The Weight of Unspoken Words

After asking Steve to leave the room, Viona felt a little relief, although a lingering awkwardness bound her. She stood in front of the closet, hesitantly looking at the hanging clothes. Unlike usual, she felt confused about choosing an outfit. When she was with Frans, everything felt easier. However, this time, there was a different feeling that bothered her, a feeling that was difficult to explain.

Her mind drifted, momentarily recalling their time together in the past—the days when she and Steve shared time practicing piano together, the laughter they shared, until now, in the face of unspoken feelings.

Finally, with a little hesitation, Viona decided to wear jeans and a white t-shirt, a simple but comfortable appearance. She felt a little better, although there was a mixed feeling that haunted her.

In the dining room, Steve sat at the table, looking at the food prepared by Viona with great attention. Every dish on the table felt like more than just ordinary food—there was a feeling that accompanied it, which made him increasingly sure that although they both tried to restrain themselves, the feelings they had for each other had not completely disappeared.

Steve tasted Viona's cooking, and with a deeper sense than just enjoying the meal, he realized that although they both tried to arrange their respective lives, the reality was that the feelings they shared would not be easily forgotten.

Viona emerged from her room, and Steve glanced over, seeing her simple but still charming appearance. Viona sat at the table, trying to return to a lighter dining atmosphere.

"Wait, this is so delicious, Vi," Steve said, trying to divert attention from the feelings that were beginning to bother him. "You're really a great cook."

Viona gave a small smile, although her eyes held a feeling that was hard to explain. "Thank you. I'm glad you like it."

However, even though they were talking about food, both could feel that something bigger was brewing between them. Their light conversation only covered up the feelings that had not been revealed, feelings that continued to flow even though they tried to restrain them.

Steve smiled awkwardly, feeling a little guilty for immediately eating without waiting for Viona. "Sorry, Vi. I was really, really hungry," he said, lifting his fork, trying to lighten the mood.

Viona looked at him, then laughed softly. "It's okay, Steve. I understand. Besides, this food is also so delicious, who can resist?" she said with a more relaxed smile, as if ignoring the awkwardness that had appeared between them.

The atmosphere, which had been tense, slowly turned more comfortable. They began to eat together, talking to each other about light things, and laughter began to fill the room. Although there was still a little tension left, Viona felt that this atmosphere was better, more comfortable than the previous awkwardness.

Steve scooped up a little more food and looked at Viona. "Seriously, Vi, you are amazing. I never thought I could eat such great food at your house."

Viona smiled, feeling a little relieved by Steve's praise. "Hehe, thank you. I'm happy to cook for you," she replied, although her heart fluttered a little. Eating with Steve felt different, and although they were initially awkward, now they felt comfortable again, just like before.

Their increasingly light conversation flowed, making them feel closer, although both knew there was something that had not been fully revealed between them. However, for the time being, they chose to enjoy the simple moment—eating together, talking, and feeling each other's comfort.

Viona was a little surprised when Steve started asking about her boyfriend, but she answered casually. "Yes, his name is Frans. He's a senior in my class, he's in his final semester. He's very kind, his treatment of me is also full of attention," Viona replied with a small smile, remembering her boyfriend.

However, Steve could feel a little tension in his chest, even though he tried to remain calm. Jealous? Maybe. But he knew, this was not the time to show it.

Steve laughed lightly, trying to cover up his feelings. "It turns out your taste for older men is still there, huh? Hahaha," he said, with a slightly forced joking tone.

Viona looked at him for a moment, unable to resist a small smile. "Well, you're older than me too, Steve," she replied, glancing playfully.

Steve laughed, although in his heart he felt a slightly difficult feeling to accept. "Well, your taste is different, Vi. But it doesn't matter, as long as you're happy."

Viona felt a little tension between them, but she chose not to discuss it further. "Frans is really good, Steve. I'm grateful to have him."

Steve nodded slowly, although his heart was a little heavy. "I'm glad you're happy, Vi," he said, but the voice sounded a little lower, as if there was a feeling that could not be expressed so easily.

Viona was silent for a moment, her eyes looking at Steve who was smiling, although there was a feeling of jealousy and doubt that haunted her heart. In the midst of the moment that felt warm, a flash of memory suddenly appeared in her mind. A dark room, a quiet night, and a passionate kiss—everything felt so real. The memory flooded her mind quickly.

"Steve," Viona's voice sounded a little hoarse, as if there was a tension that could not be hidden. She decided to ask, although her heart was hesitant.

