Winx: The reincarnation 2

Chapter thirty-four

When Crystal rejoined her friends, she was immediately met with cheers and laughter.

"You were absolutely amazing!" Artemisia beamed.

"I knew you had it in you," Lithia said with a proud nod.

Crystal chuckled. "I was so nervous, but I'm really happy I did it."

Luna grinned. "You didn't just do it; you nailed it!"

"And there's someone here to see you," Carissa said with a teasing grin.

Crystal blinked in confusion. "Someone? Who?"

"Hi, Crystal," a familiar voice said.

She turned to see Zen approaching, holding a bouquet of fresh flowers.

"Zen?" she said, surprised. "I wasn't expecting you. What are you doing here?"

Zen smiled. "I saw your performance on social media, and I thought it would be nice to show my support in person."

She accepted the bouquet. "That's really sweet of you."

Danielle smirked. "Well, we'll be at the snack table if you need us." She gave Crystal a knowing look before guiding the others away, leaving her and Zen alone.

Crystal glanced at the flowers, then back at Zen. "You didn't have to do this."

"I wanted to", Zen said. "Your performance was incredible, and I figured you deserved to hear it in person."

Crystal smiled. "Thank you, Zen."

He rubbed the back of his neck. "So... do you want to go somewhere and hang out for a bit?"

Crystal's smile faltered slightly. "I'd love to, but I already promised Symphony a celebration since our song won—well, placed second, but still!" She chuckled.

Zen chuckled a little disappointed. "Of course, I wouldn't want to come between you and Symphony's big celebration."

Crystal smiled apologetically. "I am sorry."

Zen nodded. "It's okay."

"Yeah," Crystal said. "Thanks again for coming, Zen."

"Anytime," he said. "Enjoy your win."

"Thanks," Crystal said, and Zen left, then her friends approached her.

"What's going on? Why aren't you going with him?" Luna asked, arms crossed.

Crystal blinked. "What?"

"I am pretty sure he asked to hang out," Luna pressed.

"I told him I had other plans," Crystal replied simply.

Luna frowned. "But you don't have other plans."

Crystal said, getting annoyed "Well, I do. I promised Symphony I would hang out with her."

"Luna, you're being too much," Lithia interjected.

Luna sighed. "I just don't get it. Why do you keep pushing him away? He's nice, he's cute, he actually likes you and he's being really straightforward about it. He's nothing like Caspian—or is that the problem? Do you still have feelings for Caspian? Because you know he's married now."

Crystal's face flushed with embarrassment. "Shut up, Luna! Can't you just mind your own business for once?" She snapped.

The room fell into an uneasy silence, the tension thick. Luna blinked, momentarily taken aback, before exhaling a quiet sigh.

"I wasn't trying to upset you, Crystal," she said, her voice softer. "Honestly..."

Crystal folded her arms, her frustration evident. "Stop interfering in my life," she said sharply. "I'm going home." Without waiting for a response, she turned on her heel and walked away.