The interview session ended at 8 PM. Everyone started leaving one by one. Levi phoned Steven, "Hey, Steven, can I have a talk with you?"
"Usual place?" Steven asked, already knowing the answer.
"Yes."
"Alright, see you in five minutes."
A cafe in front of their office was their usual spot to sit and talk. Steven and Levi had gone to the same middle school. They weren't close back then, never being in the same class, but they knew each other as both were top students, and Steven was in a middle school band. So, everyone at the school knew him.
Kevin and Ethan were Levi's college friends. After starting his job as CEO a year and a half ago, he recommended Kevin for the head of the marketing team when the previous head left. Six months ago, Ethan joined as the head of the software development department through a recommendation. Liam was appointed through Steven's recommendation, as they worked together previous in another company.
Levi became closer to Steven when he was hired by his father. Steven usually went to their place for work or special occasions as he was Mr. Thompson's favorite. He became like family to Levi. Even though Shonn ignored his stepbrother, he usually got along with Steven.
The VISHO company was previously known as HYPEX-A, almost seven years ago. Mr. Thompson changed the name by combining his sons' names. He truly adored Shonn, and Shonn knew it. Even though Shonn still felt burdened seeing his name there, Mr. Thompson never forced Shonn to take his family name. He was genuinely loved by everyone for his attitude.
"Steven!" Levi waved to Steven as he saw him entering.
"Are you going to scold me or something?" Steven asked, pulling out the chair and sitting down with a sigh.
"Yes, for being late today. It wasn't professional, Steven. Don't try to act on your own all the time, please. Suzuki was mad today," Levi said, his tone a mix of frustration and concern.
"Tch. I'm sorry, okay? I overslept and then got caught in traffic," Steven replied, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Okay, okay. Anyway, what do you want to eat?"
"Nothing. Mom sent me some food today. I'll just heat it up," Steven said, his tone softening and relaxing.
"Oh yeah?"
They were quiet for a few moments, the comfortable silence of old friends. Then Levi spoke, "You know her, right? Ms. Larson?"
"What?" Steven looked up, puzzled.
"Maya Larson, she was your classmate in college. So you know her, right?" Levi asked, leaning forward.
"How did you…?"
"Obviously, her CV. I was quite shocked at your behavior today. I know you would never behave like this. I looked up her data while you were asking questions. Same year, same department, same college. Do you guys have any love history or something?" Levi was beaming, clearly enjoying the teasing.
"What!!! No!" Steven stuttered, his face turning red.
"Then why did you act like that?"
"I was just doing my job," Steven mumbled, looking away.
"You were not, Steven. If she gets selected, I'll definitely keep an eye on you," Levi said, his voice firm but not unkind.
"Why? Why would you?"
"Because I don't want my colleagues to face problems because of another coworker."
"Dude, you're seriously making me the bad guy here. Chill," Steven said, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips.
"Alright. Then please do not do anything stupid again," Levi went soft once again, his tone almost pleading.
"It's not like I did anything stupid. By the way, how's Shonn? I haven't seen him in a long time," Steven asked, changing the subject.
"He smiled," Levi chuckled, his eyes lighting up.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Steven furrowed his brows.
"Well, he also said something," Levi retorted, his smile widening.
"What is it?"
"That I hide my hand behind when I lie or hesitate," Levi said.
Steven scoffed, a little laughter escaping him. Levi raised his brows at him.
"Why are you laughing?"
"That's your tell. Shonn told me this a long time ago."
"Seriously? Why? When?" Levi became curious, leaning in closer.
"Chill, okay? Remember when the finance department was having trouble dealing with the US market?" Steven asked.
"Yes. About ten months ago."
"I, along with Liam (head of the finance department), used to go to your place every night after work to discuss. Even though you tried not to show it, always had a confident expression outside, you were having trouble. We didn't see through it though. Shonn asked me if we were having problems at the office. I told him everything, assuring him it would be fine as I assumed from your carefree outside look. Shonn just listened. A day later, we went to your place again. Shonn was sitting in the dining room. I was surprised to see him there; he never really came out of his room. Actually, he was just checking on you. Shonn came to me after dinner and said,
'Levi is having trouble. Take care of him.'
'But he seems pretty fine with that.'
'No, he's not. He was hiding his hand behind him. He does it when he hesitates or lies or, you know, things like that.'
'Why don't you cheer him up? He's your brother.' I asked.
'He might be my brother because of our relation. But I am not sure if he really thinks of me as his brother.' Then he turned back.
