LC 06

For some reason, Clover couldn’t get his eyes off Aster. All his attention was centered on the guy standing in the middle of the stage. He could hear nothing, and he could see no one but Aster. It was as if Aster had cast a spell to entice Clover to him for no reason other than his own.

Aster started to play the violin. And Clover didn’t know what to expect or how he should explain the sudden feeling that rushed into him upon hearing the first note. Clover got goosebumps from the sound it made. It caught him off-guard. He wasn’t expecting to hear something like that, especially after witnessing the performances of the other contestants. Aster definitely served a different flavor worthy of Clover’s interest and attention.

Clover found what he was looking for from the contestants who performed first: not just playing the piece technically perfect but full of emotions, interpreting what the piece wanted to express. He found it so hard to let go, especially since it isn't just an easy violin piece but one of the hardest violin masterpieces ever made, that he forgot it was Aster playing the violin.

What Eric told him about Aster was actually quite true. He thought Aster was mimicking him to win this competition, thinking he would also play the same piece he played years ago. Yet he was proven wrong—very wrong. The guy was not trying to be him or be like him. Instead, Aster made his own name—a branding of his own. Clover was blinded by the news that Aster was being associated with and compared to. But now he saw what Aster was really capable of. It was way better than what he saw when Aster was rehearsing. And he did not hear Aster practice this piece. It was really a surprise for Clover.

He became more nitpicky as the piece moved towards the climax and end. He really couldn’t believe that Aster would be this good. Even the word good is an understatement. Aster is great. Yet, instead of feeling amazed, Clover felt that Aster would be a threat to him. The guy may actually snatch the limelight from him, surpassing and leaving him behind, making him the second-best in this industry.

The hall was filled with applause after Aster finished his performance, and Clover found himself clapping along with the others. It was too late for him to realize what he had done.

“This Aster is really something,” Clover heard Hiro comment beside him. He was also clapping. “I must say, he sure can stand side by side with you, Clover,” he added, hinting at a possible challenge.

The feeling of hatred once again accumulated within Clover. He couldn’t imagine himself being second-best. It would be a great shame for him as a King if he was eventually defeated. No one could ever defeat a King like him. Or else he will be the first, and it will become more difficult for him to prove himself worthy of being a son of their father, the Flush of the King family. Clover couldn’t let that happen. He must find something about Aster that he is not good at, something that will make the people hate or loathe him.

“A new exemplary violinist was definitely born,” Hiro continued, praising Aster. Clover glanced at him for a second. With Hiro praising Aster, he surely is amazed by Aster.

Clover and Hiro have known each other since they were teens, and Hiro is not the kind of person who will just praise anyone, especially if that person is lower than him skill-wise.

The applause subsided after a minute. Clover could clearly see how Aster was proud of himself at that moment. Aster’s face, especially his eyes, did not lie about what he truly felt. And the way the smile was plastered on his lips did not escape Clover’s scrutiny.

The tension in Clover’s eyes intensified as he never took his eyes off Aster. He knew for himself that he could stay in the industry for as long as he wanted to. But now, with Asper coming into the scene, Clover saw why many of the spectators were comparing them to each other. He would be lying if he said that he didn't underestimate Aster's ability to play the violin well.

Clover was drowned by his thoughts. He couldn’t move from his seat. And all he could see was Aster standing on the stage. His face became more serious than usual. It was close to a dead poker face.

And just as everyone had expected, Aster was proclaimed the winner of the competition. He became the second person to win the entire thing on his first try.

Standing from his seat, Clover managed to pull himself together. He did not waste much time watching Aster get his prizes.

Hiro noticed Clover. “You're leaving so soon, Clover. The show is not over yet.”

Clover did not bother answering Hiro. And he doesn’t care what Hiro would think. After all, the guy is used to him being like this to him.

"Let's go, Lizter," Clover said, his gaze fixed on the stairs. Yet he started walking even before Lizter could respond. Lizter immediately followed him without saying a word.

Clover did not hear a word from Hiro. It seemed as if the guy gave his attention back to Aster. Clover and Lizter were not noticed by anyone going to the exit as they walked.

But before Clover walked out the door, he was drawn by something—a force. Clover stopped in his tracks. He turned in the direction he thought it was coming from. The first thing that caught his eye was Aster staring at him.

Frowning, Clover squinted his eyes a bit, countering Aster’s stares. A knowing smile crept out on Aster’s lips. Clover's eyes gradually darkened into a lethal one, which he rarely does but does frequently when it's Aster.

Clover saw Aster move his mouth, quietly saying directly to him, “You see. I won on my own.”

Taking a deep breath, Clover remained composed. You messed up and challenged the wrong person, Aster. You forgot that I am part of the King family.

“Clover, what are you doing there? I thought we were leaving.” Lizter’s voice made Clover snap out of the moment.

Giving one last glare at Aster, Clover made sure he made the difference between them clear to him.

“Yeah. Let’s go. We wasted too much time here instead of doing more important things.” Clover walked past Lizter, leaving first.

You can’t surpass me, Aster. I’ll make sure of that.