Tropical Reverie

Chapter II: New Year, New Beginnings

The morning sun filtered through Maryl Harper’s bedroom window, casting a warm golden hue over the clutter of wrapping paper, ribbons, and leftover party favors strewn across her desk. She stirred under her quilt, reluctant to leave the cocoon of warmth and familiarity, but the memories of the previous night flooded back with a rush.

Jun Carter. The kiss. The overheard conversation.

Maryl groaned, burying her face in her pillow. She had spent years harboring feelings for Jun, carefully compartmentalizing them to preserve their friendship. And now, just when she thought fate might finally be giving her a chance, reality had thrown a wrench in the works.

A soft knock on her door pulled her from her spiraling thoughts. “Maryl, you awake?” Sophie’s voice called out.

“Yeah, come in,” Maryl mumbled.

Sophie entered, balancing two mugs of coffee. “Morning, sunshine. How’re you feeling after last night’s...developments?”

Maryl sat up, accepting a mug with a grateful smile. “Like an i***t, mostly.”

“Why? Because you kissed the guy you’ve been in love with for years, or because you overheard him planning a Valentine’s getaway with someone else?” Sophie’s bluntness was one of her defining traits, and while it was occasionally grating, it was also exactly what Maryl needed.

“Both,” Maryl admitted, wrapping her hands around the mug. “I mean, I know I shouldn’t have gotten my hopes up, but it felt...different. For a moment, it was like he actually saw me, you know? And then boom—back to reality.”

Sophie plopped down beside her, sipping her coffee thoughtfully. “Okay, first, you don’t know who this ‘mystery woman’ is. It could be a family member, or—”

“Sophie,” Maryl interjected, raising an eyebrow. “You and I both know that’s wishful thinking.”

Sophie sighed. “Fine. So maybe it’s another woman. That doesn’t mean he doesn’t care about you. Jun’s not the type to play games. If he kissed you, there’s something there.”

“Maybe, but what am I supposed to do with that?” Maryl asked, her voice tinged with frustration. “Just sit around and hope he magically changes his mind?”

“No,” Sophie said firmly, setting her mug down. “You move forward. Focus on yourself, your goals, your happiness. If Jun’s meant to be part of your story, he’ll figure it out. But you can’t put your life on hold waiting for him.”

Maryl nodded slowly, appreciating Sophie’s perspective even if it didn’t make the situation any less painful. “You’re right. It’s a new year. Time for a fresh start.”

The days leading up to New Year’s Eve passed in a blur of work and social obligations. Maryl threw herself into her freelance graphic design projects, using the creative outlet as a distraction. By the time December 31st arrived, she felt marginally more grounded, though the ache in her chest lingered.

Sophie had convinced her to attend a rooftop New Year’s Eve party downtown, insisting it would be the perfect way to start the year on a high note. Maryl agreed, hoping the change of scenery would help her shake off the emotional weight she’d been carrying.

The rooftop venue was stunning, with twinkling fairy lights strung across the space and a panoramic view of the city skyline. Guests mingled with glasses of champagne, their laughter and chatter blending with the upbeat music playing in the background. Maryl felt a flicker of hope—maybe tonight would be the reset she needed.

Jun was there.

She spotted him near the bar, deep in conversation with a mutual friend. He hadn’t seen her yet, and for a moment, she considered leaving before he did. But then she remembered Sophie’s words: focus on yourself. With a deep breath, she straightened her shoulders and headed to the other side of the venue.

As midnight approached, the energy in the room grew electric. Guests gathered near the edge of the rooftop, counting down the final minutes of the year. Maryl found herself standing beside Sophie, a glass of champagne in hand, as the crowd began chanting.

“Ten, nine, eight…”

She glanced across the crowd and met Jun’s gaze. He was watching her, his expression unreadable. Her heart skipped, but she forced herself to look away, focusing on the countdown.

“Three, two, one—Happy New Year!”

The sky erupted in a dazzling display of fireworks, and the crowd cheered. Maryl turned to Sophie, who enveloped her in a tight hug. “Happy New Year, bestie. This is your year, I can feel it.”

Maryl smiled, though her thoughts were elsewhere. As the fireworks illuminated the night sky, she couldn’t shake the feeling that the year ahead was going to be anything but ordinary.

Later that night, as Maryl was leaving the party, Jun caught up with her in the lobby. “Maryl, wait.”

She turned, her pulse quickening. “What is it?”

He hesitated, his hands shoved into his pockets. “About the other night... I just wanted to say I’m sorry if I made things awkward.”

Maryl blinked, caught off guard. “Awkward?”

“Yeah,” he said, running a hand through his hair. “The kiss. It was a game, and I didn’t mean to… I mean, I hope it didn’t make you uncomfortable.”

Her stomach sank. Of course. It was just a game. “No, it’s fine. Don’t worry about it.”

Jun nodded, relief evident on his face. “Okay, good. I’m glad we’re cool.”

“Yeah, cool,” she echoed, forcing a smile.

As he walked away, Maryl’s resolve hardened. She had spent too long living in limbo, waiting for something that might never happen. This year, she would take Sophie’s advice to heart. It was time to focus on herself and her future—with or without Jun Carter.

To be continued in Chapter 3: Valentine's Day Dilemma.