Forever 2

Chris woke up less than an hour after he slept. He made his way to the school with an unsettling feeling inside his stomach. By the time he arrived at his classroom, the noise that was everywhere woke him from his thoughts. Chris slowly made his way to pick a seat, one that wasn't directly facing the aircon's path. Nobody disturbed him from the start to the end of class so Chris never moved away from his place.

Chris opened his phone and found a message that was sent more than 20 minutes ago. "Meet me after class at Bo's coffee."

Damn, I'm going to get an earful, he thought. He sighed and stood up as he packed his things. Even though class ended, there were plenty of students milling around the room. He silently left, not interacting with anyone.

Nearing the cafe, Chris found her at the corner sipping coffee and looking outside the window. He went inside and found his favorites already set on the table.

Alice lifted her head and met eyes with Chris.

"Bad traffic, sorry." Alice narrowed her eyes looking at him. Chris was unbothered by it and placed his attention on his coffee. After a while, Alice shifted her stare outside the window.

"You look bad." Her lips were pressed into a thin line. Chris only nodded at her which annoyed her further.

"You have bags under your eyes and you look pale. Your shoes don't match with your pants and your hair is messy. You didn't sleep well again, did you?" Alice's light brown eyes stared sharply at the man opposite to her. Chris looked at her and opened his mouth to explain when Alice suddenly raised her palm.

"No, don't bother explaining." Alice knew straight away. She had known him ever since they were children. He used to be so cute and cold. Well, he still is, only that he grew up to be very charming as well. If she didn't use her popularity during high school, people would have flocked to him. God knows how Chris hates being bothered.

Alice closed her eyes. Deep down, she was looking for somebody for Chris. Unless the right person shows up and gets my approval, no one has the right to take me away from Chris' side and priority. Alice sulked and looked at Chris again. Well at least his dull eyes and lonely aura makes people back away, she thought. Her lips drew to a smug curve.

"Accompany me when I go shopping later. I left the sheets you wanted in my room. Get it later."

Chris looked at Alice confused. "What sheets?"

Alice rolled her eyes at Chris. "The ones you mentioned the other day."

"You bought it?" Alice showed a sarcastic smile. A teasing glimmer was present in Chris' eyes.

"Shut up and you're welcome. Give me your class schedule later" Chris nodded. He noticed 2 finished plates beside her desert.

"That's your 3rd, Lissie." Alice halted her movements.

"What C? Got a complaint.?" Her eyes narrowed at Chris.

Chris chuckled helplessly at Alice. "Not a word."

~+~

"Tangtang really looks cool playing the piano. If only he paid a quarter of his attention to the way he dresses then Tangtang would really truly be cool." Luo Tang only gave his elder sister the side eye.

"Stop looking at me like that. Do you know why I became a fashion designer? Do you?" Luo Ling looked at her brother who was irritated at being disturbed. She scoffed.

"You don't know, do you? I became a designer to cater to your lack of fashion sense Mr. Street Rat. Stop playing already. Stand up and change! I prepared your clothes. Hurry or you'll be late." Luo Tang unwillingly closed the piano's lid and followed his sister's command.

Luo Ling's eyes followed Luo Tang's back to make sure he went to his room. Tonight will be his biggest performance yet. He would be a fool if he looked bad. If I did then I would become a drowned street rat because she will really drown me in her anger, Luo Tang thought.

That evening, the crowd made their way into the concert hall and settled down. The people sat among themselves excited for the performance that was to come and stared at the piano that was standing elegantly on the stage. Light applause filled the venue as Luo Tang made his way towards the piano.

Once the applause quieted, Luo Tang softly pressed the keys as he played his first piece, Chopin's Nocturne Op.9 No.2. The soft melody penetrated the air crisp and clear. The steady rhythm made people close their eyes and relax. As expected of a prodigy, a common piano piece as this can be played into something more major and expressed with so much emotion.

With every note Luo Tang painted a world full of beauty and longing. Zhou Yuan can't help but look at the figure ahead. Under the lights, Luo Tang looked as if he was shining. His back was slightly bent, his lips were pressed into a thin line, yet Luo Tang's eyes swirled with sweet tranquility.

Those eyes placed Zhou Yuan in a trance. Up until Luo Tang's final piece, Zhou Yuan's eyes never trailed away from Luo Tang's eyes. He was pulled back to reality when the whole audience erupted in applause. Luo Tang stood up and bowed. Unlike a moment ago, Luo Tang's eyes were distant and filled with indifference.

As Luo Tang retreated, Zhou Yuan stood up and went backstage. There, he found Luo Tang on a chair wiping off his sweat and looked as if he was about to leave. Zhou Yuan's feet unconsciously dragged his body towards Luo Tang.

Staring face to face with Luo Tang was different than staring at him from a distance. Luo Tang was confused when somebody approached him. He became even more confused when that somebody stopped in front of him and stared like an idiot.

"Can I help you?" Luo Tang wished he would answer no. Instead of wasting his time talking to a stranger, he'd rather go home. Luo Tang's inquiry brought back Zhou Yuan's mind to the present. Zhou Yuan quickly composed himself.

"I am Zhou Yuan. May I know your name? I really loved your performance, especially your first piece." Luo Tang looked at Zhou Yuan thinking how much of an idiot this person was. He went to my concert without knowing who the performer is. Really, what an idiot.

"Luo Tang." Luo Tang had to be polite no matter who he faced, he was famous after all.

"Pleased to make your acquaintance. I-"

"Likewise. I'll take my leave," Luo Tang interrupted then left.

Zhou Yuan smiled as he stared at the retreating back. "Luo Tang. After all this time, I have found you again. I won't make the same mistake twice."