chapter 33 - acceptance

"What? You want to be an actress? Ridiculous."

Amy's mother, Alma, scoffed as she peeled peas, her expression twisting in clear disapproval. Not this again...

"You should aim for higher studies, Amy. Apply for internships like Zahn," she added, her voice firm.

Amy frowned. "But why, Mom? What's wrong with acting?"

Alma clicked her tongue. "Do you really think you'll succeed? Acting is a low-tier career, totally unstable. Not everyone becomes famous. You'll struggle for roles, for money. It's not a good future."

Amy's grip on the table tightened. Just like Zahn... Her mother had dismissed her without a second thought.

Before she could argue, her father, Victor, who had been lounging on the couch, cut in.

"Why are you being like this? If Amy wants to do something, we should support her."

Alma shot him an unimpressed look. "Support her? She’s just going to waste money."

Victor sighed. "Don't be so harsh. I believe in our daughter. If this is what she wants, she should go for it. I'll pay for your academy fees, Amy."

Amy's eyes lit up. "Really? Thank you, Dad!"

At least someone believed in her. Alma only sighed in the corner, shaking her head.

________________________

After leaving home, Amy wandered the streets aimlessly.

Zahn hadn’t said a single word to her since yesterday. Then again, she hadn’t tried talking to him either.

She was mad. He didn’t understand her.

But deep down… she knew his concerns weren’t wrong.

Still, couldn’t he understand her?

But she’d make him understand,

No matter what.

She had to.

As Amy wandered aimlessly, she passed by the park. Her steps slowed when she noticed a familiar figure sitting on the swings, his head down.

Elliot?

It was rare to see him looking anything less than his usual confident, boastful self. But right now, he seemed… defeated.

Curious, Amy walked over. "Yo, Elliot. What's up?"

His head lifted at her voice. "Oh, Amy. What are you doing here?"

"Nothing much… but what about you?"

Elliot let out a sigh, rubbing the back of his neck. "It's nothing..."

Amy raised an eyebrow. "You look stressed. Something on your mind?"

He hesitated for a second before mumbling, "It’s not exactly bad, but… my parents want me to go abroad for higher studies. I actually wanted to try acting."

Amy blinked. "What? Then aren’t you gonna fight for it?"

Elliot shook his head. "No, I ended up agreeing. I mean, it’s not a bad decision, even if it’s not what I really wanted. I guess I’m a little upset, but… I’m also looking forward to it."

So even Elliot is giving up on his dream? Amy thought, feeling conflicted.

He glanced at her. "What about you? What are you gonna do, Amy?"

Amy took a deep breath. "I’m joining an acting academy. I’m gonna become an actress."

Elliot’s eyes lit up. "That’s amazing. I know you can do it. You’ve always had a passion for it, more than me."

Amy crossed her arms. "Geez, you shouldn’t give up either."

He chuckled. "Maybe. Maybe I’ll try… who knows, maybe we’ll meet again someday."

Amy grinned. "Yeah. Don’t give up."

Elliot nodded, then sighed. "Looks like I’ll be gone for a long time. Take care, alright?"

"Mhm, you too."

A beat passed before he suddenly asked, "Are you still with Zahn?"

Amy scoffed. "Obviously. Duh."

Elliot smirked. "Honestly, it’s impressive. You guys are still going strong despite all the differences between you."

Amy fell quiet at that. Still going strong? They were doing better than before, sure… but there were still moments where it felt like they didn’t really understand each other.

Before she could dwell on it, the sky rumbled.

A sudden downpour followed, drenching them in seconds.

"Ah, it’s raining… I should’ve brought an umbrella," Amy muttered, groaning as her clothes clung uncomfortably to her skin.

Elliot sighed, running a hand through his wet hair. "Yeah, me too. I knew it looked cloudy today."

They quickly moved under a small shelter, though it was too late—half their clothes were already soaked.

"Guess we’ll just have to wait it out," Elliot said.

Amy nodded.

With nothing else to do, they stood there, talking about random things, exchanging laughs as the rain poured around them.

Minutes passed before someone’s gaze fell on them.

Zahn.

He was walking home from his internship, an umbrella in hand, when his eyes landed on a familiar figure—Amy.

Standing with someone.

Elliot....

Zahn’s expression darkened instantly. He didn’t like that guy. Never had.

Yet there they were, standing close together under a small shelter, drenched in rain, laughing. Amy looked so at ease so happy with him. She’d been upset with me just yesterday, but here she is, all smiles with someone else…

His grip on the umbrella handle tightened. His jaw clenched.

But what irritated him even more was how her clothes were practically clinging to her skin. And the way Elliot looked at her whether intentional or not, it didn’t sit right with him.

His patience snapped. Without a second thought, he strode toward them.

"Amy."

His voice was calm, neutral. Too neutral.

Both Amy and Elliot turned, caught off guard.

Elliot hesitated for a second before forcing a polite smile. "Hey, Zahn! Haven’t seen you in a while. How’ve you been? And wow, a suit? Fancy."

Zahn didn’t even glance at him. "Fine." The curt reply left no room for conversation.

Instead, he turned straight to Amy. "You’ll catch a cold. Let’s go home."

Amy blinked, feeling a bit awkward. "Ah… yeah, okay."

