The Goodbye That Never Was
errands or sit with her in the library, pretending to study while stealing glances at Layla's concentrated f
lanket draped over their shoulders to keep the chill away. The
s keep secrets?" Layla
a little confused. "W
said, her gaze fixed on the sky. "Maybe
ast expanse of stars. "Maybe. Or maybe they'
ad," Layla said,
, then. What would you wish for, i
th the edge of the blanket. "I'd wish fo
voice wavered, the hope in her eyes-it was too
than usual, "if the stars could keep secre
to her, sur
appear casual. "Because I'
between them like the stars above. Then, slowly, a smile
Layla teased, though her
a small smile tugged at her
id, leaning her head
er spoke, but in that quiet moment, their unspoken promise was c
r routine became a quiet comfort: morning walks to school, afternoons spent stud
fé near their usual hangout spot. She tapped her fingers nervously on the tab
bell above the door chimed, and Layla a
seat across from Naomi. "Got held up by Mrs. Ca
glass of water. "Let me guess
es. "I mean, I like cats, but I don't
sion melting away. "Well, you'r
a sip of water. "Thanks for waiti
of her cup. "No reason. Just... thought we co
th a curious look. "Hmm. You're being we
her ears turning red. "Can't I
ser. "You can, but it's su
ne. I just... wanted to make sure you're okay. You've b
sincerity. Then her expression softened, and she
know that?" Layla s
mi muttered, though her lip
parkling under the warm café l
whispered encouragements. Layla and Naomi spent nearly every moment toget
heir neighborhood, where the spring blossoms were in full bloom. The air smelled of fresh
oving her hands into her pockets as she
a mischievous grin, "you're way too stressed. You
"This better not involv
e ringing like a melody
antic melodies. Couples swayed together under the lights, and Naomi's heart
Layla said, hol
ken aback. "What? Here?
ling with excitement. "Why n
ed, though her cheeks betra
s teasing, but her gaze was
ed and took Layla's hand. "Fine. But if
pulling Naomi
, but soon they fell into an easy rhythm. Layla's laughter was
bad at this,"
," Naomi replied, tho
e lanterns wrapping them in a cocoon of quiet joy. For a moment, it was just th
n, her voice barely a whisper. "T
anaged a small, teasing smile. "You're
eyes shining. "We
Romance
Romance
Romance
Romance
Romance
Romance