The Melody of Farewell

After that long night, Sharone sat in her room, staring at her laptop screen displaying a flight ticket to Australia. She had been thinking for a long time about returning there, to a place where she could truly focus on her career and her life without the shadows of a relationship that felt increasingly empty.

She took a deep breath and finally clicked the "confirm" button.

Going back to Australia.

Not to escape, but to start anew.

The next morning, while having breakfast with Theresia, she shared her decision.

"I'm going back to Aussie next week," she said casually, as if it wasn't a big decision.

Theresia, who was stirring her coffee, looked up quickly. "Huh? So soon?"

Sharone nodded. "I've been here long enough. There are many things I need to pursue there."

Theresia stared at her sister for a long time, trying to read Sharone's expression. But as usual, Sharone always looked calm and confident.

"Sis, are you sure?"

Sharone smiled. "I'm sure. I need this, Ther."

Theresia bit her lip, then sighed. "Alright. If that's what's best for you, I support you."

Sharone took her sister's hand and squeezed it tightly. "Thanks, Ther. You're the best sister."

Theresia smiled faintly, although deep down, she knew she would miss her sister.

The days following that decision flew by. Sharone busied herself with preparing to return to Australia—finishing up various matters, saying goodbye to close friends, and making sure everything was in order before she left.

Although supporting her, Theresia still felt somewhat sad. Her sister had always been there for her, a place to share stories and seek advice. Now, she had to get used to being without Sharone nearby.

Meanwhile, Steve heard the news that Sharone was leaving from Theresia. He sat in silence for quite a while after hearing it, then merely nodded.

"Maybe this is for the best," he murmured softly.

Theresia looked at him with a meaningful expression. "You haven't talked since the breakup?"

Steve shook his head. "No. I don't think she needs that."

Theresia sighed. "She doesn't hate you, if that's what you're thinking. My sister just… well, she finally realized that you both can't walk together anymore."

Steve looked down at his coffee cup. "I know."

But even knowing that, there was still a feeling of guilt left in his heart.

The day of Sharone's departure arrived.

Theresia took her to the airport, hugging her tightly before Sharone passed through the departure gate.

"Will you be okay here?" Sharone asked, making sure her sister was ready without her.

Theresia nodded with a small smile. "Of course. You take care of yourself there, okay?"

Sharone smiled. "Definitely."

After one last wave, Sharone left.

And for the first time in a long time, she felt completely unburdened. It was as if she had finally released a weight.

Meanwhile, elsewhere, Steve sat quietly in front of his piano. His fingers moved slowly over the keys, playing a soft melody that sounded melancholic.

Not because he regretted it.

But because a part of his life had truly come to an end.

Several days passed since Sharone's departure, and life began to return to its usual rhythm. Theresia kept busy with her activities, while Steve resumed teaching piano and spent more time alone.

Viona, on the other hand, was trying to truly forget Frans. She spent more time preparing for her studies before the new semester, hanging out with Theresia, and sometimes, without realizing it, enjoying Steve's constant presence around her.

One afternoon, after a long piano practice class, Steve sat on his apartment balcony sipping tea. The air was quite cool, and the afternoon breeze softly brushed against his face. His thoughts drifted to many things—about his ended relationship, about music, about someone who had been frequently crossing his mind without him realizing it.

Viona.

He had never thought of Viona as anything more than a talented student or an enjoyable conversation partner.

He began to notice how he started paying attention to Viona's expressions more often. How he felt a need to protect her whenever he saw her sad. How he felt at ease when they spent time together.

Steve sighed, trying to push those thoughts aside.

Maybe this was just the effect of everything that had happened lately.

But deep in his heart, he knew it wasn't just a side effect.

Elsewhere, Viona sat at her study desk, staring at her phone screen for quite some time before finally sending a message.

Viona: "Steve, are you busy?"

It didn't take long before there was a reply.

Steve: "Not really. Why?"

