WEEKS had passed since she was reunited with Zion and had made her new album. Even now, she still hadn’t told her boyfriend about it. She had the full cooperation of her parents in keeping it a secret from Zion. Even when he teased her, she stayed tight-lipped. Not until everything was settled. The PR team had also managed to fix the mess they had made. She didn’t know exactly how, but somehow they had managed. This time, the truth was out. Ri-Ri apologized to her fans for everything that had happened. She promised to do the tour, but with Zion by her side. She publicly announced it. Many fans were happy for her. Even though she read some negative comments online, she chose to ignore them. What mattered most was that she was happy and surrounded by people who loved and supported her.
While waiting for that to be over, they visited Zion’s sister last week. True enough, they immediately got along with her. It was like they were long-time friends meeting again. Zion and Matteo were delighted. Ri-Ri thoroughly enjoyed the visit. She even got the chance to hold the baby. Not only that, she sang a lullaby until the baby fell asleep in her arms. They even had a picture together, secretly taken by Zion.
“If that picture ever gets out, there will definitely be chaos again,” she remembered telling Zion. “Everyone will start talking. People will think we have a secret baby.” They both laughed at that and went home happy.
They were currently at the label because she had received a call that morning saying her album was finished and was just waiting for her signal to release it. Zion was with her, completely unaware of what she was about to show him. She was so excited for him to see it. What would his reaction be? After all, the album was made entirely for him—to win his heart over and over again.
After seeing the complete design of her album, she excitedly headed down to the lobby where Zion was waiting. He was reading a magazine with her on the cover. He was smiling as he read. Ri-Ri remembered that magazine—it was an old issue, probably from seven months ago, and she remembered being interviewed for it. She recalled one question—what she looked for in a man. Looking back at her answer, all the qualities she wanted in a man were already in Zion. She smiled at that thought.
At that moment, Zion looked up and their eyes met. He immediately smiled and stood up as she approached. “Well? How’s your day been?” he asked when she got closer.
“It’s better than I expected.” After saying that, she showed him the album she was holding. His face lit up and his eyes searched hers again. “Open it and see for yourself,” she said. He took it and slowly opened it. He didn’t speak immediately—but she noticed his eyes were starting to get teary.
“W-Wait…” he said after a moment. “These are…”
“My songs!” she continued, squealing. She told him everything that had happened—the listening session with her mother and her team, how much they loved the songs, their decision to make an album of her hidden tracks, and her management’s decision to let her take full control over how the album would be done. Zion listened to every word she said, and he could see the excitement in her eyes. She could tell he was genuinely happy for her.
Zion read the song titles again, as if he couldn’t believe his eyes. Ri-Ri bit her lower lip as she felt her cheeks turning pink. The song titles were a message for Zion—or more likely, a declaration of love. Even the album name, Romantically Yours, Strawberry. It was all dedicated to him. Even the songs in the album were all for him. Only him.
I’ll Be Yours
Leap of Faith
Opposites Attract
Vibrant Colors
Effortless
Zip My Heart
In Your Eyes
One Kiss
Night Sky
“I can’t believe you’ve just put my name in here,” he said after a moment. Ri-Ri giggled in response. He pulled her close by the waist, and she let him. Right then and there, in the middle of her company’s lobby, Zion kissed her. Embarrassed, she pinched his side. Zion chuckled, then his eyes grew serious.
“You were a piece of heaven in the middle of my misery,” he said. “I am the luckiest man to have you by my side. I love you, Strawberry. I love you so much.”
With teary eyes, Strawberry tiptoed and brushed her lips against his.
“You’re literally the only person who made me love my name after spending most of my life hating it. I love you so much, Zion. So, so much.”
He pressed his forehead against hers. His lips held a faint smile, and his eyes twinkled. “Always?”
She nodded. “Always.”
THE END ʚɞ