I was kind of jealous of you, Levi. You really have a nice brother."
"He called me brother?" Levi had tears in his eyes, his heart swelling with emotion.
"Why? Shouldn't he? He is like that all the time when he talks about you with me. What's weird about that?" Steven furrowed his brows.
"He never does in front of me," Levi scoffed, shaking his head in disbelief.
"Anyway, I gotta go. Cheer up, okay? He's still young," Steven said, standing up and patting Levi's shoulder before leaving.
. . .
3 days later,
"Papa, Mama will be here in two hours, sis. You should wake up now." Sara started banging on Maya's door.
"C..o..m..i..n..g," Maya mumbled as she opened the door, rubbing her eyes.
"You really are a sleepyhead, sis."
"Yes, yes, big sister," Maya teased, stifling a yawn.
Maya took a quick shower and headed out to buy some ingredients. Meanwhile, Sara began baking in the kitchen, her movements quick and precise as she hummed to herself.
. . .
"Oh, you!" Maya exclaimed when she met Steven at the grocery store. He was wearing a black hoodie that made his white hair and blue eyes stand out even more.
"Oh, Maya!" he responded, surprised but happy to see her.
"What are you doing here?" Maya asked, her eyes widening in curiosity.
"Same thing as you," Steven said with a small smile.
"Is this where you shop? It's a bit far from the apartment though," Maya remarked, tilting her head.
"No, I don't. I'm at my parents' for the day. They live nearby," Steven explained.
"Oh. Steven?" Maya hesitated, her voice dropping to a whisper.
"What?" He furrowed his brows, a hint of concern in his eyes.
"You didn't tell anyone, right? That I went to…"
"Ah, no. I thought it would be embarrassing for you if you didn't get in," Steven teased, trying to lighten the mood.
"Hmph. Why were you being so grumpy there? You seemed like you were mad at me." Maya pouted, her lips trembling slightly.
"To stop myself from falling for you…" Steven murmured under his breath, his voice almost inaudible.
"Be audible, Steven." Maya commanded, her brows knitting together in confusion.
"I was just doing my job, okay? The results will be out at 8 PM. Good luck. I have to go now," he said, his tone more distant.
"Okay. See you," Maya replied softly, feeling a stab of sadness as he walked away.
He seemed off. He was all good at the reunion. It's not like I know him very well, even though we all used to hang out together, there was always some distance. Still, he would smile at me every time we met. What's wrong with him? Maya's thoughts raced as she continued shopping.
Why does it always have to be you!? Everywhere I go, you appear. I want to stop falling for you, Maya. Give me a break already. I'm tired. Steven's expression faded as he walked away, his heart heavy with unspoken feelings.
. . .
Back at their house, Levi noticed Shonn sitting on the couch, staring blankly at the TV. The flickering light cast shadows on Shonn's face, revealing a storm brewing beneath his calm exterior.
"Shonn, no classes today? You've been home all day?" Levi asked, trying to sound casual but failing to mask his concern.
"Why? You got a problem with me being here? How much do you hate having me around?" Shonn snapped, his voice sharp and raw.
Levi was taken aback. Shonn had been carrying a heavy burden of guilt and self-hatred, convinced that his father's death and their parents' departure were somehow his fault.
"Shonn, what are you talking about?" Levi asked, his voice trembling.
Shonn shot up from the couch, his face contorted with pain. He crossed the room in quick strides and grabbed Levi's collar, shaking him with desperate intensity.
"Why! Why is it always me? Why do you always make me the bad guy? Why can't you treat me like I treat you? Why! Your dad wouldn't have died if he didn't meet us. You know that! You know that, right? Then why!" Shonn's voice cracked, tears streaming down his face.
Levi was stunned into silence, his heart breaking at the sight of his brother's anguish. Shonn's head dropped onto Levi's shoulder, his body trembling with sobs. Levi instinctively started to hug him, to offer some comfort, but Shonn pushed him away roughly.
"Don't follow me," Shonn muttered, his voice a broken whisper as he turned and walked out of the room, leaving Levi standing there, feeling helpless and shattered. Levi stood rooted to the spot, his brother's words echoing in his mind. He felt the sting of Shonn's tears on his shoulder, the weight of his pain. He realized how deeply Shonn had been suffering, how blind he had been to his brother's silent torment.
"I'm a failure, Dad. I don't deserve to be his big brother," Levi whispered to himself, guilt and sorrow crashing over him in waves. He watched the door through which Shonn had left, feeling an overwhelming sense of helplessness and regret.