The Tender Flower {Meteor Garden 2018}

Chapter 8

A/N: This chapter will be more focused on Connor and Meiza's story. Please bear with me because it is important for the future.

This may also have some unpleasant scenes so I apologize in advance.

I'll make sure to write 'TRIGGER WARNING' before the scene:)
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Connor slept soundly in Meiza's bed as Meiza recovered from her mini panic attack.

She went back to bed, carefully running her fingers through Connor's hair.
She couldn't help but smile at him as he slept. While she watched him, Meiza recalled some memories they shared...

~~~~~~~~

"So, are you from around here?"
"No. Well yeah but I'm actually from Shanghai. I've been living here since I was like 6,"
"Oh interesting..."
"So a photographer huh?"
"Hm? Oh yeah. I guess it's kinda like a hobby,"
"Cool... why photography though?"
"Well I guess capturing something in the moment is something that can be remembered forever,"
"Hmm, I never thought about it like that,"
"What're you interested in?"
"Music and dance. I play the harp when I can," Meiza told Connor as they stopped at her hotel.
"Wow, that's pretty amazing," Connor smiled.
They stood there in awkward silence.
"Well I better go," Meiza said finally. "Uh yeah... will I see you around?"
"I guess if I had your number..." Connor trailed off and Meiza giggled.
"Nice try. You said you go to Harvard right?"
"Yeah?"
"I'm starting my freshman year soon. Maybe I'll see you there," Meiza smiled and went inside.

~~~~~~~

Start of Freshman Year

"Connor!"
Meiza had managed to spot her photographer acquaintance in the cafeteria with his friends.
Connor looked up with a frown and smiled brightly when he saw Meiza.
"Meiza!" He said startled and hugged her. He was surprised to see her.
"Told you I'll see you again," She retorted and he laughed.
Connor's friends were already checking out the young girl who stood before them, three times over.

(It should be known that Connor's friends were the biggest perverted playboys in the entire university. They had been accused of many rape cases and so forth but since they were rich and charming, they got away with it.)

(Of course Meiza had not idea about this and became good friends with all them when she started dating Connor.)

"Hey Connor who is this?" Bryant asked.

(He was the 'careful one' and was never accused of any rape cases... but was for a number of others.
Connor knew his friends were horrible but they were always there for him and they were his childhood friends.)

"This is Meiza. She was the model I had to photograph that day," Connor introduced carefully.
"You're pretty young aren't you?" Harvey asked her and she smiled a little.

(Harvey was the 'reckless one' and by that you can guess what it means.)

"I'm 14, but next Saturday is my birthday," she said.
"Interesting," Vince said, eyeing her.

(Vince was the 'strategical one' and was accused for the least cases since he always planned them carefully.)

"Well would you like to sit with us?" Harvey asked her and she looked at Connor.
Connor glared at Harvey quickly before turning to Meiza.
"You don't have to," Connor said but Meiza agreed nonetheless.
Meiza made fast friends with all of them and was happy that she made friends so soon, despite the uncomfortable feeling in her gut.