Clarification: Seiya/Taiki/Yaten are girls, but they are being referred to as male since they were introduced and portrayed as such throughout the story.

The Three Light's manager called Richard to arrange a meeting with the violinist to discuss a collaboration opportunity. They wanted to invite the violinist to make a guest appearance at their concert next month for a crossover performance. It was kind of a last minute decision since all the songs have already been picked and arranged months ahead for the concert, but the band would like to incorporate some classical element into a few of their hit singles since Michiru's improvised violin performance on TV was widely praised.

Richard excitedly called the violinist to discuss, but the aqua-haired beauty was unmoved.

"My schedule is pretty packed already." Michiru said.

"Michiru, you really need to consider this unique opportunity!" Richard tried to convince the violinist.

"The Three Lights are so selective with who they work with. Did you know how many artists would die to have a chance to perform at their concert?"

"I understand, and I beg to differ. I have no intention to deviate myself from being a classical violinist." Michiru replied.

"You won't. You're still a classical musician, and that will never change." Richard tried to sell the idea to the violinist, "But when you reach a wider audience, you'll have much more flexibility, choices, and influences. You can be more selective with where or when you want to perform, plan your schedule according to your preferences, and you can even do more with your charitable interest. Not to mention people will pay you many times more for your artwork..."

"Art sales? Richard, this is where I have to disagree with you. I sell my paintings to those who understand and appreciate my art, not to people who want to collect a piece of something famous and expensive at home so that they can brag to the world about." Michiru firmly said.

"Michiru, I think we just we went off on a tangent here. Let's just sit on this for a little bit. But I'll have to respond to their manager soon. So try to let me know by the end of the week."

Michiru was frustrated. Richard just didn't seem to fully understand her standard and integrity. Staying within her classical boundary and pursuit were very important to her, and she was not ready to sacrifice that for other opportunities even if they were more lucrative. Moreover, even though she got to know the band from the TV appearance and Seiya had helped her a few times on that day, she didn't think she was obligated to perform with them as a way to return the favor.

Feeling annoyed, she went up to her studio to paint. She was not scheduled to attend anything that day so she had some time to herself. Haruka was practicing at the racetrack for majority of the day.

The artist stayed in the studio for a long time, by the time she finished painting, it was mid-afternoon already. She was a little hungry, so she went out to a nearby coffee shop for a small bite and a cup of joe. She seated at the corner of the shop, and the place was pretty quiet at that time of the day. She took a few sips and took out her pocket sketch book to draw randomly. She was sketching Haruka playing the piano, and a smile appeared on her face as she thought about their moment on the beach that night.

Someone walked into the coffee shop. The person ordered a coffee and sat a few seats away from the violinist. Michiru did not pay attention and focused on her drawing. A few minutes later, that person came up and asked, "Hi! May I sit here?" Michiru stopped her sketching and looked up, it was Seiya. She was a little surprised to see the rising star there.

"Hi Seiya-san. Yes of course." The violinist replied.

"I didn't expect to see you here, Michiru-san." The rising said as he sat down.
"Likewise."

"Are you here alone? I just got back from an event, and wanted to grab a cup of coffee before heading out to the recording studio."

"Sounds like a busy day." Michiru tried to keep up with the small chat.

"Yes it is. But it's okay. Hey how's your ankle? Is it better now?" The rising star asked.

"Much better now. Thanks again for your help that day." Michiru said politely.

"Don't mention it. That's great to hear. So what have you been up to? How's Tenoh-san?"

"Haruka is doing well - has a race coming up, so practicing at the racetrack today. I'm collaborating with the orchestra for the summer series, and fitting some charity events and an art exhibit in between. Just kind of taking a day off today. How are you?"

"Very well." Seiya said, "You both sound really busy."

Michiru smiled reservedly. She hoped that he doesn't bring up anything about the concert.

After a short pause, the rising star said, "Michiru-san, I want to say I really loved your violin playing. You played brilliantly and the improvised cover version you made was very clever. I just love the violin."

"Oh really? I never know that you are into classical music."

"Not until I heard you play. Didn't know you can be so versatile with a classical instrument. I must say I'm a fan of yours now."

"Thanks for the compliment." Michiru giggled. "Just don't let your fans know though. Otherwise I don't know what they'd do to me."

"You're funny Michiru-san." Seiya laughed, then he leaned forward towards the aqua-haired beauty and said, "If any of my fans acts inappropriately, I'll be your personal bodyguard. I'll make sure no harm comes to your way."

"That's a nice joke. Seiya-san." Michiru laughed.

"I'm serious." Seiya stopped smiling, he looked at Michiru seriously.

