[Staff Dorms training area, Near Holmes Family's Mansion, Karoon City]
There was a staff dormitory at the backside of the Holmes Family's mansion.
In that dormitory there were some facilities. For example, training area.
At the current moment, there were only two people in the training area.
They looked like a pair of father and son.
However, unlike the wholesome atmosphere, they were clashing their wooden swords fiercely.
Mark stood side by side with his father, their swords poised in preparation.
Beads of sweat glistened on his forehead as he engaged in spar with his father.
His movements harmonized through years of practice.
In the midst of the training session, Mark's mind briefly wandered to the memory of Rain's recent live stream.
As his father swung his sword, Mark's thoughts intertwined with the memories of Rain's captivating performance.
Although he felt a little bad when Rain said he didn't have any friends.
"Maybe he doesn't know I am ready to become his friend." Mark thought.
The image of Rain's vibrant voice and the passion he exuded on stage lingered in Mark's consciousness, intertwining with the significance of his own training.
"I have to get stronger so I can welcome him when he returns."
With each swing and parry, Mark's admiration for Rain's hidden talent grew stronger.
He couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of pride.
The bond between Mark and his father, forged through countless training sessions and shared aspirations, resonated deeper within him.
"Stop." His father stopped him after some time. "Let's take break you are looking distracted."
"Sorry." Mark bowed his head and apologized.
"Don't repeat it next time." Mark's father said sternly.
After that, both of them started a conversation about the spar they had just now.
"Father," Mark spoke up between their exchanges, "I can't help but be amazed by Young Master Rain's talent. His voice, it's truly something special."
His father's eyes met Mark's briefly, a knowing smile playing at the corner of his lips. "Indeed, son. Young Master is gifted in more ways than one. But remember, talent alone is not enough. It takes dedication and perseverance to excel."
Mark nodded, absorbing his father's words. He stood from his seat. "I understand, Father. Young Master's performance reminds me of the importance of pushing myself for his sake."
"Let's continue." His father also stood up.
Soon, both of them continued their spar.
"I wonder when I would meet you again, Rain." Mark thought inwardly.
In the midst of their training session, Mark's father's phone rang, interrupting the flow of their practice. He glanced at the caller ID and furrowed his brows, recognizing the name displayed on the screen. "It's Mr. Charles," he murmured, his voice tinged with a mix of surprise and anticipation.
Mark's curiosity piqued, and he lowered his sword, giving his father a questioning look. "Mr. Charles? What does he want?"
His father pocketed the phone and turned his gaze towards Mark. "He specifically asked to speak with you, Mark. It seems there's something important he wishes to discuss."
A mix of excitement and apprehension washed over Mark. As aspiring head butlers, Mark and his father held great respect for Mr. Charles, the esteemed head of the Holmes family. His personal involvement was a rare occurrence, indicating the significance of the matter at hand. "Me? But why?"
His father's eyes softened with pride. "You've shown great promise, Mark."
Mark nodded, his mind racing with a mix of excitement and nerves. He quickly wiped away the beads of sweat from his brow and composed himself. With each step towards the house, he could feel his anticipation grow.
As Mark entered the study where his father had taken
"Mr. Charles awaits your presence," his father said, his voice filled with pride and trust. "Remember everything you've learned, Mark. This is your chance to prove yourself."
Mark's grip tightened on the phone, his heart pounding with a mix of nervousness and determination. With a nod to his father, he brought the phone to his ear and took a deep breath.
"Good day, Mr. Charles. This is Mark, at your service. How may I be of assistance?"
"Come to my study. I am thinking of opening a new firm and I need some staff." Charles' voice came over.
After that, he hung up the call.
While Mark wondered what would have happened.
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[Rain's Fan Club's President's Pov]
"That girl is definitely Emma," the girl's eyes narrowed with an intense, possessive gleam.
A twisted smile curled on her lips, a mix of obsession and determination coloring her expression.
"I will never forgive her for making Rain sad," her voice took on an unnerving tone, filled with a mixture of anger and possessiveness.
Her eyes darkened, revealing a hint of a sinister intent behind them.
She clenched her fists tightly; her knuckles turning white as her grip tightened.
"How could she do such a thing?" she hissed through gritted teeth, her voice laced with a dangerous edge.
Her body trembled with a mixture of rage and disbelief.
Her hands shook uncontrollably as she struggled to contain the boiling emotions within her.
"But now everything is okay," she whispered, her voice taking on a disturbingly calm and serene tone.
"I am his friend," she stated, her voice dripping with possessive adoration.
"I will protect him from anyone who tries to hurt him," her voice took on a menacing tone, a dangerous edge present in every word.
"We will be friends forever," she murmured softly, her voice laced with a dark and obsessive longing.
"Fufu," she giggled softly, her laughter tinged with an eerie and unsettling quality.
"You think you can take him away from me? No one will ever come between us," she whispered, her voice filled with a chilling determination.
"I'll make sure you regret ever crossing paths with him," she seethed, her voice dripping with venom.
Her body tensed, ready to unleash her dark intentions. Her fingers twitched, yearning to bring harm to the one who dared to hurt Rain.
"Don't worry, Rain. I'll keep you safe from anyone who tries to harm you. Even if it means getting rid of them," she said, her voice filled with a sickening sweetness, masking the darkness beneath.
She looked at Rain's photo for the last time before turning her phone off.
***
Kaya tossed and turned in her bed, unable to find solace in sleep.
Restless thoughts swirled through her mind, keeping her awake. She couldn't shake off the haunting melody that had filled the air earlier that evening.
It was Rain's voice, soaring with unexpected beauty and emotion.
The lyrics of the song resonated within her, especially the mention of a serene lake and a girl who callously ignored him.
In her mind, Kaya replayed the scene from earlier that night.
As usual, she was watching Rain's stream. However she didn't expect Rain to sing a song.
He stood there, pouring his heart out through his music, baring his soul for all to hear.
The intensity in his eyes as he sang spoke volumes, but it was the vulnerability that struck a chord within her.
She had never seen this side of Rain before, and it moved her deeply.
As the song reached its poignant conclusion, Kaya felt a pang of realization.
It was as if the lyrics were a mirror reflecting the truth. The girl Rain sang about, the one who had ignored him and led him to give up on her, it was someone she knew.
The revelation hit Kaya like a weight, the guilt slowly pressing down upon her heart.
***
Meanwhile, Emma found herself restlessly pacing in her room, unable to find respite from her racing thoughts.
Rain's voice echoed in her ears, his song replaying over and over again in her mind. The lyrics struck a nerve within her, resonating with an unspoken truth.
Emma closed her eyes, desperately trying to make sense of the emotions swirling inside her.
The mention of a lake in the song evoked vivid memories of shared moments with Rain, moments that now seemed tainted.
She recalled instances where she unintentionally ignored his feelings, too preoccupied with her own worries to notice the depth of his emotions.
As Rain's voice faded in her mind, Emma's eyes snapped open, her realization hitting her like a jolt.
The girl Rain sang about, the one who had unknowingly caused him pain, it was someone familiar
.
The weight of guilt settled upon her, a heavy burden she couldn't shake off.
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