The Harmony of Hearts

The morning sun slipped through the cracks of Viona's bedroom curtains, waking her from her sleep. Last night, a sweet dream felt so real, and a smile still lingered on her lips as she recalled her first kiss under a blanket of stars. With a burning excitement, Viona immediately reached for her phone and typed a message to Theresia, arranging a meeting to share the happy news.

Soon after, Viona and Theresia were already sitting at a small cafe near campus, the comforting aroma of coffee filling the air. Viona began to tell her story, her face beaming and eyes sparkling, about Frans' confession of love, the intoxicating first kiss, and their promise to build a deeper relationship.

"Oh my gosh, Viona! I'm so happy for you!" Theresia exclaimed, grasping her friend's hand tightly. "I always knew Frans was a good guy. I'm sure you two will be a great couple."

Viona smiled in relief, feeling the burden she had been carrying lifted by Theresia's support. She knew her friend would always be there for her, in good times and bad.

However, their conversation didn't stop there. Theresia, with a slightly shy tone, brought up a night that was also unforgettable for her.

"Last night was so much fun, wasn't it? James really brought the party to life," Theresia said, her cheeks slightly flushed. "I really enjoyed the games he organized. He's so outgoing and funny."

Viona nodded in agreement, remembering how James had managed to make everyone feel comfortable and connected. "Yeah, James is awesome. He's the type of person who can make everyone smile."

Theresia took a deep breath and then looked at Viona with a hopeful gaze. "Speaking of which, Viona... now that you're dating Frans, is it... is it okay if I try to get closer to James?"

Viona was silent for a moment, processing Theresia's question. She knew her friend had been single for a long time and longed for a partner. And if Theresia was interested in James, she didn't want to stand in her friend's way.

"Of course, it's okay, Theresia! Why not?" Viona finally said, with a sincere smile. "You deserve to be happy. If you like James, then go for it. I fully support you."

Theresia's eyes lit up at Viona's answer. She immediately hugged her friend tightly, thanking her over and over again.

"You're the best friend ever, Viona! I promise, I'll try my best to get closer to James," Theresia said, with a burning enthusiasm.

Viona smiled, feeling happy that she could support her friend's happiness. She knew that both she and Theresia deserved true love and lasting happiness. And with each other's support, they would strengthen each other as they embarked on their own love adventures.

Filled with excitement after their conversation, Viona and Theresia headed towards the campus. As they walked through the bustling campus area, Viona saw Frans waiting for her near the library. Her heart fluttered, and a smile spread across her face.

"There's your man," Theresia teased, playfully nudging Viona. "Go get him!"

Viona laughed and, with a quick wave to Theresia, hurried towards Frans. He greeted her with a warm smile that made her heart beat faster. He reached out and gently took Viona's hand, his touch sending shivers of excitement throughout her body.

Unbeknownst to them, James was walking past, heading towards the student center, when he saw the scene. He stopped in his tracks, his gaze fixed on Viona and Frans as they stood hand in hand, looking like a happy couple. An unexpected wave of sadness washed over him. He hadn't realized how much he liked Viona until that moment, seeing her with someone else. A quiet disappointment settled in his heart.

He quickly averted his gaze, trying to appear nonchalant, but the image had already been etched in his mind. He started walking again, his steps a little heavier than before, a feeling of longing hanging in the air around him.

However, just as James was about to disappear into the crowd, a cheerful voice called out his name. "James!"

He turned around and saw Theresia hurrying towards him, a bright smile on her face. The sight brought a spark of light back into his eyes.

"Hey, Theresia! What's up?" he asked, trying to sound casual, masking the disappointment he had felt moments earlier.

"Nothing much," Theresia replied, her eyes sparkling. "I just wanted to ask if you're busy. I was thinking of getting coffee, maybe hanging out for a bit. Wanna join?"

James's face lit up. The offer was unexpected, but welcome. He glanced back in the direction where he had seen Viona and Frans, then back at Theresia. He made a split-second decision.

