"Maya!" Shonn called out as he spotted her across the lobby. People were bustling around, getting ready to try out some rides. His voice, filled with excitement, echoed through the spacious area.
Maya waved and smiled warmly at him. Shonn bowed slightly, his cheeks flushing with a hint of shyness, and said, "I couldn't bring Sara; she has some classes."
"I know. It's okay. I'm glad you're here. Are you alone?" Maya asked, her eyes sparkling with genuine interest.
"No, my friends are here. They're having breakfast in the room. By the way, are you all are going to ride?"
"Yes, wanna come?" Maya's smile widened, her enthusiasm contagious.
"I'd love to, but the boys want to walk around the area first. Maybe we'll go for rides after," Shonn replied, feeling a bit torn.
"Okay, sure. Did you meet your brother yet?" Maya asked, looking around.
"Oh, there he is." Shonn pointed, noticing his brother talking to someone. Shonn seemed really excited that day. He called out, practically screaming, "Levi!"
As Levi looked back, everyone was a bit taken aback, he announced, "My brother, everyone." No one knew Levi had a younger brother or the story behind VISHO's name. Shonn's presence drew immediate attention. Levi walked over and patted his head, his eyes showing a mix of pride and affection.
"Thanks for coming, Shonn." Levi said, glancing at Maya beside Shonn before quickly averting his eyes. Shonn sensed some tension and felt the need to ease it.
"Hey Levi, you didn't tell us Shonn was coming," Ethan said, wrapping his arm around Shonn's shoulder. Liam, Kevin, and Steven were there too, their faces lighting up with surprise and delight.
"I told him not to. I wasn't sure," Shonn replied, scratching his head sheepishly.
"Isn't Shonn getting cuter these days?" Kevin said, munching on chips. Shonn blushed and scratched his head, looking down.
"He is, actually. It's good to see you here, Shonn," Steven added, giving him a friendly nudge.
"Isn't it time for us to go? You coming, Shonn?" Liam asked, checking his watch.
"I will, later. You should go ahead now," Shonn replied, trying to hide his nervousness.
"Let's go then. Larson, Ms. Evans is looking for you," Liam said, turning to Maya.
"Oh, okay. Alright, Shonn, I'll see you around," Maya excused herself.
"Sorry, I have to go now, Shonn," Levi said, glancing back at his younger brother.
"It's okay. Levi..." Shonn started as everyone was leaving and Maya was gone.
"Hm? Do you have something to say?" Levi asked, sensing Shonn's hesitation.
"No. Never mind," Shonn replied, shaking his head.
"Ah, okay. Take care then. Call me if you go there," Levi said, giving him a reassuring pat on the shoulder.
"Sure," Shonn replied, trying to muster a smile.
As Levi walked away, some employees gathered around, excited to learn about Shonn. Their curiosity and admiration made him feel both proud and a little overwhelmed.
Maya hopped on the bus, and Steven signaled for her to sit next to him. Maya sat down, her heart pounding a little faster.
"Stupid," Steven muttered under his breath, just loud enough for her to hear.
"What?!" Maya exclaimed, looking at him with wide eyes.
"Nothing," Steven replied, trying to hide his smirk.
"You just said stupid," Maya insisted, her curiosity piqued.
"Are you okay now?" Steven asked, avoiding her question, his tone softening.
"Why? Did something happen to make me not okay? Tch," Maya retorted, recalling how Steven avoided her yesterday, though she couldn't remember the medicine incident.
"What? Do you not remember anything from last night?" Steven asked, making her cheeks flush with embarrassment.
"Please don't tell me I did something embarrassing when I was drunk," Maya said, her voice tinged with panic.
"Drunk?" Steven furrowed his eyebrows, his expression confused.
"Yes, drunk."
"Oh yes, drunk. No, you didn't do anything. Don't worry," Steven said, hiding the truth to spare her feelings.
"Thank God," Maya sighed in relief, her shoulders relaxing.
"Who told you that you were drunk, by the way? You don't seem to remember anything," Steven asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.
"Nira. She told me that Todd found me in the corridor, so he called her," Maya explained, frowning as she tried to piece together the fragmented memories.
"You shouldn't drink alone," Steven advised, his voice gentle but firm.
So, Ms. Evans doesn't know about the medicine incident either, Steven thought, feeling a mix of relief and concern.
"But I really cannot remember drinking, Steven. I went to bed after Nira left for the Hot Spring. When did I...? My head still hurts too," Maya said, rubbing her temples.
"Do you have any hangover?" Steven asked, worried.
"Not yet. I woke up late and didn't have time for breakfast. I'm still sleepy; I feel like I could sleep all day," Maya replied, stifling a yawn.
"Want me to buy a hangover remedy? I can ask the driver to stop the bus," Steven offered, his concern evident.
"No thanks, I'll have it after we get there," Maya replied, shaking her head.
