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A/N; This is a story between two males falling in love so if you're against the idea of the same gender falling for each other, by all means do stop here.

I'm like darkness and you're a flask filled and glows with copious light that shimmers hope. But opposite attract works well in dictation of composition, right?
He paced back and forth outside the meeting room, "Manager, how did you even made up your own mind to collaborate with someone like him in the first place?" He rose his voice with the hint of a low chance in pacifying him. Does this guy have anger issues? Why do girls even view the likes of him as a paragon? I rolled my eyes in disbelief as I sat alone in the spacious room in silence having thoughts with myself that I have to waste my time and talent on a brat like him.

Few hours ago
Third person p.o.v "Another love song?" He lets out a sigh showing his dissatisfaction.
Elliot is a rising star. Females infatuated with him and males think he is an ethereal human being. Something like an epitome of beauty standards in the male gender classification.
His manager, without Elliot's acknowledgment, assigned the collaboration and scheduled a meeting between him and a composer. Elliot knows nothing about him and Nicholas knows nothing about Elliot. More likely, Nicholas didn't bother getting involved with the idol world. Meticulous Nicholas only cares about his job. Worldly known idol whatever, Nicholas doesn't even remember the people he worked with previously.
The one specific issue working with Nicholas is that he only accepts jobs he finds particular interest in. It’s one thing he is famous for. He composes when he wants and what he wants. It’s pretty much a bet placed on a thin thread whether Elliot’s upcoming solo will be composed by the prodigy Nicholas Jones or not.
Meeting room“It’s nice to finally meet you. I’m Elliot’s manager and I’m hoping you would be delightful to collaborate with Elliot to work on his next solo.” Elliot silently observed Nicholas as they exchanged name cards.
Three of them sat down, “Let’s get into business. What do you need?”
.
.
.
“No.” Nicholas rejected flatly. “But-“
“No.” He repeated himself. Elliot squints his eyes, creating lines of depth on his forehead. He stood up, “What do you mean no? Do you know who I am?”
“No.”
Elliot gritted his teeth and clenched his fist, “You-“ The manager grabbed Elliot and hushed him. “But, sir, please reconsider our offer.”
Nicholas threw his head back while spinning in circles sitting on the spinning chair, showing no interest in the offer.  The clock ticks which seemed like the only audible sound echoing throughout the room.
The manager sighed, “I understand. Please take some time to think about it. My information is in the name card if there's an update.”
Present time
Nicholas’ p.o.v The brat continues to throw a tantrum with no shame. I don’t have time to spare on someone like him. I stood up from my seat and went over to the door. I inhaled deeply, swung the door open and stepped outside the meeting room.
What did he say his name was again? Elliot? Yeah, Elliot gave me a menacing glare as soon as he noticed my presence.  I looked back at him, “What?”
His manager apologized to me numerous times while Elliot and I stared at each other. He finally tore his eyes away and stuck his nose high up. That was uncomfortable.
“We’ll excuse ourselves now.” The manager dragged Elliot along. Elliot yanked his arm away from his grasp and walked up to me with his hands shoved in his coat pockets.
“Give me a proper explanation exactly why you refuse to write for me.” I looked to my side and lowered my head down, “Do I even have to?”
He took one of his hands out from his pocket. Elliot grabbed me by my chin and forcefully angled my head straight to make me look at him. I slapped his hand away and turn on my heels.
“The key on asking someone to assist you is a great correlation between you and the other person. But you’re a brat…” I said with my back facing him and walked away down the hall.
Elliot uttered under his breath, “Who does that midget think he is?”

"Hey, shorty!" Elliot's voice rang around the hallway. I stopped on my tracks and glanced behind me. His footsteps grew closer to me and I turned around to face him. "What?" I asked in a tone signalling him that I'm definitely not finding any joy of his presence.
"I heard you're a prodigy. What? Can't a prodigy like you write a love song for me?" Elliot mocked me.
Obviously I was slightly offended by a statement like that. Anyone would be. "It's up to you whether I'm a prodigy or not." I frowned, "Did you even look into my work before coming here?"
He rubbed the back of his neck in annoyance, "Ha? Who cares about that? So are you going to write me or song or not, shorty?" He stressed the word 'shorty' with a mocking tone.
"Don't challenge me."
"Oh how scary." He waved his hands in the air. "Bet Mr.Prodigy has no experience with love and is probably a virgin that's why he's refusing to write a love song."
My face reddens as my blood boiled, "That-" I froze midway in my sentence. "Oh? Did I hit the bull's-eye?" He chuckled.
I pulled him by the neck of his coat to meet my eye level, "Shut up. A love song was it? I'll write you a love song, brat." I whispered sharply into his ear and let go.

His manager's face brightens up, "Really? You'll accept our request?" "Yeah sure okay." I glared at Elliot.
He smirked, "Pleased to work with you, virgin." He emphasized and dragged each word slowly.
"My name is Nicholas. Not virgin, shorty or whatever you have in store. So get it right if you want to work with me, Elly" His expression went from 100 to 0 real quick. He scrunched his face, "What the f-"
"Okay, time out." His manager interrupted.
I cleared my throat, "Anyways you have my number in the name card so you can contact me when you're ready." I stated.

Few days laterMy fingers danced on my keyboard and words appeared on my computer screen. My phone rang and what showed up on the screen was an unknown number. I tapped the green button to pick up, "Hello?"
"Yo, shorty." A male voice on the other side greeted.
"Oh it's Elly." I responded in a flat monotone voice.
"Again with the 'Elly'?"
"Again with the 'shorty'?"
He sneered, "Okay enough. Meeting room. Now."
"You could have asked nicely-" The line went dead. I rolled my eyes in annoyance even knowing he can't see me on the other line. I switched off my laptop and packed my things, ready to leave.
--

Our eyes met. He gave me a funny look and I ignored him. I settled my things down and took a seat.
I tapped my index finger on the desk while resting my chin on another hand, "So what are you looking for?"
Elliot looks bored. "Don't know. Don't care." He yawned. "You're being really difficult now."
"Wow chill, it has only been like, what?" He glanced down at the watch on his wrist. "5 minutes since we started." He looked back at me.
"Am I supposed to just write a song without knowing what your preference is?" I tapped impatiently. "Isn't composing your job?" He questioned back. "You're a prodigy anyways you know what to do, right?" He implied and crossed his arms.
I exhaled sharply to surpass the surge of emotions running up, "Again with the prodigy? I'd appreciate if you don't refer me as a prodigy."
The conversation died down. He looks at me. I looked at him.
Elliot broke the silence, "You're such a plain person. It's no shock if you're actually a virgin."
"Then what about you?" "Me?" He lets out a laugh.
"There are girls out there that want me. Unlike you." He gave me an assertive smirk. This man is unequivocally a douche...
"Mm..." I hummed. Whatever. Is this collaboration even going anywhere? I think it's not going anywhere just like my life.
This is going nowhere. He's too uncooperative.
"Just do what you can to construct the song. I don't really care what you do with it." Elliot rests his head on the flat surface with his forehead making contact with the desk.
"Normally people pester me about what they want for the song." I ponder, "But you're different. How come?"
He lifted his head and rests his chin on the desk, "Are you interested?" "No." "Thought so."
Elliot angled his head to the side, "But if I tell you about me, would you tell me about yourself? It's only fair that way."
I shrugged my shoulders, slightly interested in what he's saying, "Maybe."

He started off simple, "I don't like love songs. No, I hate love songs. I only sing for the fact I'm an idol."I nodded in amusement, "I see." So idols like him exist? Not that I have sufficient knowledge about people like him. "Now tell me why you refused to write for me in the first place."
I pursed my lips together with pressure. "I mentioned how you didn't research before coming to me right?" He nodded, urging me to continue.
I averted my eyes away from him, "That's because I don't write love song. Never tried to."
" Why? "Just Elliot asking me why taunted me to search my entire brain for the answer... but I couldn't. I should know the reason well enough to respond but... I couldn't find the courage to, "I just don't. I write what I only find interest in."
"Why don't you look into my work yourself?" I added. "You don't or you can't? My manager probably just came to you because of your name without knowing anything. The fact that you're a prodigy must be true." I sighed, "I see." "But I'll keep that in mind."
"Anyways I'll take a nap now so good luck composing." Elliot said as he rests his head on his folded arms on the desk.
This guy... unbelievable. A love song? Oh, I'll give him a love song.

