My Brother in Law has Crush on Me

POV : Visiting the Instrument studio

After enrolling at the University we arrived at the instrument studio. Lily Cruze, my coach since high school, greeted me warmly. She'd been a fantastic mentor, guiding me from a violin novice to a prodigy. Yet, I'd prioritized medical school to please my parents, forgetting my true passion and self.

"Dear, I'm so happy to see you here," Lily exclaimed, hugging me tightly. Her gaze shifted to Zion, who was carrying the sleeping Levy. She released me from the embrace.

"He is...?" she questioned, her brow slightly raised.

I explained, "Oh, he's my future brother-in-law, Zion."

Lily's eyes widened in surprise. "Oh, so you're the second son of the Zenith family? What a pleasure to meet you. I almost forgot you're engaged to the eldest young master, Marcus Zenith. Well, you gotta keep a promise, right?"

She shook hands with Zion, who surprisingly reciprocated the gesture.

"No," Zion replied, his tone surprisingly polite, "the pleasure is all mine."

When did he become so nice and polite? Maybe he genuinely hated me for no reason.

"You and Levy could sit in the lounge," I suggested, leading them to a comfortable seating area. I brought them apple juice. "Drink some for refreshments. Just let Levy sleep there."

Zion eyed the juice suspiciously. "Did you put poison in it?"

This jerk! What did he think of me, a killer? I'm not Cinderella's stepmother.

"Do I look like the kind of person who would poison you?" I retorted, my voice laced with disbelief.

Zion shrugged. "Well, I can't trust a stranger, and an enemy."

Oh, so he considered me an enemy. Whatever, an ungrateful brat.

"Whatever," I muttered, "just stay here."

Lily approached us. "Dear Hillary, I'll just go for a while. I'll be back later, don't worry. Just go get your things; you're familiar here since this is your studio anyway. And I'm sorry, Sir Zion, I can't stay longer to keep you company. Maybe next time."

Zion replied smoothly, "It's nothing, Miss Lily. We know you're busy."

I looked at Zion; what a pretentious jerk.

"Yes, he's right," I said, addressing Lily. "And you worked too much for my studio when I was away studying abroad. I'll give you a raise for that."

Lily demurred, "No need, dear. I'm simply grateful to have this job." She grabbed her bag and waved goodbye.

"Okay," I called after her, "take care."

Then I glared at Zion. "Wow, I didn't know you were so great at pretending in front of people, but you can't even try to pretend to be nice to me."

Zion's expression was unreadable. "I'm not pretending. I'm simply being honestly nice to those who deserve it. And you... don't deserve it."

"You jerk! Ugh... Nevermind," I huffed, turning away.

I went to my violin, carefully wiping it clean. A smile touched my lips as I touched it again after years. I'd abandoned my dream to make my parents proud. I began to play, closing my eyes and letting the music flow. It was a melody of happiness, of relief. I played for hours. When I finished, I saw Zion listening, lost in thought. As much as I wanted to ask him what he was thinking, I hesitated; I knew he wouldn't take it seriously. What did you even expect from Zion?

I carefully placed my violin in its case and approached him, snapping my fingers to bring him back to reality.

"Hey," I said, "are you alright?"

Zion looked at me, his expression a confusing mix of sadness and anger. "I'm fine. It's none of your business."

"You should wake Levy up already," I said. "It's getting dark. Let's eat. There's a restaurant nearby."

I woke Levy. "Levy, wake up. It's late; we haven't eaten yet."

His eyelids fluttered open. He rubbed his eyes. "Sister... I want to eat fried chicken."

Zion patted his head. "You can't eat fried chicken. Mom won't let you."

Levy looked like a kid who hadn't experienced much of life. I saw a reflection of my past self in him, and I smiled, taking his hand.

"Don't worry," I said, "we'll eat fried chicken. Okay? I'll take the blame."

Zion sighed. "But... ugh... whatever. Just remember I warned you."

"Don't worry," I reassured him. "Let the kid experience it, just once."

Levy looked at me and hugged me. It was shocking; this kid had never been kind to me before. I patted his back.

"Okay, okay, little guy, let's go already."

I hoisted Levy onto my back. "Levy, promise me you'll be obedient and kind to me from now on. And I'll always cover for you."

Levy nodded eagerly. "Yes, sister. I will."

It felt great to finally have a good relationship with Levy. At least I'd lost one enemy.

We arrived at Halley's restaurant, a short walk from the studio. Small and inexpensive, it held a special place in my heart; I'd frequented it during high school, loving their barbecue chicken wings. I was practically a regular back then. Aunt Halley, the kind middle-aged owner, greeted me with a warm smile—she always remembered her regulars.

"Good evening, Aunt Halley," I said, "long time no see. Are you still open?"

Aunt Halley's eyes lit up as she recognized me. She removed her apron. "Oh, little girl! It's been so long. The last time you ate here was six years ago. What happened?"

"I studied medicine abroad, Aunt Halley," I explained.

Aunt Halley nodded. "Oh, that's why I never saw you again. You know, six years ago, a guy also came here asking about you. He kept coming every day for a year before he finally gave up. I can't remember his face anymore, but I'm sure he was handsome."

My curiosity piqued. "A guy? Did you ask his name, Aunt Halley?"

Aunt Halley chuckled. "I asked, but he said he preferred not to say. Maybe he was your secret admirer. I know you had a lot of them in high school. Well, I'm not surprised; you've always been beautiful."

I blushed at the compliment. "Thank you, Aunt Halley. You're right, maybe he was one of my admirers."

Zion, after settling Levy at a table, approached me at the counter.

"Hey," he said, "you should order a plain drumstick."

"Yes, I will," I replied, my tone even.

This jerk! Was he ordering me around like I was his maid?

Aunt Halley looked at Zion, as if recognizing him. "Young man, have we met before?"

Zion, looking slightly uncomfortable and evasive, replied, "I believe we haven't. It's my first time here."

Aunt Halley smiled gently. "Oh, forgive this old lady; I'm always mistaking things."

Zion offered a polite smile. "It's okay."