RI-RI stirred, her eyes fluttering, but she didn’t wake up. Her face was nuzzled against his neck, her arm draped across his abdomen, and one of her legs was tangled with his. Meanwhile, his arm, numb from the flow of blood being cut off by her sleeping on it, was around the small of her back, and his hand was resting low on her hip. Zion couldn’t help but smile. He had been staring at her beautiful face ever since she woke up. At first, he was confused about why they were outside, but gradually he remembered that they had both fallen asleep outdoors together. Luckily, it hadn’t rained.
Ri-Ri had managed to finish the song she had written the previous night. Inspiration had struck her then, and he hadn’t dared disturb her. He quietly listened and watched her as she worked. It had taken her almost three hours to finish the song, but he had patiently waited. When she finally finished, she played the song for him. The song was about no longer being lost but finally being found. Somehow, it felt as if the song had been made for him too. He had once been lost, but he had recovered. Ri-Ri’s song had greatly helped him heal. Even hearing it just once left a lasting impression on his heart and mind.
He brushed a hand across Ri-Ri’s cheek, pushing aside a few strands of hair from her face. Instinctively, she pressed her body closer to him, trying to find warmth against the morning’s cold breeze. She even murmured softly, as if still half-asleep.
He stared at her face. His heart quickened its pace as he looked at her, just like it always did. He was definitely falling for her. It had been a long time, but he had been forcing himself not to fall. The first time he saw her—she was leaning against the glass door frame while he and Matteo were talking by the pool—his heart had skipped a beat. But he knew better than to entertain such thoughts. He thought she’d be too good for him. But now he was sure; he wanted to be part of her life. It wasn’t just because of her songs and how they saved him, but because she was an amazing person. She was fragile yet strong. She was also passionate and determined. He liked that about her. And he could no longer deny his feelings.
She shifted slightly in his arms, and at that moment, she fully woke up.
“Good morning,” he greeted her.
“Good morning,” she replied, her cheeks flushed. She wasn’t sure if it was from the cold or the realization that she was in his arms. “W-Wait, why are we outside?” A soft laugh escaped his throat as he lifted the blanket over her shoulders.
“Don’t you remember? We fell asleep out here last night while stargazing.” And for him, it had truly been a wonderful night.
“Ah…” She gradually smiled, probably remembering what had happened. Her smile turned apologetic. “I’m sorry. You ended up sleeping out here with me, not in your soft bed. You should have woken me up.”
“Nah, I love being with you.”
Her lips parted as if she couldn’t believe what he had just said. His smile widened even more. He was about to speak again but she beat him to it.
“I love being with you, too,” she said in a soft voice, as if shy to admit her feelings.
Zion was at a loss for words. He hadn’t expected her to confess her feelings back. Her words made his heart pound wildly; he thought it might burst from his chest. He just stared at her, smiling. When she could no longer hold back from his gaze and smile, she shyly buried her face in his neck. He laughed at her reaction and then kissed the top of her head.
“I think we should go inside now. It’s getting colder by the minute,” he said, and she nodded. They stood up together and tidied everything. Afterwards, they cooked breakfast together, and Zion thought his life was so much better with Strawberry in it.
“ARE you okay? Why do you look so pale?” Zion asked as he approached her. Concern was clear in his eyes. He probably noticed that she still hadn’t stepped onto the small stage of the restobar, even though some customers were already there. He rubbed her back, and she let out a deep breath. “Are you scared?” he asked again.
She nodded. “What if… what if they don’t like my songs? You know, I got booed once during a fan meeting at a mall.”
Zion chuckled lightly. “No one will do that here. I promise you.” He said, pulling her into a hug. “This is a safe space, Ri. And I’m sure people will love your songs, just like how they captivated me.”
“You really think so?” she asked.
He cupped her face in his hands. “Yes, and I’m sure of it.” He kissed the tip of her nose. Then he grabbed her guitar from the side and slung it over her shoulder. “Now, go out there and mesmerize us all. Even if they don’t like it, it’s not a loss because so many people will hear your songs—and I’m one of them.”
She got teary-eyed even though she didn’t want to. “I’ll just sing for you then,” she said, and Zion returned her smile sweetly.