Half an hour passed by which seemed like few hours running by. I can't concoct anything. Every time I seem to have a grasp of it, the ideas slipped away from my mind and turns into gist of nothingness.
Lyrics? Nothing. Melody? Nothing. Music? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. I stared at the blank music sheet mindlessly. The bars of lines slowly circles around in my vision and all I hear is white noise. I can't make anything out of it. My heartbeat thumps at a fluctuate rate. It felt like I was in a state where oxygen is absent from this world. Beads of sweat rolled down the side of my face even though this room is air conditioned.
"-las!"
"Nicholas!" Elliot's voice brought my senses back to reality. "What, Elly?" I pushed my glasses up and rubbed the bridge of my nose. "You could have at least called me by Elliot when I was nice enough to call you by your name, shorty."
I went back staring at the music sheet, dwelling. Without realizing, I was squinting my eyes and creases formed in between my eyebrows.
Elliot flicked my forehead which earned a glare from me. "What's wrong with you? You're acting strange." He looked over at the sheets, "You haven't written anything?"
I let out a shaky breath and wiped off my sweat with my sleeve, "Well sorry to disappoint you." "That's not really the problem." He shrugged. "You really can't write a love song? You don't have to pressure yourself." For a moment he was a nice human being, I thought.
I opened my mouth, "I... I-" but no words came out. "Let's have lunch." Elliot changed the topic. I looked at the time and then Elliot.
"Me and you? An idol?" I wasn't sure if my question was sarcasm. "What's wrong with that?"
"Nothing, just..." I don't know?
"Let's order pizza." "Whatever you say. I'm not paying for a rich idol."

Elliot chomped the pizza slice, "You know, couples have meals together a lot to spend time with each other." He spoke with his mouth stuffed with chewed pizza.
"Eat or speak choose one."
"But what's your point?" I slowly munched a slice. "Just telling you what love is."
"So you want me to write a song about couples having meals together?" I gave him a strange look. He rolled his eyes, "No just giving you an idea-" He stopped midway and swallowed his pizza. "Forget it. Is your schedule free from plans today?" He took out a pair of sunglasses and puts it on.
"I guess so. Why do you ask?" "Let's hang out." ==

The sound of children giggling, machines going 'boop' or 'cha ching' and the metal screeching caused by the friction of the roller coaster wheels running against the tracks fills the air. Wait why are we at the amusement park?
"Elly what-" I turned to him. Elliot disappeared from my sight even though I only had my gaze away for a moment. The sun is bright up there. Ugh, the sweltering afternoon heat caught up to me.
I rolled up the sleeves of my sweater, "Where is Elly?" That brat. As if on cue, I saw a hint of blonde in the waves of crowd. Oh found him. I pushed my way through the crowd and went after him, "Elly what the hell?" He spun around, "Oh sorry. You're too short I lost you in the crowd." Elliot looked to the right as if something piques his interest. I followed his eyes to find out what was he so interested in.
Elliot grabbed me by my wrist and pulled me along to wherever he's heading. I wriggled my hand, "Elly!"
"It's important for couples to have fun together." He purchased two ride tickets for the roller coaster amusement. Before I was able to process everything in my brain, I was sitting in a ride I dislike since childhood ; the roller coaster. But it was too late to protest. The roller coaster began at a slow pace and slowing but surely, it was rising up.
"BUT ELLY. I HATE ROLLER COASTERS. I HATE HEIGHTS!"
All you can hear is my scream of terror alarming throughout the amusement park. "Whaaaaat? I can't hear youuuuuu." Elliot who's seated next to me shouted. "God damn it Elly! How can couples have fun like this?!"

Minutes which somewhat felt like hours of torture, thanks to someone finally stopped. Elliot stood up and stretched, "Ahh wasn't that fun?" I wobbled as I stood up and placed my hand on the handle of the roller coaster to support myself. "Elly you brat." I cursed under my breath. I swear if I throw up unpleasant gooey substance of the pizza I had for lunch in front of everybody, I will sue you.
I swallowed the lump in my throat to avoid getting sicker. I glared at him, showing how unhappy I was. Elliot doesn't seem to be fazed by my mild threat. I pushed his back and unintentionally, his sunglasses slid off slightly. Whispers began to circle around the crowd. "Is that Elliot?" "Eh? That 'Elliot'?"
I might have made a mistake I admit-
Elliot soon realized it too that his presence isn't just a privy to the knowledge of the two of us. He clutched my hand and mouthed the word, 'Run'. Anyone would panic at this point so I went along with the flow. Along with Elliot hauling me.
--

"Do couples also have their fun time being chased by fans?" I sipped my latte. We stopped at a cafe nearby to take a break.
"...Obviously not. You can't put all the blame on me for being so adored by fans. But anyways when couples spend time together and have fun, chemistry forms." Elliot leaned his back against his chair made out of wood, making it creak.
"Does love consist of chemistry? I don't like chemistry during high school." I lifted my head up to look at the strings of glowing light bulbs. Aesthetic.
Elliot stared at me without saying anything. I tilted my head, "Do you have the tendency to stare at people?"
"You're just blankly inscrutable."
I shrugged, "Maybe my emotions are simply trivialized." He puckers his lips, "Heh, no fun."
The conversation dropped dead again. The only thing accompanying us is the classical music being played at the cafe and the soft chatters exchanged between customers.
"Do you have interest in love?" Elliot suddenly asked. He tapped his glass of juice in a rhythm.
I looked at him after studying a grotesque piece with an intricate detail hanged against the wall, "I don't know. I have inadequate notions about it." Honestly, is love even necessary? Don't people only care about their own necessities more than others nowadays? Anyways, what do I know?
"Couples tend to argue over pointless topics but it makes their bond stronger." "Really?" "Or so I heard." Oh. But maybe I should take note of that. Just in case because you never know.
I fished out my phone from my pocket and tapped the note app to take down some notes.
Dines together
Have fun together
Bickers but strengthens their bond
"What are you doing?" Elliot leaned forward to peek at my screen. He chuckled, mocking me in a sense. I gave him a dirty look. "Hand it to me. Those aren't enough to help you." He took my phone away from me and his fingers began typing. He passed it back.
Dines together
Have fun together
Bickers but strengthens their bond
Calls each other even though its 3 a.m.
Talks about innermost thoughts
Pays great attention to their significant other
Be patient with each other because preconceived notion isn't an ideal
"I've been wondering." I cleared my throat, "Not really my concern and place to pry but-"
"Have you dated before? If so then you must know what love is right? That's why you can write those." I went over the notes Elliot left me. "Who knows? Hey, if I leak that information to you, it'll be the newspaper's headline tomorrow. I'm a famous idol after all." He brushed his bangs. "I'm a composer. Not a paparazzi."

We both parted our ways after exchanging valedictory waves.

Music sheets scattered on my desk in my room with the table lamp being the only source of light. I twirled the pen around my fingers and sighed. I immersed myself into the depth of deep thoughts to see what I can find.
I gander at the time. I did a lot of thinking but I can't produce anything. This never happened before, so why?
I went over to my bed after switching off the table lamp and let unconsciousness consume my mind.

Hours later
I sneezed and my eyelids flew open. I reached for my phone on the nightstand and opened the notes Elliot left me. It's 2:50 a.m.?
Calls each other even though its 3 a.m.
I have his number. I dialled him from my call history earlier today, not really anticipating a reply honestly. After a few rings, Elliot picked up. With a tired tone, "What? What time is it? Is the time on my phone wrong? Why is it still so dark outside?"
"Hello to you too, Elly. You're the one who said couples call each other despite being 3 a.m."
Elliot didn't respond.
"Elly?"
"I didn't think you'd take this seriously. It's kinda hilarious."
"Why are you surprised? You're the one who wrote it for me." What do people even gain from calling each other this late? I don't understand anything so things like these... it's ludicrous. At least for someone like me.
"Yeah whatever. So? What did you call for?" He yawned. "I don't know. I just called to see what's so fun about this since it's what couples find amusing. Also, maybe hoping to learn something about love from this."
"Shorty, you won't learn anything by dialling someone this late." "But you wrote it down for me."
...
"Love is not as easy as it sounds, Nicholas." Elliot dropped his usual cocky tone. Somehow, chills ran down my spine when he said my name in such serious tone. "It's not something you can learn overnight by just attempting to read every book that existed." His voice lowered into a whisper. "I learnt that the hard way."
"Hard...way?"
"Exulansis." "Exu- what?" That drove me to a state of confusion. "Look it up. Someone like you can never understand the concept of love even if it was made explicit. Not unless you have your own experience and actually paid enough attention to learn something from it. Goodnight." He hung up. What's his problem?
I dismissed the thoughts and went back to my slumber.

Next morning
My phone buzzed with notifications. I slid the screen to unlock it.

Elly Yo shortyShorty wake upWake up wake up wakeupwakeup
What? Don't spam me.

Finally rose up from the dead? Let's go for breakfast
"Couples eat meals together" policy? Yea whatever. Location, time.

