6 Piano Virtuoso / 1.9&10 : The Wanderer's warmth

Yinsi was seated backstage in the auditorium waiting for his turn. He had an arrogant smile on his face looking at all how the other candidates. It'll be a piece of cake to beat those nine people. In a few days, he'll win the competition and finally attend Shao Lyrical. He's been stressed since the day Eden told him about the advanced program but now that everything is taken care of he feels so much better. The best part is that Eden isn't home anymore and he has Yuheng as a backup in school in case something happens.

He quickly became annoyed having to wait for his turn so long. Why would they put him as the ninth? At least after his turn, only one more person will go before they tell three people to go home. In the first two rounds three people are sent home and two on the third round then there's the final. He stood up looking at the candidates with disdain when his number was called. He walked the stage standing in front of the microphone. He looked at his parents who were smiling at him in the front row. He looked at the three judges and was stunned to see Chen in the middle. Zhehan followed his eyes and saw Chen, he was just as stunned as Yinsi.

Why would Chen be a judge? He knows that he has a background in piano but he only got that degree for fun. He always knew he would take over Shao Inc. And why is Yuheng still not here? He thought that he would at least show up to do his job but turns out whatever he is doing is more important. He looked at his son reassuringly. No matter what Eden thought him everything he needs to know for the competition.

Yinsi nodded at his father and looked at one of the judges when he asked:

"Yinsi what will you be playing for us?"

Yinsi said with confidence:

"The frozen palace by Wenzhou."

"Very well you can start."

Yinsi sat behind the piano and took a breath focusing. Even if he doesn't feel the music he just has to think about something he believes in for it to heal. He focused on him being a famous pianist as he played and he could feel the effect of the symphony. He smiled arrogantly as he played imagining his life of luxury and prestige as the world worships him.

Everyone clapped when he finished playing. He stood up with a haughty smile and went backstage. He took a seat proud of himself. He looked at all the candidates who were nervous with a smile. It must suck to be talentless. Now there's only one more person then he'll be done for today. He focused when he heard the last number called. He heard the same judge ask:

"Eden what will you be playing for us?"

He felt his heart beating faster and he immediately stood up looking at the stage to make sure it isn't who he thinks it is.

Eden smiled and answered:

"I will be playing a symphony I wrote called The wanderer."

The judge asked:

"Are you sure?"

Someone playing his symphony at the first round has never been done before. It takes time to write one so they keep it for the final.

"I am."

"Very well."

Eden took a seat behind the piano and started to play his eyes closed. Chen looked at him intently and for some reason, he felt a little sad and alone as everyone else in the auditorium. As Eden played they felt like they were the Wanderer traveling on their own without anyone at their side. Chen swallowed with difficulty knowing that he wrote this symphony because this is how he feels. Over time everyone started to feel a warmth surrounding them, to go from being alone to being enveloped felt wonderful. They could feel their hearts open up to let this affection and passion in.

They could still feel this feeling of loneliness which made them cherish this warmth even more. It just made them more grateful to not be cold and alone anymore.

Eden opened his eyes meeting Chen's eyes as he played, Chen looked back and he felt stunned. Is this symphony about me? He could see a slight blush on Eden's cheek and his heart turned into a puddle. No one has ever written anything about him let alone such a beautiful symphony. He felt himself becoming emotional but his eyes never left Eden. Eden forced himself not to look away despite feeling his face warming up. When he finished playing everyone stood up giving him a standing ovation. They never experienced something like that before. By the end of the symphony, they could feel free from any kind of anger or resentment, they only felt grateful for the warmth in their life because now they know what it's like to be alone.

Eden bowed and walked backstage. He passed Yinsi who was frozen in shock and took a seat. Yinsi turned around looking at him with rage. How did he sign up when his father said he didn't send the audition tape? But this isn't even the worst part, Eden played the symphony he wrote him for the final. What is he going to do now? He is never going to win against him. Father has to help. He breathed loudly. He never felt so panicked before. Why is this happening to him? Yuheng knew that they didn't want him here but he still let him come. How could he let his wife dictate him?

After a few minutes, all the candidates were called on stage. They all lined up waiting for their names to be called to know if they'll be able to move forward. When Yinsi's name was called he let out a breath and took a step forward as everyone clapped. He looked at his mother who smiled back then at his father but he was looking elsewhere his eyes full of anger. He followed his eyes and they landed on Eden. When he saw that they were only four more people and only one person had to be called he felt hopeful that he might be eliminated.

"The last but not least is Eden."

Eden took a step forward with a smile and everyone stood up giving another standing ovation.

Yinsi's hands tightened into fists. When it was him they only clapped and it was the same after he finished playing but for Eden, they stand. He looked at his father whose eyes were still on Eden.

Eden looked at Chen a little uncomfortable then he left with the rest of the candidates. He was about to leave when he saw Zhehan and Qing running toward him. He stopped in place to listen to what they had to say. He looked around to make sure that no one was there. Yinsi was the only one there is arm crossed looking at him furiously.

