Shonn's heart did a little flip as he spotted Jacob and Mason near the college entrance. The sight of them felt like coming home, a warm, familiar glow spreading through his chest.
"Hey Jacob! Mason!" he called out, his voice carrying the enthusiasm of someone who had been away for too long.
Jacob turned, his face lighting up. "Hey Shonn! What's up?" He met Shonn's outstretched hand with a high five that echoed their easy camaraderie.
Mason, never one to miss a beat, chimed in, "Not much. It's been a while, man. Were you kidnapped or something?" Despite his teasing tone, there was a thread of genuine concern in his eyes. Shonn had been out of their reach for the past month, and it hadn't gone unnoticed.
Jacob smirked, his eyes twinkling mischievously. "Kidnapped? You mean by Sara?"
Shonn rolled his eyes, a smile tugging at his lips. "You two never quit! I just don't get how we never bump into each other on campus."
Jacob shrugged. "Because you're always in class, dude. You have one now?"
"No, not until later. I just came early today," Shonn explained, shrugging as if it was the most natural thing in the world.
Mason's eyebrow shot up. "Why? You never come early."
Shonn felt a blush creeping up his cheeks. "I'm meeting Sara for a project."
"Ooooooooo," they chorused, nudging each other and grinning like schoolboys.
"Cut it out," Shonn said, laughing despite himself. He couldn't help but feel a flutter of nerves mixed with excitement at the mention of Sara.
Jacob leaned in, his curiosity piqued. "Okay, then spill. What's going on with her?"
"Um, nothing much," Shonn replied, looking away and scratching the back of his head in a telltale sign of discomfort.
Mason's tone softened as he noticed Shonn's unease. "You're totally hiding something. You like her, don't you?"
"I don't know, man. I've always been pretty interested in her. She's different—talks to everyone, always smiling, super helpful. But she keeps her distance. She's got this strong presence, totally opposite of me. I just... I don't know," Shonn said, looking down, his voice tinged with uncertainty and longing.
"You've changed, Shonn," Mason noted, genuine admiration in his voice. "You're more open now."
"Have I? I hope it's for the better."
"You're definitely more talkative now," Jacob said, flicking Shonn's forehead playfully.
"Is that a compliment?" Shonn asked, mischievous voice.
"So, are you planning to tell her how you feel?" Mason asked gently.
"I told you, I'm not sure. I got really excited when we teamed up. We've gotten closer, but I have no clue what she thinks of me," Shonn confessed, his voice almost a whisper. Sharing his feelings felt exposing, but also a relief.
"Shonn Turner, she'd be blind not to fall for you. Cheer up," Jacob encouraged, his voice full of brotherly support.
Just then, Shonn's phone buzzed with a call from Sara. His heart skipped a beat.
"Hello?... Oh, you're here?... Yes, I'm at the entrance... Okay, see you."
His friends stifled their laughter as Shonn hung up. "Don't act like this in front of her," he warned.
"Sir, yes, sir," they mock-saluted, their eyes sparkling with teasing.
. . .
At VISHO, the tension was palpable. They were having trouble with a German company over paperwork issues, and losing this major client could seriously impact their marketing. The heads were constantly in meetings, looking worn out. They tried not to let the new recruits worry, but the atmosphere was grim.
Maya noticed Levi in front of the Marketing Department. He didn't smile at her for the first time. Smiling, she watched him pass by without responding, realizing the problem was bigger than she thought. Levi's expression was worrisome, adding to the dark mood around the office.
One day during lunch, Maya went to the rooftop. She wasn't hungry or sleepy, just needed a break. She'd heard about how luxurious it was up there. Feeling the wind with her eyes closed, she was startled by footsteps.
Turning, she saw Levi. Smiling again, she felt relieved when he smiled back. His hair was a mess, tie was loose, shirt untucked, and coat slung over his shoulder—an uncharacteristically casual look for him, and even with that he looked gorgeous.
"Mr. Thompson, sorry I didn't see you," she said, her voice trembling slightly.
"It's okay. I was up there," he pointed to the second rooftop. His eyes held a tired warmth that made her feel seen.
"I didn't know you liked to spend time here," she said.
"No one does. I don't come often though. What about you?" he asked, moving forward so she'd follow.
"No, it's my first time," she replied, feeling a strange mix of nerves and excitement.
"Want to go up there? It's got a great view," Levi suggested, his voice softer now.
"Sure," she agreed, excited.
"Careful with your steps. It's not a place everyone goes. Some work is still undone. See? There are some loose tiles," he warned.