Michiru felt a little uncomfortable, yet she tried to maintain her mellow manner. She smiled reservedly.

"Michiru-san, I still remember the day we met at the studio and how I was amazed by how talented and elegant you were. I just want to get to know you better..."

"Seiya-san, I'm sure you have gathered from that night...you know Haruka and I are..."

"I know...and I was so sorry about this. I really wish I could have a chance to apologize and explain to you." Seiya said remorsefully.

"Pardon me, I'm not following what you said." The violinist was confused.

"I don't know if Tenoh-san was upset at me for holding you when you fell, or if he said anything to you at all, but I was afraid that he would be jealous of me." Seiya said.

Michiru listened. Haruka had not mentioned a word about Seiya.

"I could see Tenoh-san really cares about you, and I don't want him to think that there's anything between us..." Seiya continued.

"Of course. "

"Can I...tell you something?"

The violinist nodded, although she was a little unsure of Seiya's intention.

Seiya got closer to the violinist and told her about his true gender.

Michiru was shocked, she wasn't expecting to hear this at all, and had no idea why the bluish black haired star would even tell her this.

"But please promise you won't tell anyone. I mean anyone, including Tenoh-san. We signed non-disclosure agreements that we'll never disclose this. If anyone else knows then our careers will be over." Seiya begged.

"Then why did you tell me?" The aqua-haired beauty asked.

"Because...I really feel like you're someone I can trust, I don't know why. Since the day I met you at the studio I really wanted to get to know you better. You had a rough start but ended up with brilliant performance. I was really impressed." The rising star explained.

"You're being humble Seiya-san."

"Please just call me Seiya. Michiru I'm being totally honest here. Plus you don't seem like someone who would chase fame and use others to get ahead in your career, at least that's what I gathered from our interactions. I'm sure you can relate, it's hard to make new and true friends being an artist."

"I understand." The violinist nodded.

"Thanks Michiru." Seiya continued, "You know, I really just want to be friends and be supportive of each other. The last thing I want to do is to get between you and Tenoh-san, and I mean it. He's such a great guy and I have a lot of respect for him."

"Thanks for the kind words."

"So I hope this clears up any confusions between us, and you'll accept me as a friend."

"Sure."

"Thanks! Perhaps someday we can even go on a girl's night out with my fellow band members too. I'm sure Yaten would love it. Taiki is easy to get along and you'll enjoy her company. I wish I can introduce them to you."

The violinist smiled politely.

"Michiru, could I also make a suggestion?"

She looked at the rising star, waiting for the proposed idea.

"I know we've invited you to do a crossover segment at our concert, we just thought it's a good idea since you played so well on that day. But after reaching out to your manager, I gave this a little bit more thought. I know that you have a very high standard on your classical discipline, and that improvised version you played was probably just a one-off performance. I respect you as a classical violinist and I know you have no interest in stepping over to the pop or mainstream genre. So, please feel free to decline our offer, I really mean it. Sorry for the abrupt invitation, we really should have thought about this more before asking."

The violinist was a little surprised hearing this from Seiya. The bluish-black haired star seemed more understanding than her own manager.

"Thank you for your understanding. Let me think about this a little bit more. My schedule is a little packed for the next few weeks but meanwhile I don't mind doing a few short term collaborations here and there." The artist said. She felt a little bad for saying no.

"Really? Maybe I'll take you on that now! Would you mind offering me some opinions on this demo?"

The two discussed the demo for a little bit. Then Michiru headed home to rest. She wasn't totally convinced why Seiya would be so upfront about the gender, but she knew that it would be crazy for artists to risk their careers over friendship. As she thought about this a bit more, Seiya didn't seem to know that Haruka is a girl so perhaps the rising star really was looking a platonic friendship, plus on that day he indeed helped her a few times without questions.

Three weeks later, Haruka had a black tie event to attend in the evening. She would love for Michiru to come along; unfortunately the violinist had a performance with the orchestra that same evening, so the racer went alone and decided that she'd just try her best to put up with people at the event. She really didn't like to mingle with people for the sake of it, but she knew that she needed the sponsors as much as they needed her.

The event that evening was hosted by a luxury watch brand, and the attendees included singers, actors, fashion models, athletes, investors, executives, board of directors, and other public figures. Even though there were a lot of high-profile people showing up at events like these, when Haruka showed up, her well-built body combined with a handsome face was always a magnet for attention. Most people would comment on how amazing she looked; some would joke that she should consider modeling or acting; not to mention girls would flirt with her when she was alone, and sometimes well-known fashion models would try to break a conversation or flirt a little bit with the tall blonde. Michiru was well aware of this but the couple had mutual respect of each other's private and professional life, as they both understood that sometimes these settings are inevitable.

