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The first time they met, Cocoa was just on a random walk, when she unexpectedly meets someone who completely changed her life...
Cocoa sighed, taking a sip from the cup of cocoa on her hands, as she faced the sky. She had finally been dismissed after working for a while, and now that she's gone to the drink shop where her favorite cocoa was being sold, she had finally fulfilled her daily tasks. Normally, she would go home after buying her favorite drink, but somehow, she found herself wandering around the town instead.
' Where should I go now?'
She doesn't really have many places to go to, granted how she didn't have that many interests in the first place. Sure, she likes to occasionally knit, and is obsessed with cocoa (she's even named after it), but other than that, she had no specific interest in things.
Cocoa let out a deep breath, taking another sip from her cup, as she set her eyes upon a cookie shop.
'I bet that cookies will taste fantastic paired with this hot, warm cocoa!'
Feeling a little motivated, she starts skipping towards the store, rummaging through her bag to grab her purse and oh---- her brows slightly raise as she suddenly hears a soft, beautiful melody.
' What a lovely melody! Where is it coming from, I wonder?'
Cocoa stops, and turns the other way, cookie shop completely forgotten, as she seeks the source of the calming music. It appears to be a melody made from a violin, as she recalls the few times she's watched some shows and concerts.
She passes through the crowd of people passing by, fresh out of work and some other business they have to attend to, as her eyes focus on a lone figure near the fountain, which was located in the middle of the town. Her eyes sparkle, as the melody becomes clearer, the more she comes nearer towards the source of the music.
"Wow..." Cocoa whispers, clutching her cup in awe, as she stares at the lean figure playing skillfully in front of her. The man was incredibly charming, with his mint-colored hair and his smooth, fair skin. His eyes were closed, as he focused on producing the wonderful music. Cocoa watched as the man swayed, his long fingers hovering over the violin, and his hair falling over his face in a wonderful and enticing manner. Her breath catches on her throat, as her heart thumps. Listening to his music was like being engulfed in a warm hug. She could see herself sitting on the porch, looking out the window, as she drinks cocoa in her favorite cup, revelling in the Christmas spirit.
Even though the mint-haired musician was playing near the fountain, Cocoa still felt like she was in a hall filled with many people, dancing to the melody playing through the air. She would try to focus on her dance partner, but she would continuously look at the stage, her attention completely on the man playing the violin, with a face that is so very charming. He would play a piece sweeter than cocoa, and she would clutch her heart and say...
"Such a beautiful melody...!"
The music abruptly stops, and Cocoa gapes in horror as she realized that she had blurted those words out loud. Covering her face that was slowly reddening, she quickly escapes the scene, shy of making contact with the stranger who, without doubt, had stolen her heart (she was embarrassed to admit it, but he was simply too enchanting--- both him and his music have completely captivated her). She strolls away, heading towards the direction of her house, immediately squealing the moment she shuts the door, as she remembers the bewildered face the man made when he heard her words.
Unbeknowst to her, the man was just as curious about the woman who had complimented his music in a soft and adorable voice.
' Was she talking... about my music?'
Mint Choco scans the crowd, looking for the source of the compliment, then slightly tilts his head as he spots a woman who was running away from the opposite direction to where he was playing. She had long, fluffy brown hair, and he found her puffed cheeks quite adorable. He smiles as she fans her red face, and Mint Choco surmises that the lovely lady was embarrassed about interrupting him while he was playing (she didn't interrupt him at all, he thinks), then returns back to what he was doing before. The only thing different this time was that he was now playing with a pleasant smile on his face, the image of a certain woman engraved on his mind as he continues on playing his instrument.
The second time they met, it was when Cocoa made the first move and decided to seek the attractive stranger out...
After that unforgettable experience in the park, Cocoa had unexpectedly developed a huge interest in music. She was surprised to learn that the man she had met on the park was not that popular. She had thought that he was a professional, with how wonderfully he had played the violin.
