Steven lay on his bed, the glow of his phone casting a soft light across his face as he scrolled through Instagram well past 2 a.m. The night was quiet, save for the occasional rustling of leaves outside. He was about to set his phone aside when he heard a faint sound from the balcony—a subtle shift in the air that made him pause.
Opening the door, he found Maya standing there, her silhouette framed against the dim city lights. She looked disheveled, her hair tousled and her steps unsteady, clearly affected by alcohol. Concerned, Steven stepped closer.
"Aren't you cold?" he asked quietly.
"I am," Maya replied, her voice soft but slightly slurred as she swayed where she stood.
"Go inside your room," Steven urged gently, reaching out a hand. "You shouldn't be out here like this."
Maya hesitated before stepping closer, a hint of challenge in her eyes as she met his gaze. "Are you telling me to go away?" she asked, chin lifted defiantly.
"You're drunk, Maya," Steven replied softly, his concern mixing with a flicker of something deeper in his eyes.
"Answer me," she persisted, her voice more insistent now.
"I'm worried about you catching a cold," Steven deflected, trying to steer her back into the warmth of her room.
"And I'm..." Maya began, her words trailing off as if she were searching for the courage to say more.
"What?" Steven prompted gently, his hand still resting lightly on her arm.
"I'm afraid to fall for you," Maya confessed suddenly, her vulnerability cutting through the night air.
Steven's heart skipped a beat at her words, a mix of emotions swirling within him. He couldn't deny the tension that crackled between them—a tension that drew his gaze to her lips, slightly parted as she stood close to him.
"But..." Maya hesitated, her gaze dropping for a moment before meeting his again, filled with uncertainty.
"What?" Steven leaned in slightly, his breath catching as he waited for her next words.
"I'm not afraid to take the chance..." Maya's voice trailed off nervously, her admission hanging between them.
Steven's hand moved to gently touch her shoulder, urging her to continue. His fingers brushed against the soft skin of her neck, his touch sending a shiver down her spine. "What did you say?"
"I love you, Steven Stone," Maya whispered, her voice a delicate blend of fear and hope, her eyes searching his for a response.
Steven pulled back slightly, caught off guard by her honesty. The air between them seemed charged, filled with unspoken desires and the heat of the moment. His gaze flickered to her hair, tousled and inviting, and he could feel the warmth of her breath against his face.
"It's time for the kiss, Steven," Maya said suddenly, her tone shifting to one of playful daring, though the tremor in her voice betrayed her nerves.
Steven chuckled softly, a mix of fondness and hesitation in his expression. "I don't want to kiss you while you're drunk."
"Why not?" Maya pouted slightly, a hint of disappointment in her voice. "I just confessed."
"I know," Steven replied gently, his thumb brushing lightly against her cheek. "But I want you fully here with me."
"You're such a gentleman," Maya teased softly, a shy smile tugging at her lips despite her lingering disappointment. "You're one of the loyal men, Steven. I love you, I love you the most." Maya literally said this while screaming. As she confessed, people from other buildings started congratulating them, it was New Year, and not everyone was sleeping.
"Congratulations." "So cute." "I wish I could have been confessed like you, man." "You guys rock."
Steven looked at her while she was squeezing her eyes, smiling.
Steven smiled back, his gaze warm yet cautious. "Go back to your room now. We'll talk in the morning."
As Maya turned to stumble away, Steven noticed her phone lying forgotten on the balcony floor. Picking it up, he saw Kira's name flashing on the screen. Curiosity and concern mingled as he answered the call.
"Why are you on the line?" Steven asked, surprised by the intrusion.
"Oh, crap," Kira muttered on the other end.
"Why invade privacy like this?" Steven chided gently, though a smile played at the corner of his lips.
"Can't I be happy for my cousin?" Kira shot back playfully. "You finally got your first love's confession. Celebrate!"
"Shush and goodnight," Steven chuckled softly, a warmth spreading through him.
"Hey, Steven..."
"Yeah?"
"I'm genuinely happy for you," Kira said sincerely.
"Thanks," Steven replied, his voice filled with gratitude and a touch of wonder at the unexpected turn of events.