Zhehan walked to Eden and lifted his hand to slap him. Before it could reach him his wrist was held in place by someone. He looked at Chen wide-eyed.

"What do you think you're doing?"

Zhehan coughed with an embarrassed smile answering.

"Nothing I just wanted to make sure that Eden was okay since he didn't come home last night."

Chen threw his hand with disdain.

"He slept at my house."

Zhehan looked at him shocked. Is his fondness for Eden the reason why he gave him his dream job?

Qing who was infuriated that Eden played the symphony he had written for Yinsi yelled:

"Eden who allowed you to participate in the competition? And who do you think you are to steal Yinsi's symphony for the final?"

Before Eden could speak he heard Chen say:

"He doesn't need anyone to allow him to do anything."

Qing calmed herself knowing that she can't piss off Chen when he just promoted her husband.

"Legally he is our son, he can't just leave home without telling anyone."

Chen ignored her and said before leaving.

"Eden will stay at my house until the end of the competition."

Before Zhehan could say anything they were gone.

Eden followed him and entered the car when he opened the door. Chen took a seat next to him and the car started to move. He looked at Eden who was looking out the window. He looked at his jade-like profile. He can't wait to destroy them all for treating him that way. To think Zhehan dared to try to lay a hand on him. Chen pulled Eden in his lap and he laid on his chest.

"Are you okay?"

He can feel his sadness he just doesn't know why he is. He knows that he feels nothing for his adoptive family so that's not what got him upset. Eden looked at Chen biting his lip. He laid on his chest again murmuring:

"En."

Chen embraced him tightly.

When they arrived home Eden decided to eat in his room. When he was done he took a shower and used his computer for a few hours. When it was late he closed it and went to bed. He woke up early still feeling down. After taking a shower and eating he went to the piano room and played until it was time for the competition. Chen had prepared him a driver and an assistant in case he needs anything. He walked backstage taking a seat while he waited for his turn. When Yinsi's turn passed he walked backstage and saw Eden seated his eyes closed. He walked to him wanting to step on his foot but Eden lifted his leg and he ended up falling face first. He felt humiliated hearing the other candidates laughing. He met Eden's apathetic eyes and stood up in anger taking his seat.

Eden went last and quickly they announced who would make the next round. Eden wasn't surprised to see that Yinsi made it. He walked out of the stage and could see Qing running to talk to him. He ignored her walking with his assistant. Qing ran standing in front of him blocking his exit from the building. He raised an eyebrow listening to her yell.

"Eden, who do you think you are acting like that? Just because Chen likes you you think you can do whatever you want?"

"Are you done?"

Qing's face became red in anger she reached out to grab his arm but Eden took a step backward. He looked at her with cold eyes and threatened:

"If you dare lay a hand on me again I'll slit your throat."

Qing stepped backward scared out of her mind. She's never seen him that way and the way he was looking at her was like she was already dead. Yinsi who was at the side stood in front of his mother protecting her and yelled:

"Eden, how dare you talk to your mother like that?"

"She's not my mother my mother loved me so fuck off."

Eden left not waiting for his reply. Yinsi stood in place shocked.

Eden got in the car and it left. When he arrived at Chen's he did the same as he did yesterday. He closed his eyes trying to sleep but he couldn't. He used Versem to see where in the house Chen is but he saw that he wasn't there. He hasn't seen him since yesterday. He isn't surprised he works early and he was only a judge that day until the new one showed up today. He checked on him to see where he is exactly but he couldn't find him. He frowned not understanding what is wrong with Versem. He can see what every single person in the universe does at any time but he can't find Chen. He sighed deciding to let it go and go to sleep.

The day went the same as yesterday and has he thought the final will be between him and Yinsi. He has two days at least to rest. When he arrived at Chen's he directly went to his room and ate there. After taking a shower he watched a movie but he was distracted. He closed the computer and decided to sleep. An hour later he woke up breathing loudly. He took a few deep breaths reminding himself that it was just a bad dream. He touched his face and realized that he had been crying in his sleep, he wiped his tears then used Versem. He looked where in the house Chen is. After seeing that he wasn't here he checked to see where he is but all he could see was darkness again.

What is going on? The same thing happened yesterday. Is there something wrong with Versem? He tried to check on someone else and clearly saw Zhehan asleep in his bed. He looked for Chen again but there was only darkness. He felt his heartbeat quicken and he immediately stood up leaving the room. He went to Chen's room but he wasn't there. He checked the entire third floor but he was nowhere to be found. He ran to the second-floor checking every room as he called:

"Chen-Ge?"

He kept calling but the second floor was empty.

He checked the living room and the dining room still calling for him.

"Gege?"

He couldn't hear any sound in the entire estate.

"Gege?"

After checking everywhere he got into the elevator for the third floor. When the doors opened he couldn't retain himself anymore and he fell on his knees crying.

"Gege."

He kept calling between sobs but no one answered. I should've known better nothing good ever happens to him.