Cocoa pouted, as she remembered how badly she had reacted when they first met. She should have stood tall and complimented the handsome stranger head-on, telling him about how warm and wonderful his music was! What if he misunderstood her reaction? She would hate it if the man got the wrong idea!
After all of her lamenting, Cocoa decided on venturing to the town once again, but this time, she was holding a fresh cup of cocoa, something to give to the musician as an apology for last time (definitely not an excuse to seek him out).
"It appears that I have come a little bit too early..." Cocoa says, cupping her cheek, as she looks at the empty spot near the fountain. She decided to just wait for the man, wrapping her hands around the cocoa in order to keep her hands warm. Soon enough, the man rounds around the corner, and his eyes brighten in realization, as he approaches the woman.
"It is very nice to meet you, miss. My name is Mint Choco, a street musician. Thank you for the compliment last time."
Cocoa smiled brightly, internally glad that he had not misunderstood her reaction as something negative, "nice to meet you, Mint Choco! My name is Cocoa, and I think that your music is absolutely enchanting! Apologies for running away last time, I was quite guilty about interrupting your musical piece..."
"You did not interrupt me at all, Cocoa," Mint Choco says, his eyes shining in amusement, "I was rather stoked to hear that my music was perceived as something beautiful, especially from someone as lovely as yourself."
"Oh my," Cocoa blushed, staring into Mint Choco's turquoise eyes, "compared to you, I am not quite as lovely, though I am inclined to believe in the words of someone so sophisticated like you."
Mint Choco's ears reddened slightly this time, as he shoots her a charming smile, "may I offer a piece to you then, my lady?"
Cocoa's eyes widen, as she wobbly says, "i-if it is not too much of a bother then!"
"Nonsense!" Mint Choco declares, as he slightly bows, "I would be more than honored to offer you a piece."
Cocoa and Mint Choco fall into a comfortable silence then, as Mint Choco starts to create a harmonious melody once more. Cocoa focuses her eyes on the man in front of her, as she soaks herself in the warm tune that the instrument was producing. She watches as the man eases into the music, and once again, she felt as if she were transferred into another dimension, but this time, there was only him and her, dancing in a slow waltz, as they let their bodies take control over their movements. The music rises near the end, as Cocoa sways her body accordingly to the music. Mint Choco smiles as he watches the woman be so at bliss while listening to his music; it gave him some sense of pride, and also warmed his heart that someone would listen to his music in such a manner.
Mint Choco rests his hands once he finished, and he heard the soft voice of Cocoa strumming through the air. Her voice is indeed worthy of her name, granted how sweet and lovely the beautiful woman sounds.
"Here..." Cocoa offers him a beverage, as she faces him eagerly, "it's a little bit cold now, but cocoa is still delicious whether it is hot or a little bit cold!"
Mint Choco chuckles at the girl's enthusiasm, as he accepts the cup of cocoa from Cocoa's hands. It was still a little bit warm, and Mint Choco assumed that Cocoa had tried to keep it as warm as possible, which was quite adorable, and somehow, that thought had his heart racing a little bit.
Maybe, just maybe, he was quite enamored with---
"You're so talented!" His thoughts were interrupted by the one who was plaguing them as well, "your music is surely even sweeter than cocoa, and that's saying something!"
"I'm glad that you are comparing my music with something you hold so dear," Mint Choco replies, "it makes me happy to know that you view my music in high regard."
"Of course!" Cocoa vigorously nods, and the sparkle in her eyes makes Mint Choco's heartbeat spike once more, "your music deserves the highest praise that it could ever have!"
That day, Mint Choco discovered that his heart was captured in a soft, warm hug by the sweet woman named Cocoa.
The two have continuously met all throughout the months, with their meetings usually consisting of their playful banter and with Cocoa peacefully listening to Mint Choco's music. Sometimes, the other was busy from work, or they had something to do that day, but they always found a way to meet at least once a week, in order to release some tension. Truly, it was the best time of their lives. They experience true peace even in the short time they stay with each other...
