After they returned from the café, the atmosphere in their apartment was warm and full of life. Viktor stood in the kitchen, rolling up the sleeves of his shirt as he helped Emma prepare dinner. On the table, a few ingredients were scattered, and the oven hummed in harmony with the calm evening air.
Minutes later, Emma stood in front of her phone, hesitating a little before pressing the "Go Live" button—something she hadn't done in a long while. The moment her face appeared on the screen, the comments came flooding in:
"Emma! Where have you been? We missed you!"
"Is this a cooking stream? Totally didn't expect that!"
"And what about your singing? Are you coming back?"
Emma giggled softly while stirring the ingredients in the pan, then said with her usual playful tone:
"I know, I know... I disappeared for a while, but I'm back now—and with a different vibe this time!"
Viktor, who had been watching her from behind, suddenly walked up and wrapped his arms around her waist, making her jump slightly in surprise. She looked up at him, flustered, and whispered:
"Viktor... we're live!"
He didn't seem the least bit concerned. He leaned in and whispered in her ear,
"So what? What matters is that you're here with me."
The comments poured in even faster:
"Who is that?!"
"Oh my god, how romantic!"
"Emma looks flustered! I love it!"
Emma tried to focus on cooking, but her face flushed even more. She gently pushed him away, pretending to concentrate, but Viktor didn't back off easily. He tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear and said aloud:
"Did you tell them how busy you've been making the most delicious dishes for me?"
The comments lit up again while Emma covered her face with her hand, trying to hide her embarrassment.
"Viktor, stop it already!"
He just smiled and picked up a small spoon, lifting it to her lips.
"Taste this, and tell me if you're truly a great cook—or just a wonderful singer."
She gave him a sideways glance before tasting the food, then smirked.
"Looks like you're lucky to have me, Viktor."
He chuckled and whispered:
"I'm the luckiest man in the world."
Emma returned to reading the comments, finding her followers still asking about why she'd disappeared from singing. She sighed softly, then spoke with a quieter voice:
"Honestly... I just needed time, a break. But don't worry, I'll be back soon."
The questions began to pile up again:
"Who is this guy with you?!"
"Is Viktor your partner?"
"Why didn't you tell us anything about your relationship?"
Emma felt the pressure building from the eyes of her audience. She wasn't ready to answer those questions. Her heart was racing.
Viktor noticed her silence. He leaned in closer and whispered:
"You don't owe anyone an answer. We're here. That's what matters."
Emma could only smile shyly in return. Once the live stream ended, she sat at the dining table, scrolling through the flood of comments. Her fans were thrilled about her return, which warmed her heart, but deep down, she couldn't deny the small fear lingering inside... would she be able to come back stronger than before?
Viktor watched her silently, noticing the hesitation in her eyes. He didn't need her to speak—he knew her well. He got up, walked over to her, and gently took her hand as he sat beside her.
"Emma, what's on your mind?"
She looked up at him, as if suddenly aware of his presence, then exhaled softly:
"I don't know... I feel like I need more time. My fans are excited, but... what if I'm not ready yet?"
Viktor gave her a warm smile, gently running his fingers through her hair, as if to comfort her without words.
"Emma, you don't have to prove anything to anyone... You came back because you wanted to, not because they expected it. Singing, music—it's always been your passion. So take your time... and when you're ready, you'll shine even brighter than before."
His words were like a soothing balm to her heart, letting her breathe freely again. She gazed at him for a moment, then smiled gratefully and squeezed his hand.
"When did you get so good at giving advice like this?"
He laughed softly and joked,
"Ever since you fell in love with me."
She gave him a side-eye and whispered teasingly,
"Arrogant."
He held her hand and kissed it gently, then said in a low, heartfelt voice:
"I'm just a man in love with you, and that makes you the most important person in my world, Emma."
Her heart skipped a beat. She stared into his eyes for a moment before resting her head on his shoulder. They stayed like that in silence as midnight fell, wrapping their home in peace.
But Viktor wasn't done surprising her.
Suddenly, he got up, and Emma looked at him curiously.
"Where are you going?"
He turned back with a smile.
"Wait right here, I have an idea."
He disappeared into one of the rooms, leaving Emma intrigued. Moments later, he returned with his guitar. Before she could say a word, he sat down in front of her and began strumming a familiar tune... one of her old songs, one that held a special place in her heart.
She stared at him in awe, her hand covering her mouth in surprise.
"Viktor... how do you even remember that?"
He looked at her with love in his eyes and replied softly:
"How could I forget? This was the first song I ever heard from you... it's what made me fall in love with your voice—before I even fell in love with you."
Emma felt her heart melt. She placed her hand on her chest, overwhelmed with emotion. Then, as if moved by the melody, she began to sing—softly at first, hesitantly—but her voice grew stronger with each note Viktor played.
That moment... it was the true beginning of her comeback. She didn't need a stage, or a crowd, or the spotlight—just him by her side, helping her rediscover her passion.
After their intimate moment, Viktor looked at her playfully:
"How about we go live again right now?"
Her eyes widened in disbelief, and she laughed while shaking her head:
"You're joking, right? We just finished one!"
But he wasn't joking. He grabbed her phone and raised his brows as if challenging her.
"Why not? This one will be different..."
Emma looked at him, torn between hesitation and laughter, then finally gave in. She grabbed her phone and started the stream again. Within seconds, her followers flooded in, surprised by the sudden encore.
"Emma! Didn't expect another live!"
"I was about to sleep, but I have to stay now!"
"Is Viktor still there?!"
Reading the last comment, Emma sighed and tilted her head slightly toward the camera.
"Seriously? I saw your comments about him earlier—and now again? Are you more excited to see him than me?"
Viktor chuckled and leaned into frame with his guitar. The comments exploded:
"Viiiiiiktor!"
"He finally showed up!"
"Okay, when are you telling us your story?"
Emma raised a brow and said teasingly:
"I usually like to keep my private life private... but since you're all so insistent..."
She paused, letting the suspense build, then smiled slyly at Viktor:
"I'll let him play for you. That's all you're getting!"
Viktor laughed and began to strum the same melody he played earlier. But this time, Emma was ready. She closed her eyes, letting her voice flow effortlessly with his chords, filling the space with warmth and magic.
The comments kept coming:
"This is more beautiful than anything I expected!"
"Emma singing and Viktor playing? Best duo ever!"
"I feel like I'm at a private concert!"
As Emma sang, Viktor watched her with a small, private smile—the kind only she would notice. The smile of a man who didn't care about the world outside this room... because she was singing again. And this time, she was singing for him.
When the song ended, the comments paused—just for a breath—before exploding again with hearts and admiration. Emma laughed, full of joy, as Viktor leaned in and whispered just loud enough for her to hear:
"You were amazing."
She ended the stream after thanking her fans, then turned to him, her voice soft and sincere:
"I couldn't have done this without you."
Viktor reached out, gently brushing her cheek with his fingers before whispering:
"And you won't have to do anything alone ever again."
.
To be continued...
.-
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