Love Blossoms Again

When Steve arrived at Viona's house, he walked in without hesitation. As soon as the door opened, Viona, who was sitting on the sofa, looked at him in slight surprise.

"Steve? You're back?" she asked, standing up.

Without saying a word, Steve walked closer, and before Viona could react, he pulled her into his arms.

Viona froze for a moment, but before she could ask anything, she felt Steve's lips touch hers—soft yet full of emotion.

Her heart raced. It felt as if she had lost control over her own body, swept away in a kiss that was warm and intense.

When Steve finally pulled away, he looked deep into Viona's eyes. "I don't know why, but… I just know that I wanted to do that."

Viona remained silent, still feeling the lingering warmth of Steve's lips on hers.

Steve smiled faintly. "And I don't regret it."

Viona swallowed hard, her heart still pounding. "Steve…"

Steve looked at her more deeply, then sighed. "I've broken up with Sharone. I know I need to be honest about my own feelings."

Viona stayed silent, trying to process everything.

Steve smiled wryly. "I don't need an answer right now, Vi. I just want you to know that I'm here. I'm here for you."

Viona bit her lip, feeling her chest warm with emotions that were hard to explain.

For the first time in a long while, she felt… safe.

Viona lowered her gaze, staring at the floor as if searching for answers there. Her feelings were mixed. She could still feel the remnants of Steve's kiss on her lips, something so unfamiliar yet also… warming.

Steve didn't pressure her. He just stood there, waiting patiently.

Viona finally looked up, staring at Steve intently. "I… I don't know what to say."

Steve smiled faintly. "It's okay. I'm not asking for an answer right now."

Viona bit her lip. "But… this is all happening so fast, Steve. I haven't even really processed everything."

"I understand." Steve extended his hand, gently holding Viona's hand. "I don't want you to feel rushed or forced. I just want you to know one thing—I'm here. I'm always here for you."

Those words made Viona feel even calmer.

She took a deep breath, trying to collect her feelings. "I… I also don't want to lose you, Steve."

Steve smiled warmly. "If that's the case, don't think too far ahead. Let's just take it slow."

Viona looked at him, then eventually nodded slowly. "Okay."

Steve ruffled his hair a bit, making her chuckle lightly. "Have you eaten?"

Viona shook her head.

"Alright then, I'll cook." Steve immediately walked toward the kitchen, as if everything was back to normal.

Viona watched his back as he moved gracefully, and for the first time in a long time, she felt something slowly returning to wholeness within herself. Something that had once been cracked was now beginning to mend.

Steve was busy in the kitchen, cooking something that could always cheer up Viona—his simple yet flavorful homemade dishes. Viona sat on a kitchen bar stool, watching him while gently rubbing her lips, still feeling the trace of the kiss.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Steve asked without turning around, as if he could sense Viona's gaze.

Viona smiled faintly. "It's nothing. I think I've never seen you so casual."

Steve chuckled, taking eggs and starting to make scrambled eggs. "I have to stay calm, right? If I look nervous, you'll panic even more."

Viona sighed. "So you're just relaxed after kissing me?"

Steve paused for a moment, then turned with a mischievous smile. "If I say yes, will you get mad?"

Viona rolled her eyes, but the corners of her mouth lifted. "I don't know."

Steve just laughed before returning his focus to his cooking. A few minutes later, he plated a serving of toast, scrambled eggs, and a bit of salad in front of Viona.

Viona looked at him with warmth in her chest. "Thank you, Steve."

Steve sat across from her, resting his chin on his hand. "You don't need to thank me."

Viona gazed deeply at him before she started to eat. Maybe, little by little, she could find her happiness again.

And maybe, that happiness had already been in front of her all along.

Steve opened the fridge and found some cans of beer inside. Without thinking twice, he took two cans and casually closed the fridge door.

"It's already evening; I think it's perfect for a little drink," he said, handing one can to Viona.

Viona looked at the beer hesitantly, then saw Steve open his can and sip it calmly. She finally took the can and opened it as well. "Let's not get drunk," she murmured.

Steve laughed softly. "If we get drunk, what will we do? Share our secrets all night?"

Viona smiled slightly, then sipped her beer slowly. The evening air felt lighter with Steve beside her.

"So," Steve said while spinning his can, "how do you feel now? After everything."

Viona paused for a moment, then took a deep breath. "I… was shocked when I found out Frans really got engaged to Calista. But I also realized I can't keep waiting for someone who doesn't fully fight for me."

Steve nodded slightly. "I'm glad to hear that. I just want you to be happy, Vi."

Viona looked at him and smiled. "Maybe I'm still in the process now, but it seems like I won't be alone in this journey."

Steve looked back at her with a deeper, warmer gaze. "You won't be."

They continued to enjoy the evening, chatting quietly in the kitchen, accompanied by the occasional clink of beer cans against the table.

After a few cans of beer, Viona began to feel a bit lighter; her head felt a little dizzy, but her heart was much more relieved. Steve didn't seem much different—his cheeks were slightly flushed, and he appeared more relaxed than usual.

Viona looked at him with a small smile. "Seems like you're a bit tipsy," she said, nudging his arm.

Steve chuckled. "You're also, don't act tough."

Viona gulped down the last of her beer, then stood up from her seat with a slight wobble. She looked at the wall clock. "It's really late… why don't you just stay here?"

Steve looked at her, hesitating for a moment. "Are you sure?"

Viona nodded. "It's better than you going home in this condition. Plus, it's too late to drive or take a taxi."

Steve sighed, then smiled faintly. "Okay, since the host has given permission."