Mint Choco frowned, shoulder and eyes drooping, as he spots the empty fountain once again. He didn't want to blame Cocoa for anything (because how could he blame such a wonderful woman?), but he couldn't help but be disappointed for not seeing the lady anymore. Even though they meet only for short periods of time, those times spent with her are the warmest moments he's ever had. The air passes through Mint Choco, as a music sheet with a "Dear Cocoa..." written elegantly on the top right falls out. It was a pity that he would not get to see Cocoa today as well.bunch of papers in his arms. He may not show it in his face, but he was quite excited to meet a special someone today. Cocoa hadn't showed up for the past six days now, but he was at least sure that she would appear at the seventh day, since they always find a way to meet at least once a week (at least this is what he hopes). He had a surprise to give to her today, and he most certainly wanted to see the expression that the woman will show him.
Mint Choco frowned, shoulder and eyes drooping, as he spots the empty fountain once again. He didn't want to blame Cocoa for anything, but he couldn't help but be disappointed for not seeing the lady anymore. Even though they meet only for short periods of time, those times spent with her are the warmest moments he's ever had. The air passes through Mint Choco, as a music sheet with a "Dear Cocoa..." written elegantly on the top right falls out. It was a pity that he would not get to see Cocoa today as well.
Footsteps approached his position, and for a quick moment, Mint Choco couldn't help but wish that the person who was approaching him was Cocoa, "pardon me..."
He raised his head up, hopeful, yet his dreams were crushed as he finds a man instead, looking down upon him, as his eyebrows furrowed, afraid of offending the man.
"Apologies, did I offend you in any way?" The man says, and Mint Choco hurriedly composes himself.
"Not at all. I apologize for the misunderstanding, I had just been expecting someone else."
"Is that so..." The man whispered, then seriously looked at Mint Choco. Mint Choco felt slightly daunted by the man's gaze, yet he stood firm, not breaking eye contact.
"Say..."
"Have you ever thought of performing on stage?"
Yes, Mint Choco had indeed thought about it. Performing on stage was one of his aspirations, but that doesn't mean that he disliked performing on the streets. Street performing gave him a sense of comfort that nothing else could possibly produce, and...
Cocoa was there to listen to his music as well.
'I wonder... will Cocoa still listen to my music even if we've drifted far apart? Maybe if I bait her with some cocoa, she will.'
He chuckles at the thought of Cocoa attending for the free beverage.
Mint Choco knew that it had only been six days since they last met, yet he got the feeling that he wouldn't be able to meet her for a while now. Being a stage performer would require time, but...
'This is what I want, and I can see Cocoa cheering me on and pushing me to this direction as well.'
He nods to the man, and that's when Mint Choco starts his journey into becoming one of the most renowned musicians in the land.
During this time period, Cocoa had absolutely been swamped with so much work and problems to the point of exhaustion. She never forgot the charming face of the man who had her completely enamored, and she deeply regrets every passing moment where she cannot visit their secret meeting spot, reserved only for the two of them...
A few months have passed, and Mint Choco had slowly risen his way to the top with his amazing talents and charming personality. Of course, even though the man is so high up now, he still hasn't forgotten his roots, or where he first started. He also definitely didn't forget who his first supporter was. He had quite the large amount of fans, and while he cherished all of his fans equally, he held one particular woman dear to his heart. Mint Choco sighs, looking at the ticket in his hands, reminiscing back on the old days where it was only the two of them together.
'Will we ever... meet again?'
Mint Choco never regretted the fact that he's sitting here in this room at this moment, but sometimes, he wishes that things were back the way they were. He wanted to be in the presence and bask in the warmth of the woman who was just as sweet as her name. Even after all of these days, Mint Choco had never stopped thinking about the woman who had been there for him when he was still starting out. The woman named Cocoa who was the loveliest lady that Mint Choco had ever met.
