Two weeks later, a board meeting was called. The heads were all present in Levi's office room except for Steven. Adviser Mrs. Suzuki was gritting her teeth in anger. Levi couldn't calm her down since he knew Steven really disliked her, so it had become Steven's habit to be late to meetings where Mrs. Suzuki was present. Even though it was quite unprofessional, no one dared to speak about it to Steven.
She had some past issues with Levi's dad. She wanted a share of VISHO, but he didn't let her have it. She caused chaos in the office, and Steven witnessed everything. She was still trying to convince Levi to this day. Levi called Steven to come in five minutes; Steven was in his office room, drinking coffee.
As Steven entered, Liam gave him a sign that Mrs. Suzuki was on fire. Steven scoffed a little annoyed sound and walked towards the sofa while everyone else was sitting on chairs. He crossed his legs, maintaining a cold expression.
Mrs. Suzuki fired up, "Did you see him, Mr. Thompson? What is this behavior?"
"Can we start now? I have to meet a client later," Ethan said, saving Steven and mostly Levi.
"Well, since everyone is here today, I'd like to announce something important. I'm thinking about hiring head assistants for each department. I know it's sudden, but the pressure is getting huge, so it's better to have a co-leader who can assist the head. According to our survey, we will have the biggest market in 30 years, the second highest in the USA. We need to work hard, so looking for strong people won't be a bad idea," Levi said.
"When are you planning to do this?" Kevin asked.
"As soon as possible. If it's fine with you all, we'll give them notice by tonight. I have everything ready. The application deadline will be in two weeks. Well, that's just my opinion. I need all of your permission to go with it," Levi replied. Everyone nodded as he spoke.
"So do we have to train them or…" Liam asked.
"Don't worry, we're going to have the strongest squad, so I'm not thinking about training them. But their work will be observed for a week," Levi replied.
"I'm okay with it," Mrs. Suzuki said.
"Me too," another one said.
"Thanks. I want to hear from the heads too since they're the ones who will have to work with them. Stone, Irwin, Todd, Smith, Norman, Dakota, and others, are you all good with the decision?" Levi asked.
"If it's for the better, then yes, I'm okay with it," Steven replied.
"Same here. But I wouldn't like it if they invade our personal workspace," Ethan retorted.
"That won't happen. They have to work with others as regulars," Levi said.
"Alright, I'm okay with it too," Otsuka said.
Everyone supported Levi's idea. The meeting ended with the expected result. Once again, the whole VISHO became chaotic since it was hiring time. Even though they were hiring just 20 people, it was still a large event for VISHO as they only search for the best. Thousands of applications came in less than a day.
. . .
Steven was working late at night, sitting on the couch, four days before the interview session. Maya and others couldn't really get in touch with him since the application date started. She came downstairs and found him there. She didn't want to disturb him, so she didn't start a conversation first. She quietly drank water and was about to go upstairs when Steven called her, "Would you mind giving me a glass of water?"
"Sure." Maya walked to him and placed the glass on the table. "Do you need anything else?"
"No, thanks. It's late; you should go to sleep," Steven said, keeping his eyes focused on the laptop. His stomach started growling. He awkwardly looked at Maya, who smiled softly and said, "You didn't have dinner, did you?"
"Ahhh…"
"Alright, let me see what we have." Maya started walking to the kitchen.
"You don't really have to. I will just order something," Steven tried stopping her.
"It's okay, Steven," she assured him. Steven softly smiled and focused on his laptop again. Maya made some rice sandwiches with grilled beef, egg, and vegetables. She sat beside him as she placed the plate on the table.
"Here. You can stop working for a few minutes; it won't hurt," she retorted.
"I'm done for tonight," Steven said, closing his laptop.
"Here." Maya gave him the sandwich.
"This is good. Thanks," he said, munching the food.
"Really? I'll have one then. By the way, what were you doing?" she asked.
"Selecting the final ones for the interview."
"So you're quite done this time."
