REBIRTH : Chasing The Limelight

Chapter 90: A letter.

"You think so?" Elara muttered in reply and took a few slow steps toward the door that was completely blocked by flowers. Her brows pulled together as her eyes moved over the piles of bouquets.

Would a fan really do something like this.

It did not make sense. She did not have that kind of fanbase yet. Not enough for someone to go this far.

Who must have done this?

Ziva followed beside her and looked over the mess in front of them. When they reached the flowers, both of them bent down, moving a few bouquets aside and looking around for anything that might explain it.

It did not take long before Ziva’s eyes caught something tucked between two large white roses. It was not fully hidden, just pressed neatly between the stems like it had been placed there on purpose.

She reached out and pulled it out.

"A letter," she said flatly.

It was a folded piece of thick paper with a smooth and glossy surface.

Ziva held it out to Elara while she stared at it calmly, her gaze resting on the words written there.

Hi Frostiebun!

Then slowly, the corner of her lips lifted.

"It’s from Tonio," she said immediately.

"Oh." Ziva said with a blink and tilted her head at her. "You’ve opened it?"

Elara shook her head. "Let’s go inside first." she said.

The floor in front of the door was almost completely covered. They had to use their hands to push the bouquets to the sides little by little until a narrow path appeared.

A junior trainee passed by the corridor at that moment and stopped when she saw the scene. She looked from the flowers to Elara, then quickly turned around and walked away without saying anything.

The corridor now looked less like a hallway and more like a small garden.

After a bit of effort, Elara finally reached the door and pushed it open. She stepped inside, Ziva following behind her.

She walked straight to the bed and sat down still holding the folded paper in her hand. She looked at it again with a thoughtful expression.

What’s he up to this time?

"Come look," she muttered as she unfolded it. Ziva walked over and sat beside her.

- - -

To the most unbothered person I’ve ever met in my life...

First of all, congratulations on the concert. You were incredible. I’m not just saying that because I was there. I’m saying it because it’s true and also because I need you to know I cried. For the first time since I missed a goal in primary school. But trust me, it was in a very manly way. My friends saw nothing.

Second. About what happened before you came on stage. I need you to know that I handled it well. (You’re welcome). I got on that stage and I spoke to those people and I want you to know it was very brave of me considering I had no plan whatsoever and made everything up as I went.

Third. The video. Listen. Anyone with functioning eyes could see it was fake. The other part... the restaurant. That’s true and I want to say something about that.

I’ve eaten at that restaurant. The food is good. You should not be ashamed of a place that makes good food.

Now. The serious part. And yes I have a serious part so don’t skip this.

I don’t know who keeps doing these things to you. But I want you to know that whatever they try... edited videos, fake stories, scandals or whatever comes next, I’ll be there. Not because you need saving. You clearly don’t. You walked onto that stage after everything that happened and you sang like none of it touched you.

I’ll be there because you deserve to have people in your corner who show up.

Don’t thank me. Just keep singing.

– Your friend, Tonio (whether you like it or not).

P.S. I tried to come in person but they wouldn’t let me in. The security at Voice is unreasonably strict and I play for the national team. This is disrespectful and I want it noted.

Elara let out a small laugh. A warm feeling spread quietly in her chest as she lowered the paper slightly.

"He’s weird," Ziva muttered simply.

Elara read it again, but slower than before. Another small laugh escaped her lips.

Ziva leaned on her hands and looked toward the door. "We can’t keep all of those flowers here."

Elara followed her gaze, then nodded. "Yeah."

"We can move them to the hall... and give some to Mrs Han. Or other staff." Ziva said.

Elara stood up from the bed, still holding the letter. "I’ll take some for myself too."

"It’s just flowers. They’ll die in three days no matter where you put them." Ziva said with a small Hmph.

Elara did not reply. She only folded the letter and walked toward the door.

"The clinic... you shouldn’t have went in alone." Ziva suddenly said before she could reach the door.

Elara stopped but she did not turn back to her.

"If something... really happened... you could have just told me," Ziva added with a much lowered voice.

Elara slowly turned around to look at her, not knowing what to say.

Back then, she had thought Ziva was judging her.

"It’s not what you think," Elara said with a little frown. "Actually... I don’t know what you think." She paused, then opened her mouth again. "You know I was drunk. I didn’t plan anything. I just–"

"It’s alright. I understand," Ziva cut in quickly and looked away. "It didn’t mean anything," she added.

A short silence fell between them before Ziva spoke again. "I shouldn’t have said that in the car. It sounded like I was blaming you."

Elara looked at her and lifted the corner of her lips a little. "You were worried." she said but Ziva did not reply.

When she spoke again, her voice was already back in its usual tone. "Next time, don’t disappear into someone’s house like that without telling me."

Elara lowered her eyes for half a second, then looked up again with a small smile.

"Noted."