The sound of Justin's violin floated through the music room, lively and carefree. Kathrine leaned against the doorway, arms crossed, waiting for him to finish playing.
Even though she had not bothered about this before, she knew the piece he was playing was the piece he would be playing in the competition.
When Justin finally finished, he lowered his bow and glanced toward her.
"For the nth time, do you ever knock? Or is standing there glaring at me your way of showing appreciation for my talent?"
She stepped inside, shaking her head, "Appreciation? I should be mad at you right now."
Justin's eyebrow shot up before he rolled his eyes, "Mad at me? What for this time? Even after I played you, songs and walked you to the station, just what did I do for the princess to be mad right now?"
"You didn't tell me Elson was back and what do you mean princess," she accused, hands on her hips.
Justin groaned, setting the violin down, "Oh, come on. That's what this is about?"
"Yes, it is," she shot back.
"I've only asked you about him a million times over the past few months, and you couldn't even mention that he's back? Seriously?"
Justin leaned against the piano, folding his arms and raising an eyebrow at her.
"You've been asking me how he is. Not once did you say, 'Hey, Justin, let me know the exact moment your cousin gets back.'"
Kathrine rolled her eyes, "Don't nitpick. You knew I'd want to know!"
"You are hopeless," Justin said, furrowing his brows.
"I should probably warn my cousin about you."
"Don't you dare," she said, narrowing her eyes.
"If I didn't run into him at the café yesterday, you would not have told me anything despite my questions. Do you realize what I was thinking when I saw him? I had wondered if I looked decent. Or my face looks fine!"
Justin raised an eyebrow almost rolling his eyes over again, "So you already saw him?"
"Yes," she replied, her tone pointed.
"And here you are venting on me about your look for not saying anything?" he shook his head, leaning back against the piano with an exaggerated sigh.
"Unbelievable."
"That's completely different," she argued.
"You're his cousin. You knew he was back this whole time."
"I didn't think it was worth making a big announcement. And mind you, I only found out upon getting back last Friday," Justin said casually.
Kathrine stared at him, "You could have messaged me since I asked you right before you got home last Friday."
"You are unreasonable," he once again rolled his eyes, how many times has it been?
She threw her hands up in exaggerated frustration, "You are the absolute worst."
"And yet, you keep coming back here," he shot back with a playful smirk.
Kathrine let out a dramatic sigh, but as always it was not like she was seriously mad, "Sometimes I don't know why I bother with you."
"Because I'm charming," Justin replied easily, picking up his bow again.
"Or because I've been using you all this time as my musical retreat," she countered.
He played a short, playful melody before glancing at her.
"So? How was it? Did you faint when you saw him?"
Kathrine rolled her eyes, "I wasn't that dramatic. And why are you asking me about him? I bet he stays with you anyway."
Justin said with a chuckle, "Do I hear some jealousy right now? Should I cling to him in front of you?"
She huffed, grabbing her bag, "You're insufferable."
"And you're predictable," Justin called after her as she headed toward the door.
Kathrine stopped at the doorway, looking back with a smirk.
"One of these days, Justin, you're going to regret not taking me seriously."
Justin gave her a cheeky grin, "I'll take my chances."
He chuckled. This was the first time he got to completely win against her in their banter. And somehow, that was fun.
Maybe getting mad was not the right way—being sarcastic and teasing was better.
He smirked as he once again raised his bow.
At this moment, Justin's approach to Kathrine's banter had changed.
…
Kathrine sipped her coffee, basking in a moment of relaxation. With no notebooks in sight, she allowed herself to chill out here.
This is what she meant when she takes breaks. If she feels productive, then she'll keep going. But if she feels like nothing will come even if she tries, then she will take a break.
And where is the best place to do so? Of course, in a coffee shop.
"Kathrine?" a deep, familiar voice interrupted her thoughts.
Looking up, she spotted Elson standing nearby with a subtle look of surprise.
"Brother Elson," she said, a smile spreading across her face.
"What are you doing here?"
To make it clear, she did not come here to this same coffee shop because she was expecting to meet him again.
Not at all.
"Just grabbing a coffee," he replied, slipping his hands into his jacket pockets.
"But seeing you here without a stack of books and notebooks? It seems you are on break."
"Even I take breaks," she said, gesturing to the empty seat across from her.
Acting all calm even though she can feel her heart flattering at his appearance.
He sat down, a small smile tugging at his lips, "You do know where you stand."
She raised an eyebrow, "It's refreshing to not hear someone telling me that I should take more breaks when they see me taking one."
"Just as I have said, I see you as a person who knows where you stand, whether to take a break or not," Elson said with a chuckle.
"Thank you," she smiled.
She took another sip of her coffee, watching him curiously.
"So, why are you in town this time? Last time you seemed like you were just on a walk."
"I told you about the musical concert, right?" he replied.
Kathrine nodded.
"I am on my way there right now, just buying some coffee."
After a bit, he continued, "Since you are on break and we already chanced upon one another now, do you want to join me?"
"Wouldn't there be tickets to that?" she asked curiously.
"Justin rejected my offer, so I have two tickets without a companion. So do you want to accompany me?" he asked, pulling out the tickets from his pocket.
She smiled, "Sure, I have nothing else to do for today anyway."
'Maybe I should thank Justin for this opportunity?' she thought as they stood up and left the coffee shop.
Justin, who was practicing in his room, scratched his ear.
"Is someone talking about me?"
He shrugged before continuing his practice.