The Space Between Heartbeats

Suddenly, Viona's phone rang, breaking the silence between them. Frans' name appeared on the screen, causing Viona's chest to tighten slightly. She turned to Steve, who was also looking at her phone screen with an unreadable expression.

Viona hesitated for a moment before finally swiping the green button. "Hello, Frans." Her voice sounded normal, although there was something hanging at the end of her sentence.

"Hey, darling. What are you doing?" Frans' voice sounded warm as usual, making Viona feel even more guilty.

Viona glanced at Steve, who was now looking down, seemingly engrossed in his own thoughts. She took a breath before answering, "Just finished lunch."

"Oh really? Alone or with someone?" Frans asked with a curious tone.

Viona bit her lip. For a moment, she could feel Steve's gaze, waiting for her answer.

"With a friend," she finally replied, choosing a safe word.

Frans chuckled. "Oh really? I've never heard you talk about a new friend. Who is it?"

Viona swallowed hard, feeling like she was walking on a tightrope. She could be honest, but she also knew the consequences. Before she could answer, Steve suddenly got up from his chair, walked towards the sink to wash his hands, as if giving Viona space to speak more freely.

"Vi?" Frans was still waiting for an answer.

Viona snapped out of her reverie. "Ah, I'll tell you later, okay? How's your day?"

Frans didn't immediately answer, as if realizing that Viona was hiding something. But finally, he just said, "It's fine. Let's video call tonight, okay?"

Viona nodded even though Frans couldn't see it. "Yes, I'll let you know later."

After a few parting sentences, the call ended. Viona put her phone on the table, staring blankly at the screen that had gone dark.

Steve returned to his chair, looking at Viona with an expression that was difficult to interpret. "Why didn't you say you were with me?" he asked softly.

Viona sighed. "I... I don't know. I just... don't want any problems."

Steve leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling for a moment before looking back at Viona. "Or maybe you don't want him to know because... you're still confused about your feelings?"

Viona was silent. Because in her heart, she knew—Steve might be right.

Steve sighed, then smiled slightly, trying to break the awkward atmosphere between them. "It's been a while since we last played the piano together, hasn't it?" he asked, glancing at the piano in the corner of the living room.

Viona followed Steve's gaze. The piano was still standing firm, bearing witness to their time as teacher and student a year ago. Without waiting for an answer, Steve got up from his chair and walked over there. He wiped the surface of the piano with his fingertips, then pressed a few keys at random, creating a familiar tune.

"Do you still remember the song we always played?" Steve turned to Viona, his smile teasing.

Viona sighed with a thin smile. "How could I forget? You used to get angry when I played it wrong."

Steve chuckled softly. "Not angry, more like... guiding firmly."

Viona snorted, then finally walked closer. She sat next to Steve on the piano bench, her shoulder almost touching his. Her fingers hesitantly touched the keys, then began to play the melody that was once familiar to her ears.

Steve observed Viona with a gentle expression before finally joining in, completing the melody that Viona was playing with perfect harmonization. The sound of the piano filled the room, creating a magical atmosphere—as if bringing them back to their old times.

As the song neared its end, Steve glanced at Viona. "You're much better now," he whispered.

Viona smiled slightly, but her heart felt heavy. Not because of her playing, but because of the feelings that were resurfacing inside her—feelings that she had thought were gone.

After the song ended, they exchanged smiles. The silence between them this time felt comfortable, no longer awkward as before.

Suddenly, Steve leaned back and stretched. "We've never gone out or watched a movie together, have we?" he asked in a relaxed tone.

Viona frowned. "Yeah, that's right... we used to just meet for piano lessons, never anything like... really hanging out."

Steve smiled slightly, then turned to Viona. "How about we watch a movie now? At home, though, I don't feel like going out."

Viona thought for a moment, then shrugged. "Okay. What do you want to watch?"

"It's up to you. I'm flexible," Steve replied as he stood up. He walked towards the sofa, picked up the TV remote, and sat down comfortably.

Viona sat next to him, taking a pillow to hug. "You say flexible, but don't complain if I pick a romance film," she teased.

Steve laughed. "Okay, pick a good one. But if the movie is boring, I'll sleep, okay?"

Viona rolled her eyes and started looking for a movie. Without them realizing it, this moment felt more natural than they thought. Like two old friends who had finally found a new rhythm in their togetherness.

Viona finally chose a romantic melodrama film with a bit of comedy. She thought Steve might get bored or even fall asleep in the middle of the film, but it turned out that her guess was wrong.

From the start, Steve seemed to focus on watching, his eyes glued to the screen. Occasionally he chuckled at the funny scenes, but when the film began to enter the emotional part, the atmosphere changed.

In the middle of the film, Viona, carried away by the atmosphere, began to cry softly. She wiped her tears with her sleeve, trying not to look too dramatic. However, when she glanced sideways, she was surprised to see Steve also silent, staring at the screen with slightly teary eyes.

"Don't tell me you're crying too," Viona teased while wiping her tears.

Steve cleared his throat, pretending to be indifferent. "No, it's just... dust got in my eyes."

Viona chuckled, her eyes still wet. "Oh yeah? The dust appeared at the saddest scene?"

Steve sighed and finally gave up. "Okay, okay. This movie is actually good too. And yeah... it's a bit heartbreaking."

They watched again in silence, enjoying the film without trying to hide their emotions anymore. Although it initially felt strange, this togetherness felt so natural. As if, between the screen and the scenes they were watching, there was something between them that was slowly beginning to change.

After the film ended, the atmosphere between them felt lighter. Viona was still sitting leaning on the sofa, while Steve stretched his body.

"Your movie choice was good too," Steve said, glancing at Viona.

Viona smiled satisfied. "See, I told you."

Steve got up from the sofa, tidying his slightly messy hair. "Now it's time for dinner. I'll cook."

Viona raised an eyebrow, a little surprised. "Can you cook?"

Steve smiled confidently. "Of course. I'm not only good at playing the piano, but I'm also good in the kitchen."

Viona chuckled. "Okay, I want to see how great your cooking is. I'll check out the wine that goes well with our dinner."

While Steve headed to the kitchen, Viona walked to the storage rack, looking for a suitable bottle of wine. She glanced at Steve who started taking out the ingredients from the refrigerator. Seeing him so serious about choosing ingredients, there was a warm feeling that suddenly appeared in Viona's heart.

"What kind of dish are you going to make?" Viona asked, carrying two bottles of wine.

Steve turned and smiled. "I was thinking of pasta with cream sauce. Simple but delicious."

Viona nodded in agreement. "I think this white wine will be suitable."

Steve winked. "A good choice. Now, you just sit back and watch me work."

Viona smiled, leaning against the kitchen table, watching Steve start cooking. That night, in the middle of the aroma of food wafting and light chatter between them, there was something unsaid but felt so clear—a warmth that was slowly growing between them.