What she want?

★ Asif's Perspective ★

Morning sunlight hit my window like a blessing. I stretched, yawned, and blinked at the ceiling, slowly processing where I was—and more importantly, what day it was.

Friday.

Yes! I nearly jumped out of bed. Only a few classes to survive and then a full weekend ahead. But that wasn't even the best part.

Tomorrow's the day.

The day I hang out with Ayesha. Just thinking of it made me feel like spinning in my room like one of those K-drama boys.

I washed up, slipped into my uniform, and entered the kitchen expecting to see Dad at the table. But… of course, he wasn't there.

Just a note beside the breakfast plate:

"Had to leave early. Will be late again tonight. Eat well. —Dad"

I let out a long sigh, poked at the toast and eggs, and eventually finished eating. Loneliness was something I got used to—but today, it couldn't pull me down. Not with Ayesha occupying 90% of my brain.

I stepped outside and walked down the familiar path to school.

"Wake up, Mr. Lover Boy!"

Smack.

Right on my shoulder.

I should've expected that.

I turned to see Sajim, grinning from ear to ear like a proud older brother.

"You look like someone who just saw paradise in a dream."

"Shut up…" I mumbled, trying to hide my smile.

Of course, he didn't. On the entire walk to school, he kept bringing up the date. I mean, I hadn't even called it that yet, but to Sajim, it was basically a wedding.

We reached school and split ways—Sajim toward the student council office, me toward my classroom.

Classes were… surprisingly chill today. Probably because I finally did my homework. Mr. Saiful didn't even raise his eyebrow at me. Even Rimon gave me a thumbs up, which was rare, since he usually teased me to death.

During lunch, Sajim broke the news.

"Overwork time. I'll be stuck in the council room today. You're on your own after class. Use the time to mentally prepare yourself, lover boy."

Rimon almost choked on his water. "Wait, WHAT? You're going out on a date with Ayesha?! That silver-haired goddess?!"

"Uh… hang out. Not date…" I corrected, awkwardly.

Rimon shook his head. "I swear, life isn't fair."

I just chuckled weakly. Inside, I felt the same. Still couldn't believe any of this was real.

But even amidst the excitement, something tugged at the back of my mind.

I couldn't shake the feeling that someone was watching me.

I glanced around a few times—hallway, classroom, even the cafeteria—but nothing. No one suspicious. Must've just been nerves. Or… maybe the residual effect of that mysterious note from yesterday.

I chose to ignore it.

Classes ended like a breeze.

Before leaving, Sajim caught up with me one last time, handing over some nonsense dating advice wrapped in sincerity.

"Look good, smell decent, talk less, listen more," he said like he was reciting scripture. "Oh, and call me if anything blows up. Literally or emotionally."

"Got it," I nodded, waving him off as he dashed back toward the council room.

Finally, some peace. I walked out the gates, feeling free.

On my way home, I stopped by the local convenience store to grab some snacks. A couple of chocolate biscuit packs—simple, comforting, familiar.

But just as I turned to leave—

THUD.

I stumbled back and landed right on my backside.

"Ow…"

My hand rubbed the back of my head as I looked up—and froze.

Sara.

The girl from the rooftop. The one who'd ignored me. The one who felt… off-limits.

She looked just as surprised.

She extended her hand toward me, her eyes darting away from mine.

I hesitated for a second, then took it. She pulled me up gently.

"Sorry for that," she mumbled, eyes still not meeting mine.

"It's… okay," I replied, rubbing the back of my neck.

She looked like she wanted to say something. Like a million things were locked behind her lips.

I stepped sideways, trying to leave before this got too awkward, but—

She grabbed my sleeve.

I turned back, startled.

Her face was slightly flushed. Her grip trembled.

"Can we… have a talk?" she asked quietly. Almost shyly.

My eyes widened.

Wait.

She wants to talk… to me?

I could feel my face heating up.

"I-I guess… sure."

I nodded without even thinking.

What could she possibly want to talk about?

Whatever it was…

My peaceful, snack-filled walk home had just turned into a storm of confusion.