The next evening, Sameer and his friends arrived at the market, exiting their cab.
"Wait, isn't this the same market we came to yesterday?" Sameer asked, confused.
"Yeah, it is," Paul replied nonchalantly.
"So, where's the departmental store?" Sameer pressed.
"Can't you see it? Back there." Paul gestured behind them.
Sameer turned, finally spotting it. "Oh, I see. And where's the nightclub?"
"Right in front of us, kid," Paul replied with a smirk.
Sameer smirked back sarcastically. "Yeah, son, I can see it."
Ignoring the sarcasm, Paul addressed the group. "All right, everyone, get your IDs ready. They'll check at the entrance."
The group entered the nightclub. Inside, the atmosphere was electric—pulsing lights, loud music, and people dancing, drinking, and playing games like darts and cards.
"Wow, this place is amazing," Suzein exclaimed.
Paul extended his hand to her. "Babe, shall we dance?"
Blushing and smiling, Suzein agreed. "Sure."
As Paul and Suzein headed to the dance floor, Sameer and Tom lingered near the entrance.
"Oh man, so much crowd. I can't deal with this," Sameer muttered, looking overwhelmed.
Tom tapped his shoulder. "Hey bro, let's have some fun."
Sameer shook his head. "You go ahead. I don't know why, but my head's spinning."
"Are you okay?" Tom asked, concerned.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Just need to sit for a bit. Don't worry about me; you enjoy."
"You sure?"
"Positive."
Tom reluctantly left to play darts and grab a drink while Sameer found a quiet spot near a window and sat down. As he stared outside, a flashback hit him.
In a high school corridor during the daytime, Sameer walked towards his classroom. Around him, students whispered.
"Do you know? That guy hasn't been to school in two weeks," one student said.
"He doesn't even leave his house and doesn't talk to anyone," another added.
"Total creep," a third sneered.
"A desk worm," someone else chimed in.
Frustrated, Sameer hurried to his classroom, sat at his desk, and stared blankly out of the window.
Back in the present, Sameer sat by the nightclub window in the same posture. Suddenly, a familiar voice snapped him out of his reverie.
"Step back! I'm warning you—step back!"
Curious, Sameer peered outside. In a narrow, dimly lit street, a girl stood her ground against two men advancing toward her.
"What's happening? Are they harassing her?" Sameer's eyes widened. "I won't let that happen."
Determined, he pushed through the crowd and exited the nightclub, heading toward the street. But as he approached, he froze in shock. The girl expertly kicked both men, sending them sprawling. He ducked behind a wall, rubbing his eyes in disbelief.
"What... Did she just…? Is this for real?" he muttered.
Peeking again, he saw her adjusting her stance as the men scrambled away in defeat.
"Wow, she's amazing. But… who is she?" he whispered, captivated.
When the girl turned to pick up her bags, Sameer's heart skipped a beat. "It's… Alya?!" he gasped, his pulse racing. "What do I do? Should I talk to her? What if I mess this up?" He took a deep breath. "No, this is my chance. I can't let it slip."
Gathering his courage, he followed her cautiously but hesitated when she stopped and turned around, sensing someone behind her. As Sameer stepped forward to speak, Alya's instincts kicked in. She delivered a swift kick to his head, sending him to the ground.
"Oh my God, Sameer! I'm so sorry!" Alya panicked, kneeling beside him. "I thought you were one of those creeps from earlier. I didn't mean to… Are you okay? You're bleeding!"
Dazed but managing a smile, Sameer replied, "It's… fine. Really, no big deal."
"No big deal? You're bleeding!" she exclaimed, pressing against his wound to stop the bleeding. "I don't even know where the nearest medical shop is. I'm such a monster."
"Hey… did you just call me by my name? You remember me?" Sameer asked, overwhelmed.
"Of course, I remember you. How could I forget? You helped me at the airport," Alya said, her concern softening.
Inside, Sameer's thoughts raced. "She remembers me? A girl like her… remembers me? I mean me?"
As he looked at Alya's worried expression, he found it utterly captivating. "Kawaii," he thought, blushing. "Oh man, such a cute girl. If I died right now, I'd have no regrets."
Alya suddenly stood up. "Enough. You're coming with me to my place."
Sameer's eyes widened. "Wait, what?!"
Without waiting for his response, Alya pulled him to his feet and led him toward her towards her place.
