Chapter 39

After browsing the comments for a while, Edward then logged out and began drafting his next song cover.

He chose a song that suited him, jotting down the key elements he wanted to incorporate. Edward diligently wrote down the chords and lyrics of the song while making notes about where he could add a bit of vocal and instrumental improvisation, aiming to infuse the cover with his personal touch.

The room resounded with the steady clicking of the keyboard as Edward fully immersed himself in the process of drafting.

Edward let out a groan, stretched his arms, and checked his wristwatch, revealing that the time was already 7:34.

Releasing a weary sigh, he carefully saved the progress of his project, ensuring not to lose any of his hard work.

After making sure he had securely locked up the apartment, he headed to a nearby Chinese restaurant for dinner.

He settled into a cozy corner and proceeded to order a variety of dishes, including Filipino, Chinese, and Japanese cuisine.

While enjoying his meal, he exchanged words with Honey Lee, the part-time waitress and daughter of the restaurant owner.

Edward inquired about her major, "By the way, what's your major?"

"THM" Honey replied.

"Wow, that's cool. Is that so you can take care of your family restaurant?" Edward asked, genuinely interested.

"That's right." Honey nodded. "Our family's got three branches of restaurants in the city. Dad's been running the show, but he's getting older, and the plan is for me to take over in a few years once he retires."

"Wow, that's cool," Edward replied, genuinely impressed.

"Not really," she confessed as she leaned back in her chair and looked at the ceiling.

Curious, Edward asked, "Why not?"

Honey hesitated, uncertainty in her voice. "I felt like my life was not mine; I don't even know what I want to do now; I'm just doing what my family wants me to do... They didn't even ask if I wanted the family business at all."

Edward was momentarily at a loss for words, unsure of how to react.

He genuinely understood her reason for feeling that, after all, everyone wanted freedom; everyone wanted to have the power to decide on something; that's normal, and he understood that.

However, deep in his heart, he felt deep envy and frustration for her.

Growing up, his family had never owned a house; they did not have new clothes every week; they had no cars or motorcycles.

He never had those fancy things that other kids have. He never joined the school trip because he thought it was expensive.

But you know what?

He never complained, cried, or blamed his parents for it.

But now that some rich girl was complaining about not wanting to inherit their family business...

It made him feel like all this time, while he was working his ass to have what others had, those people were uninterested in it.

It sounds so ironic and frustrating.

"... But at least you have a path that was paved by your dad, right? You won't have to search for a good job in the future because it's already there for you. Unlike most people, you won't have to work your way into getting hired, spending years of overworking just to earn a meager income that barely pays the bills..." Edward paused, realizing he might have said too much and feeling embarrassed.

"Sorry about that... I didn't mean to-"

"No, you're right. I understand that point too. Maybe I'm just tired recently.."Honey shrugged and then got up to do her job as a new customer arrived.

"Damn, I should've comforted her, not opposed her; that's a red flag." He felt lost and, at the same time, blamed himself for being triggered and not being able to hold it back.

After finishing eating, he headed towards the counter and paid his bills, and before leaving, he said his goodbyes to Honey, and the other party only smiled at him.

As he walked home, he couldn't help but feel lost as he remembered her expression, which he had seen many times.

"Does it mean friend zone or acquaintance zone?"

What is the Acquaintance Zone?

That is when the girl who gave you hints suddenly started treating you like an acquaintance!

They will act as if nothing happened, as if you two were just ordinary acquaintances.

They won't deliberately distance themselves from you, but they won't approach you either.

She will smile when you greet her, and maybe she will greet you back, but know that it was just her being polite.

Shaking his head, Edward couldn't help but let out a wry smile.

It's a lie if he says that he doesn't feel anything.

After all, he had worked hard for more than half a month in order to get close to her and gain her trust...

The fact that she was able to tell him what was on her mind means that he had already succeeded.

Unfortunately..

He shook his head and stopped thinking too much about it.

It happened already, regretting it won't change anything.

Anyway, it's not like it was the first time he was in 'Acquaintance Zoned.'

It happened a lot back then.

Too many to count.

And if there's one thing he learned from it,

Stop it until it's too late!

Blindly hoping will only result in disappointment.

What can you do?

She's turned off, and that is an undeniable fact that can't be changed.

Unless you're some kind of handsome or rich guy—but if not, then you better find a new one instead of wasting time.

Returning to the apartment, Edward locked the door and continued working on the draft until nine in the evening, as he had to stop to sleep because there was still class tomorrow.

...

Days passed in a blink.

After completing the draft, another round of recording started.

On the third day, Wednesday.

Edward had just finished his class. However, after leaving the campus, he didn't head back to his apartment but went to a nearby cafe instead.

Upon entering the shop, Edward found a comfortable corner to settle in. The lighting was gentle, and the delightful aroma of coffee lingered, creating a relaxing ambiance.

Upon entering the shop, Edward found a comfortable corner to settle in. The lighting was gentle, and the delightful aroma of coffee lingered, creating a relaxing ambiance.

Edward waited for the person he was going to meet, sipping the hot coffee and checking his email from time to time.

Soon, the doorbell rang.

A young woman entered the Cafe and upon seeing her, Edward immediately waved his hand and smiled

And as she saw him, she also smiled and walked towards him.

"Hi, its nice meeting you Mr. Morales."

"Just call me Edward, And its nice meeting you too...?"

"Rachel Kim, just call me Rachel."