For the rest of the vacation, Maya avoided giving him an answer, he felt his heart break all over again. Despite decorating their home together for Christmas and his attempts to act normal, Maya was super awkward around him. She tried avoiding him at all costs. She was actually scared to take this step, she knew it'd would be all good with Steven, but the trauma from the past still haunts her.
When the vacation ended, the office wasn't busy since everyone was preparing for New Year's Eve. Levi seemed pretty excited, having prepared everything in advance. One afternoon, Levi found Steven slacking off at his desk.
"Tired?" Levi asked.
"No, but yes," Steven retorted.
"Cheer up, we're wrapping up the year amazingly," Levi said.
"It's not about that," Steven muttered, but Levi already knew what he was talking about. Even though he didn't want to interfere, he had to ask, "Larson?"
Steven looked at him and scoffed a little laugh, seeing his best friend read his mind. "I'm right then. What is it? Did you get rejected?"
"Are you teasing me?" Steven asked.
"No, I wouldn't dare. Just giving back what Shonn told me once," Levi shrugged.
"That's a nice brother you got there. I suppose he knows."
"He does. He knows about his brother's first love being a failure with his best friend," Levi tried joking, even though it wasn't funny. Steven's eyes softened, so Levi added, "Are you pitying me?"
"No, I wouldn't dare. I still haven't gotten an answer yet. I'm in no position to pity you," Steven shrugged.
"Then maybe I should tell her my feelings," Levi said with a scoff, earning a gaze from Steven. "Don't worry, I'm just kidding."
"Maybe you should," Steven retorted.
"Maybe... Based on what answer you get," Levi said, standing up from the couch and leaving Steven's sight.
. . .
On New Year's Eve, Shonn waited for Sara in front of her house. They had planned to go to a fireworks festival, and he was eager to see her. When Sara finally came down, Shonn's breath caught in his throat. She wore a beautiful blue top that highlighted her features, while he stood in his casual attire, feeling suddenly underdressed. Her makeup was just perfect, accentuating her natural beauty. He couldn't take his eyes off her, his gaze lingering a little too long until she snapped him back to reality.
"Are you done?" she asked, a playful smirk on her lips.
Shonn blinked, shaking his head slightly as if to clear it. "You... you look like a goddess, Sara," he said, his voice filled with awe.
She blushed, her cheeks turning a rosy hue. "Thanks," she said softly, a shy smile playing on her lips.
He took a step closer, his hand reaching out to gently tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. "I'm serious. You look amazing."
Sara rolled her eyes, though her smile widened. "It's just a top and some makeup, Shonn."
"No, it's not just that. It's you," he said, his eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that made her heart skip a beat.
She laughed lightly, trying to diffuse the growing tension. "Alright, Mr. Charmer, let's go. We don't want to miss the fireworks," she said, pulling him by the hand.
As they walked, Shonn couldn't help but steal glances at her, his heart swelling with affection. "So, are you excited about the festival?" he asked, trying to keep the conversation light.
Sara nodded, her eyes sparkling. "Yeah, I've always loved fireworks. They remind me of magic, like anything is possible."
He squeezed her hand gently. "You know, I think meeting you was like that for me. Like magic."
She looked at him, her expression softening. "You're such a sap," she teased, though her eyes were shining with emotion.
"Only for you," he replied, leaning in to place a gentle kiss on her forehead.
She sighed happily, leaning into him as they continued their walk. "This is going to be the best New Year's Eve ever," she said.
"With you, it always is," Shonn said, his voice filled with sincerity.
They reached the festival grounds, the air buzzing with excitement. As the first fireworks lit up the sky, Sara turned to Shonn, her eyes reflecting the bursts of color. "Thank you for tonight," she said softly.
He pulled her close, his arm around her shoulders. "Thank you for being with me," he whispered back. They stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, watching the fireworks illuminate the night sky, their hearts beating in perfect harmony.
. . .
The VISHO looked completely different. Everyone wore black dresses. The party started in the evening. Like everyone else, Maya stood on the rooftop with Nira. They were having a little conversation. Maya saw the stairs in a new look; no more broken wood or tiles. She found Levi standing there, looking at the sky. In a second, Levi noticed her looking at him, and she instantly averted her eyes. Levi moved to another place with his friends. Those five handsome guys sat at their own table, getting attention from every corner.
Maya found Steven, looking absolutely dashing in black, with his fluffy hair falling into his eyes. She couldn't help but watch him admiringly. Steven, standing a bit away from the crowd, felt a strange pull in his chest whenever he saw Maya. His eyes found her amidst the sea of black dresses. She looked stunning, her elegance effortlessly drawing his gaze. He noticed other guys checking her out, and a protective instinct flared within him.
