Her heart..

★ ______ POV★

Ever since yesterday…

That date with Asif…

My heart…

It just wouldn't shut up.

Thump… Thump...

Even now, I can still feel it hammering like a storm trapped in a box.

Last night, I barely slept. And it wasn't just the memory of seeing him...

It was that message.

> "I want to go somewhere with you again."

God... Why did that make me so stupidly happy?

I even smiled into my pillow like an idiot.

…But at the same time, something ached a little.

Because even now…

Even after we talked and laughed and smiled at each other like we'd known one another forever...

He doesn't remember me.

And it's not like I can blame him.

Maybe I did change too much. I dyed my hair silver from that awkward brown hair I had since my birth. I mean, I don't look like that messy-haired, awkward little girl anymore, do I?

Still, I wonder... how could he forget?

I spent the whole night twisting and turning, hugging my pillow, overthinking things to death.

Should I see him again? Should I not?

Would it hurt more to be ignored… or to pretend I'm a stranger again?

But then, I did it.

I texted him.

> "I really wanted to see you…"

I stared at my screen like it was going to explode.

My thumbs were sweating. Why were my thumbs sweating!?

And then...

> "No problem. I too want to see you."

I choked. I almost threw my phone.

What… What was that?

Did he seriously just say that? So directly?

Knowing him, I never thought he'd be this bold.

My heart was blushing.

If that's even possible.

A few minutes later, another message popped up.

It was the location.

"Bistro Corner"

I've heard of it before. My friends love that place.

But I never really got to go…

And now… I get to go with him.

With Asif.

I hugged my pillow again.

This time, I might've squealed. Just a little.

After a small battle with my wardrobe, a mirror, two pillows and my own brain..

I settled on a loose white beige sweater.

It was autumn after all.

Even if I felt like melting inside.

I lightly touched up my face with makeup and stood by the door.

Then… suddenly, out of nowhere.. A blurry memory flashed.

A sleepy boy's face from years ago.

His messy hair… the half-lidded eyes…

That gentle voice.

I shook my head and smiled.

"Hopefully… you'll be mine," I whispered without realizing.

"Hmm?"

It was Mom. Standing at the hallway with a smile.

She saw me blushing.

"I-It's not like what you think!" I screamed and ran outside like a criminal.

But I could still hear her voice behind me.

"Have a good day."

…Yeah.

I hope so too.

I walked through the busy street.

It helped me relax a little. The crowd, the noise.. It brought me back to earth.

I wasn't just some girl stuck in a daydream anymore.

I was Ayesha.

And I was going to see him again.

It was a bit past twelve.

Okay... maybe a little late.

But the moment I saw him, all my nervousness just bubbled up again.

He walked over, face red, scratching the back of his head like he didn't know what to do with it.

"Hi-Hi… Hey, Ayesha…"

I held back a laugh. He looked adorable.

Like a nervous puppy meeting his favorite snack.

"Hi, Asif," I smiled, pretending I wasn't just as nervous.

"Sorry I'm a bit late, I got held up at the crossing."

Okay. That was a lie. I was late because I kept changing my lipstick.

But then… out of nowhere, a girl barged between us.

Hair like his. Eyes almost the same.

Ah. So this was his little sister.

She jumped straight into rapid-fire mode.

"What's your favorite color?"

"Do you eat sweets?"

"Do you like my brother?"

Wait–what!?

But before I could answer anything...

Thud.

Asif chopped her on the head like a cartoon big brother.

"That's enough," he sighed.

"Ouch! That hurt, big brother!!"

He just grinned like an idiot.

So this…

This was the Asif I never saw back then, playful and affectionate.

He finally introduced us properly.

"This troublemaker is Tithi, my little sister," he said.

"And this is Ayesha."

Tithi pouted beside him, mumbling something about brain damage while I just giggled.

I looked at Asif.

Really looked.

And I smiled.

It felt like my heart would melt.

"Let's go inside," he said.

And so we did.

Bistro Corner was beautiful.

Warm lights. Wooden tables. Soft jazz in the background. The smell of fresh bread and grilled meat…

Yeah, I can see why this place is so popular.

Asif picked a four-seater.

He and I sat facing each other.

Tithi took the spot beside her brother, looking far too pleased with herself.

We ordered and Chatted a bit, laughed.

Then… Tithi leaned forward.

"So…" she grinned.

"How did you two meet?"

I froze.

Asif laughed nervously.

"Oh… uh… we kinda bumped into each other a few days ago," he said.

I nodded slowly. Yes, That's technically true.

But Tithi narrowed her eyes. She stared at me like she could see everything inside.

It was a little scary.

Like she knew.. Knew this wasn't just some accidental meeting.

I opened my mouth...

But then, she just grinned.

"So, big brother…" she said, resting her face on her hands.

And just like that, she switched the mood.

Started teasing him. Making jokes. Asking embarrassing stuff. Asif's face went red. I couldn't stop laughing.

Thank God.She let it go.

But I know…

Tithi didn't forget and someday, I'll have to tell him the truth.

That I'm not just a girl he met by chance.

That I knew him.

Before he knew me.

But for now I want to enjoy this warmth, this smile, this moment.

Because this… this is the beginning of something I waited so long for.