“What’s your favorite genre, Partner?” Kevz asked.
“Nothing in specific. I just like it when a song is eargasmic, you know? I automatically add it to my playlist.”
I was singing along to the song that was playing and he does the same. I even felt him remove his arm and lean his head on my shoulder instead.
“Ouch!” he screamed and my eyes flew open. I saw him squirming next to me while holding his toe. Roj and Homme, on the other hand, can’t stop themselves from laughing.
“What happened?” I asked worriedly.
“I’m really sorry Kevz,” Guido apologized in a panic, then he turned to me. “I accidentally let go of the table and it hit his toe,” he explained.
“Guido, did Drew ask you to do it?” Roj teased as he tries to straighten his face.
“Don’t drag me into that,” Drew sneered while checking his phone, seated at the dining table.
“Excuses Drew!” Roj jest and the annoyance on Drew’s face become rather obvious as he glares at Homme and Roj.
I was expecting he’d ignore the two but what he said next surprised me. “Stop insisting on your imagination, I’m not interested in Leslie,” he seethed.
I suddenly felt cold for an unknown reason after hearing his statement. And though I have no intention, my eyes rolled on their own.
“Partner, are you alright? Does it hurt?” I asked then he gives me a thumbs up.
“It’s ok now, Partner, thank you,” but despite what he said, he still massages his toe.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t expect it to be that heavy,” Guido said as he scratches his nape.
“It’s ok, no worries,” Kevz smiled and tap the man’s shoulder.
I remained seated on the couch while they finish working on the instruments. It was already past six in the evening when they got everything done.
“Lemonnnn!” Kale called from outside. I immediately stood up to see what was the reason for his yelling but before I can reach the door, it already flew open with Kale gasping for air.
“You won't believe who's here,” then he smiled despite running out of breath.
“Who?” I asked in confusion, as I’m not expecting anyone.
He moved to the side to make way for the unexpected visitor. I really had no idea who it was so I have no choice but to wait for who will show up.
My eyes widen when a familiar figure entered the door of the studio. “Levi?” I gasped. “Oh, my gahd! Leviiiiiiii!” then I run towards the lad and hug him. “When did you get here?”
“Just this morning! I wanted to come here earlier but the jetlag was no joke. I said I’ll just go for a nap but I woke up late,” he explained.
I let go of him and crossed my arms over my chest, “And why are you here?”
“Because I missed you?” he said sweetly. I suddenly felt shy and I can feel my cheeks burning. Thankfully, Kellen cut it by clearing her throat.
“I think introductions are in order?” she grinned.
“Yay sorry! Levi these are my cousins Kellen and Kippler and my bandmates Rawbin, Roj, Drew, Homme, and Kevz. Guys this is Levi, he’s a friend from France.”
“And Lemon’s ex-suitor slash fling,” Kale added. I glared at him but I didn’t get anything but a peace sign.
My friends lined up to shake Levi’s hand, it almost looked like a fanmeet. Even Kellen got this smile pasted on her face as she watch them.
I then excused us to go out and talk.
♫ Rawbin ♫
“What was his relationship with Lemon again?” Homme asked while he subtly peek from the window,
“Friend slash ex-suitor slash ex-fling,” Kellen responded as she peeks from the door.
“Ex-suitor and ex-fling,” Homme whispered. “And the holding hands!”
I saw Kevz glance at Drew while he was clenching his jaw with his head bowed down on the dining table. He didn’t have any reaction to what the rest of our bandmates are talking about.
I, on the other hand, continued to listen as I’m intrigued by Lemon’s visitor. What’s irritating is that they went out to talk.
“Do you know him Kel?” Kippler asked, referring to the visitor.
“He’s not the one I met when I visited Lemon in France. That guy’s good looking but Levi’s on another level,” she giggled.
I pressed on my temple as my head suddenly throbbed. It feels like my rivals are all heavyweight. Good thing that Drew confirmed he wasn’t interested in Lemon.
‘But aside from these two, is there anyone else?’
“Let’s eat!” Kale announced when entered the studio. He placed down the food packs on the coffee table and slumped on the floor.
A few minutes after, Lemon and Levi came in. I sat next to Drew at the dining table and wait for Kellen to finish taking out the food packs from the paperbag.
“Here, have this,” Lemon said as she pass the food pack to her visitor.
“How about you?”