He stopped crying when he heard a sound. He ran following it and opened the door. Chen was playing the piano but he stopped when he heard Eden.

"Gege?"

Chen turned around and looked at him. He looked at him wide-eyed feeling his heart break. He was crying and he could see pain and fear in his eyes, he was also trembling. He stood up lifting him in his arms. Eden wrapped his legs around his waist crying.

"Gege."

Chen caressed his back calming him.

"I'm here, I'm here."

He held him until he stopped crying, he walked to his room holding him, and sat him on the bed.

He wiped his tears asking worriedly:

"What happened?"

Eden looked down swallowing with difficulty.

"I haven't seen you since the competition and I had this dream that you died. I looked for you but I couldn't find you anywhere and I panicked."

Chen nodded understanding. He lifted his head and when Eden met his eyes he said:

"I'm sorry, I thought you wanted space from me."

Eden looked at him guilt passing through his eyes.

He was avoiding him but he was just trying to protect Chen from him. Chen caressed his cheek.

"I'm working from home the next two days and I'll be there for the final of the competition."

Eden felt his heart settle a little hearing that. It's his fault he should've known sooner how he feels about him and bound Chen to him. He used Versem to see Chen and he could see that he was seated on the bed with him. Does that mean there was a bug earlier? It's technology far from the future how could it malfunction like that?

No matter what he'll bind Chen to him and make sure nothing happens to him. He caressed his cheeks one of his fingers on each of his temples and leaned in closing his eyes. Chen closed his eyes thinking that he is still upset. Eden used Versem leaving a sliver of his consciousness in his soul. After putting protection on him to make sure that nothing would happen to him his heart finally settled. He checked versem to see his position on a map of the estate and saw a heart representing Chen. He leaned back and said:

"I'm sorry I just had a bad dream and overreacted."

"You didn't."

Chen could tell that he was trying to minimize what happened. He feels that he is keeping something from him which kills him. He wishes he would open up and not be so scared but he feels his fear and he doesn't want him to be.

"Get some rest I'll see you tomorrow."

He stood up but Eden held onto his wrist, he looked at him.

"Will you stay here tonight?"

Chen nodded.

"Let me take a shower and I'll be right back. Okay?"

Eden nodded with a smile. Chen kissed his forehead and left.

Eden looked at him leave with a smile. He took a deep breath his whole body finally relaxing. He's never felt so scared in his entire life. The only way you can't find someone using Versem is if the person is dead so when he couldn't find Chen he thought that he was gone. He shouldn't have been so scared and just made sure that he would never leave his side. He smiled thinking about the fact that he'll always be here and safe. Chen came in and felt better seeing the smile on his face. Eden laid down and Chen joined him. He pulled him in his arms and Eden held onto him.

After a while, Chen asked:

"Can you tell me what happened?"

Even if he loves Eden and he'll take him the way he is he wishes he would be more open to him. He can tell that he is the way he is based on the circumstances surrounding his upbringing and his life this is why he doesn't push him too far. Eden looked up meeting his eyes. He could tell that Chen was worried and since he doesn't want to part from him he should just tell him. He sat up and so did Chen.

"Do you remember the symphony I played at the competition?"

"I do."

Eden murmured:

"I started writing it a few days after we met. It's only when I played it and gazed into your eyes that I realized it was about you. You're the only warmth in my life."

He looked away and said with difficulty:

"Every person who cares for me seems to die or disappear. Usually, I wouldn't care but with you it's different. I took my distance to protect you and I had this dream then I couldn't find you anywhere so I thought you..."

Eden couldn't finish his sentence.

In every universe he has been to the people who would have his back or love him would die or disappear a few days after he transmigrated. They wouldn't be around him long enough for him to have feelings but he does for Chen. When he played the symphony The Wanderer he realized that he loves Chen and he felt this immense fear that he might die because of him. If people he felt nothing for died why wouldn't someone he loves do? He kept his distance and when he couldn't find him using Versem he was sure that he died since it never malfunctioned before.

He still doesn't understand what happened. He knows that now that he is free he can change the fate of the universe and nothing is set in stone but he can't help but be scared that one day his Gege might die or disappear because he loves him. When you watch the few people who have your back die over and over again it leaves a psychological shadow that's hard to get rid of. He knew the only way he would feel tranquil is if Chen was bound to him. He doesn't want to feel this fear every day of his life.

Chen pulled him in his lap and Eden straddled him. He looked into his eyes.

"I'll never leave you, we'll spend the rest of our life together. Even after that I still won't let you go I'll find you in our next life and every life that comes after. It doesn't matter if you are in another universe I will always find you. We'll always spend a lifetime together."

Eden looked at him his eyes moistening. He leaned in kissing him tenderly. Chen kissed him back and he could feel his love for him. He held onto him tighter never wanting to let go.

They stayed like that kissing for a long time like they couldn't bear the thought of being apart for a second. Eden leaned back looking into his eyes.

"Promise?"

"I promise baby."

Eden smiled brightly hugging him tightly. They laid down and fell asleep in each other's arms.