Last night was full of laughter and memories. Qis and Elena had talked almost until dawn — catching up like old times, wrapped in blankets and nostalgia. It had been ages since Qis last stayed over at Elena's place.
But peace didn't last long.
"Ting… tong…"
The doorbell startled Qis awake. She groaned, her voice still hoarse from sleep.
"Ugh… who on earth comes this early in the morning…"
Still half-asleep, she pulled back the curtain.
A tall figure stood patiently at the gate, bathed in the soft glow of morning light.
"Zain?"
She glanced around — no car, no motorcycle. Just him.
"Wait... how did he even get here?" she thought. "Don't tell me he ran all the way…"
She buzzed the gate open. Zain nodded politely as he stepped in, his shirt damp with sweat, his pace calm. He headed straight to the outdoor shower like it was the most normal thing in the world.
Qis climbed the stairs and knocked gently on Elena's bedroom door.
"Elena… wake up. It's morning already. Zain's here."
Elena stirred, slowly opening her eyes.
"He's here? Already?"
Downstairs, Qis wandered to the living room… then froze.
The sound of water trickling filled the air. Through the sheer window curtain near the outdoor shower, she saw Zain — shirtless, water running down his defined back, over broad shoulders and toned abs. His skin was pale, glistening wet, every muscle seeming to flex effortlessly with each movement.
Qis couldn't look away.
"Damn…" she whispered. "He's like... a magazine cover. No, a Greek statue."
She glanced around. No one. Her eyes darted back.
And then—footsteps.
Elena stood silently behind her, watching Qis watching him. Her eyes narrowed. Heat pooled in her chest.
"What is she staring at?"
She stepped forward.
"Ahem."
Qis jumped. Literally.
"Elena! I—I was just… he's showering. And well… I mean… he looks so good—"
Elena folded her arms, staring blankly.
"Oh really? That interesting, huh?"
"I didn't mean it like that! I mean… look at him! He's practically glowing! That body—"
Elena's cheeks turned red. She looked away quickly. Yes, she knew Zain had a body that made heads turn. And yes, she had noticed. Every day.
"How did he get here anyway?" Qis asked, trying to change the subject. "He didn't drive?"
"He jogged. From his place."
Qis's jaw dropped.
"Are you serious? He ran all the way here? What is he — an Avenger?"
Elena didn't answer. She just smiled slightly — a mix of awe and something else she couldn't explain. Or maybe didn't want to.
They packed up quickly, grabbed a light breakfast, and got ready to leave for the big project.
Zain was already waiting in the car. As always, he didn't look back. Just stared straight ahead, serious as ever.
The car ride was silent. Not a word exchanged.
Finally, Qis broke it.