Ahhh—Kevin? What are you doing here?" Emilia turned her head in surprise, while Lona stood frozen, speechless.
"I was curious—what could be so interesting that you'd ditch lunch with me? But this conversation looks pretty spicy," Kevin teased, winking at Emilia before casually taking a seat.
"Would you like something to drink, Kevin?" Lona quickly jumped in, trying to change the subject.
"Sure, I'd love something—but from your friend," he said with a smirk, glancing at Emilia, who was now looking around nervously like she had no idea who he was.
"Oh, and congratulations, by the way... on your relationship with Marco," Kevin added, smiling at Lona. "He really loves you." With that, he got up from his chair.
"You're leaving already?" Emilia asked as she saw him stand.
"Not me. We are leaving."
"What do you mean?" Emilia asked, confused. Lona, on the other hand, hid a smile.
"I'll explain. Just come with me." Kevin took Emilia's hand and helped her up before leading her outside.
"Kevin, at least tell me what's going on!" Emilia said, sitting behind him on his bike.
"Patience isn't your strong suit, is it?" Kevin said with a grin, placing a hand around her waist and pulling her a little closer. Emilia rested against him as the bike roared to life and took off down the road.
••••••••••••••••••
Meanwhile...
"What the hell are you talking about, Eric? She's dating Kevin!" Marco shouted, stunned by what he was hearing.
"So? What do you want me to do about it? I love her!" Eric yelled back, his voice breaking.
"Eric, get a grip! She's not interested in you." Marco placed a firm hand on his friend's shoulder.
"I've been in love with her for so long... how could she choose Kevin over me?" Eric's hands clenched tightly into his hair.
"If you loved her for so long, why didn't you say anything? Why did you stay silent? What were you waiting for? And now, when she's in love with someone else, suddenly it hits you?!" Marco was livid, his eyes blazing.
"I don't care anymore. I just know I love her!" Eric said, collapsing helplessly onto his bed.
"That kind of love means nothing if it's one-sided. And worse—if you only realize it once the other person has already chosen someone else," Marco replied, his voice softer now.
"Then tell me, Marco. What should I do?!" Eric asked, burying his face in his hands.
"You do nothing. That's the best thing you can do. Because any move you make now might ruin Emilia and Kevin's lives." Marco stared at him, voice calm but firm.
"I want her, Marco. I want her no matter what," Eric growled through clenched teeth.
"It's too late, Eric. Don't be foolish." Marco shot him a hard look.
"Emilia is the daughter of a billionaire. Do you really think she'll be happy with a middle-class guy like Kevin?" Eric sneered.
"When did you start thinking like this, Eric?" Marco turned to look at him from head to toe. For a moment, it felt like he didn't recognize his own friend anymore.
"I don't know... Just leave me alone for now. Please. I need to rest," Eric muttered and turned to lie face-down on his bed.
Marco stood there in silence, watching him for a long time.
He had come to tell Eric about his relationship with Lona, but now, tangled in Eric's bitterness, he'd completely forgotten what he came for.
•••••••••••••••
"Kevin, listen to me..." Emilia said, looking up into his eyes—eyes that were now completely locked on hers.
"You want to know what really happened between Marco and Lona, don't you?" Kevin asked, his voice low and emotional.
"N-no… not really..." His words had left her stunned.
"Mm-hmm," he hummed, pulling her close by the waist.
"I'll hit you," Emilia warned, shooting him a glare.
"Go ahead, you can punish me later." With that, Kevin pulled her even closer. And leaning on her neck..
Few moments later
Emilia's cheeks flushed a deep shade of red. She couldn't even bring herself to look him in the eyes. Meanwhile, Kevin adjusted his shirt, keeping his gaze fixed on her.
"You wanted to beat me up a few minutes ago, Emilia," he said with a wink.
"And I still might!" she snapped, picking up a pillow and whacking him on the back.
They both broke into laughter, playfully hitting each other with pillows. The room echoed with their giggles—until Kevin lost his balance while trying to grab her again, and Emilia fell right on top of him.
Just then, someone knocked on the door.
"Kevin, are you inside?" came Mr. Carl's voice from the other side.
"Yes, Dad!" Kevin called out quickly, while Emilia scrambled off him and adjusted her top.
Kevin walked over to open the door. Mr. Carl stepped inside, surprised to see a girl in Kevin's room.
"And who is this?" he asked, raising a curious eyebrow.
"Dad, this is Emilia. I told you I liked someone—this is her," Kevin explained without hesitation.
"Oh! Well, nice to meet you, Emilia," Mr. Carl said warmly.
"Nice to meet you too, Uncle. Kevin talks about you all the time." Emilia stepped forward and gave him a gentle hug.
Soon, the three of them were sitting at the dining table with fresh cups of coffee in front of them.
"Uncle, this coffee is amazing. I've never had such a delicious cup in my life," Emilia said as she brought the mug to her lips again.
"It's Kevin's mom's recipe," Mr. Carl chuckled.
"Why don't you guys turn your coffee shop into a brand? Honestly, it could be a big hit!" Emilia said enthusiastically.
"It will be—soon," Kevin answered before his father could.
"I believe you can do it," Emilia said with a smile, gazing at him.
Mr. Carl watched them quietly. For some reason, this pair reminded him of himself and his beloved late wife. There was something about Kevin and Emilia together that felt incredibly right to him.
He liked them. Very much.
••••••••••••••
To be continuing