𝐒𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐘 | 𝐦. 𝐣𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬𝐨𝐧

31

Marlon's POV

After the evacuation chaos dies down, the hotel staff informs us that it was a false alarm. Literally cannot get more annoying than that. Relieved but exhausted, we head back inside. I'm still holding Tonya's hand, and I feel a surge of warmth even though all this crazy stuff has happened.

As we walk back to the room, I squeeze her hand gently. "Sorry about that, Ton'. Seem like God don't want me to finish my sentence."

She laughs softly, music to my ears by the way, trying to lighten the mood. "Maybe he's saving the best for last."

I grin, feeling a bit more at ease. "Maybe."

Back in the hotel room, the other band members are scattered around, some talking, others already heading to bed. I glance at Tonya, who looks like she's waiting for me to speak again, but Michael calls me over to discuss something about the next day's rehearsal.

I give her an apologetic look. "I'll be quick, I promise."

She nods, understanding but a bit disappointed. "I'll wait here."

Michael pulls me aside, going over the setlist and some adjustments for tomorrow. I'm really annoyed but trying not to show it. My mind keeps drifting back to Tonya, sitting alone in the hotel common area, waiting for me. I try to hurry through the conversation, but Michael keeps asking questions.

"Marlon, are you even listening?" Michael's voice breaks through my thoughts.

"Yeah, yeah, I got it," I sigh, feeling my frustration bubble up. "Can we wrap this up?"

Michael raises an eyebrow but nods. "Sure, just making sure we're on the same page. You seem distracted."

I force a smile. "Just tired, that's all. Thanks, Mike."

Finally, I head back to Tonya. She looks up as I approach, her eyes hopeful. "Everything okay?"

"Yeah, just Michael being thorough," I say, sitting down beside her again. "Now, where was I?"

Before I can continue, there's another knock at the door. My patience wears thin as I get up to answer it. It's Tito, looking apologetic. "Sorry to interrupt, man, but we're having a bit of a situation with one of the staff members. We could use your help."

I clench my jaw, trying to keep my cool. "Can it wait, Tito?"

He sighs and shakes his head. "No, it's kind of urgent."

I turn back to Tonya, feeling a mix of determination and frustration. "I'll be back as soon as I can. I promise."

She nods, looking both touched and frustrated by the constant interruptions. "I'll be here."

---

I head out to help Tito and the staff with the mix-up. It's a hassle, but it's something that needs to be done. The entire time, my mind is on Tonya, and the words I still need to say to her.
Finally, hours later, the situation is sorted out. Exhausted, I make my way back to the room, hoping she's still awake.

I make my way to the common area but Tonya isn't anywhere to be found. I assume she's gone to the room, so I make my way there. I find her dozing off in her bed below mine. She's the only one in there, so I assume my brothers are all somewhere doing their thing.

Gently, I touch her shoulder, and she opens her eyes, looking up at me with a sleepy but warm smile.

"Hey," I whisper. "Sorry it took so long."

She sits up, rubbing her eyes. "It's okay. What happened?"

"Just some mix-up with the schedule," I say, sitting down beside her. "But it's sorted now."

I take her hand, feeling warm from her touch. "Tonya, I've been trying to tell you that... well, I've realized something. Being around you, spending time with you, it makes me happier than anything else. You've always been my best friend, but lately, it's felt like... more."

I swallow, feeling nervous.

Her eyes widen, and I can see the mix of excitement and nervousness in them. "Marlon, I—"

Before she can respond, there's yet another knock at the door. I feel my frustration boil over. My lord. I roll my eyes and stand up abruptly, walking to the door with a slightly annoyed expression.

"What now?" I snap, opening the door to find Jackie standing there.

"Woah, my bad, Marlon," Jackie says, raising his hands defensively. "Just wanted to remind you about the early morning meeting tomorrow. I ain't mean to interrupt anything."

I take a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. "Right," I say, my voice softening a little. "Thanks for the reminder. Goodnight, Jackie."

Jackie nods and leaves, and I turn back to Tonya with a sigh.

"I'm sorry, Tonya," I say, sitting down beside her again. "It's like everything is against us tonight."

She shakes her head, giving me a small smile. "It's okay, Marlon. We'll get through it."

I take her hands in mine, looking into her eyes. "No more interruptions. What I was trying to say is that I've fallen for you. I don't want to be just your best friend anymore. I want to be more."

Her eyes fill with emotion, and I can see the relief and happiness there. "Marlon.. I've felt the same way for a while. I was just too scared to say anything."

I smile, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders. "So, what does this mean for us?"

She squeezes my hands, her smile widening. She looks so beautiful when she smiles. "Whatever you want it to mean."

I lean in, and this time, there are no interruptions. Our lips meet in a gentle, tender kiss that feels like the beginning of something beautiful. It feels like fireworks are going off and sparks are flying. I can't explain the feeling. 

Third Person POV 

The next morning, Marlon wake up to the sound of birds chirping outside. He assumes Toyna is still asleep in the bunk above him. He smiles to himself, knowing that despite all the interruptions and chaos, they've finally found their moment. And little did he know, Tonya was awake and smiling to herself too.