Steve and Viona: A Second Chance

The next day, Steve woke with a feeling of anxiety that enveloped his entire body. Sound sleep felt so far away, and even though he'd tried to close his eyes all night, his mind kept racing—about Viona, about what was going to happen, and about how they would interact after so long.

After showering and getting ready, Steve stood in front of his closet, momentarily perplexed about what to wear. He didn't want to look too formal, but he also didn't want to be too casual. He wanted to look perfect—mature enough to show that he had grown up, but also youthful, as if the seven years separating them weren't too obvious. He chose a simple yet elegant casual white shirt, paired with black trousers that fit his frame well. A pair of clean leather shoes made him feel more confident. Before leaving, he looked at himself in the mirror, checking if everything looked perfect.

"This is it, Steve," he mumbled to himself, trying to convince himself that his appearance was just right.

However, there was one thing that made him more serious: the flowers. He knew it was a simple thing, but for him, bringing flowers to Viona's house wasn't just about giving a gift. It was a way to show sincerity, and perhaps a way to make things right. Steve chose the flowers very carefully, taking some time at the florist, looking for the most appropriate ones—not just ordinary flowers, but ones that could express the feelings he had kept inside for so long.

After some time choosing, he finally decided to buy a bouquet of white roses, a symbol of peace and purity of heart, flowers that looked elegant, but also full of meaning. He felt these flowers could represent him—simple, but deep.

Steve took a long breath, holding the bouquet seriously, as if it were a bridge to unlock everything that had been suppressed. He was sure this was the right step, even though his heart was pounding slightly. He wanted to make their upcoming meeting seem new, full of hope, not just a meeting that would evoke old memories.

With a firm step, Steve walked out of his house and towards his car, thinking about every second he was about to experience. His right hand gripped the flowers tightly, while in his heart, there was only one hope—that this meeting would bring peace, both for him and for Viona.

Viona woke up earlier than usual, even though she hadn't been able to sleep the night before. That feeling of anxiety and excitement kept her awake, thinking about the upcoming meeting with Steve. Since waking up, she felt as if a new energy was flowing within her, even though her body felt a little tired from not getting enough sleep.

With her eyes still half-closed, she rushed to the bathroom to wash her face and freshen up. In her mind, there was one thing she wanted to do that day: serve the perfect brunch for Steve. She wanted to make the day feel special, even though everything felt a little unexpected.

After finishing in the bathroom, she went straight to the kitchen. Viona had already planned the menu she wanted to serve. Toast with eggs, avocado, and a few slices of fresh tomatoes. She also prepared fresh and sweet orange juice, and of course, a cup of coffee that would be their conversation companion. All her preparations were done with great care and love, trying to create a comfortable atmosphere for Steve.

Then, Viona went shopping with enthusiasm. Every step in the market was full of attention, choosing the best ingredients, selecting the freshest fruits, and choosing freshly baked bread. She even took the time to buy a few small flowers that she placed on the dining table. The flowers might be simple, but they were a symbol of the warmth and care she wanted to show Steve.

At home, after the shopping was done, Viona started preparing everything. She tidied up her house meticulously. Every corner was carefully cleaned—the carpet folded neatly, the books arranged on the shelves, and the dining table decorated with a simple yet elegant setting. She even sprayed a little perfume in the air and around her, giving off a warm and soothing aroma.

Everything was done with great care, although there was a little anxiety in her heart. Viona couldn't escape the feeling of anxiety that arose, but she also felt happy and hoped that this brunch would be a beautiful moment for both of them. When everything was ready, she looked at the results of her work, feeling satisfied, although a little tense.

She hoped Steve would feel comfortable, and more than that, she hoped this meeting could open a deeper conversation, which had long been hidden in both of their hearts. Maybe, after so long, this was an opportunity to get closer again.

When Steve arrived at Viona's front door, his heart pounded. He looked at the flowers he was carrying, an elegant arrangement of white roses, and felt it was a way to convey feelings that might not yet be expressed in words. However, when Viona opened the door, Steve was a little surprised to see how natural Viona looked in the morning. She was still wearing a casual pajama set, and her hair was a little messy. But even so, Steve thought Viona still looked beautiful.

"Good morning, Steve," said Viona with a smile, although she seemed a little hurried.

"Good morning, Vi," Steve replied, trying to hide his anxiety behind a smile.