Maya stumbled in her heels, crashing into Levi's chest. His strong arms instinctively wrapped around her, steadying her. His heart raced as he found her pressed against him, his senses overwhelmed by her nearness.
Levi winced, pain flashing across his face, but his grip on her didn't falter. As she tried to get up, Levi pulled her back. She was so confused.
"Don't move," Levi murmured, his voice a calming whisper against her ear. "You'll hurt yourself. Let me get up first."
Maya's mind was a whirlwind of confusion, but his words anchored her. She nodded, cheeks flushing a deep crimson as she realized how close they were. Slowly, he helped her to her feet, their bodies brushing against each other, sending electric shocks through his body.
"Are you okay?" he asked, his concern evident in his deep, steady gaze.
"Yes, but you took the brunt of the fall," she replied, worry etched on her face.
"It's nothing," he said with a reassuring smile. "Let's keep going."
Maya hesitated, her brain still recovering from the moment she just had with him. He offered his hand to her to hold, making her confused, "Huh?" she spoke.
"You don't want to fall again, do you?" Levi teased gently, his eyes twinkling as the sunlight bathed his face in a golden glow. He absolutely looked like a Greek God. She smiled back, taking his hand. They sat at the edge, legs swinging, enjoying the view.
"It really is a great view, Mr. Thompson. I never knew," she said, her voice filled with wonder.
"Told you," he replied, his smile warm and genuine.
"Is everything okay at the office?" Maya asked, looking at him with concern.
Levi looked back, then chuckled. "Why are you laughing?" she asked, puzzled.
"Nothing. We've almost handled everything. It'll be fine," he said, his voice filled with a quiet confidence.
"Thank God. It was really worrying. No one told us anything," she said, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders.
"You're still new. It takes time," he explained, his tone reassuring.
"True, but we have the right to know as employees, don't we?"
"Can't argue with that," he admitted, chuckling softly.
"I was really tense. I thought we were going bankrupt. Even Stone kept quiet," she said, her voice tinged with lingering anxiety. Levi scoffed at the mention of Steven. "How much do you know about Steven?" he asked, his tone casual but curious.
"Umm..." she fidgeted.
"You were classmates, right?" Levi asked, his eyes searching hers.
"Did he tell you that?" she asked, surprised.
"No, but it was on your CV. Same year, same college, same department. I figured it out at the interview," he explained, his voice carrying a hint of curiousity.
"Wow," she said, impressed.
"Wow? Haha," he laughed, the sound a balm to her frayed nerves.
"Am I doing something weird?" she asked, confused by his amusement.
"No, it's just that everything about you is different," he said, his eyes soft with admiration.
"Aren't we all?" she asked, feeling a warmth spread through her.
"Yes, but some are special," he replied, the he got a call from Steven, "excuse me for a minute."
"Hello?... I'm on the rooftop... They're here?... Alright... Yes, coming."
"I guess we have to go, Ms. Larson. Got some important business to do," Levi said, standing up, fixing his shirt and coat.
"Sure," Maya said and stood up, heading to the stairs.
"Wait, I'll help you down. Don't try it yourself," Levi insisted, his voice filled with concern.
"Wait, your tie's not right," she noticed, her eyes narrowing in concentration.
"I actually can't do it. My caretaker does it for me. I'll just take it off then," he said, chuckling.
"Wait, do you mind if I do it for you?" Maya offered impulsively, then blushed realizing she shouldn't have offered, hoping he didn't hear.
"Wait, Ms. Larson."
Maya couldn't face him, turning red from embarrassment. "Ms. Larson?" Levi called again. As she looked back, he was close. She gulped. "Do it... for... me," Levi said slowly. He bent down to her height, his eyes holding hers. Her hands shook as she tied his tie, conscious of the office rumors.
Levi put his hand on hers. "Why are you shaking? They're cold," he remarked gently. Maya didn't reply, just smiled. She finished the tie, but Levi didn't let go of her hand.
"Watch your step. Don't worry. I'm right here," he said softly.
They returned to the office floor together. Steven stood with Kobe, helping with a file. Everyone glanced at them, especially Steven, who glared. Levi noticed, but Maya didn't.
Levi slapped Steven's shoulder. "Let's go."
"She was with you?" Steven asked quietly, his voice laced with a hint of jealousy.
"Yes. I'm glad I met her up there. Now I'm cheered up. Let's give it our all. The client's waiting," Levi said, his voice firm and supportive.
"O-oh, yeah. Let's go," Steven stammered, caught off guard by Levi's enthusiasm.