With four simple words, Amara's heart stopped quaking.

Primo smiled at her, bending forward until their foreheads touched. He wiped her tears. "Don't cry, princess."

She sobered up, pushing him backward. "Uhm, what are you doing here?"

"I wanted to see you."

Amara barely heard the sound of the crowd as Primo's heated gaze locked her in place. Isla squealed next to her, muttering about a prince charming before Zeke dragged her away.

"Primo, you said you will play for me? Are you sure?"

Primo shrugged. "Fine."

It wasn't fine at all. Her best friend not only make mistakes in front of a crowd but also freeze up whenever he was on stage.

Amara followed him backstage while he read the sheet music for Saint-Saëns Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso in A minor. They sat on black leather sofas while Primo continued tapping his fingers to practice.

"Primo..."

"Stop it, Amara. I owe you this."

"But what if—"

He turned to her, his deep blue eyes scanning her black lacy dress and how it hugged her soft curves. "You're beautiful."

She swallowed, fighting the rush of blood to her cheeks. Weren't they supposed to be friends? Why was she feeling hot all of a sudden? Amara glared at him. "Stop it."

"Stop what?"

"What you're doing!" she hissed as the other contestants shot them odd looks. He was about to reply when she raised a warning finger. "Stop changing the subject."

Primo rolled his eyes. "I'll be fine."

"You said you'd never play onstage!"

"I can break every promise I have ever made when it comes to you, Amara."

Her breath hitched at his declaration. Amara reached for his hand. "Alright. But if you feel uncomfortable, you can stop okay? I won't blame you."

Primo grasped her hand, his thumb rubbing circles on her palm. "No. This is important to you, right?"

Amara frowned. "What are you talking about? I know that you only feel pain and sadness from the piano."

"Amara—"

"To me, there's nothing more important than your happiness."

He lowered his gaze as his grip tightened on her hand. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry for all the things I said, Amara. I didn't mean it. I appreciate everything you do for me."

"It's okay, Primo. I also said some things." Their eyes met and Amara smiled. They were standing on stable ground again, their friendship wasn't breaking apart after the tremors that shook it. "We'll be fine."

There was a wild gleam in his eyes but the host announced their turn. They got ready, standing near the stage as the previous contestants took a bow. The lights shined down on them, making the stage glow.

Primo didn't let go of her hand as they walked towards the center. She shot him one last reassuring look as she took a deep breath and positioned the violin.

Amara closed her eyes for a second as Primo hit the keys. They started slow, letting the music fill the air. It was a performance of mastery and precision. She could see the awe in the judges' eyes but her heart thudded as they near the end.

Primo's playing became even more noticeable. He commanded everyone's attention as if he owned the stage. Well, of course. He was a soloist through and through.

Amara smirked. Brat! Can't even share!

She had chosen the piece on a whim and it might be meant for the violin and orchestra but the piano sparkled on its own. He had all the chance to shine. Or in Primo's case, he had all the power to sweep her away in another storm.

Not today, baby.

They headed straight to the finish as the music went fast, intense, and heart-pounding. Her soul was singing, drawing out the brightest parts, weaving it into endless strings of golden chaos.

Amara huffed, chuckling as they ended with loud claps and cheers.

She jerked her head to the piano but her best friend was already walking away. Amara bowed in a hurry and rushed to follow him towards the restroom.

"Primo!" she yelled, placing her violin on the sink as Primo coughed on one of the stalls.

"Shit." Amara went outside for a moment to grab a water bottle. She returned and hurried over to his hunched form. She stroked his back as cold sweat ran down his neck.

Primo heaved into the toilet bowl. He rubbed his mouth with his rolled-up sleeves as he stood straight. "I'm sorry."

Amara let him drink, digging into his pockets for his handkerchief to wipe his face. "What do you mean? We did great."

"I'm fine," he muttered and swatted her hand. "Stop that."

She snorted but resumed wiping his forehead.

Primo grunted before he went out and paced the floor. He leaned against the wall. "I'm pretty sure I messed up."

Amara shook her head and handed him his hankie back. "You told me once that the most important thing is to pour your soul into the notes. I think we did that."

"We did?"

"It was fun, Primo."

"I know."

"Should we do it again?"

"Depends." He smirked. "If you can keep up with me."

They laughed before Primo reached out a hand and played with the stray hair that fell from her bun. "It was fun. It was so fun that I almost felt guilty."

She stepped forward, catching his hand on hers. "What is it?"

"My mother... Whenever I play, I remember her. I remember everything she taught me. You're right. It makes me sad. It makes me angry. But earlier... I forgot about it all." He yanked her to his body, cupping her face in his hands. His elegant fingers traced patterns on her skin. "I wanted to do my best for you, Amara. It makes me happy. Everything is... better when you're around."

"Primo..." she mumbled. "What do you want from me?"

"Take me back, princess. Please," he pleaded. "I was an idiot. I still am. I cannot be just friends with you."

Amara swallowed the knot on her throat. "No."

Primo's face fell. "Why?"

"We got our friendship back, Primo. If we become lovers... and then, we break up... we might never survive it. And I cannot lose you."

"Why are you so sure that we will break up?"

"Why are you so sure that we won't?"

Primo's reply didn't come as her phone rang. Her parents were waiting for her outside.

Also, Zeke and his father.

She looked at him. "I should go."

"Your parents?"

"Zeke's too."

"You mean?"

"Yeah."

✘✘

For reference: either watch Your lie in April or this one:

https://youtu.be/uuFkm95ts4c