One Night to Change Everything

After having fun playing the piano, Steve and Viona left the room filled with musical instruments and continued their leisurely walk. Their stomachs began to rumble, reminding them that they hadn't eaten lunch yet.

"Let's find some good food," Steve said while stretching his arms.

Viona nodded in agreement. "I agree. I'm hungry again."

They wandered through the streets of the city, searching for an interesting place to eat. The evening air felt cool, making their walk even more enjoyable. After a few minutes of walking, the delicious aroma of food wafted from a corner street.

"I think there's something good over there," Viona said, pointing to a small stall with many people in line.

Steve raised an eyebrow. "If there's a line like that, it must be really good, right?"

"Let's try!" Viona pulled Steve's hand without thinking twice.

They joined the queue, looking at the menu displayed in front. It turned out that the stall was famous for its regional dishes rich in spices. Steve and Viona ordered several dishes, including a warm soup and some tempting local snacks.

After receiving their orders, they sat at a small table in the corner of the stall. Viona took her spoon and carefully tasted the soup. The moment she tasted it, her eyes lit up.

"It's really good!" she said, her expression satisfied.

Steve tried the food and nodded in agreement. "This is really delicious. We should explore places like this more often."

Viona chuckled softly. "Yeah, I didn't expect such a small place to have food this good."

They enjoyed their meal leisurely, chatting about many things, ranging from music, Viona's college days, to funny stories about Steve's students at his piano school.

Unbeknownst to them, time passed quickly. Viona felt lighter and more relaxed compared to the past few days. And all of that, without her realizing it, was because of Steve.

After finishing their meal, they left the stall with satisfied feelings. The evening air was getting cooler, and the sky began to change to a golden orange.

Viona took a deep breath. "I can't believe we walked this far."

Steve smiled. "Look on the bright side, we found good food and a cool music place."

Viona nodded. "Yeah, and I feel calmer now."

They walked with no particular destination, enjoying the atmosphere of the city, which was starting to bustle with lights turning on one by one. Suddenly, Viona spotted a small store with unique displays in its window.

"Hey, look at that," she said, pointing.

Steve followed her gaze. The store was a music shop selling various musical instruments, sheet music, and unique accessories. Without thinking twice, they entered.

As they stepped inside, the familiar aroma of wood and sheet music greeted them. Viona browsed through the sheet music on the shelves, while Steve walked over to a shelf filled with small souvenirs shaped like musical notes and mini musical instruments.

Steve picked up a keychain shaped like a grand piano and smiled slightly. "I think this would suit you."

Viona turned and laughed softly. "Really?"

"Of course. You are my best student." Steve winked jokingly.

Viona took the keychain and looked at it closely. There was a small engraving on the bottom that read, "Music Speaks When Words Can't."

Steve noticed the touched expression on Viona's face. "If you like it, just take it. I'll buy it for you."

Viona shook her head. "No need, I can buy it myself."

Steve chuckled softly. "Alright, then I'll buy the same one for myself too. That way we'll have matching keychains."

Viona sighed in resignation while smiling. "Fine by me."

After paying, they left the store with a small bag containing the keychains. The sky grew darker, and the city lights began to shine brightly.

Steve glanced at his watch. "It's getting late. Shall we head back?"

Viona nodded. "Yeah, I need to refocus on my study schedule tomorrow."

They walked back toward Viona's place. Along the way, they had light conversations, occasionally laughing, enjoying the calm evening.

Viona realized one thing—Steve always knew how to make her feel better without needing many words. And tonight, she felt a bit stronger to face the days ahead.

When they arrived in front of Viona's house, the atmosphere felt more peaceful. The evening breeze gently blew, carrying the scent of the damp earth left from the rain earlier.

Steve stopped a few steps from the door. "Are you feeling better?" he asked, looking at Viona with a faintly worried expression.

Viona nodded slightly. "I'm much better. Thanks for today, Steve."

Steve smiled. "Anytime you need a walking buddy, just let me know."

Viona laughed lightly. "You'll get tired if you have to keep following me around."

"If it's for you, I don't mind."

That answer made Viona pause for a moment. There was something in Steve's tone that made her feel... comfortable. As if she could trust that this person wouldn't just leave her.

Before the moment became too awkward, Steve looked up at the sky. "Do you have plans for tomorrow?"

Viona thought for a moment. "I think I want to start reviewing my materials again. It's been too long since I took a break; I'm afraid my brain will freeze."

Steve chuckled. "In that case, I won't bother you. But if you need a break, don't forget to go out for a bit. Maybe grab a coffee or—"

"Eat toast and scrambled eggs made by you?" Viona cut in with a teasing smile.

Steve pretended to think. "Hmm… that sounds good. But this time, you have to cook it for me."

Viona laughed. "Wow, this piano teacher who's usually good at cooking suddenly wants someone else to cook for him."

Steve shrugged. "Sometimes, a student should learn things other than just piano."

They laughed together, enjoying the light conversation, which felt delightful after all the heavy things that had happened.

Viona opened the door to her house, then turned to Steve. "Be careful on your way home."

Steve smiled. "You too. Get enough rest, alright?"

Viona nodded, then went inside. As the door closed, she leaned against it for a moment, taking a deep breath.

Today felt long but also lighter.

And it was all because of Steve.

Outside, Steve stood for a moment before finally turning and walking away. There was something in his heart that felt different tonight, but he didn't want to figure out what it was yet.

One thing he knew for sure—he didn't regret spending time with Viona today.

Viona stood by the window, peeking outside with mixed feelings. Steve walked away leisurely, his hands in his pants pockets, occasionally kicking small stones on the road.

For some reason, watching him like that made Viona's heart feel lighter. Steve always knew how to make her feel better without any pressure.

But as soon as Steve's figure disappeared around the corner, Viona let out a soft sigh and turned back.

As she stepped further into the living room, her steps suddenly halted.

Someone was already standing there.

Frans.

Viona froze in place. She couldn't believe what she was seeing. The man was standing in her living room, looking at her with an expression that was hard to explain.

It took Viona a few seconds to find her voice again. "What are you doing here?"

Frans hesitated for a moment before finally answering, "I want to talk."

Viona clenched her jaw. "I thought I was clear when I said we broke up and you shouldn't contact me again."

Frans sighed, stepping closer. "Vi, I know I was wrong. I just… I can't lose you like this."

Viona's heart trembled, but she bit her lip, holding back all the emotions that began to surface.

"Weren't you the one who chose this?" she said in a quieter voice, almost a whisper. "You let me go, Frans."

Frans looked at her with guilt in his eyes. "I never wanted this to happen. I was just confused, caught between my family and my feelings."

Viona let out a small laugh, but there was no warmth in it. "So now you're here for what? Because you're sure about your feelings? Or because you just realized you can't live without me?"

Frans fell silent. No answer.

And that was more painful than any words could say.

Viona took a deep breath, trying to control herself. "Before, when I had doubts about our relationship, you assured me. Now, I want to be sure about you, but what do I get?"

Frans looked down, as if he knew he couldn't argue.

Viona turned her gaze toward the door. "I'm tired, Frans. I don't want to be the one always fighting alone anymore."

Silence.

Frans bit his lip, looking at Viona as if he wanted to say something, but the words never came out.

Finally, Viona made a decision. She stepped toward the door and opened it. "Just go."

Frans looked up, his expression changing. "Vi…"

"Please, Frans." Viona's voice trembled, but she stood tall. "Don't make this harder."

Frans stared at her for a long time before finally nodding slightly.

Without saying anything else, he stepped outside.

As the door closed behind him, Viona felt her heart grow heavier.

But this time, she knew she had made the right decision.