"Don't you have work today?" I asked Elliot while munching on a piece of fresh crispy toast.
Elliot's cup clattered in the saucer as he placed it down. "Other than commercial and modelling shoots, nope."
"Besides, I still need you to compose a song for me."
I felt the temperature lowered or was it just me? What if I can't compose a song for him? I ate my breakfast in silence.
"Don't let your expectations get ahead of you." I wiped the corner of my mouth with the cloth. "You were thinking what sort of consequence will drop on you if you can't do it, right?" Elliot looked at me like he saw through me. I could only sigh as a reply.
"I guess it's something I should frantically worry about since it's my job."
Elliot placed his elbows on the table and rests his head on his intertwined fingers, "So, why did you decide to be a composer?"
"Are you actually interested in knowing or you're just making conversations?" My eyebrows rose.
"A little bit of both perhaps? Or maybe I'm just inquisitive about people's life."
I mouthed 'busybody' to him. "It's not an interesting story I can boast about to say the least. All you need to know is I started off playing the piano as child and I slowly built up from there. So I sort of realize that maybe composing is a thing or me." "I looked into your previous work."
"And?"
He rubbed the back of his neck, "It's something. You know how idols only sing about love songs nowadays? So it's really something how a composer like you is well-known despite not writing songs about affection."
"Are you looking down on me?"
Elliot raised his hands in the air, "No of course not."
"I'm complimenting you obviously, Nicholas Jones the prodigy."Oh, woah a cocky idol just praised me. "I would have gone with your composing concept but unfortunately, a romantic idol can't be seen walking under dark clouds." Mm...
==

"Well I have to follow my schedule now so ciao. It's nice having breakfast with someone for a change." Elliot turned around and strolled the other way. I gave a small wave. My phone in my pocket vibrated.

Elly

So what are you doing later?

It hasn't been 5 minutes since we last talked. What's the deal?

NothingAsking because I'm bored
Sure. Well I can't entertain you
;'((
Brat don't be clingy

Seriously what's with Elliot? I shook my head and went home.

Elliot and I have been hanging out more over the week to give me consultation and important points of what love is. When I'm out with him I have to worry about unnecessary things I don't even worry about on a typical day; which is the fact Elliot might be identified outside. I'm not even an outdoor person in the first place so him dragging me out makes me a little lethargic.
To be honest, I actually looked up about him on the internet just to see how well he does. I had the embodiment that he is indeed a huge thing but it managed to surprise me. Elliot looks like a typical orthodox star but he's actually, profoundly great at what he does and deep down I frankly hoped that wasn't the case because... because he's so great people expects a lot of things from him. And his next solo depends on me.
It's unfathomable why he hates love songs when everybody finds the appeal in it.
It's inevitable that his voice sounds like it's coated in rich honey. He isn't all talk but I wish he wasn't so inclined to that personality of his. Is he like that on stage as well? Our first impressions weren't as great as it is but what can I say?

"Shorty, what are you thinking about?" Elliot scrolled through his Twitter on his phone. He actually invited me over to his apartment to make things 'convenient' for himself. I thought a star like him would be living in opulent comfort so I was half expected to see Elliot's upscale apartment. Am I the only commoner who thinks that way?  It's a decent one though. Enough room for a person who considers living alone.

"Nothing. Just thinking how our first impressions were and how we're sitting here together today." But then I came to realize, this whole 'giving me an idea of what love is' will all come to an end after I finish his song... right?
"Yeah it's strange how friendship works." Friends, huh. I slapped myself in my head. Get over it.
"Not that I feel bad but I feel like I slowed down your pace of work because you're being paired up with someone who lacks the basic knowledge of something so general." I fiddled with the tiny lints on my sweater and flicked them away.
"You should feel bad for dragging a star like me down." Elliot said in a childish manner but he waved it off as a joke. I shrink down a little into my seat. Even if it was a part of his humor, I can't help but to feel slight guilt.
"Hey, don't worry about it." Even if you told me not to worry, I worry.
"It's really nothing to be concerned about." It is my concern.
I sighed and rubbed my hands together, "I wonder why I decided to write songs with such a monotonous concept..." I detest myself for that. "It kinda runs through my mind sometimes. Like, yeah, why do you only write songs like that? Like.. dark concepts..." His eyes were on me. Maybe he didn't want to use the word depressing.
"I hate myself for that." I mumbled to myself. "Why would you?" Wow I really need to work on my mumbling.
I exhaled, "Wouldn't you find it tiring that you always do the same thing? Just like how you hate singing love songs."
"I don't hate love songs because it's a part of my image and I'm tired of it." Elliot pointed out immediately.
"Oh? Then why do you hate love songs?" I was sort of curious in why, I guess.
He rubbed his chin and smiled, "Maybe because I'm philophobia?"
"Philophobia? If my memory serves me right, it means fear of love, no?" "That's right."
"An idol that is portrayed to be affectionate but hates love song. The irony is strong in this one." I sniggered. "So you do have experience in dating." "Yeah. Got a problem with that?" "No because I fail to understand love, remember?"
"Well? You're never dating again?" He just nodded. I don't know what this is but I felt blue and my heart feels uneasy. Am I having some heart disease? I'm too young to die, please.

I noticed it too that... recently every small action he does it makes my stomach twist and my face burning even though it's not summer nor am I having a fever. Nervousness, is that what people call it? Flustered? Strange how I only experience that with him so I decided to ask him. Indirectly.

"Elly, what does it mean when you're with someone and your heart goes 'thump thump' that it feels like it will jump out of chest which is terrifying to even think of and your stomach feels weird and it feels like you'll throw up-"
"Slow down for a moment. Are you implying that you're in love with someone?" Love? Wait I thought love is about two people being close with each other.
"I don't know?" "Do you only feel that way around someone specific?" I nodded. "And that person makes you nervous when the person is around you?" I nodded. Elliot tilted his head and laughed, "Oh? Virgin boy finally found a girl?" Girl? Wait, not really.
This might just be my addled brain but... "Why did you assume it was a girl immediately?" He looked at me with shock written all over his face, "Wait is it a guy? You're homosexual?"
"I don't know if my sexuality has something to do with this but... I don't think love limits your preference... Maybe just me...?"
Elliot's expression softens and the corners of his mouth lifted to form a smile, "Hey, there you go. You're slowly understanding love."
Pink tints painted my cheeks. "I am? It's not strange or anything like that?"
"Of course not. Whoever you like must be lucky you think that way." His voice slowly disappears. "Why do you say so?" Then are you lucky? "Just because."
"Guess even someone who is inexperienced can turn out to be this way, huh?" For some reason, his smile looked a little... sad.
He went back to his usual cocky smug face, "Anyways, want to hear a story?" I tilted my head but nodded.

Elliot's p.o.vThere was a naive boy who thought he could anything. Including getting his senior to fall for him. He was blinded because he was head over heels over him. He confessed his undying love to his eye candy and he accepted which of course made the boy's day an exhilarating one. Things were going his way which got him to think that maybe his first love would be successful. Maybe he set the bars too high not knowing it would bite him one day. It was unforeseen. They went on dates and do things a pair of young high school couple would. They never argued about anything so the boy thought his relationship is going well. He thought that he had him all to himself.
But little did he know, all his significant other wanted was an entertainment to pass time and he left the naive boy clueless after completing high school. What went wrong? What could have possibly ruined our relationship? He thought.Throughout their relationship, they only had one argument. But that argument torn the boy's heart apart and left him shattered. Maybe it was a punishment he deserved for being too ignorant.
Yeah it was what I deserved. He only pretended to love me just so he could mortify me. Heck, it was only a few days later I found out he's a homophobic. I was really ingenuous.

Nicholas' p.o.v  "And that's pretty much the story." Elliot ended it with a smile.
"Did the boy ended up being philophobia?" "How did you know?" He was still smiling. "So, it's really wise to know more about your eye candy before you make a move, including the person you love right now."
I stayed quiet for a moment.
"Hey Elly. Tell me more about yourself.".
.
.
"Also this might be unexpected. I may not look like it but I actually enjoy things like chocolates. Fans send me a lot of it so... lucky me." Elliot sticks out his tongue. Well he looks happy to say the least. "But... why are you suddenly asking about me?" "I don't know. I'm just bored?" "Talk about yourself too."
"There's not much to know about me. Didn't you call me a plain person? You weren't mistaken about it." He opened his mouth, maybe to protest but shuts it up immediately. "Well maybe... Oh! Why not tell me about the person you love?" He gave me a sly smirk. I stared at him blankly and he stared right back.
"I don't know. Tall?" I just threw some random things I know about him. "Well I'm not surprised. Because you're a midget." Elliot snickered at his own joke. "But give me something specific. Like the reason you fell for him. Come on spill the explicit."
I froze and blink numerously at him. Wait... why do I love him? Do I even love him or was it only because he told me it was love?
I lowered my head, "Maybe because no one took their time to talk to me as much as he does and it made me feel special..." I glanced at him. But I know this all this will finally end when my job is done. He hummed in amusement.
I know that but it still made me happy even just for now.

"I'll head home now, Elly. Maybe having this conversation got me inspired to start writing." "Oh really? Cool. See ya."

