Viona took a deep breath before opening the bathroom door. She had tried to calm herself, but her heart was still racing.
As she stepped out, she noticed the dining table was neatly set with dishes that looked delicious. James and Theresia were chatting casually while occasionally tasting the snacks they had bought. Steve, on the other hand, sat quietly, playing with the spoon in his hand, avoiding eye contact with anyone.
Theresia immediately noticed Viona's presence and smiled brightly. "Well, you finally came out! Quickly sit down, the food is ready."
James chimed in, "We were going to call you earlier, but we were afraid to disturb you. Are you okay?"
Viona forced a small smile, trying to act normal. "I'm fine, just washed my face for a bit."
Steve finally looked up, his eyes meeting Viona's for just a moment. There was something in that glance—something only the two of them knew.
Viona hurriedly turned her gaze away and sat down in the remaining chair.
Theresia picked up her chopsticks and lifted a piece of meat. "Wow, Steve, this looks super delicious! Looks like Viona has really become a good student."
James laughed, "Student? I think Viona is just tagging along, not helping much."
Viona shot James a mock annoyed look. "Hey! I helped too, you know."
Theresia chuckled softly. "Alright then, let's eat. Don't let the food get cold because we're chatting too much."
They started eating, enjoying every bite of the food that genuinely tasted great. Steve had clearly put effort into cooking; it was almost like restaurant-quality cuisine.
However, amidst all the laughter and light conversation, both Viona and Steve remained aware of something.
Their hands still felt warm.
Their lips still remembered that touch.
And although no one dared to bring it up in front of the others, they both knew—they had just crossed a line they shouldn't have crossed.
After finishing their meal, Steve placed his chopsticks down and leaned back in his chair. He glanced at the watch on his wrist and sighed softly.
"I have to leave early," he said, his voice flat but firm. "I have a tutoring appointment this afternoon."
Theresia, busy chewing, looked up. "Oh, why the rush? Aren't you going to relax a bit?"
Steve offered a thin smile. "I promised yesterday; it wouldn't be nice to cancel."
James shrugged casually. "Alright, be careful, man."
Steve stood up, grabbed his phone from the table, then glanced briefly at Viona before turning towards the door. Viona could only sit in silence, gripping her chopsticks tighter than before.
As Steve said his goodbyes and walked out, the atmosphere at the dining table felt a little different.
Theresia frowned. "Why does it feel like... he's in such a hurry?"
James chuckled lightly. "Maybe he's afraid of being stuck doing the dishes again?"
Viona laughed softly, although deep down she knew that wasn't the reason. Steve left not because of his student.
But because he needed distance.
And Viona wasn't sure if that was good or bad.
Viona placed her chopsticks down slowly, then took a deep breath. "I'm going to rest in my room for a bit," she said, trying to sound casual.
Theresia looked at her with slight confusion. "Are you okay? Not feeling well?"
Viona smiled faintly, shaking her head. "No, I'm just a bit sleepy. We stayed up late last night, remember?"
James shrugged casually. "Alright, just take a rest. If you're hungry again, we still have snacks."
Viona nodded without saying much. She stood up, walked towards her room with a heavy heart. Once the door to her room closed, she leaned back against it, closing her eyes for a moment.
Her mind was still swirling with thoughts of the events in the kitchen. The touch, the glances, the kiss that shouldn't have happened.
She bit her lip, trying to suppress the turmoil swirling inside her chest.
Why did it feel like everything was getting more complicated?
Viona sat on the edge of her bed, her fingers intertwining in her lap. Her thoughts still lingered on the events in the kitchen. She knew it shouldn't have happened like that, but everything felt so fast, so fluid, and so wrong yet right at the same time.
Her phone buzzed on the small table next to her bed. Hesitant, she reached for it and saw the name displayed on the screen: Frans.
Her heart dropped. She took a deep breath before swiping the screen to answer.
"Hello?"
"Hey, darling." Frans's voice sounded warm on the other end, familiarity and affection filling it. "Are you busy? I just wanted to hear your voice."
Viona bit her lip. Guilt seeped into her. Frans was always like this, so attentive, so loving, always making sure she was okay. And at the same time, she had just done something she shouldn't have.
"No, I'm not busy," she replied, trying to keep her voice steady.
"You sound tired. A lot of work today?"
Viona looked out the window, watching the sun starting to dip below the horizon. "Not really. I might just be short on sleep."
Frans chuckled softly. "Staying up late again? You have to take care of yourself, Vi."
Viona merely mumbled agreement, her mind still drifting back to the earlier events. She could still feel the lingering warmth from Steve's touch, his deep kiss, his gaze full of unspoken emotions.
"Vi?" Frans's voice brought her back to reality.
"Hmm?"
"Are you alright? Is there something on your mind?"
Viona fell silent. She wanted to be honest. Wanted to say that there was something troubling her. But how could she explain feelings she didn't even understand herself?
"No, I'm fine," she finally said. "Just a bit tired."
"Okay. If that's the case, I'll call you again later so you can rest."
Viona nodded, even though Frans couldn't see her. "Thanks, Frans."
"Always."
Once the call ended, Viona closed her eyes and took a long breath. She felt as if she were standing at a complicated crossroads, torn between someone who had loved her wholeheartedly and someone who had just unveiled feelings she had long ignored.
Meanwhile, Steve sat at a small café, staring blankly at his cup of coffee. He had said what needed to be said, had revealed his feelings, but that didn't change the reality that Viona was still choosing Frans.
"I'm too late," he muttered softly, recalling Viona's gaze when he had asked if he was coming at the wrong time.
He wanted to believe there was still hope. That the kiss wasn't just a momentary emotional surge. But he also knew Viona wasn't someone who would easily leave someone who loved her with all their heart.
Steve rubbed his face roughly. "I'm such a fool."
Suddenly, his phone buzzed. A message came in.
Viona: I also don't know, Steve… I don't know what to do.
Steve stared at his phone's screen for a long time. There was something in those words that made his heart stir. Perhaps, just perhaps, everything wasn't truly over yet.