As they walked down the bustling street, Sameer couldn't help but sneak glances at Alya. His mind raced as he took in her presence, her outfit, and her every move.
Inside Sameer's Thoughts. "Oh man… she is really an angel. So cute… her dressing sense… oh man, I can't take it anymore. I'm going to die."
Alya turned to him, concern evident in her voice. "Hey… what happened? What are you thinking? Are you okay?"
Sameer stammered, caught off guard. "Ye… Yeah… I'm okay… and I was thinking… the shopping bag looks kinda heavy… let me hold it."
Alya shook her head nervously. "Oh… how can I? You're injured because of me… and I can't allow it."
"Oh, come on, give it already," Sameer insisted, taking the shopping bag from her. "And don't feel sorry for that. There's no way you kicked me intentionally. You did that for self-defense."
Alya smiled warmly. "Yeah… so kind of you, Sameer."
They crossed a narrow street and emerged onto the main road, lined with tall buildings. Stopping in front of one particularly large structure, Alya gestured toward it.
"Here we are," she said.
Sameer looked up, surprised. "For real? You live in this tall building?"
"Yeah, I do. Come on, let's go," Alya replied.
They entered the building and took the lift to the eighth floor. Alya unlocked her door and stepped inside, while Sameer lingered at the threshold, his eyes wide with amazement.
Inside Sameer's Thoughts: "That's… that's how Alya's flat looks like? This is totally like the kind of flat I see in anime."
"Do you wanna stay outside? Come in," Alya teased, breaking his reverie.
Sameer stepped in hesitantly. "Sit down on that sofa. I'll go get a band-aid for your wound," Alya instructed.
He sat down as Alya disappeared into another room, returning shortly with a band-aid in hand. Sitting beside him, she leaned closer.
"Now let me see your wound," she said softly as she applied the band-aid.
"Feeling better now?" she asked with a smile.
"Y—Yeah… So—so much," Sameer stammered, feeling flustered.
Alya laughed, her laughter light and melodic. "What's… so funny?" Sameer asked, confused and a little panicked. "Is my face looking funny with the band-aid?" He quickly turned away.
"No, no, that's not it," Alya said between laughs. "Sorry. It's just… you're stammering, and it's kinda funny."
Sameer joined in her laughter. "I see. By the way, Alya, your flat is really awesome. I like it so much."
"Is it? Thanks," she replied with a smile. "Okay, I'll be back. I need to take a shower. Just wait here, Sameer."
She gave him a small smile before heading to the bathroom. Alone, Sameer glanced around the flat in awe.
Inside Sameer's Thoughts: "Is this for real? I met Alya… and not only did I meet her, I'm sitting in her flat… on her sofa. This is really happening. (He slapped himself.) Nope, not dreaming. This is for real.
The sudden ringing of his phone startled him. It was a call from Tom. Sameer picked it up quickly.
"Hey bro… where are you?" Tom's voice sounded curious.
"I'm… I'm at Alya's place," Sameer admitted.
Tom's shock was evident. "Alya! That airport girl… for real?"
"Yeah, for real."
"You gotta be kidding me," Tom exclaimed.
"No, I'm not kidding at all… Okay, listen carefully," Sameer said urgently.
"Yes, what?"
"If the lovebirds ask about me, don't tell them I'm at Alya's place."
"Okay… but what am I supposed to say if they ask?" Tom sounded skeptical.
Just then, the sound of the bathroom door opening made Sameer panic. "Just make any excuse… okay bye… she's coming," he whispered before cutting the call.
Alya stepped out, her fresh appearance making Sameer's heart race. She was wearing an oversized white T-shirt and small pants, her hair still damp as she fixed it casually.
Inside Sameer's Thoughts: "A—Alya, oh man… she is literally so beautiful. I can't resist but stare at her. Man, her skin tone is so white, her face is so smooth, the way she's fixing her hair looks so cute."
She sat down beside him with a teasing smile. "So, talking with your girlfriend, huh?"
"N—No, it's Tom, my bro. And I don't have any…" he turned to her, only to freeze as he accidentally caught sight of her chest 'V'. Blushing furiously, he turned away.
"So you're telling me you don't have a girlfriend?" Alya asked, her tone playful.
"Yeah. What about you? Do you have a boyfriend?" Sameer asked nervously.
"B—Boyfriend? N—No, and I don't want one," Alya replied shyly.
"I see," Sameer said, his eyes catching sight of a karate uniform. "Alya, you're a black belt?"