He tucked a few strands of her hair behind her ear. “Your voice is my favorite sound, my lullaby, and you know that. I wish you would sing for me. Only for me.” He sighed. “But I don’t want to be selfish. Many fans are waiting for you. I’d love to lock you in a music box, but I won’t.” Zion joked, making her laugh. He encouraged her once more, and before she climbed the stage, he kissed the back of her head.
She swallowed and finally stepped to the center of the stage. Other customers looked at her, and she wasn’t sure if they were judging her. She glanced at Zion again. He smiled at her and even gave a thumbs up. She smiled back and took a seat on the high chair.
“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. This is…” She paused for a moment, unsure whether to say her real name or her screen name. “Uh… this is Strawberry, and I’m your singer for the night. Please enjoy.” She spoke into the microphone. She counted to three before strumming her guitar. At the first notes, everyone fell silent, and as she started to sing, all eyes turned toward her.
Zion’s favorite was the first song she sang—the one he’d heard when he visited the center. Ri-Ri closed her eyes and let the words flow from her heart into the microphone, hoping they would reach those who needed them. She didn’t realize that everyone was focused on her, and when she finished, the audience erupted into applause. She looked at Zion and saw him clapping too. He looked delighted that it was the first song she performed.
She sang a few more songs, including some requests from the customers, and when she finished, they applauded her again before she stepped down from the stage. The bar owner, Mr. Ocampo—Grandpa Carlos’s close friend—was overjoyed, saying people loved her performance, especially the songs she sang. She thanked the elderly man sincerely for letting her perform. She felt an incredible lightness in her heart. At least, she finally got the chance to sing the songs she had written, even if they wouldn’t make it onto future albums or recordings.
“You’re amazing,” Zion said to her after she thanked Mr. Ocampo. Before they stepped outside, Zion thanked the old man once more. Ri-Ri couldn’t help but squeal once they were outside.
“They loved my songs!” she exclaimed.
“I told you so,” he said, gently tapping the tip of her nose.
She couldn’t stop herself from hugging him. “Thank you so much for encouraging me,” she said as they held each other. Then she leaned back and looked into his eyes. “Thank you, Zion. I’ll never forget this night.” She laced her fingers with his and gave a gentle squeeze.
“You deserve nothing but the best,” he said, bringing her hand to his lips to kiss it.
It was like a jolt of electricity traveled from his lips to her heart. She could no longer deny what she felt for him. She had fallen for him. But did he feel the same way too? He had given her hints before, but were those enough? Were they real? What would happen if she confessed her feelings to him? Would he be scared? Would he be indifferent? Would he reject her? Just thinking about it made her heart ache.
“Hey,” he said. She realized she had been staring blankly for a moment. “Are you okay? You just zoned out.”
She forced a smile and shook her head. “I’m okay,” she replied.
He glanced at his watch. “Let’s head home. Pops and Nana are waiting for us.” Since it was already late, they wouldn’t go back to the lake house tonight. Well, they technically could, since the boat had lights, but Ri-Ri wouldn’t risk it for Uncle George’s sake, especially since he would be returning alone. Instead, they would go back to Zion’s grandparents’ house.
When they reached the car, he opened the front passenger door for her. Just as she was about to get in, he stopped her, his hand resting on her wrist. She looked at Zion. “Why? Did you forget something inside the restobar?” she asked.
Instead of answering her question, he suddenly kissed her on the lips. She was surprised but returned the kiss. The kiss was brief, however, because Zion looked into her eyes again. He cupped her face and spoke words she never expected to hear from him. “I love you, Strawberry. I know it sounds unbelievable, but I honestly—”
She didn’t let him finish and immediately kissed him back. She wrapped her arms around his neck. When he felt her lips on his, he instantly wrapped his arms around her waist and deepened the kiss. Ri-Ri felt like her heart could burst at any moment. She hadn’t realized that Zion felt the same way she did—and he was the first to admit it.
Their lips parted as they both needed to breathe. They were both panting. But she didn’t want to waste the moment. She cupped one of his cheeks.
“I love you too, Zion. I really do,” she declared wholeheartedly. He rested his forehead against hers, his eyes glistening. Nothing could have made this night better. And as she stared into Zion’s eyes, she knew she would remember the look in them forever.