Note before reading: If the scenes feel rushed, that means that the book still needs to be revised after completion. As I said, feedback is highly appreciated if there are mistakes or anything that you want to let the author know. Lovelots! 💕

▬▬▬▬ 💚💙 ▬▬▬▬

It wasn't long before I finally met with Eli.

He was standing right outside the coffee shop. I thought he'd be inside, drinking coffee or ordering some snacks for himself while waiting. But I guess he had other plans. His notebook was still in his hands - maybe he'd use it for recording later.

As I was studying him, it didn't take him long to notice me too. Once he did, he waved his hands, smiled, and mentioned me to come. I returned the warm gesture with a grin but the thought never left my mind.

Did he really read those pages? Oh dear, I hope not yet.

"Sorry, it took me a while. A bit of traffic on the way." It was a 12-minute ride but it became 15 minutes. Only three minutes had been the delay but I can't just let it be. I don't really know if Eli was the type to be impatient. To be honest, I don't know him that much to know how he'd react. So, I still had to make sure to explain.

Fortunately, he only nodded in understanding before smiling. He then told me that he usually experiences traffic so it wasn't much of a problem to him. "It's alright. I hadn't waited long. To be honest, I just finished my coffee."

Oh, so he really did order. I thought he just went straight here to meet up.

I then noticed a paper bag in Eli's left hand. I guess he still had to buy some snacks for later. Curiosity got the best of me so I tried to peek to see the logo on it. But I couldn't help but be taken aback when he noticed my gaze and suddenly gave the bag to me.

"What the?" My eyes suddenly went to Eli, looking for an explanation. When I was looking at the bag, I didn't mean I wanted it. I was just curious.

"I'd like you to hold it. Our snack for later. I bought the brownies you got back then," he told me before shrugging. "You seem to like it so there."

Thanking him, I couldn't help but feel flustered. I didn't think he'd remember me liking those brownies. It was already a few weeks since our meeting. That's why I thought he'd forget the order. My attention turned to him and Eli was already there, calling a cab.

"Which recording studio will we go to?" Eli then got his phone out before he showed it to me. It was a picture of the place with him and a few people.

It seems to be a recording studio behind them with a live room and a few control panels. The interior design seems to be covered with wood and canvas hanging on the wall. There was also a large sofa in the room and probably a break room in the corner.

"I usually record there, Mirrortone Studios. I wanted to have some feedback so I asked if you can come," Eli told me before a taxi stopped right in front of him. He then mentioned me to go ahead and I did - going right inside and making sure to scoot over to the farthest before Eli came right after.

The driver looked at both of us before chuckling. "You both don't need to look away from each other or have too much space between. You seem like friends after all."

"I prefer looking out the windows, sir," I couldn't help but answer before Eli did. I rarely open up or talk much when I'm in the car. No sleeps too. Looking out to the beauty of the places is my thing when I'm traveling.

"Not be rude or anything. I just prefer nature more than talking to others," I explained as Eli smiled before going through his phone. The driver didn't mind and understood before starting the engine and driving off.

He never spoke a word after that. Just asked the location and we paid him after. The ride wasn't long. It was just nine minutes away. No traffic so we reached the place earlier than expected.

We stood outside, Eli looking at the building right in front of us. I actually thought it was the building right next to it so I was about to walk away but Eli stopped me.

"We still have to go there. The studio is up top." Oh, I thought it was the building next to it since the other one had more floors. I decided to hide my face, cheeks flushed as I became flustered. Hopefully, Eli didn't notice that I embarrassed myself.

I was thankful when he didn't really mind it and decided to let it be. Eli called my name, telling me to follow him as we both went inside. It didn't take long before we reached the studio and someone was on the swivel chair as we opened the door.

"Oh, there you are. I didn't think you'd come with a friend though." The man looked at me before shrugging. Eli then put his notes down on the table and sat on the sofa.

"I needed someone to hear what I record. Might as well bring her since she heard some of the other songs." The man then snapped his finger, grinning widely and taking Eli aback from the sudden reaction.

He then pointed at me with his finger. "She's the girl? The one you've been talking about-"

"Not right now, Theus. I came here to record, not chit-chat about our talks before." He didn't seem to like it when Theus opened it up.

I only stood by the door, eyebrows furrowed and Theus could tell how confused I am - judging by his amused look before he nodded at Eli.

"Alright, fine. Go in there and let me hear it. And I'll let Miss-" he then trailed off as I gasped. Oh, how rude of me.

"Cia. The name's Cia." The man then nodded before he continued.

"I'll let Miss Cia be the judge."