Little did they know, Kira had recorded the whole conversation. The next morning, both Maya and Steven found the recording in their inboxes. Maya squealed with embarrassment as she listened to her drunken confession.
When Maya came down to the drawing room, she found Steven having breakfast. It was the first day of the year, so there was no office to rush to. She felt a wave of embarrassment wash over her for two reasons: the voice recording Kira had sent her, and the way Steven seemed way too relaxed for her liking.
Steven glanced at her standing across from him, then went back to focusing on his food. He didn't even say "Good morning," which made Maya wonder if she had been rejected by him already. Hesitantly, she approached and sat down across from him. Steven peeked at her again.
"Uhhhh…" she started.
"Wanna say something?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Uhhhhh… about last night…" she mumbled.
"What about last night?" Steven replied, acting as if he didn't remember anything.
"Were you drunk too?" she asked, confused by his nonchalant attitude.
"Why?" he teased, a playful glint in his eye.
"Tch." Maya got mad and stood up from her chair, ready to leave. But Steven called her back.
"Maya?"
"Hm?" she responded, turning to face him.
"You're fully sober now, right?" he asked. Maya looked at him, confused. "Then, don't stop me," he added, getting up from his chair. He stomped over to her, pulled her closer, and held her wrist, kissing her on the lips. Maya didn't stop him, but she was too shocked to react. She could feel her heartbeat rising and her cheeks turning red as the kiss grew more passionate. She finally closed her eyes and wrapped her arms around his neck.
Steven's hands moved with purpose, gripping her hips and pulling her against him with a fervor that spoke of years of pent-up desire. His lips left hers, trailing hot kisses down her jawline and neck. Maya gasped, her fingers threading through his hair, tugging slightly as if to anchor herself in the whirlwind of emotions.
"I've waited so long for this, Maya," he murmured against her skin, his voice thick with emotion. "Six years. I've loved you for six years."
Maya's breath hitched, her heart pounding in her chest. "Steven," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I had no idea."
His hands moved to her waist, lifting her onto the table with ease. She felt his fingers trail down her thighs, leaving a path of fire in their wake. Steven stepped between her legs, his body pressing intimately against hers. His eyes bore into hers, a mixture of love and longing that made her shiver.
"I can't control myself anymore," he confessed, his voice raw and urgent. "I can't stay away from you any longer."
He kissed her again, his lips claiming hers with a hunger that matched the intensity of his words. Maya's hands roamed over his shoulders, feeling the muscles tense beneath her touch. She pulled him closer, deepening the kiss, pouring all her emotions into it.
Steven's hands explored her body, memorizing every curve and dip. His fingers traced up her sides, slipping beneath her shirt to touch her bare skin. Maya moaned softly, arching into his touch. She felt his hands travel up her back, pulling her closer still.
"Maya," he groaned, breaking the kiss to look into her eyes. "I love you. I've longed for you every single day."
Her heart swelled with love and desire. She cupped his face in her hands, pressing her forehead against his. "I love you too, Steven."
Steven's grip tightened on her waist, lifting her slightly to press her more firmly against him. His hands slid down her thighs, pulling her legs around his waist. Maya's fingers tangled in his hair, pulling him back for another searing kiss.
"I need you," he whispered against her lips, his voice full of desperation and passion. "I need you so much."
Their kisses grew more frantic, more demanding. Steven's hands roamed over her body, his touch setting her skin on fire. He kissed her neck, his lips trailing vibrant touches down to her spine, making her shiver with each contact. Maya's breaths came in short gasps, her hands gripping his shoulders tightly.
"Steven," she whispered, her voice filled with the same longing. "I've wanted you."
Steven lifted her again, placing her back on the table with a gentle but firm hold. His hands ran up her thighs, pushing her skirt higher. Maya arched her back, her body responding to his every touch. She felt his fingers tracing patterns on her skin, driving her wild with desire.
"I won't let you go," Steven vowed, his voice thick with emotion. "You're mine now. Forever."
Maya wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. "Forever," she echoed, her voice filled with love and certainty.
They lost themselves in each other, their bodies moving in perfect harmony. Every touch, every kiss, every whispered word spoke of the love and longing they had held back for so long.