My mind drifted somewhere as I tried to compose something but I'll manage and get it done.
I reached for my phone, thinking of leaving Elliot a message about my progress. But then again I can always tell him the next time we meet each other... Regardless though,

Elly

I finished the lyrics
Mr. Prodigy finally got something?
Yea. I'll show it to you tomorrow?
Or any other day
Tonight

I waited in a distance for Elliot outside of his agency while holding onto a brown A4 size envelope. He texted me saying to meet him at his apartment.  I hate to concede that. But I couldn't help myself because I know our time is limited.
A familiar blonde exited the building. He wasn't anticipating me now until he reaches his apartment but I went over to him. Elliot was taken aback but he greeted me regardless like he always does. I shoved him the envelope in a rush manner. He looked down at it and back at me, "Lyrics?" "Yeah. I need you to read it so I can make changes."
"But why did you wait for me here though? It's not like I can read it here." I ignored his question, "Let's go to your apartment now." His apartment is only a few blocks of stroll.
--

"Actually I don't really mind what you write since I don't have a preference." Elliot said after doing some proof reading. "But I see you've taken a step ahead to be able to write this." He chuckled and ruffled my dark colored hair. I looked at him suspiciously. He shrugged, "I'm just saying. You managed to surprise me." My eyes sparkled and I stared at him in awe. Maybe part of me was proud of myself and part of me was happy he gave me compliments. Do people feel happy when the person they love praise them?
"So is it okay?" I had to make sure. He gave me a nod of approval. A weight of burden that has been pushing me down for weeks lifted off my shoulder slowly. I sighed and flashed him a small smile, "Okay then."
"I guess I'll go home now and work on the melody." "But it's late." "So?" "Do I have to spell it out for you. Stay here for tonight."
I looked at him, "Ha?"
"A midget like you probably have no skill in self defense so if you head out this late now who knows what will happen?"
I rolled my neck and eyes, "Just because someone is short it doesn't mean they don't know how to attack someone." "Oh yeah?" Elliot tackled me and pinned me down. I winced and shot him a dirty look, "Ouch! That hurts my head, you brat." I knocked him off me with my feet and he fell back. I sat on the floor, "Don't just randomly strike at someone." "Just testing." He sat back up and rubbed the back of his head. "I'll go to bed now. You can take the couch." He stormed off and left me alone in the living room. He slammed his bedroom door. Jeez what's wrong with him? That was supposed to infuriate me and not him.
I lay down on the couch. It happened in a speed of light but when I look back at it, he has pretty eyes. Has anyone ever said that? Probably his fans maybe. I don't get him. I twist and turned in vexation. But what the hell was that? What is he angry about?

Elliot's p.o.vWhat was that earlier? For a moment, he looked like he was in a vulnerable position and I'm mad at myself for thinking that he was defenseless and I could attack him anytime. I swear I'm not like that.

Nicholas' p.o.v
I woke up to the sound of birds chirping outside. Oh it's morning already. I went over to Elliot's bedroom and I think he's still dead asleep. I jotted on a piece of music sheet to leave a note for him to inform that I went home. I left it on the coffee table in the living room and exited his apartment.
I'll just shower and complete the song...
--
Elliot hasn't contacted me since that night 2 days ago.
I stared intensely at the music sheets, "It- It's done! Oh my god my first love song." I had a moment with myself.

Elly
The song is completed. Are you home now?
YeahI frowned at his short simple response. But I shook it off and headed out to his apartment. So I guess this is it, huh?
.
.
.
It's been exactly 3 minutes since I entered his apartment and the silence between both of us grew. Elliot placed the sheets down, "Thanks for your hard work." "Yeah... it was hard. Love song is just not my style." "..."
Normally he would have a cocky respond or a witty remark or at least something but today isn't the day. I'm too impatient to take it.
"Elly what's wrong with you? Have you been avoiding me?" I think I'm too afraid to know.
He lowered his gaze to the floor, "..." "...Say something."
Elliot only gave me the cold shoulder, "What do you expect me to say?" I glared at him, "Seriously what's with your attitude today?" "..."
I stood up, "You know what, forget it. Anyways this is the last time we'll see each other since my job here is done. It was nice working with you. So...bye, Elly." I clenched my fist so hard my knuckles turned white. "..." I left his apartment and ran home immediately.
Bubbles of emotion rushed up my throat and I just want to...screech. God that was frustrating. I think this is really it. I don't understand though.

A week laterI took off my headphones after the music video faded out to black nothingness. Elliot just released a new song. My song. He's singing my song. We haven't exchanged any conversations and honestly it ticks me off even though I mentally prepared myself for the worst.
I realized it recently but I composed the song with a deliberate motive. Though... Elliot is dense enough to not get the message.

Elly
YOU IDIOT DON'T MAKE ME SPELL IT OUT FOR YOU
THAT SONG IS A CONFESSION
Wait what are you talking about?
I phoned him and he picked up immediately. I took a deep breath, "Are you an idiot? Con.fes.sion." This is giving me stress and I'm not overemphasizing. "No but seriously what are you talking about?"
I sighed, "The fact that you're so dense it amuses me. What I'm saying that..." Inhales. Another deep breath, "The song I wrote for you is a confession from me so don't make me repeat myself anymore!" I tapped the red button furiously to end the call. I threw my phone in displeasure.
.
.
.
My doorbell rang, signalling that someone is at the front door of my apartment. Whoever the hell it was rang it countless times.
"I'm coming I'm coming! Jeez. Who is it?!" Before I even have time to reach the door, Elliot barged into my apartment with his own will. I forgot to lock the door oops. I crossed my arms, wondering how he got here.
"Oh... hey." He averted his eyes away from me and scratched his cheek. "Just so you know, I got here by the address in your name card." I bobbed my head asking him to continue.
He gulped, "Did you really mean what you said or do I have issues with my ears?"
My face flushed bashfully, "Stop asking me to repeat the same thing over and over again." I uttered silently to myself, "I swear I will smack you."
"I'm just... really.. just surprised." He muttered. "I-I don't know what to say." A little part of me died inside.
"You don't have to. I'm not expecting anything." I dropped my head. Elliot bit his bottom lip, "Let's go for a walk."

We walked down the path in silence. We looked at each other and looked away. What happened to the usual loquacious Elliot? Did my explosions disturb him that much? My eyes are glued onto the concrete ground as we walk. The silence is eating me.
"Elly, you don't have to worry about what I said. It's probably hard for you to accept it too." I tried to conceal my disappointment. I don't understand. But a philophobia probably can't accept it. He even said he won't date anyone anymore. Double rejection.
Elliot had this glint of guilt in his eyes, "It's not like that...I just..." He hesitated, maybe thinking of which word to use.
"You what?" My voice began to rise. Huh? "You what, Elliot?" Unwanted tears formed. Once the first tear ran down, more rolled down my cheeks. Drip by drip. It broke into stream of tears. Huh?
"Why is it making me so sad and broken? It's different from what I read..." I wailed and wailed while rubbing my eyes.
Elliot stood there with his eyes wide. "Is this how love feels?" I said in between sobs. "I..I-"

Elliot grabbed my shoulders. It all happened that quickly. His lips were on mine. It's a sensation I never felt before. Like... a feather brushing across your lips.
It was all too unfamiliar for me. Our lips parted and my sobbing came to a stop. Frigid lips. My lips felt cold. I pulled Elliot down to connect our lips again. It was like the first time we met.
So this is what a kiss feels like. It's a sensation that warms you up. It tingles down my spine. It stirred my insides up and somehow it feels exciting. My face and bare neck feels warm.
Elliot said nothing. All he did was kiss back and it was all I'll ask for. He cupped my cheeks with his warm palms and I embraced how cozy and safe it feels. Elliot took a step ahead and slid his tongue into my mouth. It caught me by surprised and got me agitated.
It feels strange because I never experienced this... but I don't appear to hate it. It drove me to ecstasy which is clearly written all over my face now.
We slowly let go and panted, tiny amount of saliva connecting both our lips together. I blushed madly and sprinted away quickly. I don't know how to face him now.

He called out to me, "Hey, Nicholas." I stood still and slowly turned my head around, "W-what?"
"After thinking about it..." He laughed sheepishly and brushed his nose, "You're actually pretty adorable."
I spun around fully to face him. I squished my chin down on my neck, creating a lump of fat. "Am I still adorable?"
Elliot lost it and released a loud, boisterous laugh. Oh the old Elliot is back.
He walked over to me, "Say my name again." "No."
"Ehh?" He reached for my hand and held it, "Still declining?" He grinned at me. As his slender fingers intertwined with mine, a knot formed in my stomach. I looked back at him.
The first day we met, our eyes came together. Today too. But today,
He's peeking into the window to my heart and soul. I stared into his eyes as if I found a universe in between his pupils.I'm similar to dark clouds that forms around people I'm with and he's like a ray of light making his own path."Whatever, Elliot."
- E N D ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To everyone who read till the end, THANK YOU SO MUCH!
jesus i masoed for 3 days writing this 7k long literature and im not even sure if it's good. But I was just looking for a way to express my ideas and waste my time before school starts ehh Please forgive me if there's grammar error/spelling mistake because of my dyslexia disorder oTL I did reread it few times so if there's still mistakes rip me
Background - Bathtoys
Vast field - Rainiaka
Elliot's hair - Savagehentai
Credit belongs to the rightful owner.