Viona walked to the living room, grabbing a blanket and pillow for Steve. "I'll get this for you. Just sleep on the sofa, okay?"

Steve accepted the blanket with a smile. "Don't worry, I won't do anything."

Viona only shook her head while chuckling, then walked toward her room. But before entering, she glanced back at Steve, who was already leaning back on the sofa with his eyes starting to close.

"Good night, Steve," she said softly.

Steve opened his eyes briefly, then gave a faint smile. "Good night, Vi."

That night felt calm, warmer than usual. Whether it was because of the alcohol or the presence of each other, they felt comfortable in the silence.

The next morning, Steve woke up with a slightly heavy head due to the leftover alcohol from the night before. The sunlight filtering through the curtains felt warm against his skin. He blinked a few times, trying to adjust to the morning light coming in.

But something made him freeze.

Viona was beside him.

The girl was peacefully asleep, her face serene, and her breathing steady. But what surprised him more was their position. Viona was hugging him—her arms wrapped around his waist, her head resting on his chest.

Steve tensed for a moment. He tried to remember how they ended up in this position. As far as he remembered, he had slept on the sofa after chatting and drinking beer with Viona. But now…

He gazed at Viona's sleeping face. It felt strange, yet also… comfortable.

Steve smiled slightly, then let out a soft sigh. He knew he had to get up soon, but there was a part of him that didn't want to move.

However, as he shifted slightly, Viona stirred awake and mumbled something in her sleep.

"Don't make noise…" she said in a hoarse voice from just waking up.

Steve stifled a laugh. "Vi, do you realize you're hugging me?" he whispered.

Viona fell silent for a few seconds, then slowly opened her eyes. As her awareness returned, she saw their position—and immediately froze.

Her eyes widened, and then she quickly released her embrace and backed away. "I-I…"

Steve chuckled at her reaction. "Good morning, Vi."

Viona hurriedly sat up and ruffled her messy hair. "Why am I here?"

Steve shrugged. "I should be the one asking. I was sleeping on the sofa, then suddenly you were here."

Viona's face turned red. "I… it might be a habit. Usually when I sleep with Theresia, I tend to unknowingly hug her."

Steve resisted the urge to smile. "So I'm Theresia's substitute now?"

Viona glared at him. "Don't be so full of yourself!"

Steve just laughed lightly, then finally sat up straight. "Okay, okay. I'll make coffee, do you want some?"

Viona was still feeling embarrassed, but she nodded. "Yes, and breakfast too."

Steve stood up and stretched before walking to the kitchen. Viona watched his back, then let out a long sigh.

This morning was truly strange. But for some reason, she felt comfortable.

Steve opened the kitchen cabinet, looking for coffee and ingredients for breakfast. "Do you want black coffee or sweet?" he asked while taking two mugs.

Viona was still sitting on the sofa, trying to calm her heart after this morning's incident. "Just black coffee," she replied, her voice still a bit hoarse from just waking up.

Steve began to brew coffee and took some eggs and bread. "Should I make toast again? You seemed to like it yesterday," he said casually.

Viona finally stood up and walked to the kitchen, leaning against the counter while watching Steve starting to cook. "Have you cooked for others this often?" she asked, trying to divert her mind from last night.

Steve shrugged. "Before for Sharone, sometimes for the little kids at the tutoring place. But for you, this is the first time."

Viona paused for a moment upon hearing Sharone's name mentioned. She knew Steve had just broken up, but he had never really talked about his feelings about it.

"Are you still thinking about her?" Viona asked softly.

Steve hesitated for a moment, then smiled faintly. "I used to. Now… I don't know. It feels more like guilt than love."

Viona nodded gently. "Maybe that means you're starting to move on?"

Steve chuckled lightly. "Maybe. Or maybe I'm just busy thinking about someone else."

Viona stared at him. "Who?"

Steve glanced at her with a meaningful look. "Who do you think?"

Viona felt her heart race, but she pretended not to understand. "Theresia?" she said, trying to joke.

Steve just laughed while whisking the eggs. "Yes, definitely."

The atmosphere between them felt lighter after that.

A few minutes later, breakfast was ready. They sat facing each other at the small dining table, enjoying toast, scrambled eggs, and a cup of hot coffee.

Viona took a bite of her toast and nodded in satisfaction. "You really have talent as a chef, Steve."

Steve chuckled. "I can do it all. Great at playing the piano, great at cooking, just need to be great at—"

"Don't be vain," Viona interrupted before Steve could finish his sentence.

They both laughed.

However, amidst their togetherness, Viona's phone rang. When she looked at the screen, her expression changed.

A message from an unknown number.

"Viona, I hope you're doing well. I just want to say… I really hope we can meet again."

Viona bit her lip. Steve noticed the change in her expression and set down his cup. "What's wrong?"

Viona took a deep breath. "Frans."

Steve fell silent immediately.

Viona stared at her phone screen for quite a while, as if the words in the message could change everything. But they couldn't. It was just a brief message, and Frans was no longer part of her life.

Steve observed Viona's expression with a serious gaze. He said nothing, but the way he slowly sipped his coffee made it clear he was waiting for her reaction.

Viona exhaled, then without hesitation typed a reply.

"We've chosen our own paths. I hope you're happy with your choice, Frans."

Then she deleted the contact.

Steve watched her, slightly surprised but not commenting.

Viona finally smiled faintly. "I'm done with my past."

Steve looked at her for a few seconds before finally smiling back. "Good."

They continued their breakfast more casually. No more burdens from the past, no more shadows of a relationship that should have ended a long time ago.

That day, Viona felt lighter. Maybe this was the beginning of something new.