She quickly stepped under the large umbrella with him, feeling the heat of his presence beside her. Then, glancing back at Elliot, she asked, "What about you?"

Elliot gave a small, easy smile. "I’ll call my driver to pick me up."

Amy nodded. "Alright then. See you."

And with that, she walked away with Zahn, the atmosphere between them oddly tense.

Elliot exhaled, watching them disappear into the rain.

Something feels off between those two… huh.

Zahn and Amy walked in silence, the steady patter of rain filling the space between them. He held the umbrella, shielding them both, but his face remained unreadable, completely devoid of emotion.

Amy glanced up at him. Their height difference wasn’t huge, but from this angle, she could see the sharp line of his jaw, the way his expression gave nothing away.

She didn’t like this at all.

The quiet wasn’t comfortable, it was heavy. Awkward. She felt uneasy, unable to talk freely, unable to see even the slightest smile on his face.

Why does he have to be so stubborn?

Desperate to break the tension, she blurted out, "You’re back early today… from your internship."

"Mhm."

Amy chewed on the inside of her cheek, thinking. "You didn’t accept your mom’s gift… the car."

"Yeah."

She paused, then tried again. "If you become a boss in the future, will you ride around in a fancy car like those rich CEOs in comics? You know, with a driver and a secretary?"

That finally got a reaction. Zahn turned his head slightly, raising an eyebrow at her.

Amy could tell he thought she was just babbling nonsense again. "I’ll drive myself," he replied flatly.

She let out a small chuckle. "Yeah, that sounds like you."

But it still wasn’t enough.

Something was missing. The silence still felt off. And Amy couldn’t shake the unease settling deep in her chest.

Later that night, as they lay in bed, Amy couldn’t take it anymore.

Zahn wasn’t holding her. No cuddling, no kisses, nothing. Just silence.

She hated it when he acted like a moody cat.

"Yo, you asleep?" she whispered.

A few seconds passed before he finally responded, voice low. "No."

That was all the invitation she needed.

Amy scooted closer, pressing herself against him. She wrapped her arms around his body, nuzzling into his neck without hesitation.

Zahn let out a quiet sigh. "What is it?"

She lifted her head, looking at him. "You’re not happy about my decision, are you? That I want to be an actress?"

Another sigh. He turned his face away. "It’s fine. Do whatever you want. Otherwise, you’ll just sulk  about it and make me feel bad."

Amy cupped his face, forcing him to look at her. "No, Zahn. I don’t want you to just tolerate it—I want you to accept it. I need to know why you’re so against it."

He hesitated. "I’m just… worried, okay?"

"Are you my parent?"

A faint flush crept onto his cheeks due to embarrassment. "...Maybe. I have been raising you for years."

Amy bit back a laugh. "Okay, then tell me what exactly are you worried about?"

Zahn shifted uncomfortably. "It’s nothing."

"Ugh, just tell me." She tightened her hold, refusing to let him escape.

There was a pause before he finally admitted, voice quieter, "It’s weird to say, but… what if the entertainment industry changes you?"

Amy blinked. "Changes me?"

"Yeah. What if it becomes your priority? What if you don’t need me anymore? What if… you find someone better and leave?"

Her heart clenched. She hadn’t expected that.

For a moment, she just stared at him, warmth spreading through her chest.

Then she hugged him tighter. "Oh, Zahn… why didn’t you just say that earlier?"

She nuzzled into his neck, her voice softer. "Do you really think I’d leave you? I’m heavily dependent on you, you know. I can’t even function without you."

Zahn’s breath hitched slightly.

Amy pulled back just enough to look at him, a teasing glint in her eyes. "You seriously think I’d grow wings one day and fly away?"

He frowned. "Stand by your words then. You’re not allowed to leave me."

She grinned, holding his chin. "Deal. But in return, you have to promise me something too."

"What?"

"Even if I fail in my career, even if I earn nothing and freeload off you forever, you cannot kick me out."

He raised an eyebrow, amused. "Haven’t you been freeloading all this time? If I wanted to kick you out, I would’ve done it years ago."

Amy burst out laughing. "True… but you really accept my career now, right?"

Zahn exhaled, looking at her seriously. "Fine. I do. But I still stand by what I said yesterday. It’s not a safe industry, Amy. It’s full of risks, and you’ll have to deal with a lot of things you’re not prepared for."

She thought about it, then nodded. "You’re right. But I can’t back down just because of something that might happen. If problems come, I’ll handle them. I’ll figure things out. Believe me."

"As long as you tell me everything."

"I promise. I’ll report to you daily," she chuckled.

She rested her head against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. His warmth, his presence, it was enough to make her feel at ease.

"I don’t think I’m sleepy anymore…" she murmured.

Zahn glanced down at her. "You’re not?"

"Mhm… why don’t we play a board game? Like snakes and ladders?"

A smirk slowly crept onto his lips. "Or… why don’t we practice instead? I did some research, you know."

Amy immediately lifted her head, eyes widening. "Wait. What did you research?!"

Zahn chuckled, then, without warning, flipped their positions.

Before she could react, she was pinned beneath him, his face hovering dangerously close

"Let's put the research into practice today"

Amy’s cheeks burned. Damn it, I’m doomed, she thought, her heartbeat skyrocketing.