Description
A/N; This is a story between two males falling in love so if you're against the idea of the same gender falling for each other, by all means do stop here.

I'm like darkness and you're a flask filled and glows with copious light that shimmers hope. But opposite attract works well in dictation of composition, right?
He paced back and forth outside the meeting room, "Manager, how did you even made up your own mind to collaborate with someone like him in the first place?" He rose his voice with the hint of a low chance in pacifying him. Does this guy have anger issues? Why do girls even view the likes of him as a paragon? I rolled my eyes in disbelief as I sat alone in the spacious room in silence having thoughts with myself that I have to waste my time and talent on a brat like him.

Few hours ago
Third person p.o.v "Another love song?" He lets out a sigh showing his dissatisfaction.
Elliot is a rising star. Females infatuated with him and males think he is an ethereal human being. Something like an epitome of beauty standards in the male gender classification.
His manager, without Elliot's acknowledgment, assigned the collaboration and scheduled a meeting between him and a composer. Elliot knows nothing about him and Nicholas knows nothing about Elliot. More likely, Nicholas didn't bother getting involved with the idol world. Meticulous Nicholas only cares about his job. Worldly known idol whatever, Nicholas doesn't even remember the people he worked with previously.
The one specific issue working with Nicholas is that he only accepts jobs he finds particular interest in. It’s one thing he is famous for. He composes when he wants and what he wants. It’s pretty much a bet placed on a thin thread whether Elliot’s upcoming solo will be composed by the prodigy Nicholas Jones or not.
Meeting room“It’s nice to finally meet you. I’m Elliot’s manager and I’m hoping you would be delightful to collaborate with Elliot to work on his next solo.” Elliot silently observed Nicholas as they exchanged name cards.
Three of them sat down, “Let’s get into business. What do you need?”
.
.
.
“No.” Nicholas rejected flatly. “But-“
“No.” He repeated himself. Elliot squints his eyes, creating lines of depth on his forehead. He stood up, “What do you mean no? Do you know who I am?”
“No.”
Elliot gritted his teeth and clenched his fist, “You-“ The manager grabbed Elliot and hushed him. “But, sir, please reconsider our offer.”
Nicholas threw his head back while spinning in circles sitting on the spinning chair, showing no interest in the offer.  The clock ticks which seemed like the only audible sound echoing throughout the room.
The manager sighed, “I understand. Please take some time to think about it. My information is in the name card if there's an update.”
Present time
Nicholas’ p.o.v The brat continues to throw a tantrum with no shame. I don’t have time to spare on someone like him. I stood up from my seat and went over to the door. I inhaled deeply, swung the door open and stepped outside the meeting room.
What did he say his name was again? Elliot? Yeah, Elliot gave me a menacing glare as soon as he noticed my presence.  I looked back at him, “What?”
His manager apologized to me numerous times while Elliot and I stared at each other. He finally tore his eyes away and stuck his nose high up. That was uncomfortable.
“We’ll excuse ourselves now.” The manager dragged Elliot along. Elliot yanked his arm away from his grasp and walked up to me with his hands shoved in his coat pockets.
“Give me a proper explanation exactly why you refuse to write for me.” I looked to my side and lowered my head down, “Do I even have to?”
He took one of his hands out from his pocket. Elliot grabbed me by my chin and forcefully angled my head straight to make me look at him. I slapped his hand away and turn on my heels.
“The key on asking someone to assist you is a great correlation between you and the other person. But you’re a brat…” I said with my back facing him and walked away down the hall.
Elliot uttered under his breath, “Who does that midget think he is?”

"Hey, shorty!" Elliot's voice rang around the hallway. I stopped on my tracks and glanced behind me. His footsteps grew closer to me and I turned around to face him. "What?" I asked in a tone signalling him that I'm definitely not finding any joy of his presence.
"I heard you're a prodigy. What? Can't a prodigy like you write a love song for me?" Elliot mocked me.
Obviously I was slightly offended by a statement like that. Anyone would be. "It's up to you whether I'm a prodigy or not." I frowned, "Did you even look into my work before coming here?"
He rubbed the back of his neck in annoyance, "Ha? Who cares about that? So are you going to write me or song or not, shorty?" He stressed the word 'shorty' with a mocking tone.
"Don't challenge me."
"Oh how scary." He waved his hands in the air. "Bet Mr.Prodigy has no experience with love and is probably a virgin that's why he's refusing to write a love song."
My face reddens as my blood boiled, "That-" I froze midway in my sentence. "Oh? Did I hit the bull's-eye?" He chuckled.
I pulled him by the neck of his coat to meet my eye level, "Shut up. A love song was it? I'll write you a love song, brat." I whispered sharply into his ear and let go.

His manager's face brightens up, "Really? You'll accept our request?" "Yeah sure okay." I glared at Elliot.
He smirked, "Pleased to work with you, virgin." He emphasized and dragged each word slowly.
"My name is Nicholas. Not virgin, shorty or whatever you have in store. So get it right if you want to work with me, Elly" His expression went from 100 to 0 real quick. He scrunched his face, "What the f-"
"Okay, time out." His manager interrupted.
I cleared my throat, "Anyways you have my number in the name card so you can contact me when you're ready." I stated.

Few days laterMy fingers danced on my keyboard and words appeared on my computer screen. My phone rang and what showed up on the screen was an unknown number. I tapped the green button to pick up, "Hello?"
"Yo, shorty." A male voice on the other side greeted.
"Oh it's Elly." I responded in a flat monotone voice.
"Again with the 'Elly'?"
"Again with the 'shorty'?"
He sneered, "Okay enough. Meeting room. Now."
"You could have asked nicely-" The line went dead. I rolled my eyes in annoyance even knowing he can't see me on the other line. I switched off my laptop and packed my things, ready to leave.
--

Our eyes met. He gave me a funny look and I ignored him. I settled my things down and took a seat.
I tapped my index finger on the desk while resting my chin on another hand, "So what are you looking for?"
Elliot looks bored. "Don't know. Don't care." He yawned. "You're being really difficult now."
"Wow chill, it has only been like, what?" He glanced down at the watch on his wrist. "5 minutes since we started." He looked back at me.
"Am I supposed to just write a song without knowing what your preference is?" I tapped impatiently. "Isn't composing your job?" He questioned back. "You're a prodigy anyways you know what to do, right?" He implied and crossed his arms.
I exhaled sharply to surpass the surge of emotions running up, "Again with the prodigy? I'd appreciate if you don't refer me as a prodigy."
The conversation died down. He looks at me. I looked at him.
Elliot broke the silence, "You're such a plain person. It's no shock if you're actually a virgin."
"Then what about you?" "Me?" He lets out a laugh.
"There are girls out there that want me. Unlike you." He gave me an assertive smirk. This man is unequivocally a douche...
"Mm..." I hummed. Whatever. Is this collaboration even going anywhere? I think it's not going anywhere just like my life.
This is going nowhere. He's too uncooperative.
"Just do what you can to construct the song. I don't really care what you do with it." Elliot rests his head on the flat surface with his forehead making contact with the desk.
"Normally people pester me about what they want for the song." I ponder, "But you're different. How come?"
He lifted his head and rests his chin on the desk, "Are you interested?" "No." "Thought so."
Elliot angled his head to the side, "But if I tell you about me, would you tell me about yourself? It's only fair that way."
I shrugged my shoulders, slightly interested in what he's saying, "Maybe."

He started off simple, "I don't like love songs. No, I hate love songs. I only sing for the fact I'm an idol."I nodded in amusement, "I see." So idols like him exist? Not that I have sufficient knowledge about people like him. "Now tell me why you refused to write for me in the first place."
I pursed my lips together with pressure. "I mentioned how you didn't research before coming to me right?" He nodded, urging me to continue.
I averted my eyes away from him, "That's because I don't write love song. Never tried to."
" Why? "Just Elliot asking me why taunted me to search my entire brain for the answer... but I couldn't. I should know the reason well enough to respond but... I couldn't find the courage to, "I just don't. I write what I only find interest in."
"Why don't you look into my work yourself?" I added. "You don't or you can't? My manager probably just came to you because of your name without knowing anything. The fact that you're a prodigy must be true." I sighed, "I see." "But I'll keep that in mind."
"Anyways I'll take a nap now so good luck composing." Elliot said as he rests his head on his folded arms on the desk.
This guy... unbelievable. A love song? Oh, I'll give him a love song.

