"Oi, Dylan!" Steven called out to his friend, his voice cutting through the chatter as Dylan was deep in conversation with Maya.
"Steven?" Dylan responded, slightly taken aback and unprepared for the interruption. Steven and Dylan exchanged a quick hug before sitting down. Dylan, feeling a bit out of place in the high-powered corporate environment, tried to lighten the mood with a joke. "You know, I think I am not dressed right for VISHO," he said, tugging at his casual shirt. Steven chuckled, "Don't worry about it. You look fine. So, what's up?" Why didn't you tell me you were coming?" Steven asked Dylan, and Maya, his tone was a mix of surprise and mild reproach.
"Um, I was just passing by and thought I'd stop by to see how Maya is doing," Dylan lied, attempting to sound casual but not quite succeeding.
"Uh huh? You never came just for me, though!" Steven teased, his smile now fully formed, but there was a hint of genuine curiosity in his eyes.
"Mr. Stone, I think they're waiting for you," Maya interjected softly, noticing the head squad waving at them from across the table in the north.
"Ah, alright then. Let's catch up over the weekend, okay? Bye, Dylan." Steven turned to leave but not before addressing Maya again. "And Maya—sorry, Ms. Larson—don't skip lunch and end up sleeping at your desk again."
As Steven walked off, Maya sighed, a slight frown creasing her forehead. "See? He's got Hawkeye's eyes," she complained to Dylan, who couldn't help but chuckle.
"That means he cares about you. You really shouldn't skip lunch," Dylan replied, his tone light but carrying a note of genuine concern.
"Alright, alright. By the way, where were we?" Maya asked, trying to steer the conversation back to where they had left off.
"Maya, I think that's it for today," Dylan said abruptly, standing up and avoiding her question.
"Wait, you're leaving already?" Maya's voice was tinged with disappointment, her eyes widening slightly.
"Yes. I don't think this is something I can help you with. I'm sorry." He was about to walk away but paused mid-step and turned back, his expression more serious. "I can say one thing, Maya. If I were him, I wouldn't wait around for anyone that long. I'm sorry; I don't mean to imply that you made him wait intentionally, but it is time to stop this. This may be new for you, but for him, this an old feeling is aching him more these days now that you are back." With that, Dylan walked out, leaving Maya to digest his words. Maya sat alone, her head down as she poked at her lunch, the weight of Dylan's words heavy on her mind.
"You don't mind if I talk to your employee, do you?" Liam asked Steven, as they are sitting on the same table.
"What do you mean?" Steven replied, confused by the question.
"I'm just going to have a little conversation with Larson," Liam clarified.
"Why are you asking for my permission?" Steven furrowed his eyebrows, perplexed. Ethan stifled a laugh while Kevin rolled his eyes.
"Well, it seems like I don't need your permission." Liam walked over to Maya's table and knocked on it gently. Maya looked up, her eyes still holding a hint of the sadness she was trying to hide. Liam instantly smiled, finding her expression endearing. The murmurs around them became louder as some girls whispered,
What does she think she's doing? Is she over all the boys or something? She's making me sick.
Maya, hearing the whispers, stood up and smiled apologetically. "Sorry, sir, I didn't realize."
Liam smiled warmly. "It's okay. Can I sit with you?" Maya blinked in confusion, her mind racing with what others might think. "Don't mind them. Please, sit," Liam urged, already anticipating her hesitation. He sat across from her.
"Do you have something to say, sir?" Maya asked, still unsure.
"Call me Todd or Liam, whatever you prefer. You're friends with Steven, so I don't mind being close with you too," he said. Maya nodded slowly. "Don't get the wrong idea, Larson. I'm just jealous you're so friendly with Levi and Steven. I want to be friends with you too."
"Alright, alright. It's okay with me." Maya chuckled, her spirits lifting slightly.
"Larson, the guy from earlier—he's your friend, right?" Liam asked, changing the subject.
"Yes, he is."
"He's Steven's friend too?"
"Yes, our college mate," Maya confirmed.
"No wonder Steven looked so relaxed."
"Hmm?" Maya asked, a hint of caution in her voice.
"Nothing at all. By the way, why do you look so down? Is everything alright?"
"Ahhh... ye...Yes," Maya stammered.
"It's not, then," Liam sighed.
"No, really. I'm okay. Thanks for your concern," Maya insisted, though her voice wavered slightly.
"Larson, I think I can guess what it is. Anyway, cheer up. You can talk to me anytime if you want. I consider you a friend, after all."
"Thanks, Todd," Maya said, a small smile forming on her lips.
