Talon stepped into Alice's apartment and entered the spacious living room. His thoughts were still confused due to the emotionally charged conversation he had overheard. However, when Alice turned to greet him, her demeanor was surprisingly composed. Her usual sharp and confident self seemed to be untouched by the earlier argument.
Alice's eyes lit up with curiosity as Talon began to explain the unexpected offer he had received.
"So, they want you to be a part of Passionate Beats? That's a big deal, Talon!" she exclaimed, her surprise morphing into excitement.
Talon nodded. "Yeah, it's a reality show where the participants are stranded on an island, facing challenges, and... uhm, looking for a romantic relationship," he explained somewhat awkwardly.
Alice burst into laughter, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Oh, I see! So, you'll be surrounded by beautiful women, huh? That must be quite appealing to you."
"Well, I hadn't really thought of it that way. I was more focused on the music aspect and the exposure it could give me."
"Oh, come on!" Alice teased, her grin widening. "You're a young and talented guy. It's a perfect opportunity to showcase your talent and enjoy a bit of a holiday romance, right? The idea of being with all those beautiful women must be a nice bonus!"
"I guess it's an interesting aspect of the show," he admitted reluctantly.
Alice chuckled, leaning back on the couch. "I'm just messing with you. But seriously, this could be a great chance for you to grow as an artist and gain a larger fanbase. Who knows, maybe you'll even find a bit of romance along the way."
Talon was aiming to increase his audience size, and he found the idea of a reality show involving music and romance intriguing. He didn't spend too much time pondering the romantic aspect of it, as he was aware that what goes on behind the camera may not be accurately reflected on screen. After all, the show sells a fantasy that many people desire, and the relationships that many public figures present to the public may not be the real ones.
As he looked around the room, his eyes landed on a particular spot on the wall that he hadn't paid much attention to before. It was a framed award, proudly displayed, recognizing the generous contributions made by Alice's family to the orphanage. The realization hit him like a ton of bricks - it was the very same orphanage where he had spent his childhood.
He furrowed his brow, turning to Alice and quietly asking, "How did you get that award?"
Alice clicked her tongue and stood up, rummaging through a drawer until she withdrew something, a photo, and set it down on the table.
"Look at this," Alice said, holding out a photograph. It was a snapshot from a decade ago, depicting a group of children among whom Talon recognized a younger version of himself. In the photo, a little girl stood next to a couple who appeared to be her parents.
The girl was unmistakably a young Alice.
Alice's voice softened as she explained. "My parents and I used to visit a few orphanages often to give donations and spend time with the kids. I remember you, Talon. You always seemed so distant, lost in your own world."
The revelation struck Talon like a wave. The memories of a young girl, kind and curious, slowly began to resurface in his mind.
"So, we've met before... You were that girl?"
Alice nodded. "Yes, I was. I always wondered why you kept to yourself. Eventually, we ended up talking, and you opened up a bit. We became friends in our own little way."
"I can't believe it... Why didn't you tell me this earlier?"
Alice shrugged, a playful annoyance in her tone. "I didn't think it was important to bring up. We were just kids, after all."
Talon turned to Alice with a smile. "I'm sorry I didn't realize this sooner."
Alice rolled her eyes, though the corners of her mouth twitched upwards.
"Oh, please, don't get all sentimental on me. We're not in a drama series."
Despite her words, there was a warmth in her expression that betrayed her fondness for those childhood memories.
Talon still remembers his childhood vividly, but he had never gotten the chance to learn the girl's name. He fondly called her 'Intruder' due to her persistent attempts to start conversations with him.
"You haven't changed much," he commented quietly.
"What do you mean? What hasn't changed?" she asked firmly.
"You're still as stubborn as ever, and you still insist on doing things your own way," he said with a chuckle.
"Are you trying to make my day even more difficult, Talon?" she inquired.
"No... I'm just glad to know this," he replied. "So, I guess that's why you're being nice to me? Allowing me to stay even though I haven't paid the rent for the apartment yet."
"Stop talking nonsense," she said. "Business is business..."
Alice stood up, stretching her arms. "Alright, enough of this trip down memory lane. You should probably go and focus on your music and that reality show offer."
Alice's sudden shift from nostalgia to practicality caught Talon off guard as she firmly grasped his hand and ushered him towards the door.
"Thanks for the chat, but it's time for you to go," she said with a half-smile, gently pushing him out of the apartment.
Talon offered a grateful smile. "Thanks, Alice. For everything," he said sincerely before stepping out of the room.
Once the door closed behind Talon, Alice's demeanor changed. She let out a long sigh and collapsed onto her sofa, her mind swirling with thoughts about the arranged marriage her parents were pushing for. It was a heavy weight on her shoulders, one she wasn't ready to bear.
Her father had repeatedly discussed this with her, insisting that she would be happy if she were to marry the man of their choice, who happened to be the son of her father's friend. But she was adamant in her refusal. She would much rather live freely and independently than be bound by her father's wishes for her. Consequently, she chose to take care of the apartment, and despite her education and readiness to take over her parents' business, she was determined not to be swayed by her father's desires.
She picked up the childhood photo again, her eyes lingering on the young, solemn face of Talon. Despite the situation, a faint smile graced her lips.
"This dumbass," she murmured affectionately, her heart feeling a strange mix of annoyance and fondness.
Shaking off her thoughts, Alice grabbed her phone and quickly typed out a message to Talon.
"I forgot to tell you. While you're waiting for your schedule for the reality show, I've secured a spot for you to sing at a bar. You'll definitely need money, right?"
Talon's response was almost immediate. "Thanks, Alice... I want to do more to repay your kindness."
Her reply was swift and to the point. "Shut up and immediately pay for the rent."
Alice put her phone down and leaned back, closing her eyes. The day had been full of ups and downs, and she wanted to scream out her frustration.
Then, as if on cue, she received another message from Talon.
"Hey, are you free tonight? Want to come to the bar? I'll buy you a drink."
"No, I don't need it," Alice replied immediately.
"What about... a cake?" he persisted.
"No, I don't need it," she replied again.
"Okay, then, have a nice day."
Alice sighed and closed her eyes. "He's really annoying," she said to herself.