Half an hour passed by which seemed like few hours running by. I can't concoct anything. Every time I seem to have a grasp of it, the ideas slipped away from my mind and turns into gist of nothingness.
Lyrics? Nothing. Melody? Nothing. Music? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. I stared at the blank music sheet mindlessly. The bars of lines slowly circles around in my vision and all I hear is white noise. I can't make anything out of it. My heartbeat thumps at a fluctuate rate. It felt like I was in a state where oxygen is absent from this world. Beads of sweat rolled down the side of my face even though this room is air conditioned.
"-las!"
"Nicholas!" Elliot's voice brought my senses back to reality. "What, Elly?" I pushed my glasses up and rubbed the bridge of my nose. "You could have at least called me by Elliot when I was nice enough to call you by your name, shorty."
I went back staring at the music sheet, dwelling. Without realizing, I was squinting my eyes and creases formed in between my eyebrows.
Elliot flicked my forehead which earned a glare from me. "What's wrong with you? You're acting strange." He looked over at the sheets, "You haven't written anything?"
I let out a shaky breath and wiped off my sweat with my sleeve, "Well sorry to disappoint you." "That's not really the problem." He shrugged. "You really can't write a love song? You don't have to pressure yourself." For a moment he was a nice human being, I thought.
I opened my mouth, "I... I-" but no words came out. "Let's have lunch." Elliot changed the topic. I looked at the time and then Elliot.
"Me and you? An idol?" I wasn't sure if my question was sarcasm. "What's wrong with that?"
"Nothing, just..." I don't know?
"Let's order pizza." "Whatever you say. I'm not paying for a rich idol."

Elliot chomped the pizza slice, "You know, couples have meals together a lot to spend time with each other." He spoke with his mouth stuffed with chewed pizza.
"Eat or speak choose one."
"But what's your point?" I slowly munched a slice. "Just telling you what love is."
"So you want me to write a song about couples having meals together?" I gave him a strange look. He rolled his eyes, "No just giving you an idea-" He stopped midway and swallowed his pizza. "Forget it. Is your schedule free from plans today?" He took out a pair of sunglasses and puts it on.
"I guess so. Why do you ask?" "Let's hang out." ==

The sound of children giggling, machines going 'boop' or 'cha ching' and the metal screeching caused by the friction of the roller coaster wheels running against the tracks fills the air. Wait why are we at the amusement park?
"Elly what-" I turned to him. Elliot disappeared from my sight even though I only had my gaze away for a moment. The sun is bright up there. Ugh, the sweltering afternoon heat caught up to me.
I rolled up the sleeves of my sweater, "Where is Elly?" That brat. As if on cue, I saw a hint of blonde in the waves of crowd. Oh found him. I pushed my way through the crowd and went after him, "Elly what the hell?" He spun around, "Oh sorry. You're too short I lost you in the crowd." Elliot looked to the right as if something piques his interest. I followed his eyes to find out what was he so interested in.
Elliot grabbed me by my wrist and pulled me along to wherever he's heading. I wriggled my hand, "Elly!"
"It's important for couples to have fun together." He purchased two ride tickets for the roller coaster amusement. Before I was able to process everything in my brain, I was sitting in a ride I dislike since childhood ; the roller coaster. But it was too late to protest. The roller coaster began at a slow pace and slowing but surely, it was rising up.
"BUT ELLY. I HATE ROLLER COASTERS. I HATE HEIGHTS!"
All you can hear is my scream of terror alarming throughout the amusement park. "Whaaaaat? I can't hear youuuuuu." Elliot who's seated next to me shouted. "God damn it Elly! How can couples have fun like this?!"

Minutes which somewhat felt like hours of torture, thanks to someone finally stopped. Elliot stood up and stretched, "Ahh wasn't that fun?" I wobbled as I stood up and placed my hand on the handle of the roller coaster to support myself. "Elly you brat." I cursed under my breath. I swear if I throw up unpleasant gooey substance of the pizza I had for lunch in front of everybody, I will sue you.
I swallowed the lump in my throat to avoid getting sicker. I glared at him, showing how unhappy I was. Elliot doesn't seem to be fazed by my mild threat. I pushed his back and unintentionally, his sunglasses slid off slightly. Whispers began to circle around the crowd. "Is that Elliot?" "Eh? That 'Elliot'?"
I might have made a mistake I admit-
Elliot soon realized it too that his presence isn't just a privy to the knowledge of the two of us. He clutched my hand and mouthed the word, 'Run'. Anyone would panic at this point so I went along with the flow. Along with Elliot hauling me.
--

"Do couples also have their fun time being chased by fans?" I sipped my latte. We stopped at a cafe nearby to take a break.
"...Obviously not. You can't put all the blame on me for being so adored by fans. But anyways when couples spend time together and have fun, chemistry forms." Elliot leaned his back against his chair made out of wood, making it creak.
"Does love consist of chemistry? I don't like chemistry during high school." I lifted my head up to look at the strings of glowing light bulbs. Aesthetic.
Elliot stared at me without saying anything. I tilted my head, "Do you have the tendency to stare at people?"
"You're just blankly inscrutable."
I shrugged, "Maybe my emotions are simply trivialized." He puckers his lips, "Heh, no fun."
The conversation dropped dead again. The only thing accompanying us is the classical music being played at the cafe and the soft chatters exchanged between customers.
"Do you have interest in love?" Elliot suddenly asked. He tapped his glass of juice in a rhythm.
I looked at him after studying a grotesque piece with an intricate detail hanged against the wall, "I don't know. I have inadequate notions about it." Honestly, is love even necessary? Don't people only care about their own necessities more than others nowadays? Anyways, what do I know?
"Couples tend to argue over pointless topics but it makes their bond stronger." "Really?" "Or so I heard." Oh. But maybe I should take note of that. Just in case because you never know.
I fished out my phone from my pocket and tapped the note app to take down some notes.
Dines together
Have fun together
Bickers but strengthens their bond
"What are you doing?" Elliot leaned forward to peek at my screen. He chuckled, mocking me in a sense. I gave him a dirty look. "Hand it to me. Those aren't enough to help you." He took my phone away from me and his fingers began typing. He passed it back.
Dines together
Have fun together
Bickers but strengthens their bond
Calls each other even though its 3 a.m.
Talks about innermost thoughts
Pays great attention to their significant other
Be patient with each other because preconceived notion isn't an ideal
"I've been wondering." I cleared my throat, "Not really my concern and place to pry but-"
"Have you dated before? If so then you must know what love is right? That's why you can write those." I went over the notes Elliot left me. "Who knows? Hey, if I leak that information to you, it'll be the newspaper's headline tomorrow. I'm a famous idol after all." He brushed his bangs. "I'm a composer. Not a paparazzi."

We both parted our ways after exchanging valedictory waves.

Music sheets scattered on my desk in my room with the table lamp being the only source of light. I twirled the pen around my fingers and sighed. I immersed myself into the depth of deep thoughts to see what I can find.
I gander at the time. I did a lot of thinking but I can't produce anything. This never happened before, so why?
I went over to my bed after switching off the table lamp and let unconsciousness consume my mind.

Hours later
I sneezed and my eyelids flew open. I reached for my phone on the nightstand and opened the notes Elliot left me. It's 2:50 a.m.?
Calls each other even though its 3 a.m.
I have his number. I dialled him from my call history earlier today, not really anticipating a reply honestly. After a few rings, Elliot picked up. With a tired tone, "What? What time is it? Is the time on my phone wrong? Why is it still so dark outside?"
"Hello to you too, Elly. You're the one who said couples call each other despite being 3 a.m."
Elliot didn't respond.
"Elly?"
"I didn't think you'd take this seriously. It's kinda hilarious."
"Why are you surprised? You're the one who wrote it for me." What do people even gain from calling each other this late? I don't understand anything so things like these... it's ludicrous. At least for someone like me.
"Yeah whatever. So? What did you call for?" He yawned. "I don't know. I just called to see what's so fun about this since it's what couples find amusing. Also, maybe hoping to learn something about love from this."
"Shorty, you won't learn anything by dialling someone this late." "But you wrote it down for me."
...
"Love is not as easy as it sounds, Nicholas." Elliot dropped his usual cocky tone. Somehow, chills ran down my spine when he said my name in such serious tone. "It's not something you can learn overnight by just attempting to read every book that existed." His voice lowered into a whisper. "I learnt that the hard way."
"Hard...way?"
"Exulansis." "Exu- what?" That drove me to a state of confusion. "Look it up. Someone like you can never understand the concept of love even if it was made explicit. Not unless you have your own experience and actually paid enough attention to learn something from it. Goodnight." He hung up. What's his problem?
I dismissed the thoughts and went back to my slumber.

Next morning
My phone buzzed with notifications. I slid the screen to unlock it.

Elly Yo shortyShorty wake upWake up wake up wakeupwakeup
What? Don't spam me.

Finally rose up from the dead? Let's go for breakfast
"Couples eat meals together" policy? Yea whatever. Location, time.

