Chapter 13: First Kiss

Two days had passed since the fair, and the morning sun peeked through the curtains of Sameer and Tom's shared room. Sameer was lost in a deep slumber, his peaceful dreams interrupted by a familiar voice calling out to him.

"Wake up," the voice insisted, shaking him gently. Groggily, Sameer opened his eyes, and his half-asleep state was immediately replaced by wide-eyed shock when he saw Alya sitting casually beside his mattress.

"A-Alya?!" he exclaimed, sitting up in a rush.

Startled, he leaped out of bed and, in an attempt to recover his composure, quickly struck a pose by the window, trying to look effortlessly cool.

Alya smiled warmly. "Good morning, Sameer."

"G-Good morning, Alya," he stammered, still flustered. "W-What are you doing here so early?"

"I knew you'd forget," she replied, her tone teasing. "I messaged you about going shopping."

"Shopping?" Sameer blinked, still trying to catch up. "You want me to come with you?"

"Exactly," she said with a knowing smile.

His face lit up. "Wait a sec! I'll go freshen up!"

Before Alya could respond, he disappeared into the bathroom in a blur.

A little later downstairs, Sameer was tying his sneakers at the door as Alya stood waiting. Suzein, seated nearby, watched the two with mild amusement.

"Okay, I'm ready," Sameer announced, standing up.

"Let's go then. Bye, Suzein!" Alya called cheerfully.

"Bye, Alya," Suzein replied, waving.

Alya waves back to her, and the pair stepped out into the bustling street.

On the Road. Sameer and Alya walked side by side, weaving through the lively crowd.

"So, why'd you choose me to tag along?" Sameer asked, a teasing grin on his face.

"Oh, I just need someone to carry my shopping bags, that's all," Alya quipped, her eyes dancing with mischief.

"What?!" Sameer said, feigning outrage. "That makes sense."

Alya giggled at his mock indignation, her laughter light and infectious.

"By the way," Sameer said after a pause, "where've you been for the past two days?"

"I was… busy with work," Alya replied, her tone slightly hesitant.

"I see. So, is today a day off?"

"Yeah, kind of."

Just then, a sleek car pulled up beside them. The window rolled down to reveal a familiar face—Freya.

"Oh, Alya!" Freya greeted. "Where are you two off to?"

"Freya!" Alya exclaimed, smiling. "We're going shopping at the department store."

"Perfect!" Freya said brightly. "I'm heading there too. Hop in—I'll give you a ride."

Inside the Car. Alya sat in the passenger seat, while Sameer settled awkwardly in the back. Freya glanced at him through the rearview mirror, her expression curious.

"So, you're awfully quiet back there. Can't talk?" Freya teased.

"I-I can," Sameer stammered.

"What's your name?" Freya asked, her tone light but direct.

"It's Sameer," he replied.

"Sameer. Sameer what?"

"I'm sorry?" Sameer said, confused.

"What's your last name?"

"M-My last name!" he echoed nervously.

Alya chimed in, intrigued. "Come to think of it, you haven't told me either."

"I-I haven't?"

"Nope!" Alya said, her tone playful. "So, spill it. Let me know which kingdom you're from so we can merge them."

Inside Sameer's head, her words echoed. Merge kingdoms?! What does she mean by that?

Freya raised an eyebrow. "We don't have all day, kid. Just tell us already."

"A-Yeah yeah," Sameer blurted. "It's Wisener. Sameer Wisener."

As the words left his mouth, Alya and Freya burst out laughing.

"I knew you'd laugh," Sameer said, pouting.

"No, no!" Alya said, smiling. "We're not laughing at your name. It's just… you were stammering so much."

"She's right, kid," Freya added with a grin. "Relax."

Alya turned to him, her voice softening. "Your name is… awesome. And… cute, too."

Sameer's face turned bright red, a shy smile tugging at his lips.

"I'm Freya Everheart, by the way," Freya said, glancing at him again. "Nice to meet you."

"N-Nice to meet you too," Sameer replied.

Freya chuckled. "See? By talking, we reached the department store in no time."

She pulled into the parking lot and stopped the car. Sameer and Alya stepped out.

"Okay then, you two enjoy," Freya said with a wave before driving off.

In the Departmental Store. Sameer pushed a shopping cart while Alya strolled ahead, picking items off the shelves and dropping them in.

