A First Step Toward Happiness

Calista sipped her coffee casually while looking at Frans, who was sitting across from her. They were having breakfast on the balcony of their hotel room, enjoying the view of the city that was still slightly hazy in the morning.

"I called Viona yesterday," Frans finally said after a few minutes of only discussing work.

Calista didn't react immediately. She just raised an eyebrow slightly, waiting for Frans to continue.

"I want to invite her to our wedding."

Calista set her coffee cup down calmly. "And?"

Frans sighed. "She declined. And… I think that's for the best."

Calista smiled slightly. "I don't mind if she comes, Frans. I know you've chosen me."

Frans looked deep into Calista's eyes. The woman was indeed extraordinary. Mature, confident, and not easily swayed by emotions. No wonder his family considered Calista the perfect match for him.

"I truly have moved on from the past, Lis," Frans said sincerely.

Calista nodded with a smile. "Good. Now let's discuss the invitations. We need to start planning our grand wedding."

Frans nodded, allowing himself to dive into plans for the future with Calista. The past was left behind, and now he was ready to embrace a new chapter in his life.

That afternoon, after breakfast and discussing some wedding plans with Calista, Frans felt that there was still something nagging at his mind. He picked up his phone and, without thinking too much, dialed James's number.

It took several rings before James's voice finally came through on the other end.

"Hello?"

"James, it's me," Frans said.

James paused for a moment before replying, "Yeah, what's up?"

Frans took a deep breath. "I want to invite you and Theresia to my wedding."

There was a pause on the other end. Then James's voice sounded more cautious. "Are you serious?"

"Yes, I'm serious."

James didn't reply immediately. Frans could faintly hear Theresia asking who was calling. It seemed they were together.

"Why do you still want us to come?" James finally asked.

Frans smiled faintly, even though no one could see him. "Because you're my friends. And even though my relationship with Viona ended like this, I don't want to lose you guys too."

Theresia finally spoke up from the background. "Are you sure, Frans? This isn't some kind of attempt to... you know?"

Frans shook his head, even though they couldn't see him. "No, Res. I've moved on. I've chosen my own path with Calista. I just want to remain friends with you."

Theresia sighed on the other end. "I get it, Frans. I'll talk to James about it, but... I can't promise anything."

"That's enough for me. Thanks, Res."

After hanging up, Frans leaned back in his chair. He knew his relationship with his friends might never be the same as before. But at least he had tried to preserve what was left.

Calista came up from behind and wrapped her arm around Frans's shoulder. "How did it go?"

Frans smiled faintly. "They need some time."

Calista nodded and then gently kissed Frans's cheek. "Everything will be alright. Now let's get back to discussing catering. I can't wait to plan our grand wedding."

Frans nodded. He had made his decision, and now he had to move forward.

That evening, James and Theresia sat on the balcony of James's apartment, enjoying the gentle breeze while sharing a cup of hot chocolate. The dark sky was dotted with stars, and the ambiance felt so peaceful.

Theresia leaned her head on James's shoulder, remembering their conversation with Frans earlier that day. "It seems like Frans has really moved on, doesn't it?" she murmured quietly.

James nodded while sipping his drink. "Yeah, I feel that way too. When he spoke earlier, it sounded sincere. I thought at first he was still holding feelings for Viona, but it turns out he's really committed to Calista."

Theresia smiled faintly. "And Calista seems to be really good for him. I can see that she loves Frans. Maybe this is truly what's best for both of them."

James looked at the sky for a moment before responding, "Yeah. We all thought Frans and Viona would end up together. But it turns out life goes in a different direction."

Theresia sighed, then changed the topic. "Speaking of which... have you noticed that Viona seems happier now?"

James nodded with a small smile. "Yeah, especially since she's been spending more time with Steve. I can see the difference. She's more relaxed, laughs more, and doesn't seem as tense as she used to."

Theresia smiled too. "Honestly, I'm really happy to see her opening up to someone else again. After everything that happened with Frans, I thought it would be hard for her to trust someone again. But Steve... Steve is different."