"Don't you have work today?" I asked Elliot while munching on a piece of fresh crispy toast.
Elliot's cup clattered in the saucer as he placed it down. "Other than commercial and modelling shoots, nope."
"Besides, I still need you to compose a song for me."
I felt the temperature lowered or was it just me? What if I can't compose a song for him? I ate my breakfast in silence.
"Don't let your expectations get ahead of you." I wiped the corner of my mouth with the cloth. "You were thinking what sort of consequence will drop on you if you can't do it, right?" Elliot looked at me like he saw through me. I could only sigh as a reply.
"I guess it's something I should frantically worry about since it's my job."
Elliot placed his elbows on the table and rests his head on his intertwined fingers, "So, why did you decide to be a composer?"
"Are you actually interested in knowing or you're just making conversations?" My eyebrows rose.
"A little bit of both perhaps? Or maybe I'm just inquisitive about people's life."
I mouthed 'busybody' to him. "It's not an interesting story I can boast about to say the least. All you need to know is I started off playing the piano as child and I slowly built up from there. So I sort of realize that maybe composing is a thing or me." "I looked into your previous work."
"And?"
He rubbed the back of his neck, "It's something. You know how idols only sing about love songs nowadays? So it's really something how a composer like you is well-known despite not writing songs about affection."
"Are you looking down on me?"
Elliot raised his hands in the air, "No of course not."
"I'm complimenting you obviously, Nicholas Jones the prodigy."Oh, woah a cocky idol just praised me. "I would have gone with your composing concept but unfortunately, a romantic idol can't be seen walking under dark clouds." Mm...
==

"Well I have to follow my schedule now so ciao. It's nice having breakfast with someone for a change." Elliot turned around and strolled the other way. I gave a small wave. My phone in my pocket vibrated.

Elly

So what are you doing later?

It hasn't been 5 minutes since we last talked. What's the deal?

NothingAsking because I'm bored
Sure. Well I can't entertain you
;'((
Brat don't be clingy

Seriously what's with Elliot? I shook my head and went home.

Elliot and I have been hanging out more over the week to give me consultation and important points of what love is. When I'm out with him I have to worry about unnecessary things I don't even worry about on a typical day; which is the fact Elliot might be identified outside. I'm not even an outdoor person in the first place so him dragging me out makes me a little lethargic.
To be honest, I actually looked up about him on the internet just to see how well he does. I had the embodiment that he is indeed a huge thing but it managed to surprise me. Elliot looks like a typical orthodox star but he's actually, profoundly great at what he does and deep down I frankly hoped that wasn't the case because... because he's so great people expects a lot of things from him. And his next solo depends on me.
It's unfathomable why he hates love songs when everybody finds the appeal in it.
It's inevitable that his voice sounds like it's coated in rich honey. He isn't all talk but I wish he wasn't so inclined to that personality of his. Is he like that on stage as well? Our first impressions weren't as great as it is but what can I say?

"Shorty, what are you thinking about?" Elliot scrolled through his Twitter on his phone. He actually invited me over to his apartment to make things 'convenient' for himself. I thought a star like him would be living in opulent comfort so I was half expected to see Elliot's upscale apartment. Am I the only commoner who thinks that way?  It's a decent one though. Enough room for a person who considers living alone.

"Nothing. Just thinking how our first impressions were and how we're sitting here together today." But then I came to realize, this whole 'giving me an idea of what love is' will all come to an end after I finish his song... right?
"Yeah it's strange how friendship works." Friends, huh. I slapped myself in my head. Get over it.
"Not that I feel bad but I feel like I slowed down your pace of work because you're being paired up with someone who lacks the basic knowledge of something so general." I fiddled with the tiny lints on my sweater and flicked them away.
"You should feel bad for dragging a star like me down." Elliot said in a childish manner but he waved it off as a joke. I shrink down a little into my seat. Even if it was a part of his humor, I can't help but to feel slight guilt.
"Hey, don't worry about it." Even if you told me not to worry, I worry.
"It's really nothing to be concerned about." It is my concern.
I sighed and rubbed my hands together, "I wonder why I decided to write songs with such a monotonous concept..." I detest myself for that. "It kinda runs through my mind sometimes. Like, yeah, why do you only write songs like that? Like.. dark concepts..." His eyes were on me. Maybe he didn't want to use the word depressing.
"I hate myself for that." I mumbled to myself. "Why would you?" Wow I really need to work on my mumbling.
I exhaled, "Wouldn't you find it tiring that you always do the same thing? Just like how you hate singing love songs."
"I don't hate love songs because it's a part of my image and I'm tired of it." Elliot pointed out immediately.
"Oh? Then why do you hate love songs?" I was sort of curious in why, I guess.
He rubbed his chin and smiled, "Maybe because I'm philophobia?"
"Philophobia? If my memory serves me right, it means fear of love, no?" "That's right."
"An idol that is portrayed to be affectionate but hates love song. The irony is strong in this one." I sniggered. "So you do have experience in dating." "Yeah. Got a problem with that?" "No because I fail to understand love, remember?"
"Well? You're never dating again?" He just nodded. I don't know what this is but I felt blue and my heart feels uneasy. Am I having some heart disease? I'm too young to die, please.

I noticed it too that... recently every small action he does it makes my stomach twist and my face burning even though it's not summer nor am I having a fever. Nervousness, is that what people call it? Flustered? Strange how I only experience that with him so I decided to ask him. Indirectly.

"Elly, what does it mean when you're with someone and your heart goes 'thump thump' that it feels like it will jump out of chest which is terrifying to even think of and your stomach feels weird and it feels like you'll throw up-"
"Slow down for a moment. Are you implying that you're in love with someone?" Love? Wait I thought love is about two people being close with each other.
"I don't know?" "Do you only feel that way around someone specific?" I nodded. "And that person makes you nervous when the person is around you?" I nodded. Elliot tilted his head and laughed, "Oh? Virgin boy finally found a girl?" Girl? Wait, not really.
This might just be my addled brain but... "Why did you assume it was a girl immediately?" He looked at me with shock written all over his face, "Wait is it a guy? You're homosexual?"
"I don't know if my sexuality has something to do with this but... I don't think love limits your preference... Maybe just me...?"
Elliot's expression softens and the corners of his mouth lifted to form a smile, "Hey, there you go. You're slowly understanding love."
Pink tints painted my cheeks. "I am? It's not strange or anything like that?"
"Of course not. Whoever you like must be lucky you think that way." His voice slowly disappears. "Why do you say so?" Then are you lucky? "Just because."
"Guess even someone who is inexperienced can turn out to be this way, huh?" For some reason, his smile looked a little... sad.
He went back to his usual cocky smug face, "Anyways, want to hear a story?" I tilted my head but nodded.

Elliot's p.o.vThere was a naive boy who thought he could anything. Including getting his senior to fall for him. He was blinded because he was head over heels over him. He confessed his undying love to his eye candy and he accepted which of course made the boy's day an exhilarating one. Things were going his way which got him to think that maybe his first love would be successful. Maybe he set the bars too high not knowing it would bite him one day. It was unforeseen. They went on dates and do things a pair of young high school couple would. They never argued about anything so the boy thought his relationship is going well. He thought that he had him all to himself.
But little did he know, all his significant other wanted was an entertainment to pass time and he left the naive boy clueless after completing high school. What went wrong? What could have possibly ruined our relationship? He thought.Throughout their relationship, they only had one argument. But that argument torn the boy's heart apart and left him shattered. Maybe it was a punishment he deserved for being too ignorant.
Yeah it was what I deserved. He only pretended to love me just so he could mortify me. Heck, it was only a few days later I found out he's a homophobic. I was really ingenuous.

Nicholas' p.o.v  "And that's pretty much the story." Elliot ended it with a smile.
"Did the boy ended up being philophobia?" "How did you know?" He was still smiling. "So, it's really wise to know more about your eye candy before you make a move, including the person you love right now."
I stayed quiet for a moment.
"Hey Elly. Tell me more about yourself.".
.
.
"Also this might be unexpected. I may not look like it but I actually enjoy things like chocolates. Fans send me a lot of it so... lucky me." Elliot sticks out his tongue. Well he looks happy to say the least. "But... why are you suddenly asking about me?" "I don't know. I'm just bored?" "Talk about yourself too."
"There's not much to know about me. Didn't you call me a plain person? You weren't mistaken about it." He opened his mouth, maybe to protest but shuts it up immediately. "Well maybe... Oh! Why not tell me about the person you love?" He gave me a sly smirk. I stared at him blankly and he stared right back.
"I don't know. Tall?" I just threw some random things I know about him. "Well I'm not surprised. Because you're a midget." Elliot snickered at his own joke. "But give me something specific. Like the reason you fell for him. Come on spill the explicit."
I froze and blink numerously at him. Wait... why do I love him? Do I even love him or was it only because he told me it was love?
I lowered my head, "Maybe because no one took their time to talk to me as much as he does and it made me feel special..." I glanced at him. But I know this all this will finally end when my job is done. He hummed in amusement.
I know that but it still made me happy even just for now.

"I'll head home now, Elly. Maybe having this conversation got me inspired to start writing." "Oh really? Cool. See ya."

