Between Steve and Frans

Viona's steps felt light as she entered her apartment. The air felt fresh, free from the shadows that had been confining her. James' words from campus earlier echoed in her ears. "You deserve to be happy." Those words were like a mantra that opened the door to new possibilities. And Frans, with his charming smile, was one of those possibilities.

A message from Frans was already waiting for her on her phone. "Ready for an unforgettable night?" Viona smiled. Her heart was pounding, not with anxiety, but with a joy she had never felt before. She hurried to get ready, choosing a simple blue dress that made her eyes look brighter.

Frans picked her up right on time. His car, a luxurious black sedan, reflected the elegant and established image he projected. "You look beautiful, Viona," Frans said, his eyes fixed on Viona as she got into the car.

Their journey took them uphill towards the hills. Their destination tonight was "Skyline Bistro," a restaurant famous for its delicious food and stunning city views. The restaurant hung on the edge of a cliff, its walls mostly made of glass, allowing visitors to enjoy the glittering panorama of the city below.

"This place is amazing, Frans," Viona said, mesmerized by the view that stretched out before her. The lights of the buildings formed an endless maze of light, and the traffic looked like a river of fire flowing without stopping.

"I knew you'd like it. I've already reserved the best table," Frans replied as he pulled out a chair for her. Their table was right by the window, giving them an unobstructed view of the entire city.

The night felt like a dream. Frans knew how to make Viona feel comfortable. He told her about his journey as an architect, the challenging projects he had worked on, and his dreams for the future. He listened attentively as Viona told him about her love of art and her longing to travel the world.

The food served was delicious. From the delicate *foie gras* appetizer to the wagyu steak main course that melted in her mouth, every bite felt special. Frans chose a bottle of rich *Cabernet Sauvignon* red wine. As Viona sipped the wine, she felt a warmth spread throughout her body.

"This is a good wine," Viona said.

"I know a few places that sell the best wines," Frans replied, with a mysterious smile. "Maybe after dinner, we can stop by one of them?"

Viona chuckled. She felt relaxed and happy. She liked the attention Frans gave her, the way he treated her like a princess. She felt valued and desired.

However, behind the smiles and laughter, a bit of doubt crept into her heart. Everything Frans did felt too perfect. The luxurious restaurant, the expensive wine, the sweet words... She wasn't used to all of this. Steve never took her to places like this. Their dates were usually simple, just a dinner at a roadside stall or watching a movie at home.

Viona knew that Frans had a lot of experience in love. She could see it in the way he spoke, the way he acted, the way he looked at her. He was a man who knew what he wanted and knew how to get it.

After dinner, Frans kept his promise. He took Viona to an exclusive wine bar located in the city center, "The Velvet Vine." The atmosphere there was more intimate, with dim lighting and soothing blues music.

Frans ordered two glasses of sweet and smooth *Eiswein* dessert wine. "For a beautiful night," he said, raising his glass.

Viona raised her glass and touched it to Frans' glass. "To a new beginning," she replied.

They spent hours at the wine bar, chatting and laughing. Viona felt closer and closer to Frans. She began to imagine a future with him, a life full of luxury and pleasure.

However, the more she was carried away by that fantasy, the greater the guilt that haunted her. She remembered James, his simplicity, his sincere love. She remembered the promise they had made, to always be together, in good times and bad.

Could she really forget James just like that? Could she really start a new life with Frans? The questions swirled in her mind, disturbing her peace.

As Frans drove her home, Viona felt confused and unsure of what she wanted. She liked the attention Frans gave her, but she wasn't sure if she could give him her heart.

"I really enjoyed spending time with you tonight, Viona," Frans said, as they arrived in front of her apartment. "I hope we can do it again soon."

Viona smiled. "Me too," she replied.

Frans leaned in and kissed her cheek gently. "Goodnight, Viona. Sweet dreams."

Viona, with a sudden impulse, replied by kissing Frans on the cheek. Then, before she could pull away, Frans held her face in both his hands and gently kissed her lips. The kiss was brief, but enough to send an electric shock through Viona's body.

She returned the kiss for a moment, surprised but also captivated. Then she pulled away.

"Goodnight, Frans," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly.

She waited until Frans' car disappeared around the corner before finally going into her apartment.