Next day,
At VISHO, the new assistant heads had been hired, and everyone was highly qualified for their respective teams. Their presence exuded an aura similar to the head squad. Some were truly intimidating, while others were as chill as the regular employees. As a manager, Maya and her peers didn't need to go directly to the head except for specific questions. Tiffany Spencer, the assistant head of Network Administration, was particularly strict. Her demeanor created a intense barrier between her and the rest of the department, making her the least popular addition in just her first week.
"Maya?" Nira called out during lunch.
"Yes?"
"What do you think about Spencer? Isn't she a bit extra?" Nira asked, leaning in conspiratorially.
"I'd be lying if I said I don't agree with you, but let's give her some time. She's still new; maybe she needs time to adjust," Maya replied diplomatically.
"You're too pure," Nira turned to Kobe, "Kobe, what do you think?" seeking a different opinion since Maya's wasn't satisfying her.
"I guess she's always clinging to Stone. Look at her. She never leaves his side," Kobe said, nodding toward Steven and Tiffany, who were seated two tables away, having coffee.
Maya hadn't noticed before, but now that Kobe pointed it out, she realized he was right. She glanced over, and as her eyes met Steven's, she quickly looked down. Tiffany noticed too. "Right. She's always with Stone. I got some background info on her. Wanna hear?" Nira asked, her excitement barely contained.
"You're not going to leave us alone until we listen, are you?" Kobe retorted. Maya nodded, actually curious this time.
"Tch. Listen up, then. She's half British and half German, born in England. She was one of the top students in her year and graduated first class from Cambridge. She sometimes models and has worked with some powerful companies in the USA. Oh, and she also worked with the CIA for a year."
Kobe and Maya gulped in unison. "CIA?" they echoed.
"Yes, as an ethical hacker. But I cannot stand her," Nira retorted.
"Don't say it like that. We can't judge a person in a week," Maya cautioned.
"You never know, Maya. Sorry, but she seems evil. I wouldn't be surprised if she starts dating Stone," Nira said bluntly.
"He's not like that!" Maya muttered under her breath.
"Did you say something?" Nira asked.
"Nah, nothing."
"You think she just flirts with Stone? I saw her flirting with others too," Nira added.
"Others? Who?" Kobe asked, intrigued.
"The good-looking squad. Not just the heads or the CEO, but other employees too. She goes for the higher-ups, actually. Such a bitch," Nira said.
"Ah ha, language," Maya warned.
As they continued their lunch, Maya saw someone approaching their table. It was Emmett. Maya's eyes widened in surprise. She tried to excuse herself from her friends, but Emmett called her name loudly, drawing everyone's attention. Levi and Liam recognized him from the other day, and Steven's blood began to boil as he spotted him.
"Maya... Maya Larson!" Emmett shouted, approaching her and turning her face toward him. She kept her eyes down, and Levi, noticing the tears forming, stood up.
He is here. He is here to ruin me again. Maya started shaking.
"Why aren't you answering my calls?" Emmett demanded. Maya remained silent.
Who is he? Her boyfriend? Maybe they had a fight. He's got some nerve coming here. Isn't she just seeking attention again? The whispers grew louder.
Emmett answered their questions, "She's my ex. And you see, that guy..." he almost pointed at Steven.
"Please stop," Maya whispered, her voice barely audible.
"What did you say? Say it louder, Maya," Emmett taunted, but she remained silent. He grabbed her hand and placed it on his chest mockingly. "Feel that? I still love you. Let's get back together."
Maya smacked his hand away. "Please stop. Please," she pleaded, tears streaming down her cheeks.
"Are you crying? Let me see," Emmett said, holding her hand again and lifting her chin. As Steven moved to intervene, Levi stepped in.
"Get your hands off her," Levi commanded, his glare icy.
"Uh huh….. Levi Thompson, right? The CEO! Who are you to interfere?" Emmett sneered.
Levi stood up and grabbed Emmett's hand, his grip firm. "I said, get your filthy hands off her!" he repeated, his voice a dangerous growl. Everyone around them froze, having never seen Levi so furious. He shoved Emmett's hand away. Liam and Ethan, and all stood up, ready to back Levi. Emmett scoffed, his laugh cold.
"Tch, look at you, showing off that you've got all the pretty boys beside you. I doubt your character, Maya. How many boys you are giving pleasure to?" Emmett spoke quietly, only Maya and only the four men could hear.
"You bastard!" Steven growled, grabbing Emmett by the collar.
"Please stop! Please!" Maya cried out, her voice breaking.