Steve looked at her, a little surprised by the serious tone in Viona's voice. "What is it, Vi?"

Viona bit her lip, trying to find the right words. "That time... when you met Sharone again, at the music lessons," she said, somewhat hesitantly. "Why... why didn't you tell me what really happened? I... I saw something that night."

Steve felt his whole body freeze for a moment. His face changed, and although he tried to remain calm, there was a flicker of anxiety in his eyes. "Viona, I—"

Viona cut him off, her voice firmer this time. "I didn't know it was Sharone. I only saw two figures in that room, dark, I couldn't tell who they were. But I saw... that kiss, Steve. Why is there no explanation?"

The atmosphere instantly turned tense. Steve bowed his head, swallowing the awkwardness that enveloped his words. "Vi... that... it... it just happened. Sharone and I... we have a lot of history, a lot of memories that can't be revealed so easily. I don't know how to explain it."

Viona felt her heart a little hurt, although she tried to remain calm. "Why now, Steve? Why am I only finding out everything now? I... I didn't even know it was Sharone, and suddenly, you appear here with everything. Why weren't you honest from the start?"

Steve was silent, looking at Viona with eyes full of regret. "I didn't want to involve you, Vi. I didn't want to make you feel... confused. I didn't know how to explain everything."

Viona took a deep breath, her eyes now sharper at Steve. "Maybe you're right, but I'm an adult now, Steve. I have the right to know. I want to know why you did that, why you still feel there's something between you two."

Steve looked at her, as if looking for words that could explain the complicated feeling. "Viona, it... it's not as simple as you imagine. I never stopped thinking about Sharone, even after everything that happened. And at the same time, I also... I also feel something different with you, Vi. I'm confused, and I'm afraid if I hurt you with everything."

Viona was silent, trying to digest Steve's words. She knew there was something deep behind that confession. However, the mixed feelings made her not know what to believe. Were they just trapped in old memories, or was there something even deeper between the two of them?

Steve took a deep breath, trying to arrange the right words. He looked at Viona, who was now sitting silently, waiting for an answer from him.

"Viona... there's something I may not have fully told you about my past," he said softly. "About Sharone."

Viona remained silent, giving Steve room to speak.

"Sharone was my first love," Steve continued, his voice sounded softer, as if every word carried a burden. "I met her at a music festival when I was 18 years old. She was radiant, full of energy, and since that night, I knew I fell in love."

Steve gave a thin smile, remembering that memory, before continuing to speak.

"We had two wonderful years. Full of music, dreams, and togetherness. But everything changed when she got a scholarship to Australia to study music. I... I knew that was her dream, and I wanted to support her, but at the same time, I was afraid of losing her."

Viona swallowed, starting to understand where this story was going.

"We promised to stay together, even though distance separated us. The night before she left, we sat in our favorite cafe, holding each other's hands, enjoying our last moment before everything changed."

Steve was silent for a moment, remembering that night clearly.

"She told me to chase my dreams too. Not to stop just because of her departure. But after she left... I felt like I had lost a part of myself. We stayed in touch, initially. Long emails, video calls, messages that were always full of enthusiasm. But over time, those messages became rarer, until finally... there was only silence."

Viona looked at Steve with eyes full of understanding. "So, when you met her again... all those feelings came back?" she asked carefully.

Steve looked deeply into her eyes. "I thought I was done with those feelings, Vi. I thought I had moved on. But when I saw her again after seven years... everything seemed to spin back."

Viona bit her lip. "And that night... at the music lessons... you two..."

Steve nodded slowly. "Yes, we kissed. I won't lie. At that moment... it felt like going back to the past, as if time had never passed. But then I realized... that I was no longer in that time. And that feeling... was no longer what I thought it was."

Viona looked at him with mixed feelings. "So... how do you feel now, Steve?"

Steve took a long breath. "I'm still looking for the answer, Vi. I don't want to lie to you or myself. But what I know for sure... the feelings I feel for you are also real."

Viona's heart trembled hearing that, but her mind was still filled with questions. She looked at Steve, trying to read the honesty in his eyes.

"I just want honesty, Steve," she said finally. "I don't want to be someone who is trapped between your past and your future."

Steve nodded slowly. "I understand, Vi. And I promise... I will find out what I really want."

Silence for a moment. The two were lost in their own thoughts. But one thing was for sure—after this conversation, nothing would be the same again.