blushed when he leaned closer to her side as he saw her picture on the phone. "Y-Yeah," she replied, before Dean realized that he was so close to her, he could easily hear the sound of her heart beating. He tried not to stare at her and look at the photo on her phone. "She looks like you."

"Thanks, I think so too," Maria said, feeling him retreating as he adjusted his glasses--embarrassed that he was so close to her. "Sorry about that, it has been my thing to be close to you," he replied, looking back at Maria who take off her glasses--she look so adorable without her glasses. "Really? You don't seem like the type of guy who does that."

"I am not," Dean admitted. "But I couldn't help myself. Your eyes are beautiful," he said with a small smile, making Maria blushed upon hearing his compliments. Her ears were red as hell, she felt like a tomato as her cheeks burned up. "Your eyes are so cute...and so are yours..." Dean said to her, making Maria gulped because this is the first time a man compliment her appearance. Even though she don't talk nor express her emotions openly, her eyes were expressive enough to show her feelings. "I-I'm blushing, you know," she confessed, feeling embarrassed and shy. She was about to hide her face with her bag, but Dean gently stopped her. "There's no need for you to hide your beauty from me," Dean told her.

Both of them stared into each other's eyes, her face went bright red, as if her body were trying to heat itself up. She is so cute, even so beautiful when she's blushing. After all those time, he thought she was always too cold to talk to him, but now he just knew that it wasn't the case. "Maria... I... have a crush on you for so long..." he finally confessed his feeling. She blink in surprised when he suddenly said to her that he liked her for so long, the very first time they got to know each other. "You're my first friend, the first person who understands me, my first love and... also my first crush..." he spoke, telling her his feeling that has been kept for a long time, while she was quiet for a moment. She wondered how could this all have happened, since she has always been shy around him and yet... the fact that he was the first one to admit his feelings about her.

All the time, he knew what he was thinking, she was just so sweet and innocent, with a gentle and kind soul, that he can't resist having some fun around her without his stupid friends to come around, acting like an idiots! But she didn't want to end up like those girls who ended up heartbroken with their ex-boyfriends, or those rich boys with a bunch of girlfriends. What's more--he never asked her if he wanted to be her boyfriend or not, they're just friends. So how can he be so honest and straight to tell her that he had a crush on her? Her face was burning up in her silence as she just couldn't stop staring at him and it seemed like she could faint right at this very moment. "You're my first friend too, you allowed me to open up...and being myself around you," Maria confessed, which she was glad that they're friends but nothing more than a friendship. "Y-You are..." she stuttered, feeling her heart beats as it begins to fill the air around her with its soft melody.

Dean put his hand on her cheek, gently stroking the smooth skin before putting her bag to the ground. "Maria..." he whisper her name. Maria didn't know what to say but slowly, the gap between them grew smaller until their lips touched lightly for a few seconds. She froze when she felt his soft lips against her own. He took this chance to move closer to her and kissed her deeply again, pressing his tongue between her lips and caressing her tongue with his. He pulls away from the kiss when he felt her breathing became heavy and her cheeks are so red. "I've been dreaming of doing this, since the very first time we met..." he confessed. "My first love."

Maria lean forward and kisses him back, as he looked at her with a little surprise, his hazel eyes filled with curiosity as they meet her gaze. A rush of heat waves ran through her body, she blushed heavily as she realizes the words that she said just now; 'I... love you...' in his mind as their kisses deepened, her fingers brushing against his soft messy hair as her hands wrapped his back and shoulders. "My first love..." he spoke, whispering to her ears as he pulled away from the kiss, her breathing was slowing down.

Next day...

This is the first time Maria put on her contact lens for their date, she usually wear her glasses as Dean walked toward the direction of the coffee shop, but Dean immediately pulled her into a warm hug as her eyes widen and she starts shaking a bit. They stay like this for some time and Dean eventually lift up her head. Her cheeks grew red as he didn't wear glasses and wearing his contacts like hers, they were dressed in casual but more refreshing and cooler clothes. "You look so beautiful without glasses, like a cutie pie," Dean complimented. Maria didn't say anything as she was quiet but actually blushing as she said her thanks and smiled sweetly, making Dean stunned for a while as he was mesmerized by her cute smile, she smiled at him. "You look... handsome without glasses and putting your contacts..." Maria told him, making Dean smiled at her.

Maria could feel his dark brown hair brushed her temples when he lean his face closer, his presence warmed her up. But... he holds her too tightly like he ever did, before he whispers something so softly, his breath tickling her ears. "We better keep our glasses at home, I want to be the only one who could look at you and see your gorgeous eyes. I'd miss you even for one day..." he spoke to her.

'Does he like my purple eyes?' Maria thought in her head, before she let out a shy smile as Dean was fond of her and even though it was their first time together, and she couldn't think about anything else. "I'd...miss you too, Dean... I wish we can stay together for a long time and cherish our moments. I'm happy being with you," Maria said, confessing her love for him before she leans over to him, taking in his arms as his sweet scent hits her nose--Dean was her true love.

Dean didn't say anything because they are going to get married someday, when they're adults and have careers and stuff--like what adults do. He and Maria live together as roommates for so long, which wasn't a healthy relationship. But now, they began dating. Their new relationship wasn't so different. Sure it was awkward at first but since they both knew each other, there was nothing like talking nor being close to each other and act like a couple, they are roommates after all and only knew each other for several years, knowing there's no privacy between them. "My parents talk about you, they were so glad that you're here to make me happy," Dean stated.

"Dean... not now, my parents talk about you too and they wanted to see you," Maria told him, making Dean grinning. "Let's spend more time together, we can date more than just spending time. I want to know more about you and I can feel your warmth."

Dean took her hand and hold onto it, entwining her fingers with his, while gazing into her eyes. "Same here. I wish you could come to my room and take care of me, since you're not doing your papers because you're helping me."

"Sure, we can help each other."

Until, they saw a poster of Floyd Christina's orchestral performance as a concertmaster with Everlasting Symphony Orchestra.

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