𖥻﹕𝖥𝖺𝗍𝖾𝖽 𝖮𝗇𝖾𝗌﹒ຯ - Chapter 6: Chapter 6

Between Friendship and Love
The next day arrived far too quickly for Fahmid's comfort. His heart had been thundering in his chest since the moment he opened his eyes. It was not just any day—it was the day. The day he would finally confess the feelings he had buried deep for years. The feelings that blossomed quietly every time Afreen smiled, laughed, or leaned on him without a second thought. He did not know how Afreen was going to react to it. His years of friendship were on the line.
His hands trembled slightly as he buttoned his shirt. The black suit clung perfectly to his lean form, and the crisp white shirt underneath made his dark features sharper, bolder. The black tie tightened around his throat like the anxiety coiling in his stomach. Would it be the end of their easy friendship?
He shook his head. No! Even if she did not return his feelings—especially if she did not—he would never let it change the way he cared for her. Love, to him, was not a transaction. It was a devotion. Silent, pure, enduring. She had the right to reject him, and he would respect that. But he had the right to love her, too. Quietly. Steadily. Unconditionally.
Meanwhile, at Afreen's house, the evening light streamed in through the sheer curtains, casting soft golden hues across her room. She stood in front of the mirror, fussing over her appearance more than usual. Her fingers brushed against her hair, pushing back the brunette waves that framed her face. Her eyes lingered on her reflection, searching for an answer she could not quite voice.
"This isn't the first time we're hanging out... so why am I feeling like this?" She muttered under her breath, brushing a nervous hand down the front of her dress. “Then why does it feel like… more?” She could not help but feel a different emotion. It was not the first time they were going on a friendly date, so why was it feeling like something more than that? Afreen could not figure it out.
Her heart fluttered—an unfamiliar rhythm that left her feeling exposed. It was not like her to overthink their meetups. They had been each other's constants for years. She had always felt safe around Fahmid. Comforted. Cherished. But that evening felt different.
"It's just a friendly date, like always," she tried to convince herself, biting her lower lip. "Just... my Lion-ie being his usual charming self. But why does it feel like it's more than a friend date? Uff! My mind is playing with me. Maybe all these wedding talks lately are messing with my head."
She shook her head with a sigh, brushing away her wandering thoughts. But deep down, a small part of her—a quiet part—wondered, 'What if it is not just friendly this time?'
Outside, the sound of a familiar engine purred to life, and Afreen's heart skipped a beat. Fahmid was here. She peeked out the window, and there he was—standing beside his bike, looking like he had just walked out of a magazine shoot. And the motorbike—their shared obsession—gleamed under the fading sunlight, just as it always did whenever he took her out for a ride. Her Lion-ie and his beast. She smiled despite herself. Whatever the evening held, she was ready to find out.
Fahmid got off the bike, carefully cradling a bouquet of roses in his hand—fresh, velvety red, her absolute favorite. The other hand held a paper cone of cotton candy, that pink fluff that had become their forever tradition. Childish, some might say. But for them, it was sacred—an unspoken language of their bond, the sweet symbol of shared memories and quiet love.
It was not just about the taste. It was about the times they laughed with sticky fingers and silly smiles, the way she used to steal a bite even when he said he bought one just for her. The way cotton candy dissolved too quickly—just like moments—but somehow always left a lingering sweetness behind. That was what they were. Sweet, fleeting, yet unforgettable.
Fahmid took a deep breath, nerves creeping up his spine. And then she stepped out. Afreen descended the front steps with an effortless grace, wearing a dusty lavender maxi dress with full sleeves and delicate embroidery around the neckline. A chiffon hijab draped loosely around her head and shoulders, modest and elegant, soft curls peeking out just enough to frame her glowing face. Her makeup was minimal—just a hint of color on her lips and a touch of kohl that made her eyes look even more expressive than usual.
And that was when time stilled. Fahmid's breath caught in his throat, his heart thudding like a drum against his ribs. For a moment, the world faded—no traffic, no noise, no nerves. Just her. His Angel.
He smiled softly, warmth blooming in his chest. He mentally gave a proud nod to his three-year-old self—the little boy who once stared at a tiny Afreen with wide, awestruck eyes and declared she looked like an angel. That name had stuck for all these years, and seeing her at that moment, radiant under the evening sky, he knew he had been right all along.