"Alya, how old is she?" Sameer asked casually.

"You mean Freya?"

"Yeah."

"Oh, she's two or three years older than me," Alya replied.

"Then why does she call me a kid?"

"She's just like that," Alya said with a shrug. "She even calls me a kid sometimes."

"I see. So, what's your age?"

Alya stopped and turned to him, her expression mock-annoyed. "Hmm, pervert, asking a girl's age directly."

"Hey, just tell me already… please," Sameer pleaded nervously.

With a playful smile, Alya relented. "It's 19, pervert."

Sameer's jaw dropped. "What?! You're one year older than me?"

"Huh, you're 18?"

"Ahh, it's 18+ though," Sameer said quickly.

Alya burst out laughing, her laughter echoing through the aisle.

"Hey, what's the big idea? Okay, okay, laugh it up," Sameer said, his tone a mix of frustration and amusement.

After Shopping. Sitting on a bench outside the store, they sipped on fresh juices.

"You know what?" Sameer began. "I came here before, with my friends."

"For shopping?" Alya asked.

"No, for roaming around and having fun in the play sections," he admitted.

"I see," Alya said with a smile. "I generally shop here and roam around the store."

They finished their drinks, and Alya stretched.

"So, shopping done? Nothing's left?" Sameer asked.

"Yeah, nothing's left. I checked," Alya said with a nod. "Let's head back home."

"Yes, boss," Sameer replied, grinning.

And with that, they left the store, their laughter mingling with the city's lively rhythm.

It was night, and the quiet hum of city life could be heard faintly outside Alya's building. On the 8th floor, Alya entered her flat, her arms full of shopping bags. She placed them on the table before returning to the door where Sameer stood, still holding a faint smile.

"Thanks for carrying the bags," Alya said, smiling warmly.

"Don't mention it," Sameer replied. "You said you needed someone to carry them, remember? Besides, I had so much fun shopping with you, so I should be the one thanking you."

Inside, Alya's thoughts swirled as a blush crept up her cheeks. Why does he always talk so sweet? Uhh, that's not fair.

Sameer glanced at his watch and smiled again. "Okay, bye, Alya. It's almost dinner time; I should go now."

Alya stepped closer, stopping him in his tracks. "Wait," she said, her tone soft. "Have dinner here."

Sameer's face went pale, his voice unsteady. "What? B-But Alya…"

"What?" Alya interrupted, making a cute face. "You… don't wanna have dinner with… m-me?"

Sameer froze, his own face beginning to flush as he stammering.

"I—I mean," Alya continued, blushing & stammering, "we can prepare dinner together, just like the first time we met."

Sameer nodded, his cheeks red. "I-I think that's a good idea. I-I will join."

Sameer stepped inside, closing the door behind him.

"So," Alya asked, trying to lighten the mood, "what do you feel like eating?"

"Last time I chose. Today, it's your turn."

"Hmm," she thought for a moment, "how about chicken fry and soup?"

"Sounds good. Let's go make it," Sameer agreed.

They moved to the kitchen, Alya taking out ingredients while Sameer watched her, a teasing grin spreading across his face.

"Oooh," Sameer said, smirking. "Now it makes sense why you bought everything in double." He laughed. "From the start, you wanted me to have dinner with you, huh?"

Alya's face turned crimson as she stammered, "N-No! It's just… you helped me by carrying the bags, so this is my way of thanking you. That's all."

"But now you're stammering," Sameer teased, laughing.

Alya swatted his arm playfully. "Ugh, shut up, pervert! You're so mean."

Once dinner was ready, they sat at the table together. Sameer smiled at her, his expression warm.

"Alya, thank you for the food," he said.

She blushed slightly. "You helped too. And by the way, you said the same thing last time."

"Did I?" Sameer asked, tilting his head. "No matter—I'll always compliment you. I—I mean your cooking."

Inside Alya's mind, her heart skipped a beat. How can he say those things right to my face? I don't know why, but he sounds so adorable today.

"Okay, I'm starting," Sameer announced, picking up his fork.

"Me too," Alya said, digging in.

As they ate, Sameer's eyes lit up. "Hmm! It's so tasty. You are awesome, Alya."

"It's really good," she admitted. "But hey, stop complimenting me—it's embarrassing." She muttered under her breath, "Although it feels nice…"

"Huh?" Sameer asked, his mouth full. "Did you say something?"