“I'm fine, not hungry at all,” she told him, smiling.
Someone pinched my heart, I felt that. It feels weird that I get jealous almost instantly. But I can’t avoid it as I’m seeing how Lemon’s eyes sparkle when she smiles at Levi.
“Until when are you staying here Lev?” Kale asked.
“Until next weekend. Dad needs to fix a couple of documents, but after that, we'll be traveling back to France,” he explained.
“Gosh, I thought you were staying here to study!”
“I wish! But you know Dad won't let me,” Levi replied, sounding so disappointed.
“You’re Lemon’s ex-suitor right?” Kellen butted in. “Does that mean you stopped courting her already?”
I’m interested to hear what he’ll say so I stopped eating to wait for his response. But then Drew stopped too. ‘Is he sure he’s not interested in her?’
“I wanted to pursue her but she asked me to stop and I understand. It'll be hard since she's here and I'm staying in France. But if given the opportunity, I'd want to continue courting her. Lemon knows how much I love her,” he responded, sounding melancholic.
Kellen gasped after she heard Levi's answer. He’s good with words and any girl will surely fall for him if he’s like that.
“Lev…” Lemon muttered.
“I know, I know. I can still remember what we've talked about, don't worry sweetie,” running his fingers thru her hair.
I narrowed my eyes, wishing I can do the same. But it might be hard for me since Kevz and Kip are keeping a watch on her.
“By the way, have you heard what happened to Zone?” the guy asked. Lemon creased her forehead then Levi continued, “He got drunk and caused a scene at a bar. He got into trouble and was hospitalized due to a broken arm.”
“For real? Why?” Lemon exclaimed, evidently filled with worry and I can't help but feel jealous…again.
‘Who is Zone this time?’
“Well, he went to the bar after he found out that you're leaving France. Then this guy picked on him and he fought back. He was hit with a chair and used his arm for defense and the rest is history,” Levi narrated casually.
“If he wasn't an asshole…” Kale chirped but he didn’t continue as Lemon glared at him.
“That's why next time, make better choices, ok?” Levi reminded her, tapping her shoulder to which she nods.
They continue with their exchange of stories until Levi had to go. Lemon accompanied him outside and we found the chance to interrogate Kale.
“Who is Zone?” I asked without thinking twice.
“Interested?” Kellen teased.
“That’s her very first suitor, we were only thirteen then. He courted her for more than a year but when Lemon was about to say yes to him, we caught the guy making out with someone inside our school’s restroom,” Kale narrated.
“What’s Levi’s status then?” Kellen pried.
“Levi is a good boy, but he’s a Papa’s boy too so Lemon’s a bit hesitant when it comes to him. He can’t even decide without his father’s approval and it’s a huge turn-off for our girl,” he continued.
So she doesn’t like playboys, of course, who would? And she doesn’t like guys who can’t decide for themselves. I should take note of that.
“Has he left?” Kale asked as soon as Lemon stepped inside the studio.
“Yep, their driver picked him up because daddy said so,” she replied. “As usual,” she and Kale said in unison and they both laughed.
“So guys, it’s already past nine, let’s go home?” Kip cut the conversation.
When everyone agreed, Roj called Lyra and Guido to let them know we were leaving. The two assured us they’d take care of the studio so we head out.
From there, I took a taxi home with Roj, Kevz, and Drew. Homme, on the other hand, went with Lemon as they are neighbors.
“Lemon’s suitor is like a Greek god,” Kevz chuckled.
“Exactly! I thought a model came in when I saw him,” Roj commented.
“What about you Rawbin? Are you going to be left behind?” Kevz teased.
I know what he’s trying to say. I know it’s obvious that I like Lemon that’s why he asked me directly and without second thoughts.
“There's a perfect timing for that dude,” I responded casually.
“Why? Are you planning to court Leslie, Llamansares?” Drew who was sitting in the front seat, looked back to ask.
“I’m still planning on it.”
“What about you Drew? When do you plan to court her?” Roj asked followed by a roar of laughter.
“I already told you, I’m not interested,” Drew responded.
“If you say so~” Roj replied with a teasing voice.
Come to think of it, Drew’s indeed mysterious when it comes to Lemon. Besides, they won’t tease him if they’re not seeing anything unusual about him.
Pushing the thought aside, I leaned back and closed my eyes. I need to plan how to get started with this courtship properly.