Maya, trying to focus on her conversation with Nira, found her eyes drifting back to Steven. The way he stood, confident yet slightly aloof, made her heart race. She admired his fit physique, the way his black attire accentuated his strong build. His white hair and blue eyes seemed almost ethereal under the evening lights.
Steven caught her looking at him and their eyes locked for a moment. The intensity of his gaze made Maya's breath catch. She quickly looked away, feeling a blush creep up her cheeks. Her mind raced with thoughts. Steven's eyes never left her. He watched as she nervously tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. He could see the faint blush on her cheeks even from this distance. The way she tried to avoid his gaze made him smile inwardly. He liked how she seemed flustered whenever their eyes met.
As the evening progressed, they kept stealing glances at each other. Maya noticed how other girls tried to engage Steven in conversation, but his eyes always seemed to find their way back to her. Maya's heart pounded in her chest each time she caught him looking. She admired his chiseled features, the way he seemed so composed and confident. She wondered if he could hear her heart racing, if he felt the same magnetic pull that she did.
The tension between them was visible, an unspoken connection that neither of them could deny. They were not a couple yet, but the intensity of their mutual admiration hinted at something more, something deeper waiting to be explored.
. . .
They sat for a drink. None of her colleagues knew that Maya wasn't good with alcohol, so they didn't warn her. They sat quite far from everyone, in a corner. She kept drinking until she finally dozed off late at night. By then, almost everyone at the party had already left. Levi's squad went back to the 19th floor where an event was organized, inviting some guests. Nira was having trouble with Maya since Kobe wasn't at the office that day. Finding no other way, she called Ken Ian.
"Ken, where are you now?" Nira asked.
"In the La push, why?" he responded. Nira heaved a big sigh.
"Shouldn't you be at the office today?"
"I'm here for a client, so I missed the party. Did something happen?"
"Maya is totally drunk, knocked out specifically. Almost everyone left. I don't know how I can carry her down," Nira retorted.
"Call Mr. Thompson," Ken proposed. "He will come."
"What? Are you serious? He's the CEO. What if anyone sees him?" Nira exclaimed.
"Uh? I thought you knew he might have a crush on Larson."
"I know, but I can't just call him for that," Nira retorted.
"Then carry her yourself. I'm hanging up. The network is bad here, I'm standing outside of my tent, shaking in the cold... Call him... Bye," Ken added and hung up.
Nira actually called Levi afterward, remembering Maya came with him at orientation and thinking he might know where she lived.
"Mr. Thompson, are you still in the office?" Nira asked.
"Yes, why do you ask?"
"Um, I don't know how it may sound to you, but Maya is knocked out. She's so drunk, everyone left already..."
"Alright, coming," Levi didn't even let her finish. Nira smiled as he hung up.
About two minutes later, Nira found Steven standing in front of her. She was confused about the situation.
"Who let her drink that much? Ms. Evans, help me get her on my back," Steven already kneeled down.
"Stone, why are you here?" she asked, earning a gaze from Steven.
"Because... nothing... just do what I say," Steven retorted. Nira nodded and helped him. Almost everyone was gone except Levi's squad; it was 11:57 pm.
"I'll drive you home, Ms. Evans. Come with me," Liam retorted, seeing her with Steven and Maya. As they left, Ethan told Steven, "I wonder what others would think if they saw you like this."
"We should go now then," Levi said.
"So, you guys are dating?" Kevin asked. Steven just glared at his friend and then broke into a smile, leaving him clueless. As Levi dragged Kevin with him, Ethan patted his shoulder. Levi looked at him; Ethan just smiled, and Levi knew what that smile meant.
"Steven."
Steven stopped as he heard Maya say his name. He remembered their first meet in 2 years, 8 months ago, at reunion where he was heartbroken when Maya said Emmett's name while being drunk. He knew it was real, but he wanted to hear it one more time. He said, "Maya?"
Maya was still on his back, their faces touching each other's. Steven's heartbeat went crazy when he heard his name once again.
"Steven... Steven... Don't... give me a hard... time..."
12:00 am, it was already the New Year. Fireworks started buzzing off from everywhere. A small beam appeared at the corner of his lips.
"Happy New Year, Maya."
People are awfully honest when they are drunk, Steven remembered saying once.
As they drove home, Steven felt a mix of emotions. Maya's words kept replaying in his mind, making him wonder what she truly felt.