"Angel," he whispered under his breath, the word barely audible—but filled with every ounce of admiration, affection, and awe he had carried for years.
On the other hand, Afreen stood still for a moment, caught completely off guard. Her breath hitched.
Fahmid looked unreal from close-up. Clad in a sharp black suit that hugged his frame perfectly, a crisp white shirt underneath, and a slim black tie to match, he resembled a prince straight out of a dream—her dream. She blinked rapidly, wondering when her childhood best friend had transformed into this heart-stealing vision. His hair was neatly styled, a faint cologne clung to the air around him, and that signature mischievous smile on his lips made her heartbeat skip more than once.
'Why did he look so... perfect tonight? Was he always this handsome? Or am I only noticing now?' She shook her head slightly, trying to snap out of her thoughts. Yet, when their eyes met, heat crawled up her neck. Fahmid was openly staring—his eyes locked onto her with such intensity that it made her feel exposed, but not uncomfortably so. No, it was something deeper. Something tender. Feeling suddenly shy under his unwavering gaze, she played with the hem of her dress and mumbled with a blush, "How am I looking, Lion-ie?"
Fahmid's lips curled into a smile, his eyes softening as they scanned her again, more slowly this time. "Just like a fallen angel," he whispered. "My angel."
Afreen let out a small gasp and immediately hid her face in her sleeves, laughter bubbling from her chest. "Uff, stop it! You're making me shy!"
"Hey, credit should be given where it's due. I'm just appreciating the art." Fahmid chuckled, his wink making her blush deepen. With a warm grin, he held out the bouquet of roses and the cotton candy. "Here—for you."
Afreen accepted the gifts with a delighted giggle, the familiar scent of roses making her heart flutter. "You never forget these, do you?"
"I could never," Fahmid replied without missing a beat. "Not when it's about you." Afreen smiled, her fingers tightening around the gifts. Her heart betrayed her with a sudden, hopeful beat.
Then, like a true gentleman, Fahmid extended his hand with a little bow. "Shall we?"
Afreen stared at his outstretched hand. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach—loud, wild, and confused. It was not the first time they had gone out together, and yet... that time, it felt different. As if the air between them was humming with something new, something unspoken.
Sliding her hand into his, she laughed nervously, trying to lighten the mood. "You're being extra today, Lion-ie! Found your love, huh?" Her tone was playful, but as soon as the words left her mouth, a strange pang tugged at her chest. She did not know why... but it hurt a little.
Fahmid's gaze lingered on her, unreadable for a moment, before a soft smile pulled at his lips. "Maybe I did," he said quietly. Afreen's laugh came out awkward, her cheeks warming as uncertainty crept into her chest.
"Well then, let's go, your highness," Fahmid added, trying to bring the lightness back.
"Yes, you peasant! Take the queen to the world of happiness!" Afreen joked, grateful for the distraction.
They both broke into laughter, the kind that made the world seem a little softer, a little safer. Fahmid pulled out his bike, and Afreen hopped on behind him, wrapping her arms around his waist like it was the most natural thing in the world. And then they rode off, disappearing into the golden-orange dusk—into their little world of laughter, memories, and emotions neither of them had the courage to name just yet.
Soon, they reached their destination—a serene riverside location kissed by the golden hour's glow. It was not just any spot; it was their spot. A long wooden bridge stretched from the riverbank into the calm waters, its railings wrapped delicately with soft fairy lights and garlands of red roses. The bridge looked like it had leapt out of a romance novel, suspended over the river like a dream.
In the middle, under the fading sky, a beautifully set table stood adorned with soft candlelight, simple but elegant dinnerware, and two glasses clinking gently in the breeze. The faint scent of roses mingled with the freshness of the river, creating an almost ethereal ambiance.
Afreen's eyes widened, lips parting slightly in awe as she took it all in. "Woah... it looks so pretty, Lion-ie. For real!" She breathed, turning around to face Fahmid, her eyes glimmering with delight.
"Indeed. Very pretty," Fahmid echoed softly—but his gaze was not on the flowers or the lights. His eyes were locked on her—on her face glowing with happiness, on the wonder in her eyes that made all his silent efforts worth it. She was his entire galaxy, standing there, unaware of the universe she held in her smile.
