I hope I don't regret this later... (2)

If I was shocked, her parents are horrified as soon as their eyes land on the old building. I am sure maintenance is all the building needs to look better. Appearances are important everywhere, no matter what. But even appearances can be a bit deceiving.

As we go up the chipped stairs towards the fourth floor, Heidi's parents still do not seem to be able to swallow the fact she has been living in a place like this for so long. When we were children, our houses were not that luxurious but were big and spacious; not something anyone can afford.

As elegant and refined people, I can bet all my money the older couple lives in an expensive mansion in F country. As the proud owner of a very high-end mansion here, I can understand how they feel.

With all the money Heidi earns in plays, it should be easy for her to buy a decent house or apartment. Before all this mess, when life was beautiful and the world was a nice place, I casually asked Heidi where she lived through messages – even though she had no idea I already knew – she readily sent me the address.

[Come visit me!] She wrote, stumping me with how easily she shared where she lives. Back then, I did my best to not let my mind decide that was a green light to her abode and… you know…

Then, she went to explain that most of the members live in the same building, that doing so helps with the group's unity. They even save money from commuting as the building was at a walking distance from the studio.

And the green light became an orange light. With all those people ready to hear of whatever happens in the other rooms – because yes, she did mention the walls are kind of thin, alluding that she has heard things – then my plans vanished like smoke. All I am left with is to invite her to my house.

So! She does live in a simple complex with chipped stairs and peeling painting; the outer appearance looking worse for wear. However, she assured me that everything they have inside their rooms is quite luxurious. She said that so proudly through her message, I could not help smile and be happy for her.

In the end, no matter where she lives, if she is well, then I am well.

The same cannot be said about Heidi's parents. I see how all the joy of my made-up story of us dating instantly vanishes from their eyes. I inwardly sigh, knowing a good scolding still awaits Heidi.

I sometimes wonder why I am involved in all this, complicating my life, when I could be resting, or doing some other stuff. I could even be thinking about new songs for a new album or EP. However, when I remember it was me who started all this, then I have no other choice but to suffer together with Heidi.

Though, I sincerely do not understand Mr. and Mrs. Ricci's snobby attitude against the quiet and common neighborhood. It is not that bad. It is clean and the people around seem nice. Despite being a somewhat centric location, it is rather calm, nothing to envy those who live in private residences like me.

Finally, we stand before the door of Heidi's apartment. Seeing the number, my heart races in my chest. This is going to be my first time inside! I am nervous just imagining the mini paradise that should be her place. What kind of decoration does she like? What colors does she prefer in the living room, or in the kitchen, or in her bedroom?

Do I have to renovate my house in order to cater to her tastes so she can visit me more often? Decided! After this, I am renovating!

I knock on the door with all the enthusiasm of the world, and Heidi soon opens it. She says nothing and just gestures for us to go in. She does mildly greet her parents and glares at me. Ah, yes, how can I forget I am unwelcomed in her place, yet she still allows me in. Victory!

As I step in, the first thing that comes to my mind is that her place is... extremely eco-friendly.

I cannot say for sure if I just stepped into the jungle or not. Can an animal come out from behind some of the plants in here? A puma, or a jaguar? It might be possible. In my life I have ever seen so much green in a house.

Apart from the many pots with plants on the floor and hanging from the ceiling and walls, there is rattan furniture for practically everything, except for the kitchen and the huge library on one side. There is no TV, but there is an impressive painting of a forest on one of the walls. Actually, all the appliances seem to be latest in the market.

The overall area also seems to be quite big that despite the plants taking a lot of space, we can still see the floor has a wooden texture. And the floor to ceiling windows encompasses a whole wall.

All in all, this place is amazing! I guess the group not only lives in this building, they own it! How else could such an old-looking place have this kind of layout? It is like having two small apartments in one!

"You can sit wherever you like." Heidi says, taking me out of my wandering thoughts, and heads to the kitchen. Seeing her walk behind the shelf that separates the kitchen area from the living room, I take that as an opportunity to talk with her while her parents carefully sit on the couch. It makes a crunching noise that puts them on edge.

I would have smiled at their reactions, yet there are more pressing matters!

I step behind her and call her in a low voice "Heidi," testing the waters.

"What?" Yep, she is still angry. She does not even look at me, giving me the cold shoulder. That does not deter me; for her good and even mine.

"Your parents might not be as angry as you think they are." I say in a roundabout. It looks like their anger turned into wonder after entering her apartment. Gone is their dislike for the outer façade.

"How do you know?" She still does not look at me and just focuses on taking out drinks for her parents and probably me. Hopefully. I am thirsty.

"I talked to them before coming here. Now, what I told them made them extremely happy, but it might not be… convenient for you." I say, and she finally glances at me. It might have been for just a second, but I still got her to look at me. Happy!

"Just be clear, Greco." Ugh, right, maybe I am not that cleared. I know you are still angry, but do not call me like that, it hurts. Ok, focus! I still need her to seriously listen to me, so I gently grab her arm and make her look at me.

"I cannot tell you everything now, I just need you to live up to your fame of being the 'Queen of Improvisations' for this meeting. Then, I'll explain in detail if there is still something to explain, ok?" She looks at me with doubtful eyes, and slowly nods after a moment.

I hope I don't regret this later…