"No, nothing," Alya replied quickly, nervously laughing.

After finishing dinner, they began washing the dishes together.

"Thanks for helping with the dishes," Alya said.

"Come on, don't be so formal," Sameer replied.

Alya smiled. "Alright, pervert, go to my room. I'll join you in a bit."

Sameer froze. "Your… your bedroom?"

"Yeah, where else? Go on!" she said, shooing him away.

Sameer hesitated before stepping into her room. His eyes widened as he took in his surroundings.

"Wow," he murmured. "This is… amazing."

A few moments later, Alya entered with two cups of coffee. She stopped when she saw the dim room.

"You turned off the lights?" she asked.

"Yeah," Sameer replied, still gazing out the window. "The soft glow from outside makes it look magical."

Alya approached him, a curious smile on her face. "Okay, but why are you sitting on the floor?"

"It feels good watching the city from here," Sameer said simply.

She sat down beside him and handed him a cup. "Here."

"Thanks," he said, taking the cup and sipping.

They sat in comfortable silence, the city lights twinkling outside the window. After a while, Sameer broke the quiet.

"I've never been in a girl's room before," he admitted.

Alya smiled softly. "Then I'm glad mine's the first."

They shared a small laugh, but Sameer's expression grew more serious.

"You know," he said, his voice quieter, "we're heading back to the U.S. tomorrow."

"What?" Alya asked, startled. "Already?"

"Yeah, finals are coming up."

"I see," she said softly.

Sameer forced a smile. "I'm gonna miss the days I spent here in Greenland… with you."

"I'll miss you too," Alya replied, her voice tinged with sadness. "You and your friends."

"You will," Sameer said, smiling gently.

Inside Alya's mind, her thoughts swirled. Why does he have to be so sweet? He's making this harder than it already is.

Silence settled over them again as they sipped their coffee and stared at the city below. Sameer took a deep breath, his heart racing as he gathered his courage.

If I don't tell her now, I'll regret it forever. But what if it ruins our friendship? I can't hold it anymore. I have to tell her.

"Alya," he said, turning to her.

"Yes?" she asked, looking at him.

"I—I want to tell you something."

"Yeah, what is it?"

"But you have to pro—" He stopped himself, realizing something. No, if I make her promise not to let this ruin our friendship, it'll feel like I'm forcing her.

"Spit it out, pervert," Alya urged.

"I—I just wanna say that I—I, I love you…"

Alya froze, her cheeks flushing deep red. Sameer quickly continued, his words tumbling out.

"…Since the moment you bumped into me at the airport, I… I fell for you. I can't get you out of my mind or my heart. I don't know how else to say it, but Alya… I love you."

Alya remained silent, her blush deepening. Sameer panicked slightly.

"You don't have to love me back," he said hurriedly. "I just needed to say it. And if you reject me, that's okay too."

"S-Sameer," Alya stammered.

She leaned in slightly, her face moving closer to his. Sameer's heart pounded as he held his breath. Is this real? She's going to kiss me. Oh man, her lips look so soft.

But just before their faces met, Alya pulled a handkerchief from behind him and leaned back.

Sameer quickly looked away, embarrassed. What just happened? Did I seriously think she was going to kiss me? I'm such an idiot!

"Huh? What happened?" Alya asked, feigning innocence.

"N-Nothing," Sameer stammered.

"You thought I was going to kiss you, didn't you?" she teased, laughing.

"N-No," he denied, his face burning.

"Liar," Alya said, her laughter softening into a smile. "You're so easy to read, pervert."

Her laughter faded, and she turned to the window. Her smile remained, but her eyes glistened with unshed tears.

"You know what?" she said gently, her voice trembling slightly. "Don't waste your first kiss on me, Sameer."

"What?" Sameer asked, stunned. "Why would it be a waste? For me, it'd be perfect."

"There's a reason," Alya said, forcing a smile. "I… I'm—"

She trailed off, struggling to hold back her emotions.

"Never mind," she said quickly, wiping her eyes and forcing cheer into her voice. "Look, our coffee's getting cold. Let's finish it."

They sat together in silence once more, sipping their coffee and gazing out at the city. Sameer glanced at her, still confused by her words, but chose to say nothing.