Viona bit her lip, hesitating for a moment before typing again.

Viona: "I just wanted to discuss something. Do you want to meet?"

On the other side, Steve looked at the message with slightly raised eyebrows. There was a strange feeling while reading Viona's message this time.

But he didn't decline.

Steve: "Okay. Where do you want to meet?"

Viona smiled a little before typing her answer.

And out there, the night began to slowly fall, bringing forth a new story they were not yet aware was about to begin.

Steve was waiting at a small café near the city park, a place they used to visit often. He sipped his coffee slowly, glancing occasionally at the entrance.

Not long after, Viona appeared. She was wearing an oversized cream sweater, with her hair let down casually. Her face looked weary, but her eyes remained soft as usual.

Steve smiled faintly. "Hey."

Viona returned his smile and sat down in the chair across from him. "Hey."

For a few seconds, they sat in silence. Viona fiddled with the edge of her sweater while Steve waited patiently.

"Is there something you want to talk about?" Steve finally asked.

Viona looked at him for a moment before letting out a breath. "I… I just feel like a lot has changed lately."

Steve nodded slightly. "Yeah. Everyone changes."

Viona bit her lip, looking thoughtful for a moment. "I just… didn't expect everything to change so quickly. Frans… Sharone… and for some reason, I also feel like you're changing."

Steve raised an eyebrow. "I'm changing?"

Viona nodded slowly. "I'm not sure if it's just my feeling, but you seem to be more… available?"

Steve fell silent. He didn't immediately answer, as he himself wasn't sure what to say.

"Or maybe," Viona continued softly, "I'm just starting to pay more attention to you."

Steve looked at her longer this time. There was something in Viona's voice that made his heart beat faster than usual.

"I've always been here, Vi," he finally said. "Maybe you're just realizing it now."

Viona chuckled softly, but there was tension in her laughter. "Yeah, maybe I'm just realizing it now."

Another silence fell.

Steve sipped his coffee, then looked at Viona more seriously. "Do you regret it?"

Viona was taken aback by the question. "Regret?"

"Regret letting go of Frans."

Viona remained silent for a long time before finally shaking her head gently. "I used to think I couldn't live without him. But now, it turns out, I'm okay."

Steve smiled faintly. "That's good."

Viona smiled back, then let out a breath. "Maybe I should start learning to enjoy my days without overthinking."

Steve chuckled softly. "That's good advice. And if you need someone to accompany you in enjoying those days, I'm here."

Viona looked at him and smiled. "I know."

And for some reason, for the first time in a long time, Viona felt lighter. More at peace.

It seemed that everything was indeed meant to unfold this way.

After their meeting at the café, Viona's days felt lighter. She still had scars, of course. But she was no longer trapped in the past. There was Steve—with his own way—who always made her feel comfortable, without pressure, without excessive expectations.

One afternoon, Viona sat on a park bench, enjoying the gentle breeze while reading a book. As she became engrossed in the story, a familiar voice greeted her.

"Enjoying the evening alone?"

Viona looked up and saw Steve standing in front of her with two cups of coffee in his hands.

"I love the tranquility," Viona replied with a small smile. "But if there's free coffee, why not?"

Steve laughed lightly and handed her one of the cups. "I know your taste. Flat white, no sugar."

Viona accepted the coffee with a wider smile. "You really remember, huh?"

"Of course. I'm a good teacher," Steve replied, sitting next to her.

They enjoyed their coffee in a comfortable silence. The evening sun began to set behind the trees, leaving beautiful orange hues in the sky.

"Tomorrow I have some free time," Steve said suddenly. "Want to hang out?"

Viona turned, slightly surprised. "Are you asking me on a date?" she teased.

Steve shrugged casually. "It depends on how you want to consider it."

Viona laughed lightly. "Alright then. Let's go out."

Steve smiled, feeling relieved. He didn't know where all this would lead, but for sure, he wanted to stay by Viona's side.

And for now, that was more than enough.