My mind drifted somewhere as I tried to compose something but I'll manage and get it done.
I reached for my phone, thinking of leaving Elliot a message about my progress. But then again I can always tell him the next time we meet each other... Regardless though,

Elly

I finished the lyrics
Mr. Prodigy finally got something?
Yea. I'll show it to you tomorrow?
Or any other day
Tonight

I waited in a distance for Elliot outside of his agency while holding onto a brown A4 size envelope. He texted me saying to meet him at his apartment.  I hate to concede that. But I couldn't help myself because I know our time is limited.
A familiar blonde exited the building. He wasn't anticipating me now until he reaches his apartment but I went over to him. Elliot was taken aback but he greeted me regardless like he always does. I shoved him the envelope in a rush manner. He looked down at it and back at me, "Lyrics?" "Yeah. I need you to read it so I can make changes."
"But why did you wait for me here though? It's not like I can read it here." I ignored his question, "Let's go to your apartment now." His apartment is only a few blocks of stroll.
--

"Actually I don't really mind what you write since I don't have a preference." Elliot said after doing some proof reading. "But I see you've taken a step ahead to be able to write this." He chuckled and ruffled my dark colored hair. I looked at him suspiciously. He shrugged, "I'm just saying. You managed to surprise me." My eyes sparkled and I stared at him in awe. Maybe part of me was proud of myself and part of me was happy he gave me compliments. Do people feel happy when the person they love praise them?
"So is it okay?" I had to make sure. He gave me a nod of approval. A weight of burden that has been pushing me down for weeks lifted off my shoulder slowly. I sighed and flashed him a small smile, "Okay then."
"I guess I'll go home now and work on the melody." "But it's late." "So?" "Do I have to spell it out for you. Stay here for tonight."
I looked at him, "Ha?"
"A midget like you probably have no skill in self defense so if you head out this late now who knows what will happen?"
I rolled my neck and eyes, "Just because someone is short it doesn't mean they don't know how to attack someone." "Oh yeah?" Elliot tackled me and pinned me down. I winced and shot him a dirty look, "Ouch! That hurts my head, you brat." I knocked him off me with my feet and he fell back. I sat on the floor, "Don't just randomly strike at someone." "Just testing." He sat back up and rubbed the back of his head. "I'll go to bed now. You can take the couch." He stormed off and left me alone in the living room. He slammed his bedroom door. Jeez what's wrong with him? That was supposed to infuriate me and not him.
I lay down on the couch. It happened in a speed of light but when I look back at it, he has pretty eyes. Has anyone ever said that? Probably his fans maybe. I don't get him. I twist and turned in vexation. But what the hell was that? What is he angry about?

Elliot's p.o.vWhat was that earlier? For a moment, he looked like he was in a vulnerable position and I'm mad at myself for thinking that he was defenseless and I could attack him anytime. I swear I'm not like that.

Nicholas' p.o.v
I woke up to the sound of birds chirping outside. Oh it's morning already. I went over to Elliot's bedroom and I think he's still dead asleep. I jotted on a piece of music sheet to leave a note for him to inform that I went home. I left it on the coffee table in the living room and exited his apartment.
I'll just shower and complete the song...
--
Elliot hasn't contacted me since that night 2 days ago.
I stared intensely at the music sheets, "It- It's done! Oh my god my first love song." I had a moment with myself.

Elly
The song is completed. Are you home now?
YeahI frowned at his short simple response. But I shook it off and headed out to his apartment. So I guess this is it, huh?
.
.
.
It's been exactly 3 minutes since I entered his apartment and the silence between both of us grew. Elliot placed the sheets down, "Thanks for your hard work." "Yeah... it was hard. Love song is just not my style." "..."
Normally he would have a cocky respond or a witty remark or at least something but today isn't the day. I'm too impatient to take it.
"Elly what's wrong with you? Have you been avoiding me?" I think I'm too afraid to know.
He lowered his gaze to the floor, "..." "...Say something."
Elliot only gave me the cold shoulder, "What do you expect me to say?" I glared at him, "Seriously what's with your attitude today?" "..."
I stood up, "You know what, forget it. Anyways this is the last time we'll see each other since my job here is done. It was nice working with you. So...bye, Elly." I clenched my fist so hard my knuckles turned white. "..." I left his apartment and ran home immediately.
Bubbles of emotion rushed up my throat and I just want to...screech. God that was frustrating. I think this is really it. I don't understand though.

A week laterI took off my headphones after the music video faded out to black nothingness. Elliot just released a new song. My song. He's singing my song. We haven't exchanged any conversations and honestly it ticks me off even though I mentally prepared myself for the worst.
I realized it recently but I composed the song with a deliberate motive. Though... Elliot is dense enough to not get the message.

Elly
YOU IDIOT DON'T MAKE ME SPELL IT OUT FOR YOU
THAT SONG IS A CONFESSION
Wait what are you talking about?
I phoned him and he picked up immediately. I took a deep breath, "Are you an idiot? Con.fes.sion." This is giving me stress and I'm not overemphasizing. "No but seriously what are you talking about?"
I sighed, "The fact that you're so dense it amuses me. What I'm saying that..." Inhales. Another deep breath, "The song I wrote for you is a confession from me so don't make me repeat myself anymore!" I tapped the red button furiously to end the call. I threw my phone in displeasure.
.
.
.
My doorbell rang, signalling that someone is at the front door of my apartment. Whoever the hell it was rang it countless times.
"I'm coming I'm coming! Jeez. Who is it?!" Before I even have time to reach the door, Elliot barged into my apartment with his own will. I forgot to lock the door oops. I crossed my arms, wondering how he got here.
"Oh... hey." He averted his eyes away from me and scratched his cheek. "Just so you know, I got here by the address in your name card." I bobbed my head asking him to continue.
He gulped, "Did you really mean what you said or do I have issues with my ears?"
My face flushed bashfully, "Stop asking me to repeat the same thing over and over again." I uttered silently to myself, "I swear I will smack you."
"I'm just... really.. just surprised." He muttered. "I-I don't know what to say." A little part of me died inside.
"You don't have to. I'm not expecting anything." I dropped my head. Elliot bit his bottom lip, "Let's go for a walk."

We walked down the path in silence. We looked at each other and looked away. What happened to the usual loquacious Elliot? Did my explosions disturb him that much? My eyes are glued onto the concrete ground as we walk. The silence is eating me.
"Elly, you don't have to worry about what I said. It's probably hard for you to accept it too." I tried to conceal my disappointment. I don't understand. But a philophobia probably can't accept it. He even said he won't date anyone anymore. Double rejection.
Elliot had this glint of guilt in his eyes, "It's not like that...I just..." He hesitated, maybe thinking of which word to use.
"You what?" My voice began to rise. Huh? "You what, Elliot?" Unwanted tears formed. Once the first tear ran down, more rolled down my cheeks. Drip by drip. It broke into stream of tears. Huh?
"Why is it making me so sad and broken? It's different from what I read..." I wailed and wailed while rubbing my eyes.
Elliot stood there with his eyes wide. "Is this how love feels?" I said in between sobs. "I..I-"

Elliot grabbed my shoulders. It all happened that quickly. His lips were on mine. It's a sensation I never felt before. Like... a feather brushing across your lips.
It was all too unfamiliar for me. Our lips parted and my sobbing came to a stop. Frigid lips. My lips felt cold. I pulled Elliot down to connect our lips again. It was like the first time we met.
So this is what a kiss feels like. It's a sensation that warms you up. It tingles down my spine. It stirred my insides up and somehow it feels exciting. My face and bare neck feels warm.
Elliot said nothing. All he did was kiss back and it was all I'll ask for. He cupped my cheeks with his warm palms and I embraced how cozy and safe it feels. Elliot took a step ahead and slid his tongue into my mouth. It caught me by surprised and got me agitated.
It feels strange because I never experienced this... but I don't appear to hate it. It drove me to ecstasy which is clearly written all over my face now.
We slowly let go and panted, tiny amount of saliva connecting both our lips together. I blushed madly and sprinted away quickly. I don't know how to face him now.

He called out to me, "Hey, Nicholas." I stood still and slowly turned my head around, "W-what?"
"After thinking about it..." He laughed sheepishly and brushed his nose, "You're actually pretty adorable."
I spun around fully to face him. I squished my chin down on my neck, creating a lump of fat. "Am I still adorable?"
Elliot lost it and released a loud, boisterous laugh. Oh the old Elliot is back.
He walked over to me, "Say my name again." "No."
"Ehh?" He reached for my hand and held it, "Still declining?" He grinned at me. As his slender fingers intertwined with mine, a knot formed in my stomach. I looked back at him.
The first day we met, our eyes came together. Today too. But today,
He's peeking into the window to my heart and soul. I stared into his eyes as if I found a universe in between his pupils.I'm similar to dark clouds that forms around people I'm with and he's like a ray of light making his own path."Whatever, Elliot."
- E N D ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To everyone who read till the end, THANK YOU SO MUCH!
jesus i masoed for 3 days writing this 7k long literature and im not even sure if it's good. But I was just looking for a way to express my ideas and waste my time before school starts ehh Please forgive me if there's grammar error/spelling mistake because of my dyslexia disorder oTL I did reread it few times so if there's still mistakes rip me
Background - Bathtoys
Vast field - Rainiaka
Elliot's hair - Savagehentai
Credit belongs to the rightful owner.