When the Heart Speaks

The long-awaited day finally arrived. Theresia, with her characteristic enthusiasm, had planned everything down to the smallest detail. What started as a regular vacation had now turned into a trip to Japan!

"I can't believe we're really going to Japan," Viona said as they sat in the airport lounge, waiting for their flight.

Theresia smiled triumphantly. "That's why I'm an expert at surprises. This is just the beginning, Vi!"

James shook his head as he wrapped his arm around his girlfriend. "Because of you, I had to reschedule my side job."

Theresia pouted. "But you're still coming, right?"

James just chuckled softly. "Yeah, because I'm curious how your plan for Steve and Viona will turn out."

Viona, overhearing this, immediately looked at them suspiciously. "What plan?"

Theresia pretended to smile innocently. "No plans at all! We're just on vacation, having fun, taking photos, and... enjoying Japan!"

Viona remained suspicious, but before she could ask further, Steve arrived with coffees. "Here's some coffee for you guys."

Viona accepted the coffee Steve offered and nodded slightly. "Thanks."

Steve smiled faintly. "Ready for a long journey?"

Viona took a deep breath. "Ready or not, we're already here."

After several hours of travel, they finally arrived in Japan. The weather was a bit cooler than in their home country, and Viona tightened her jacket as soon as they stepped out of the airport.

"The air here is so nice!" Theresia said excitedly.

James put his arm around her and laughed. "You're always excited when it's vacation time."

They headed straight to the hotel they had booked—a traditional Japanese hotel with a warm and cozy ryokan design.

"Seriously, we're staying in a place like this?" Viona asked, looking around their room adorned with sliding wooden doors and tatami mats.

Theresia nodded enthusiastically. "Of course! We need to have an authentic Japanese experience!"

Steve dropped his suitcase in a corner of the room and stretched. "I don't mind; this place looks comfortable."

James sat on the futon and patted it. "This is the first time I'm sleeping in a place like this."

Theresia immediately nudged Viona. "Vi, you're sharing a room with me. Steve will have his own room."

Viona looked at Theresia suspiciously. "Did you arrange everything?"

Theresia just smiled meaningfully. "Maybe."

Viona sighed but couldn't help smiling. After all, this would be an interesting vacation.

After resting for a while, they began exploring Japan. On their first day, they visited the Shibuya district.

"I want to see Hachiko!" Viona exclaimed, her eyes shining.

Steve, walking beside her, smiled slightly. "I'm curious too."

They walked towards the famous Hachiko statue, and Viona looked very enthusiastic.

"Imagine, he waited faithfully for his owner for years..." Viona said softly.

Steve glanced at her for a moment. "Do you think such loyalty... always ends happily?"

Viona paused for a moment before smiling softly. "I don't know... but if I were Hachiko, I might also wait."

Steve didn't respond right away. He just observed Viona's expression and finally said, "As for me, I wouldn't let someone wait too long."

Viona turned to him, but Steve only smiled mysteriously before shifting his gaze back to the Hachiko statue.

Unbeknownst to them, Theresia and James were watching from a distance.

"Those two are actually just a step away," Theresia whispered with a satisfied smile.

James nodded. "That's why we need to push them a little more."

Theresia chuckled softly. "Don't worry; I already have a plan for that."

That evening, after enjoying their time in Shibuya, they decided to have dinner at an omakase sushi restaurant that Theresia had booked.

"This is our first experience eating sushi right in Japan," James said as he picked up his chopsticks.

"Let's start with something light," said the chef as he served fresh sashimi.

Viona gazed at the sushi in front of her with sparkling eyes. "This looks amazing."

Steve turned to her. "Try it first, then let me know which one is your favorite."

Theresia, sitting across from them, smiled meaningfully. "Wow, you two look like a couple."

Viona almost choked hearing that while Steve just chuckled.

James patted his girlfriend's shoulder. "Don't disturb people who are eating."

They enjoyed dinner over casual conversation. Viona and Steve talked quite often, especially about music and their experiences playing piano.

After finishing their meal, Theresia suddenly announced something.

"Okay, tomorrow we're going to a special place!"

Viona looked at her suspiciously. "What else are you planning?"

Theresia raised an eyebrow. "Just trust me on this."

James added, "I don't even know the details, but I'm sure it's going to be fun."

Steve glanced at Viona and smiled. "It seems we don't have a choice but to go along with their plans."

Viona sighed but couldn't hide her curiosity.

The next morning, they set off for the secret destination planned by Theresia. After a few hours by train, they finally arrived in a small town with beautiful mountain views.

"What is this?" Viona asked, looking around.

Theresia smiled triumphantly. "Welcome to Hakone! We're going to stay in a ryokan with a private onsen!"

Viona was surprised. "Onsen?"

James chuckled. "Theresia really went all out this time."

Steve put his hands in his jacket pockets. "Sounds interesting; I've never tried it before."

Theresia took Viona's hand. "I've booked a ryokan with a private onsen, so we can enjoy the view while soaking in hot water!"

Viona sighed. "I should have known you'd come up with something like this as a surprise."

They arrived at the traditional inn with a direct view of snow-capped mountains.

"This is so beautiful," Viona said as she admired the view from their balcony.

Theresia smiled with satisfaction. "Now, we just need to enjoy the vacation and... leave a chance for someone to do something."

James looked at his girlfriend and sighed. "Are you really serious about this plan?"

Theresia laughed lightly. "Of course! It's time for Steve to make a move!"

James could only shake his head with a smile, while in the distance, Steve watched Viona as she continued to enjoy the view.