She stood in front of the mirror, looking at her own reflection. She saw a woman who was beautiful and happy, but behind her smile, there was a trace of sadness that she couldn't hide. She knew that she had to make a decision. She had to choose between the past she had left behind and the future she didn't know. The choice was difficult, but she knew she had to make it soon.

She turned on the stereo in the living room. The strains of Debussy's *Clair de Lune* filled the room. This music, and other classical songs, reminded her of Steve, her piano teacher. Steve... her first love.

It wasn't Frans who gave her her first kiss. Viona's first kiss was with Steve, on the cheek, as a reward for her success in playing a difficult score. Every time she managed to conquer a complicated part, Steve would come closer, lean in, and kiss her cheek gently. Those kisses, simple but meaningful, were moments she always longed for. Frans may have given her her first kiss on the lips, a kiss that was mature and passionate. But her true first kiss, the kiss that touched her heart the deepest, was the kiss from Steve.

Tears began to flow down Viona's cheeks. She missed Steve, missed their music, missed the warmth and comfort she felt with him. She realized that although Frans could give her luxury and pleasure, he couldn't replace Steve's place in her heart.

She sobbed, letting the tears wet her cheeks. She felt guilty for forgetting Steve, for letting herself be lulled by Frans' charm. She knew she had to be honest with herself. She had to admit that her heart still belonged to Steve, and she couldn't pretend that she could love Frans.

That night, amidst the strains of Debussy's music and the tears that wet her cheeks, Viona made a decision. She would look for Steve. She would explain everything to him. She would fight for her love, even if it meant she had to sacrifice everything.

Viona's tears were still wetting her cheeks as she tilted her head to the corner of the sofa. The music of *Clair de Lune* continued to play, adding a vibrato to the depths of her heart. The memory of Steve was so strong and thrilling, making her feel an endless loss. In the midst of her confusion, she realized that she felt a little... tipsy. The wine she drank at the bar had made her a little bolder than usual.

In a semi-conscious state, she reached for her phone. Her slightly trembling fingers traced the number she always remembered, Steve's number. After a few seconds that felt like forever, Viona pressed the call button.

The ringing tone sounded, breaking the silence of the night. Her heart was pounding. What did she want to say? Was she ready to hear Steve's voice after so long? What if Steve had forgotten her?

"Hello?" Steve's familiar voice sounded in Viona's ear, as if no time had passed between them.

"Steve, I..." Viona paused for a moment, the right phrase stuck in her throat. Her first love, her piano teacher, the person who was always in her mind. "I miss you," she said, the words flowing uncontrollably.

Viona's heart fluttered. She never thought those words would come out so easily. But when she heard the silence on the other side, a feeling of anxiety enveloped her heart. Without waiting for an answer, Viona made an impulsive decision. She pressed the button to hang up the phone.

Instantly, her feelings mixed together. Beautiful memories with Steve came back, and an unbearable longing made her chest tight. Why did she hang up the phone like that? Why didn't she give him a chance to explain her feelings?

In the darkness of her apartment, Viona felt torn between the past and the future. On the one hand, there was Steve with all his sweet memories, with soothing kisses on the cheek. On the other hand, there was Frans, a figure who promised new adventures and valuable experiences.

She fell silent, staring at the blank wall, trying to put together her jumbled thoughts. Why was it so hard to forget the past? Why were her feelings so normal and measured with him, but so complex when touching Frans?

Viona hugged her pillow, remembering the moments when she sat at the piano, humming melodies that Steve listened to. A warm feeling surged, although now it was a painful longing. She wanted to change her decision tonight, to repeat her call. But that tipsy spirit was starting to fade, and consciousness was slowly creeping in.

She turned on the small light in the corner of the room, illuminating the dark corners. Viona sighed deeply, comforting her heart. Her thoughts swirled between Steve and Frans, first love and untested opportunities. She knew one thing: whatever happens next, she had to start being honest with herself.

That night, Viona felt a deep dilemma of love. She wanted to contact Steve again, wanted to tell him that she was still there and missed him. But on the other hand, she also wanted to give Frans a chance. But right now, her feelings oscillated, as if there were two opposite directions.

Viona bowed her head, hugging her knees. She might have to face the reality: love doesn't always mean one person. Sometimes, love can be more complex and nuanced, just like music.

In the noise of her feelings, she knew this journey had just begun. She had to be brave to take the next step.