Viona opened the door wider, gesturing for Steve to come in. "Come in first, I just finished tidying up. Don't worry, I'll take a quick shower. You can sit in the living room for now."

Steve nodded and stepped inside, hiding the flowers he was carrying behind his back, like a young man trying to give a surprise. He hesitated a little, because he didn't want Viona to feel awkward.

Viona walked towards the bathroom, but before she could go any further, Steve called her. "Vi, wait a moment."

Viona turned around, seeing Steve's attentive expression. Steve smiled awkwardly while taking the flowers from behind his back. "I brought these for you," he said, a little nervously. "Maybe... not as beautiful as you, but hopefully it can make this morning a little better."

Viona chuckled and accepted the flowers. "Thanks, Steve," she said, feeling a little embarrassed. "But I haven't showered yet."

Steve shook his head, then with a joking tone said, "Vi, you're still beautiful, even though you haven't showered. Even if you've just woken up, you still have a charm that can't be denied."

Viona smiled widely, a little embarrassed. "You, Steve. You really like making me embarrassed."

Steve chuckled, feeling a little relieved by her reaction. "Yes, I'm just telling the truth. You always look beautiful in my eyes."

Viona sighed and averted her gaze slightly, feeling a strange and comfortable warmth in her heart. "Thank you. You go in first, I'm going to shower for a bit."

After that, Viona immediately went to the bathroom, while Steve sat in the living room, feeling the seconds pass quickly. He couldn't contain the feeling of happiness that welled up inside him. Maybe today would be the beginning of something new, something he had long hoped for.

And meanwhile, Viona, who was showering, felt a mixture of anxiety and happiness. She didn't know what to do, but she knew one thing—Steve's presence always provided comfort, even in silence like this.

Viona finished showering and felt the freshness flowing through her body. She wrapped a towel around her wet hair, then began to continue her skincare routine carefully. As she was applying toner and serum to her face, her thoughts drifted to Steve. She was curious, what was the man doing now, who had previously seemed so attentive and awkward in front of the door.

Carefully, she walked closer to the bedroom door and peeked out. When her eyes caught Steve's figure in the living room, her heart skipped a beat. Steve was standing near the photo rack, looking at some of the photos mounted on the walls of her house. He smiled faintly while looking at the pictures, as if pondering or remembering something personal.

Viona was fascinated by the scene. Steve, who was usually so serious, this time looked so relaxed and full of charm. The casual clothes he was wearing actually made him look even younger and more handsome, with a smile that made Viona feel a little nervous.

Without realizing it, Viona sighed softly. There was something that made her feel comfortable and calm just by looking at Steve, even without words coming out of his mouth. Then, she slowly pulled herself away from the door, back to where she was tidying herself up, but her face couldn't resist the faint smile that appeared on her lips.

She felt a little embarrassed, but also happy, because it seemed Steve was someone who could make her feel comfortable in any situation—including moments like this, which was without words, but full of meaning.

Steve knocked on the door lightly, his voice sounded patient, although it was a bit impatient. "Vi, are you still a long time? I'm getting a little bored, you know." He smiled a little, trying to remain patient while waiting, even though he was already eager to continue the day with Viona.

Inside, Viona was a little surprised to hear the knock on the door and Steve's voice. She quickly finished the final touches on her makeup, but felt a little anxious because she had spent more time than she had planned. After finishing everything quickly, she immediately came out of the room.

Viona stepped out with a towel still wrapped around her wet hair and wearing a bath robe. She felt a little awkward, but tried to stay calm. "Sorry, did I take too long? But you know, I was at the market this morning and tidied up the house," she said, pouting slightly, feeling guilty for having made Steve wait longer than he should have.

Steve, who saw her appearance, just smiled widely. "It's okay, Vi. I understand." His smile looked sincere and reassuring, even though he was a little tempted to tease Viona because of her appearance, which looked so different.

Viona then raised her hand and leaned against the door in a relaxed style. "Please dry my hair, okay? I can't while doing this," she said with a small laugh, trying to make the atmosphere lighter.

Steve nodded attentively. "Of course, I'll help. But I think your hair is really long, so... I might need a little more time." In a more attentive way, he approached Viona and took the towel that was wrapped around her hair, ready to dry it gently.

Viona felt awkward, but also happy with the attention Steve gave her. The two of them seemed to be able to feel comfortable with all this uncertainty, and without any more words, at that moment it felt perfect enough.