Haruka stood in one corner in order to keep her interactions with others to a minimum, but it didn't stop the blonde from attracting attention.

"Hey you." A tall, attractive red haired girl went up to Haruka. The girl was wearing a cocktail dress with a pair of crimson pumps, she stood almost as tall as the racer.

"Hi beautiful lady." The racer responded.

"You're looking down at your watch a lot, can't wait to get out of here huh?" The girl smiled.

"Don't you think I'd do a pretty good job as a spokesperson?" the tall blonde wittily joked.

"That's a good one. You're funny." The girl laughed, then stood a little closer to the racer and said, "I'm Carolina K."

Carolina K was a young but well-known fashion model. She started her modeling career early and was featured in countless fashion shows and appeared often on magazines. Haruka had heard of her but never met her in person.

"Hi Carolina, nice to finally meet you. I'm Tenoh Haruka." The racer greeted the model.

"Of course I know. Who wouldn't know Tenoh Haruka the handsome racer?" The model flirtatiously said.

The racer laughed.

"So…you want to have a drink with me?" Carolina kept advancing with her flirts.

"I'd like to." Haruka smiled politely and followed the model to the bar. Before meeting Michiru she would consider these flirts as the most enjoyable part of attending these events, but now she really didn't care for those as much. She just hoped she could get out soon.

Carolina and Haruka each got a drink, but the racer was very conscious of not drinking too much as she had to hit the road soon and she wanted to eat and drink clean for the race that was coming up, she wanted to stay as physical fit as possible. They briefly chatted about things – the model talked about her work and travel, and her plan to get into acting; Haruka spoke a bit about her races. As the racer still held onto her first drink, the model had three already. The model started getting very interested in the tall blonde's personal life and asked a lot of questions. The racer told her that she was seeing someone already, but the model seemed to have too many drinks to care.

"Haruka, you don't seem to appreciate my company. You're still on your first glass." The model complained; she seemed a little tipsy.

"I do, but I need to stay fit for my race." Haruka explained, trying to be polite.

"Excuse. I need to look good for my photo shoots too." She took the racer's glass and put it on the bar table, and grabbed the tall blonde's hand, "Let's go. We're going to dance."

Since the event was in black tie setting, the songs selections were more reserved and relaxing than exhilarating and energetic, there were all-time favorite classic as well as new love ballads. Haruka got dragged to the dance floor and did a few love ballads with the model. She pretended to be have a good time, although she really rather to be at home, taking the road, or spending some time with the violinist, strolling on the beach or just listening to her playing the violin.

"Did you have a good time?" Carolina asked.

The racer smiled and nodded politely.

"I love your smile. So sexy."

After a few songs, Haruka told Carolina that she had to leave, but the model tried to ask her to stay.

"Come on Haruka! We can go join my friends on the yacht later." Caroline insisted.

"I'd love to, but I really have to go." Haruka politely declined.

Just as the model continued to convince the racer to stay, the DJ played a new song.

"Oh hey, listen to this new song! It's my favorite song now. " The model said.
Haruka tried to listen. It was a love ballad that she hadn't heard of.

The tall blonde thought it was nothing special, but she stayed polite.

"I'm glad you like it."

"No no no. You haven't heard the whole thing. It gets better."

The racer listened to it a little longer, and the model started singing along too.
Haruka really thought it wasn't that interesting, until the lyrics in the chorus finally caught her attention.

"Your beautiful violin touched my heart"

"So let me catch you when you fall
I'll take you in my arms and never let go"

"My teal haired lady"

"How'd you like it? I love this song. This is what a love song should sound like." Carolina said.

"I really have to go." The racer said and stormed out of the event.

The handsome racer was fuming; she clenched her fists.

to be continued. Any reviews/comments are appreciated. Might take me a few days to upload the next chapter as I'll be traveling next week.

For those interested, I actually wrote the lyrics for Seiya's song before picking the lines for the story. Here they are:

The Three Lights - My Teal-haired Lady
I chased too many dreams
and I've lost myself
I indulged in fame and glory
and I've lost my consciousness

Before I know it
you came along
When I felt despair
you gave me hope

(Chorus*)
Your beautiful violin
touched my heart
Your wonderful smile
gave me courage
You brought me back on my feet
So let me catch you when you fall
I'll take you in my arms
and never let go
My teal-haired lady (*)

I never knew how dreamy
the world can be
I never knew how blessed I was
until you came into my life

So here I am
singing a song for you
With every single word
from the bottom of my heart

(Chorus*)