"Actually, I was just heading to the student center, but coffee sounds better," he said, his voice regaining its usual cheerfulness. "Let's go!"

Theresia's smile widened, and she started walking, James falling into step beside her. As they walked towards the nearest cafe, James felt a little lighter, the sadness that had gripped him moments before slowly dissipating. He realized that he was looking forward to spending time with Theresia, and maybe, just maybe, this could be the start of something new and unexpected.

Inside the cozy cafe, filled with the comforting aroma of fresh coffee, Theresia and James sat at a small table in the corner, surrounded by the bustling atmosphere of students gathering. After ordering their drinks, they began to chat casually.

"Mmm, I really liked the way you explained the lecture material yesterday," Theresia praised, occasionally sipping her coffee. "You're not just smart, but you also make complex things easier to understand."

James felt his heart flutter at the compliment. Usually, he was the one showering others with praise, making them feel special. But now, he was the one being complimented. He smiled broadly, feeling the warmth from Theresia's words.

"Ah, it's nothing special," James replied, pretending to be modest, even though he clearly couldn't hide his widening smile. "I just do what I can."

Theresia looked at him, her expression reflecting a desire to convey how much she truly appreciated James's efforts. She could see how cheerful James looked when he received praise. In her heart, Theresia thought, *Typical men, they really crave praise, don't he?*

"Seriously, you should be more confident in your abilities. Many people admire the way you think," Theresia continued, playing with her hair while chuckling softly. "If necessary, I'll be your number one fan!"

James, who wasn't used to hearing such things, looked surprised and happy. He gripped his coffee cup, trying to hide the blush on his cheeks. "Thanks, Theresia. You're too kind," he replied, his voice softer than usual.

With each compliment that flowed from Theresia's lips, James felt more valued. The cafe became increasingly crowded, but the memory between them built an intimate atmosphere amidst the noise and laughter of friends around them.

Their conversation became increasingly exciting, discussing everything from hobbies to dreams, and James felt closer to Theresia. He realized that perhaps there was more than just friendship that could grow between them. As time passed, James and Theresia continued to laugh and share stories, making the moment feel very meaningful.

So, on that day in that small cafe, the two of them not only enjoyed a cup of coffee but also found comfort in each other, and perhaps, the beginning of something more.

Their conversation at the cafe continued to flow, filled with laughter and common interests. Before they knew it, the afternoon was approaching. Theresia, with sparkling eyes, proposed, "Hey, we should have dinner together sometime. I know a great sushi place nearby."

James, still enjoying the euphoria of praise and this unexpected togetherness, enthusiastically replied, "That sounds great! I love sushi."

Theresia smiled widely. "Okay, deal. How about this week? Also, we can spend the weekend at the mall. Watch a movie, play in the arcade, have some fun!"

James was surprised and delighted. "Really? You want to spend the weekend with me?" he asked, in disbelief.

"Of course! Why not? We're friends, aren't we?" Theresia replied, winking, leaving a bit of mystery in her tone.

James's heart raced. "Okay, deal! I can't wait."

Both Theresia and James were very happy. Theresia, with her clever strategy, succeeded in entering James's sadness and loneliness, offering much-needed comfort and joy. Meanwhile, James, with a wide smile and cheerful laughter, managed to get out of his sadness and gloom because of Viona. He felt a new hope, an exciting new possibility.

As they parted ways in front of campus, James felt the heavy burden that had been weighing him down lifted. His outlook on the world became brighter, and he looked forward to the coming weekend with burning enthusiasm.

Theresia, on the other hand, smiled contentedly. She knew that she had done something good, not only for James but also for herself. She found satisfaction in providing support and happiness to others, and she looked forward to seeing where this friendship would take her.

With promises of dinner and a fun weekend, Theresia and James parted ways, their hearts filled with hope and joy. James's sadness, caused by Viona, slowly faded, replaced by anticipation and newfound happiness. Theresia had succeeded in helping him see the light at the end of the tunnel, and James was grateful for Theresia's presence in his life.