"You should try to take a nap then; it's quite far," Steven suggested, his voice soothing.
"You're right," Maya said, closing her eyes and making herself comfortable facing Steven. The warmth of his presence made her feel safe and relaxed.
"Are you sure you want to sleep like this? Everyone is here," Steven whispered, his breath tickling her ear and making her blush.
"Hmph, tch. Weirdo," Maya muttered, turning her back to him. But before she could settle in, Steven gently grabbed her shoulder and turned her back to face him. Their eyes locked, and for a moment, the world outside seemed to fade away.
"You may sleep. Everyone else is already out or sleeping. I'll wake you up beforehand," Steven said, patting her head gently. Maya nodded, blushing even more.
Levi saw them from two seats back and smiled. He pretended to be asleep when Steven looked back to check on everyone.
Though Levi had told Steven that Maya might like him, Steven still wasn't sure. He hesitated to ask her again, wanting to give her time to feel comfortable around him. The uncertainty gnawed at him, but he hoped that time and patience would eventually bring them closer.
. . .
Tiffany ran to Steven after getting off the bus. Maya walked away when she saw Tiffany approaching, her heart sinking a little. Steven sighed and asked, "What is it?"
"Wanna hop on a ride with me?" Tiffany asked, her voice bubbly and eager.
"Sorry, Spencer, I don't want to," Steven replied, trying to be polite but firm.
"Whyyyyyyy? Just come," Tiffany insisted, her pout making her look almost childlike.
"Tif, come with me. Sorry, Steven, I need her now," Ethan interrupted, grabbing Tiffany's hand and pulling her away.
"You don't need my permission," Steven muttered, scratching his head. "Wait, when did he just start calling her Tif? What's going on?" he wondered aloud.
. . .
"Tif, you need to stop," Ethan said once they were in a quiet place, his voice serious but his eyes searching hers, lingering on her lips.
"Stop? What do you want me to stop?" Tiffany asked, crossing her arms defensively, but her gaze flickered to his mouth, betraying her curiosity.
"Want me to tell you? Don't regret it later," Ethan warned, his eyes intense. He reached out, his fingers brushing her hair before he gently pulled her waist, his hand supporting the back of her neck. The next thing Tiffany knew, his lips were on hers, igniting a fire she hadn't felt in years.
"Stop making me want you so bad, Tif," Ethan murmured in a deep, cold voice, his breath warm against her skin. He pulled back slightly, their faces inches apart, his eyes darting between her eyes and her lips. He could feel her breath quickening, matching his own.
After two years, she felt the warmth of his embrace, his kiss once again. She looked at him, her hand resting on his chest, feeling his heartbeat, and asked, "You're still into me?" Her fingers brushed lightly over his shirt, teasingly tracing the contours of his muscles.
"Why did you come back into my life? I thought I was done missing you," Ethan said, his voice tinged with frustration and longing, his fingers lightly tracing the outline of her jaw. He moved a strand of hair behind her ear, his touch lingering.
"Why are you so interested in a girl like me?" Tiffany asked, unlocking herself from his embrace, her voice trembling. She stepped back but couldn't resist looking at him through her lashes, a slight smile playing on her lips. She absentmindedly twirled a lock of her hair, a gesture that always drove him crazy.
"Because it's you. I know you don't like Steven, so I'm asking you to stop interfering with those two," Ethan replied, his eyes pleading, but a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth, remembering their playful banter. He came closer once again. His fingers brushed against hers, sending a shiver down her spine, as if testing the waters.
"Those two?" Tiffany echoed, confused, but her tone softened, almost teasing. She took a step closer, their bodies almost touching, her breath mingling with his.
"You know what I mean. So stop doing this, Tif," Ethan said, his voice firm, but he reached out, his fingers brushing against hers, sending a shiver down her spine. She looked up at him, biting her lower lip, remembering the countless times they had stood this close, their hearts racing in sync.
"Speaking of two, I thought it was three. Seems like your other friend already gave in, Levi Thompson. Tch," Tiffany retorted, her voice dripping with sarcasm, but her eyes sparkled with mischief. She playfully pushed a finger against his chest, feeling the warmth beneath.
"How did...?" Ethan was confused hearing about Levi from Tiffany, but the tension between them was palpable. He grabbed her hand, holding it against his chest, his heartbeat pounding under her palm.
"He told Stone already that he likes that girl and he's giving up on her. Not my problem. By the way, you're seriously talking about other people after kissing me," Tiffany retorted, averting her eyes to the ground, but a smile playing on her lips. Ethan leaned in, held her chin up gently, forcing her to look at him, saying, "I thought you wouldn't mind. Can I kiss you again?" His voice was soft, almost a whisper, his eyes locked on hers, waiting for her reaction. He could see the conflict in her eyes, the longing mixed with hesitation.