James nodded in agreement. "Steve is different. He's always there for Viona without being pushy. And he's not just a rebound."

Theresia squeezed James's hand. "Do you think they'll end up together?"

James chuckled lightly. "With the way Steve looks at Viona? I'm pretty sure."

Theresia laughed in response. "Well, let's just wait and see. The important thing now is that everyone is starting to find their own path."

They both resumed enjoying the evening, feeling relieved because for the first time in a long while, everyone around them was beginning to find their own happiness.

Theresia gleamed with excitement as she hung up her phone after talking to Steve. She turned to James, who was lounging comfortably on the sofa.

"Baby, I have a crazy idea!" she said eagerly.

James, who was already used to his girlfriend's spontaneous behavior, just raised an eyebrow. "Again? What is it this time?"

Theresia sat down beside him, her eyes sparkling. "I want to help Steve ask Viona out! And while we're at it, we should plan a couple's trip for them."

James chuckled lightly, having suspected something like this would happen. "Are you sure they'll want to?"

"I'm absolutely sure!" Theresia slapped James's thigh enthusiastically. "Listen! I know Viona has started to feel comfortable with Steve, but she tends to deny her own feelings. And Steve won't make a move without a push. That's why we need to give them a chance to get closer."

James smiled slightly while shaking his head. "You're really a party person, aren't you?"

Theresia shrugged, proud. "Of course! Plus, I love seeing people happy. Especially my own friends."

James sighed while smiling. "So, what do you mean by this couple's trip?"

Theresia clapped her hands excitedly. "I've thought of a perfect destination. No need to go far; the important thing is the romantic atmosphere. I'll invite them on a trip together, and one night, we'll create the perfect setting for Steve to propose to Viona!"

James laughed again, this time louder. "You really are the mastermind behind this whole love drama."

Theresia stuck out her tongue. "It's not drama, it's a successful love story! So what do you say, are you in?"

James pretended to sigh in exhaustion, then pulled Theresia into his arms. "Alright, it's up to you. As long as I get to see you happy, I'm in."

Theresia laughed joyfully. "Awww, my boyfriend is the most supportive! Okay, now let's start preparing!"

James could only smile resignedly, fully aware that this would be either an exciting adventure or complete chaos.

A few days later, Theresia's plans began to take shape. She had chosen a location that she thought was perfect for the trip—a villa near the beach that had a romantic yet relaxed atmosphere.

Theresia eagerly contacted Viona first.

"Vi, let's go on a vacation!" she said directly, without beating around the bush.

"Vacation?" Viona frowned. "But I have so much to think about, Theres."

Theresia huffed. "That's exactly why you need a vacation! Come on, James and I have already arranged everything. Steve's coming too!"

Viona paused for a moment at the mention of Steve. They had been getting closer lately, but Viona was still hesitant to take things further.

"I don't know, Theres. I don't want to feel weird among you guys," Viona said hesitantly.

Theresia quickly countered, "Weird? It'll be fun! Come on, no debate; I'll pick you up on Friday!"

Viona sighed, knowing that resisting Theresia's wishes was pointless. "Alright then..."

Meanwhile, Theresia also contacted Steve.

"Steve, are you coming?" she asked directly.

Steve, who was teaching piano at his studio, could only sigh. "Going where?"

"On a vacation together! Me, James, Viona, and you."

Steve raised an eyebrow. "And who is planning this?"

"Who else but me?" Theresia laughed. "Come on, when will you get to spend time with Viona in a romantic place?"

Steve paused for a moment and then smiled faintly. "So this is a trap, huh?"

Theresia pretended to be innocent. "Not a trap! It's an opportunity! You've liked her for a long time, right? If you don't make a move now, you'll regret it later."

Steve sighed, but deep down, he knew Theresia was right.

"Okay then, I'm in."

Theresia cheered happily. "Yes! It's a done deal! I'll prepare everything!"

James, who had been listening to the conversation from the side, could only shake his head while smiling.

"Let's hope your plans don't fall apart this time, babe."

Theresia just laughed. "Don't worry! This will be the most memorable trip for them!"