3RD PERSON'S POV
Orange sat on the edge of her bed, her light blue hair still damp from a quick shower. The room was dimly lit by the soft glow of the setting sun filtering through the blinds, casting long shadows across the floor.
She picked up her phone and scrolled through the endless notifications. The viral video from the Summer Music Fest had taken the internet by storm. Fans were raving about her performance, her blue hair, and the intensity she brought to the stage. Orange couldn't help but smile at the praise, but her mind was elsewhere.
As she sat there, memories of the past began to flood her thoughts. She and Rodora had been inseparable in high school, both passionate about music and determined to make it big. They had formed their first band together, playing in dingy basements and small local venues. Their chemistry was undeniable, both on and off the stage.
But as their relationship deepened, so did the complications. Rodora had always dreamed big, and as their band started to gain traction, she became more focused on their image and success. Orange, on the other hand, was content with the music and the bond they shared. It wasn't long before Rodora began to hide their relationship from the world, treating it like a dirty little secret.
"People won't understand," Rodora had said once, her eyes avoiding Orange's. "It's not about us; it's about the band. We can't let anything jeopardize that."
Orange had felt the sting of those words, the sense of being an embarrassment to the person she loved. But she had stayed, hoping that things would change, that Rodora would come to see that their relationship was worth fighting for.
Years had passed since then, and their paths had diverged. Rodora had joined another band, chasing bigger dreams and leaving Orange behind. It had taken a toll on Orange, but she had thrown herself into her music, forming D Minor and finding a new sense of purpose.
However, there was one detail that gnawed at her. Orange knew that Rodora was the reason she had been forced to join D Minor. It wasn't a coincidence that the opportunity had come her way just as Rodora was making moves in the industry. Rodora had pulled strings behind the scenes, ensuring that Orange would be part of a band that had potential but needed her spark to truly shine.
Now, as she sat in her room, the confrontation with Rodora at the festival replayed in her mind. The intensity in Rodora's eyes, the way she had tried to pull Orange back into the past—it was all too much. Orange's anger simmered just beneath the surface, mingling with the hurt she had buried for so long.
Her phone buzzed again, and she glanced at the screen. Another notification, another comment about the viral video. She sighed and tossed the phone onto the bed, running a hand through her hair.
"Why now?" she muttered to herself. "Why does she have to come back now?"
The past was a shadow that Orange couldn't escape, no matter how much she tried to focus on the present. The music was her sanctuary, but Rodora's presence threatened to shatter that peace.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Orange stood up and walked to her guitar, which rested against the wall. She picked it up and strummed a few chords, the familiar sound soothing her frayed nerves. The music had always been her refuge, and it would be her strength now.
She closed her eyes and let the melody flow, her fingers moving instinctively over the strings. The memories of the past were still there, but she wouldn't let them control her. She was stronger now, and she had a band that believed in her.
Rodora might be a part of her history, but Orange was determined to write her own future. The viral video was just the beginning, a testament to her talent and passion. She wouldn't let anything—or anyone—stand in the way of that.
As the last notes of the song faded into the quiet of her room, Orange opened her eyes and took a deep breath. The shadows of the past might linger, but she was ready to face them head-on. The music was her anchor, and with it, she would navigate whatever challenges lay ahead.
******
The familiar sound of laughter and conversation drifted up from the kitchen. In the kitchen, Orange's younger sister Ellie was busy mixing ingredients in a large bowl, her face a picture of concentration. The countertops were cluttered with baking supplies, flour dusting the surfaces like a light snowfall.
"Hey, Orange!" Ellie exclaimed, her eyes lighting up as she saw her sister. "Perfect timing. Want to help me with these cakes?"
Orange smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. "Sure thing, Ellie. What are we making?"
"Chocolate cakes with a twist," Ellie said, her voice brimming with excitement. "I found a new recipe online, and I thought we could give it a try."
As they worked side by side, mixing batter and preparing the pans, Orange felt a sense of peace she hadn't experienced in a long time. The simple act of baking with her sister brought back memories of carefree days spent in the kitchen, experimenting with recipes and sharing laughs.
"How's the band doing?" Ellie asked, her eyes shining with curiosity. "I saw the video from the festival. You were amazing!"
Orange chuckled, feeling a surge of pride. "Thanks, Ellie. The band is doing great. We've got some exciting gigs lined up, and the response to the video has been incredible."
Ellie beamed. "I knew you guys would make it big. And Rodora... wow, she's something else. Her voice is incredible."
Orange's smile faltered slightly at the mention of Rodora, but she quickly masked it. "Yeah, she's talented," she said, keeping her tone neutral. "But it's not always easy working with her."
Ellie glanced at her sister, picking up on the subtle tension in her voice. "Is everything okay between you two?"