"Yeah," she said with a grin.
"Hmm… that explains the kick," Sameer teased, and they both laughed.
"Hey, feeling hungry?" Alya asked.
"Y—Yeah," Sameer stammered.
"So what do you like to eat?"
"Uh… pasta."
"Awesome! I wanted pasta today too. Okay, just sit here."
"Uhh… can I help? Although, I'm not a good cook, I'm great at chopping veggies."
"Uhh, if you want to," Alya said with a smile. "Okay, let's make pasta together."
Sameer and Alya stood side by side in the kitchen. Sameer was focused on chopping vegetables, his hands moving deftly, while Alya busied herself preparing the pasta. The aroma of cooking food filled the air, mingling with the warm atmosphere between them.
"Wow, Sameer, you're really good at chopping veggies," Alya commented, her eyes glinting with admiration.
"Thanks," Sameer replied with a modest smile. "I used to help my mom in the kitchen, and that's how I learned."
Alya smiled. "Oh, really? You're such a gentleman."
"So," Sameer said, smiling back, "where did you learn to cook?"
"Me? I learned from my grandma," Alya answered, a nostalgic look crossing her face. She smiled and added, "She used to say, 'If you can't cook good food, no boy will want to marry you.'" She laughed softly. "Just grandma things."
Their laughter intertwined, filling the small kitchen.
"Sounds like you and your grandma were really close," Sameer observed with a warm smile.
"Yeah, we were," Alya said softly, her smile turning wistful. "She was the one who raised me after my parents passed away."
Sameer's expression turned serious. "I'm sorry…"
"It's okay," Alya interrupted gently. "You don't have to apologize." She quickly changed the subject. "Oh, the pasta is ready. Are the veggies done?"
Sameer nodded, handing over the chopped vegetables. Alya took them and added them to the pan, stirring as the ingredients sizzled together.
"Looks like we have something in common," Sameer said. "My parents passed away when I was 15."
Alya looked at him with a mix of empathy and surprise. "Oh, I'm sorry."
"No need to apologize either," Sameer replied with a small smile. Then he shifted the conversation. "Oh, look, I think the pasta's ready!"
"Yep, it's done," Alya confirmed, beaming. "Go sit down—I'll bring it."
They moved to the small table in the living room, sitting on the floor around it. Alya served the pasta, her smile radiant.
"Alya, thank you for the food," Sameer said sincerely.
Alya blushed lightly. "Ah, you're welcome. But you helped too!"
Sameer took a bite of the pasta. His eyes widened in delight. "Oh wow, it's so tasty! I mean it."
Alya's face lit up with happiness. "I'm glad you like it."
She took a bite as well and let out a pleased hum. "Mmm… It really is tasty!"
They smiled at each other, sharing the simple joy of a meal together.
After finishing the meal, Sameer stepped out of Alya's flat. She stood at the door, watching him as he prepared to leave.
"So, you're leaving?" Alya asked, her voice soft.
"Yeah, I have to go. Thanks for today, Alya. It was really fun," Sameer replied with a warm smile.
"No, thank you," Alya said, smiling back. "I had a great time with you."
Sameer hesitated for a moment, his voice faltering. "A—Alya, can we… I—I mean, will I see you again?"
Alya's smile brightened. "Of course! We're friends now, aren't we?"
Sameer let out a relieved breath. "Yeah… friends."
Friends, huh, he thought to himself as he walked toward the lift. I can live with that… for now.
Alya closed the door, heading toward her bedroom. Just as she was about to settle in, the doorbell rang. She paused, puzzled.
"Huh? Who could it be at this time?" she wondered aloud.
She opened the door and was surprised to see Sameer standing there again.
"Sorry to bother you," he said, looking slightly sheepish.
"Sameer? Oh, no need to apologize. What happened?" Alya asked, tilting her head curiously.
"Oh, it's nothing," Sameer began, scratching the back of his head. "I just wanted to ask… let's go out tomorrow?"
Alya raised an eyebrow in suspicion. "Huh… are you trying to ask me on a date?"
"No!" Sameer exclaimed, panicking. "I don't mean that! What I meant was… my friends and I are going out tomorrow. So, um… do you want to join us?"
Alya studied him for a moment before answering. "Hmm, okay. I'll think about it."
"No problem. Take your time. Bye," Sameer said, a hint of relief in his voice.
"Bye," Alya replied with a small smile as she closed the door.