A New Beginning

A Night to Remember

Chapter 6: A Night to Remember

Lester carefully helped Yumi into a cab after the emotionally intense night at the resto bar. Yumi was too drunk and heartbroken to manage on her own, so he made the decision to take her to a nearby hotel. He didn't want to leave her vulnerable or embarrassed by taking her back to the dorm in such a state, knowing she needed privacy and a safe place to rest.

Once inside the hotel room, he gently guided her to the bed, where she flopped down, her eyes half-closed, mumbling incoherently. Her flushed face and the slight sadness in her voice made Lester’s heart clench. He could tell she was still hurting over Kevin, and seeing her like this made him want to protect her even more.

He stayed with her for a while, watching her drift off into sleep. Despite how tough she had appeared, there was a softness to Yumi when she was vulnerable, and it made Lester care for her even more deeply. He realized then just how much she meant to him—she wasn’t just another girl or someone to casually flirt with. Yumi was special, and he couldn’t bear to see her hurt.

He placed the note next to the bedside table, alongside a glass of water and the hotel breakfast he had ordered for her. One last look at her, peaceful and asleep, reassured him. He quietly closed the door behind him and headed out, giving her the space she needed.

Lester’s POV:

Walking Home After Leaving the Hotel

The cool night air hits Lester’s face as he steps out of the hotel lobby. His feet move on autopilot, but his mind is far from settled. He left Yumi behind, tucked into bed, still asleep after a long night. A part of him had wanted to stay, to make sure she’d be okay when she woke up, but he knew better.

He didn’t want to cross any lines. Not with her.

As he walks down the empty street, his phone buzzing in his pocket feels like background noise. His thoughts are stuck on Yumi—the way she looked so vulnerable, her cheeks flushed from alcohol, eyes hazy but still searching for something, or maybe someone. He wondered what it was she had been looking for tonight. And why it hurt him to think it wasn’t him.

“Come with me,” she had mumbled at one point, grabbing his sleeve as he helped her into bed. He hesitated for a moment, feeling the weight of her words, but eventually, he pulled away. Not tonight. Not like this.

His phone buzzes again. It’s probably just messages from his teammates, random jokes or plans for tomorrow. He doesn’t check it. Instead, he pulls his jacket tighter around himself, thinking about the note he left her.

I went home; eat your breakfast before going home. -Lester.

It wasn’t much, but he hoped she’d get it—that he wanted her to be okay, to take care of herself, that he respected her. He knew it wasn’t something she’d been used to with Kevin. The thought of that guy made Lester clench his fists in his pockets. He didn’t want to be the “better” option compared to him. He just wanted to be the right one for her.

He remembers the way Kevin had showed up at the bar, acting like he still had a claim on Yumi, like he could just walk back into her life whenever he pleased. Lester hadn’t planned on stepping in, but the second Kevin grabbed Yumi, something in him snapped. No, she's coming with me, not with you. He hadn’t even thought before saying it. The words just came out. He knew Yumi didn’t hear a thing. Maybe that was for the best. He didn’t want to complicate things even more.

By the time he reaches his apartment, it’s past midnight. He’s tired, but his mind is still racing. He runs a hand through his hair, staring at his phone, wondering if she’ll text him in the morning. Does she even remember anything? he thinks, dropping his keys on the kitchen counter.

Lester collapses on the couch, staring at the ceiling. He thinks back to when they were sitting at Café Firenzo earlier, her laugh sounding lighter than it had in weeks. I like seeing you like this, he had told her, though he wasn’t sure if she caught the deeper meaning behind his words.

He sighs. If she asked him to meet again tomorrow, he knows he wouldn’t hesitate. He’s too far gone for that.

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The next morning, Yumi woke up slowly, her mind hazy from the alcohol and emotions of the previous night. As she turned over in bed, her eyes caught sight of the note placed on the table. She picked it up, reading the simple words scribbled in Lester's handwriting. A small smile crept onto her lips.

For the first time in a long while, she felt something different—respected and cared for. Lester hadn't taken advantage of her while she was drunk, something Kevin would have never done. This act of kindness from Lester warmed her heart in a way she hadn't expected. She felt safe, and more than that, she felt seen.

Yumi took a deep breath, feeling lighter as she picked up her phone, ready to send Lester a message. She knew now that there was something different about him, something genuine.

This night had changed things between them. It was a night she would always remember.