"Yes, you could say that. I just have to send them the email tomorrow, then the interview comes," Steven said.
"You did well." Maya patted his head without realizing what she had just done. Both of them blushed. Maya jumped off the couch and said, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to." She tried to run away from there, but Steven held her hand and pulled her into his embrace. Maya thought about pulling herself out, but she didn't as she listened to Steven saying, "Please, don't."
"Steven…"
"Please, stay like this for a minute." Silence. Maya could hear his heartbeat, it was beating like crazy.
"Maya, can you tell me, why isn't it us?"
It was comfortable somehow. She felt the warmth in his hard chest. Steven broke the hug, stood up, and walked upstairs without saying anything more. Maya was left there, watching him fade away in the dark. She exhaled exhaustively as she laid on the couch, munching the sandwich, not wanting to go to her bed.
Should I talk to Kira or Henry? Thinking about how chaotic these two were, Maya changed her mind. I guess I'll just call Dylan.
"Hello, Ms. Larson?" A receptionist called Maya during lunch hour at the office.
"Yes?"
"Someone named Dylan…"
"Yes, yes, please let him in. And tell him to wait for me in the cafeteria."
"Okay, ma'am."
Maya hurried to the cafeteria to meet Dylan. She didn't expect him to respond so quickly. She found him standing awkwardly at the entrance of the cafeteria. Maya waved at him.
"Hey, Dylan. Let's sit over there."
"Wow, you look really different here," he said, scanning his friend.
"Haha, am I? Are you straight from work?" Maya asked as they searched for an empty space.
"No, I was out with a friend today. He's getting married soon, and I tagged along because he's not really good at shopping. Sorry that I'm wearing informal clothing."
"That's why you were standing awkwardly there?"
"Ah yes, it's VISHO, you know!" Dylan scratched his head, shy. "Here," he said as they found an empty place at last.
"Let me order something first. What do you want to eat?" Maya asked.
"I'm really full, so I'll just have a drink. Coffee for me," Dylan replied.
"Alright then."
Maya ordered their drinks and some light snacks for herself.
"So what do you want to talk about?" Dylan asked, sipping his coffee.
"Steven proposed to me," Maya said. Dylan nearly choked on his coffee. He widened his eyes. Maya glanced at him and continued, "I asked him to give me some time. He said he has liked me for six years. If that's true, I'm sure you guys knew it all along?"
Dylan calmed himself before answering Maya. "Yes, I'm surprised that you never really realized it before. He has always been sincere to you, Maya," Dylan said, looking down. "Now then, what did he say?" he asked.
"He'd wait for me," she replied.
"Tch, that poor guy. What are you going to do? Make him wait or answer him right away?"
"I don't know, Dylan. I'm confused. That's why I texted you to come."
"Sorry, Maya. I'm not someone who'll make any guesses in your life by giving advice, especially not on a matter like this. No one can tell you whom you can love or not. So if you don't have feelings for him, don't make him wait; just tell him straight."
As they were talking, the CEO and his head squad entered the cafeteria. Kevin spotted Maya with Dylan and said, "Is he from VISHO? I don't remember seeing him around." Everyone looked in that direction. Liam and Ethan both glanced at Steven and Levi. Steven scoffed a little laughter as he already recognized his friend.
Levi replied to Kevin's question, "I guess not. He is not from VISHO."
"Maybe her boyfriend," Kevin said. Levi glared at him while Steven walked towards his friend and patted him on the shoulder. Everyone was awfully confused.
"Don't tell me he's picking a fight," Ethan retorted.
"Why would he?" Kevin asked.
"Ahem!" Liam coughed and said, "Not you again, Kevin. You never learn."
"I'm going to my room. You guys come after Steven is done. We have to talk about the interview session."
"Wait, your lunch?" Ethan said.
"I'll just ask for it to be sent to my room." Levi left the cafeteria.
"Love is hard!" Ethan said and walked to an empty table, followed by Kevin and Liam.