Chapter 14: Farewell

The crisp morning air at Nuuk International Airport carried a sense of farewell and anticipation. Sameer and Tom stood near their luggage, ready to leave, while Paul and Suzein engaged in lighthearted conversation with Tom. But Sameer's attention was elsewhere. His eyes kept darting toward the airport entrance, his fingers fidgeting nervously.

"What's up, bro?" Tom asked, nudging him. "Do you think she'll actually show?"

"She told me she would," Sameer replied, his voice filled with quiet confidence.

Tom checked his watch, frowning. "But when? We're running out of time for our flight."

"Just wait a little longer," Sameer said, his eyes glued to the entrance.

At that moment, a cab pulled up outside. Sameer's breath hitched as Alya stepped out, her hurried steps bringing her closer to them.

"Sorry I'm late, guys!" Alya called out, slightly out of breath.

Relief washed over Sameer's face. "Oh, come on, no need to apologize."

Alya smiled brightly. "Well, best of luck with your exams!"

"Hey, Alya," Suzein interrupted, pointing at herself and Paul. "We've got exams too!"

Alya laughed, her smile apologetic. "Oh, really? My bad! Best of luck to you both as well."

"Thanks, Alya," Paul and Suzein chimed together, grinning.

Sameer hesitated, his nerves bubbling to the surface. He cleared his throat. "Um, Alya, can we talk? Just for a sec?"

"Sure!" she said, her curiosity piqued.

They stepped a few feet away from the others. The atmosphere between them shifted slightly, the weight of unspoken words filling the small space between them.

Alya smiled at him. "So, what's up?"

"I-I just…" Sameer stammered, his hands fidgeting. "Wanted to say sorry… about last night, y-you know, for what I said."

Alya's smile remained reassuring. "Oh, come on, Pervert. There's no need to apologize."

Relief spread across Sameer's face. "Th-thanks."

"And after you get home," Alya added, her tone playful but firm, "make sure you focus on your studies, okay? No distractions."

"I—I will," he said, smiling shyly.

"That's my Pervert," she teased, grinning.

Sameer reached into his pocket, fumbling nervously as he pulled out a small bracelet. He held it out to her, his hand shaking slightly. "Th-this is for you…"

Alya took it, her eyes widening in surprise. "Huh? A bracelet?"

"Y-yeah," Sameer said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I got it from the department store."

Her face lit up as she beamed at him. "Thank you so much, Pervert!"

Sameer's face turned crimson. "I—I thought it would look r-really cute on you."

Alya admired the bracelet, her fingers tracing its delicate design. "It's adorable. Can I put it on now?"

"Y-yeah, of course!" Sameer replied quickly.

She slipped the bracelet onto her wrist, holding it up for him to see. Her radiant smile warmed the space between them. "So, how do I look, Pervert?"

Sameer's heart raced as he looked at her. He quickly averted his gaze, stammering, "Y-you look… s-super adorable… and c-cute… and beautiful…"

Alya burst into laughter, catching him off guard.

"W-what's so funny?" he asked, confused.

"Oh, Pervert," she said, still giggling, "the way you're stammering is just hilarious!" Her voice softened as she added, almost to herself, "…and kind of cute too."

"I-I see… sorry about that," Sameer said, awkwardly laughing along.

Before either of them could say more, Tom's voice rang out from the distance. "Hey, bro! Hurry up! We're gonna miss our flight!"

"Coming!" Sameer called back. Turning to Alya, he smiled. "Well, it looks like I have to go now."

He jogged back toward Tom, but before leaving, he turned back to wave. "Bye, Alya! I'm gonna miss you so much!"

Alya's smile softened as she raised her hand in a small wave. "I'm gonna miss you too, Pervert."

Sameer and Tom headed toward the plane, their luggage in tow. Meanwhile, Paul and Suzein stayed with Alya, walking her to the cab she had arrived in.

As she opened the door, Alya turned to them with a bright smile. "Okay, guys, I need to go too. Bye!"

"Bye," Paul and Suzein said in unison, waving as she climbed into the cab and closed the door.

Alya leaned out of the window, her voice cheerful. "Do your best in exams, okay."

"We will," Suzein and Paul said with matching grins.

With a final smile, Alya leaned back, and the cab pulled away from the airport. She gazed out the window, her expression contemplative as the buildings blurred past.

"Where to, ma'am?" the cab driver asked, glancing at her in the rearview mirror.

Alya's gaze didn't waver from the window as she replied softly, "Hospital."