He decided to go for the walk, careful in not souring his mood. Somehow, he felt like going back to where it all began. To the fountain, where he had just randomly decided to perform, and stayed because of that small voice that had complimented his music. He was planning on moving places once he tried playing there, but something had quite obviously made him stay (her name starts with a C and ends in -ocoa).
Mint Choco spots the fountain, and he almost reels back in shock as he sees a familiar figure near the fateful place. He saw his past self, and the figure of Cocoa, handing him the lukewarm cocoa beverage that the woman had prepared for him.
'Is that... me and...?'
The figure slowly walks away, and before Mint Choco could even think, he had already called out to her and gently grabbed her shoulder.
"Wait!"
The woman turned around, and Mint Choco wasn't surprised to see that Cocoa was still as lovely as the day they last met. Honestly, it felt unreal, magical, and enchanting. Mint Choco couldn't describe it in words. Her eyes widened in surprise, and they stared at each other in shock, with no one daring to speak. Mint Choco didn't even know where to begin, but his hand slowly reaches out to the ticket that he had hidden in his suit. He puts the ticket gently on Cocoa's hands, encasing her hands with his slightly larger ones, and smiled.
He turned away, fearing that his emotions may be showing too obviously in his face, and walked away, not before turning around and giving her a sweet smile, "I'll be waiting."
Cocoa didn't expect to suddenly bump into Mint Choco. She had heard that he had grown quite popular over the months, so she had feared that he might have forgotten all about her, but it appears that he was still the same charming man that she had met with back then. She had not sought him out for fear of being shunned or forgotten, but now that she had received a direct invitation, she would certainly not be turning it down. Maybe, just maybe, she and him could sit down and have a nice chat over a hot cup of cocoa about their lives after the concert--- (normally this would be called a date, but Cocoa wasn't too confident in that regard....)
The day of the concert had finally come, and Cocoa was standing inside the stadium packed with a lot of people. It was no surprise to see that so many people have gathered just to see Mint Choco's amazing work. He certainly deserves all the love, and Cocoa was so proud to see him in his position. Also, Mint Choco had given her a seat that was quite close to the stage--- it warmed her heart to be given such a special seat, and although she told herself not to read too much into it, she couldn't stop her heart from racing about the thought. From this position, she could see Mint Choco perform closely, and she was more than excited to finally listen to him once more.
The curtains have finally been opened, and Mint Choco stepped out of the back, dressed in a fine suit, as he bowed, speaking into the microphone, loud enough for everyone to hear.
"Thank you all for coming today. I am grateful to receive everyone's love and support, which is why I have prepared a very special piece for today."
Claps can be heard from all around the place, and Cocoa joined in as well.
Mint Choco smiled, looking at everyone he could see, and then continued to speak, "this one's for you."
Though he had not addressed anyone in particular, all of the ladies swooned, and Cocoa flushed a little bit, soaking in the melodious voice of the man. It also didn't help that he was looking at her entirely while saying that. She stared back at him, and he gives her a sly smile, as he finally closes his eyes, and the whole stadium quiets down.
Finally, Mint Choco thinks, I can finally play this piece to you now.
The two meet up after the concert, and they catch up on what they both have missed about each other's lives. Of course, Mint Choco doesn't miss out on this opportunity to invite her on his next concert, and on his next next concert, and even on his future concerts. He wasn't going to let her out of arm's length this time, and Cocoa was determined to do the same.
" So..." Mint Choco's manager starts, as he looks at the guilty criminal in front of him, "what exactly spurred this on?"
"Nothing important, really," Mint Choco replied, a mischievous smile displayed on his lips, "I just felt like playing a new song, that's what."
His manager narrowed his eyes in suspicion, as he watched the musician walk away, mood awfully fantastic. He looked at the music sheet lying in the table, and somehow, he suspected the 'Dear Cocoa...' written in the top right was the root of all of this.
Oh, if only he knew how right he turned out to be.