Orange hesitated, her thoughts drifting back to the confrontation at the festival. "It's complicated, Ellie. Rodora and I have a lot of history, and sometimes it feels like it never really stays in the past."
Ellie nodded, her expression thoughtful. "I get it. But just know that I'm always here for you, no matter what."
Orange felt a swell of gratitude for her sister's unwavering support. "Thanks, Ellie. That means a lot."
As they continued baking, their conversation flowed easily, touching on everything from music to family to future plans. The kitchen was filled with the comforting sounds of laughter and the clinking of utensils, a stark contrast to the tumultuous emotions Orange had been grappling with.
Once the cakes were in the oven, Ellie wiped her hands on a towel and turned to her sister. "You know, Orange, I've always looked up to you. Watching you chase your dreams and make a name for yourself... it's inspiring."
Orange's heart swelled with emotion. "Thanks, Ellie. That means more to me than you know."
Ellie grinned, her eyes sparkling. "And Rodora... well, she's pretty cool too. I know things might be complicated, but she's part of what makes D Minor so special."
Orange nodded, feeling a mix of emotions. "You're right. Despite everything, the music is what matters most. We just have to find a way to keep it all together."
As the cakes baked, Orange and Ellie moved to the living room, sinking into the comfortable couch. They reminisced about their childhood, shared stories of their adventures, and talked about their dreams for the future. The bond between them was a source of strength and comfort, a reminder that no matter what happened, they would always have each other.
Later, as the sun dipped below the horizon and the kitchen filled with the sweet aroma of freshly baked cakes, Orange felt a sense of calm wash over her. The shadows of the past might linger, but with her family's love and support, she knew she could face whatever challenges lay ahead.
******
The next morning, the house was filled with the soft hum of activity as Orange's parents prepared breakfast. The scent of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling bacon wafted through the air, drawing Orange downstairs.
"Morning, sweetheart," her mom greeted, placing a plate of pancakes on the table. "Did you sleep well?"
Orange nodded, feeling a sense of contentment she hadn't felt in a while. "Yeah, I did. Thanks, Mom."
Her dad looked up from his newspaper, a warm smile on his face. "Good to have you home, Orange. We've missed you."
Orange felt a lump form in her throat. "I've missed you too. It's good to be back."
As they sat down to eat, the conversation turned to the viral video and the band's growing success. Her parents were beaming with pride, their excitement contagious.
"You've worked so hard for this," her dad said, his voice filled with admiration. "It's wonderful to see it all paying off."
Orange smiled, feeling a renewed sense of determination. "Thanks, Dad. It's been a crazy journey, but I wouldn't trade it for anything."
Her mom reached across the table, squeezing her hand. "Just remember to take care of yourself too. You've always been so driven, but you need to make time for yourself and the things that bring you joy."
Orange nodded, appreciating the reminder. "I will, Mom. I promise."
After breakfast, Orange decided to take a walk around the neighborhood. The familiar sights and sounds of her hometown brought a sense of nostalgia, reminding her of simpler times. As she strolled down the tree-lined streets, she felt a sense of clarity settling over her.
Returning home, she found Ellie in the kitchen, putting the finishing touches on the cakes they had baked the previous day. The rich, chocolatey aroma filled the air, making Orange's mouth water.
"Those look amazing," Orange said, admiring the beautifully decorated cakes.
Ellie grinned, proud of their handiwork. "Thanks! I was thinking we could bring some over to the neighbors. They always loved our baking."
Orange's heart warmed at the thought. "That's a great idea. Let's do it."
As they carefully wrapped the cakes and headed out the door, Orange felt a sense of fulfillment. The simple act of sharing their creations with others brought a joy that transcended the complexities of her life.
Later that afternoon, they returned home, their spirits lifted by the gratitude and smiles of their neighbors. Orange felt a renewed sense of purpose, a reminder that even amidst the chaos, there were moments of beauty and connection that made it all worthwhile.
As the day turned to evening, Orange found herself back in her bedroom, her guitar in hand. She strummed a few chords, letting the music flow through her. The weight of the past still lingered, but it no longer felt as heavy.
She knew there would be challenges ahead, both with the band and with Rodora. But she also knew that she was stronger now, with a clearer sense of who she was and what she wanted.
The music was her anchor, her refuge, and with it, she could navigate whatever lay ahead. The viral video was just the beginning, a testament to her talent and passion. She wouldn't let anything—or anyone—stand in the way of that.
As the last notes of the song faded into the quiet of her room, Orange took a deep breath and closed her eyes. She was ready to face the future, armed with the love and support of her family and the strength of her own resolve.
With a renewed sense of purpose, she knew she could conquer whatever challenges came her way. The shadows of the past might linger, but she was determined to forge her own path, one that was filled with music, love, and the unwavering belief in herself.
*****