"Tch." As Tiffany tried to walk away, Ethan pulled her into his embrace once again, his arms wrapping around her securely. Tiffany didn't resist this time. She hugged him back, her fingers tangling in his hair, making him smile. The warmth of his body against hers brought back a flood of memories, and for a moment, they were lost in each other, the world around them fading away. She looked up at him, her eyes filled with a mixture of defiance and desire, whispering,
"You always knew how to make me weak." Her lips brushed against his, a teasing touch that sent sparks flying between them. Ethan responded by pulling her even closer, their bodies pressed together, the heat between them undeniable.
"You think you can just come back and pretend nothing happened?" Tiffany whispered against his lips, her voice both challenging and inviting.
"Maybe," Ethan replied, his hands sliding down to the small of her back, pressing her even closer. "Or maybe I just can't stay away from you."
"You're playing with fire," she said, her fingers tracing the line of his jaw, her breath hot against his neck.
"Then let me burn," he murmured, his lips capturing hers again, more urgently this time. Their kisses grew deeper, more passionate, each one a reminder of what they had lost and what they had found again.
"Ethan..." Tiffany gasped, pulling away slightly, her hands on his chest. "What are we doing?"
"Something we should have never stopped," he replied, his voice husky with desire. "I can't let you go again, Tif."
She looked into his eyes, seeing the same fire that was burning within her. "Then don't," she whispered, pulling him back down to her, their lips meeting once more in a kiss that promised more than words ever could.
As they stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, they knew that this time, they were ready to fight for what they had. The tension, the passion, the love – it was all still there, stronger than ever. And this time, they weren't going to let it slip away.
. . .
Story behind Ethan & Tiffany:
Ethan met Tiffany two years and seven months ago in the Italy, where he was pursuing a degree. They met at a bar while Tiffany was working at an Italian Software Company. They shared familiar tastes in music, movies, and more, meeting once a week. Soon, they started dating, Tiffany became busy, and they barely met. Fights ensued as Ethan grew jealous of her working with guys who always hit on her. Eventually, they broke up. Ethan couldn't forget his first love and returned to USA a year later, did some work, and then joined VISHO.
Tiffany joined VISHO without knowing Ethan would be there. She wanted to get a look in front of him, transforming from a sweet, smart girl to a company bitch. Ethan was surprised to see his ex like that but always tried to keep it cool. He started feeling jealous as she flirted with his friends in front of him, knowing this wasn't her true self. He finally confronted her.
Ethan's Flashback:
Ethan vividly remembered the first time he saw Tiffany. It was a bustling bar in downtown Rome. The dim lights and soft jazz music created an intimate atmosphere. He was sitting at the bar, nursing a drink, when Tiffany walked in, her laughter like a melody that caught his attention. She had an aura of confidence and warmth that drew people to her. They struck up a conversation, and before they knew it, they were meeting regularly, sharing stories and dreams.
Their connection grew stronger with each passing week. They discovered a shared love for classic films, indie music, and late-night walks by the lake. It wasn't long before they became inseparable. Her demanding job kept her busy, and their time together dwindled. The distance and jealousy took a toll on their relationship, leading to heated arguments and misunderstandings.
Ethan tried to be understanding, but seeing other guys constantly vying for her attention drove him crazy. They had a massive fight one night, words were said that couldn't be taken back, and they broke up. Ethan left the Italy with a broken heart, hoping time and distance would heal his wounds. Back in USA, he threw himself into work, trying to forget Tiffany. But no matter how hard he tried, her memory lingered. When he joined VISHO, he was determined to move on, but fate had other plans.
Tiffany's Flashback:
For Tiffany, joining VISHO was a fresh start, a chance to reinvent herself. She had no idea Ethan would be there. When she saw him at the company orientation, her heart skipped a beat. She put on a facade of indifference, transforming herself into the company's tough girl, hoping to hide her vulnerability. Seeing Ethan every day was both a blessing and a curse. She saw the jealousy in his eyes as she flirted with his friends, trying to provoke a reaction. But deep down, she missed the old Ethan, the one who knew her inside out.
When Ethan finally confronted her, all the pent-up emotions came rushing back. She realized she had been pushing him away, trying to protect herself from getting hurt again. But now, as they stood there, she knew she couldn't deny her feelings any longer.
Flashback Ends
"Tif, please. Let's not play these games anymore," Ethan said, his voice softening. "I can't stand seeing you with other guys, pretending you don't care. I know you do."
Tiffany looked into his eyes, seeing the sincerity and pain. She took a deep breath and said, "Ethan, I'm scared. I don't want to get hurt again."
"I know. I'm scared too. But we can't keep running from our feelings," Ethan replied, his voice trembling with emotion. "Let's give this another try."
Tiffany hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Okay, let's try."
Ethan smiled, pulling her into a tight embrace. As they stood there, holding each other, they knew it wouldn't be easy, but they were willing to fight for their love.