Stepping forward with an exaggerated bow, Fahmid extended his hand and offered, "Allow me to escort you, my highness."
Afreen laughed, her heart fluttering at his dramatic charm. He always had a way of making her feel special, like she was royalty. Though for Fahmid, the brunette was more like the queen of his heart, and we could keep that a secret from Afreen, right? Yet, there was something different about the night—something deeper in his tone, something softer in his eyes.
"Yes, please, my dearest!" She played along, slipping her hand into his without hesitation. His fingers curled gently around hers—warm, steady, careful. That simple touch held so much history, so many unsaid things.
Fahmid walked her along the bridge slowly, almost ceremoniously. The lights above shimmered against the water below, and the wind carried their laughter like music. When they reached the table, he pulled out a chair for her with a light smile. "Milady," he said playfully.
Afreen sat down with a small curtsy and an amused roll of her eyes. "Always the gentleman, aren't you?"
Fahmid chuckled and finally took his seat across from her, his heart pounding but his face calm. That evening, the bridge was not just between riverbanks—it was between friendship and something far deeper. And they were standing right in the middle of it.
Afreen's eyes sparkled as she glanced over the table, taking in every detail—the delicate plating, the mouth-watering aroma, and, most of all, the realization that each dish was her favorite. Her heart warmed, but she was not surprised. Fahmid had always known what made her happy, even when she did not say it out loud. Cooking for her was not just a gesture—it was his language of love.
"Wow, Lion-ie!" She exclaimed, beaming as she looked at him. "All my favorites? Okay, this is insane! What are you really up to today, huh?" She teased, wiggling her eyebrows, her lips quirking into a playful smirk.
Fahmid leaned back with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. "Hmm... maybe planning to end our friendship? So, all this is just compensation. Who knows?" He shrugged, his voice light but his gaze trying to mask something deeper.
He barely finished the sentence before she shot up slightly in her seat and grabbed the collar of his suit, yanking him closer with a sudden fierceness in her eyes.
"Dare to say that again!" She hissed, her voice low and commanding. "And I swear, Fahmid, you'll witness the worst of me. I would give up the world before I ever give up you. You are MY Lion-ie. Whether you want me or not—you're mine. You've always been, and you always will be."
Fahmid blinked, stunned. Her hold was tight, her eyes burning with possessiveness and passion that made something in him stir. His Bunny was being the fierce lady she was, and it was truly a hot scene to witness. He always liked her possessiveness over him. It was not fear—it was admiration, awe, and undeniable attraction.
He swallowed, finally cracking a breathless laugh. "Woah there! Chillax, my lioness. I was joking. Promise. If anything, I should be the one going full psycho on you. You're the one planning to go far away, not me."
At his words, Afreen's fiery glare faded into a sheepish pout. She slowly let go of his collar, her mood flipping like a switch. Her brows furrowed adorably as she looked down at her lap. Who would believe that she was being rowdy just a few minutes ago?
"Lion-ie... It's not like I didn't want to tell you. Everything just... happened so fast. I didn't even get the chance to think, let alone act." She looked back up at him with those wide, puppy-like eyes. "But, please, don't be mad at me, pwease?" She added with a mock-baby voice, holding her ears and leaning forward with a pleading face.
Fahmid groaned internally, biting back a grin. Damn her. She knew exactly how to melt him. "Okay, okay... You win." He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose dramatically. "Let's eat before your drama queen act gets me crying over appetizers."
Afreen let out a triumphant giggle, her mood bouncing back just like that. Fahmid stood and began serving the food, his movements careful and gentle, the way he always was with her. He even fed her every now and then—holding out spoonfuls of her favorite dishes as she smiled and leaned in, eyes glowing with comfort and joy.
From a distance, Rashid watched silently, standing guard but smiling to himself. On cue, he played the soft instrumental Fahmid had requested—low, romantic music that drifted through the air and added a gentle rhythm to their quiet, shared laughter.
The moment was warm, intimate, almost sacred. Two hearts talking in silence, through food, glances, and the invisible pull between them. And yet, only one of them knew that it was the night where everything was about to change.