He knew what he had to do.

And perhaps, this was the moment.

That night, after having a traditional Japanese dinner featuring various dishes, they returned to their respective rooms. James and Theresia entered their room first, signaling to Steve not to miss the opportunity.

Viona walked to the balcony of her room, inhaling the fresh night air. Soft snow began to fall, adding to the tranquil atmosphere around the ryokan. Steve, just finishing making warm tea, stood next to her.

"Cold?" Steve asked, offering her a cup of tea.

Viona accepted it with a small smile. "A little. But this place is so beautiful."

Steve looked at her. "Yeah, it's beautiful. Just like the person standing beside me."

Viona laughed softly, shaking her head. "You flatterer, Steve."

Steve smiled faintly. "But I'm serious."

Viona turned to look at him, seeing a seriousness in his expression that was different than usual.

"I'm happy to see you happy, Vi," he continued. "I used to see you trapped in a painful feeling. But now... you seem more at peace, more free."

Viona stared at the tea in her hand, feeling its warmth in the cold air. "I think... I've finally learned to let go of something that wasn't meant for me."

Steve nodded slowly. "And I'm grateful to still be here beside you."

A moment of silence passed.

Then, Steve took a deep breath. He looked up at the starry sky, as if gathering the courage.

"Viona," he called softly.

Viona looked over. "Hmm?"

Steve gazed deeply into her eyes. "I like you."

Viona froze.

"I don't know when exactly, but I realized that my feelings for you are more than just friendship," Steve continued. "I love seeing you laugh, seeing you serious, hearing you talk about the little things in your day. I like everything about you."

Viona stared at him, still silent.

Steve pressed on, this time with a faint smile. "I won't force you to respond right away. I just want you to know that I'm here. I'll always be here for you."

The night air felt warmer than before.

Viona looked at Steve in silence, her heart racing. She had never imagined hearing those words from Steve, someone who had always been by her side, a shoulder to lean on.

That night, the stars in the sky over Hakone seemed to witness it all.

Was this the beginning of something new?

Steve looked at Viona with hope, waiting for any answer that would come from her lips.

Viona gazed at the man before her, seeing the sincerity that was so real in his eyes. There was no doubt, no hesitation—Steve truly liked her.

And at that moment, Viona realized something.

Steve was not just someone who was always by her side. He was someone who made her feel safe, who allowed her to be herself without fear. Someone who never hesitated to show his feelings.

Viona smiled softly, setting her tea cup down on the small table on the balcony.

"Yes," she said quietly.

Steve blinked in surprise. "Yes?"

Viona nodded. "Yes. I like you too, Steve."

For a moment, the night wind seemed to stop blowing. Time felt like it slowed down.

Then, without hesitation, Viona stepped closer, closing the distance between them, and kissed Steve.

Steve was surprised, but only for a moment before he gently returned the kiss.

Under the star-filled Japanese sky, they allowed their feelings to finally meet, without doubt, without regret.

And for the first time in a long while, Viona felt her heart truly light.

After a moment, Viona and Steve pulled away from the kiss, smiling at each other. Steve kept gazing at her as if ensuring that this was real, that Viona truly accepted him.

"You're not drunk, right?" Steve joked, though there was a hint of worry in his eyes.

Viona laughed softly, lightly hitting his arm. "I'm completely aware, you silly."

Steve joined in the laughter and then pulled her into an embrace. "I'm so glad. I'm really happy."

They stood on the balcony of their hotel, enjoying the cool night breeze of Tokyo. The city lights twinkled in the distance, adding warmth to their hearts.

Steve laughed again, then held her hand tightly. "We have one more day left in Japan. Do you want to go somewhere special?"

Viona nodded. "Sure! Where to?"

Steve smiled mysteriously. "Just wait and see. I promise, you'll love it."

Without asking many questions, Viona followed his lead. For the first time in a long while, she felt truly ready to start something new.

And she was sure; this time she had chosen the right person.

The next morning, Steve took Viona to a place whose name he did not reveal. They took the train, walked through the small streets of Tokyo, until they finally arrived at a classic music studio filled with grand pianos.

Viona was astonished at the sight. "Are you serious? You brought me here?"

Steve smiled meaningfully. "Of course. Remember when we first learned piano together? You always said you wanted to play in a place with the best acoustics."

Viona looked around. The room had a high ceiling and wooden walls that made the sound of the piano resonate beautifully. She walked over to one of the grand pianos in the center of the room, gently caressing its surface.

Steve sat beside her. "Shall we play together?"

Viona nodded. She placed her fingers over the piano keys, and Steve did the same. They started to play a duet, performing a classical composition they had long mastered.

Every note flowed perfectly. They complemented each other, like two parts that were meant to be together. There were no words, just music that spoke for them.

As the song ended, Viona turned to Steve and smiled softly. "This is perfect."

Steve looked at her, then reached out, taking Viona's hand warmly. "I promise, I'll always be by your side. With or without piano."

Viona chuckled softly. "If it's without piano, you're still cool, right?"

Steve pretended to think. "Hmm, I guess I'll have to practice more to keep impressing you."

Viona shook her head while smiling. "You don't need to try. I've been impressed for a long time."

Steve paused for a moment, then pulled Viona into an embrace. "I love you," he whispered softly.

Viona closed her eyes, savoring the moment. She knew that her heart had truly made a choice. "I love you too, Steve."

In that room, amidst the lingering echoes of the piano, they knew that this was no longer just a beginning. This was a new journey they would embark on together.