Stay

Chapter 18 - Foul

"No, Fiza, you're not in love," Alan replied, laughing. "You've known him for two seconds." He rolled his eyes.

"If I'm not in love, why does it feel like this?" Fiza's hand rested on her heart as she looked at Alan. Her flushed face and dilated pupils betrayed the depth of her emotions.

"It's just a stupid crush," Alan responded, his voice brash and dismissive. "Infatuation." His longing for her mingled with worry about her naivety and concern about the potential hurt she could experience.

"I don't think so." Fiza responded. "He's everything I've ever wanted." She closed her text book and kept her pen and highlighters back in a pouch. "I really can't study right now."

Alan was at a loss for words. His heart raced, and his mind spun with a whirlwind of emotions. "Do you want to play then?" he managed to ask.

Fiza nodded, and together they left their books behind, heading towards the basketball court.

"So today, we'll just shoot some hoops, okay?" Alan said, eyeing her curiously.

Fiza's distraction persisted, her gaze frequently scanning the surroundings, as if searching for someone.

With each missed basket, Alan's eyes rolled in exasperation. "Come on, I put in more effort studying," he teased, masking the intensity that pulsed within.

"Why don't you play defense? Try to get the ball from me," he suggested. "I'll go easy on you."
He dribbled the ball and went for a lay-up shot.

Fiza swiftly positioned herself in front of him, leaping to intercept the ball. She jumped to make contact with the ball and was about to land unsteadily on her feet.

Alan, realizing this, grabbed her by the waist and steadied her.

"Foul," a voice called from behind. It was Salman.

Alan's grip on Fiza tightened, refusing to let go, his eyes locking with hers, as though pleading for her to choose him. Her hands trembled as she reluctantly released herself from his grasp.

She turned to face Salman. "Wanna go out for dinner with me?" he said abruptly.

"Yes," she said, her response escaping her lips quicker than she had intended. "Sure."

"Alright! I'll pick you up at 9," he said, eagerly.

Alan's hands clenched, his heart sinking at the implication of a dinner at that hour.

Fiza, on the other hand, felt a rush of excitement. This would be her first time going on a date. And that too with Salman, the man she could potentially marry!

As they walked together, Alan couldn't stop himself, "Are you really going?" He looked at her in confusion and disbelief.

Fiza return his gaze, her eyes shining with anticipation. "Of course I am!" She was taken aback by his question.

"I'm not sure his intentions are... pure," Alan said, struggling to find the right words to express his unease.

"I dunno. I think he might be the one, Alan," Fiza blushed, her voice filled with hope.

"Based on what?" Alan asked, his exasperation creeping into his voice. He couldn't fathom how Fiza could make such a judgment without evening knowing the guy.

"Based on my criteria..."

Alan couldn't contain his laughter, imagining a stringent checklist for the ideal man.

She then reached into her bag, pulling out a picture of her list of criteria on her phone.

He laughed louder, clutching his stomach. But Fiza's hurt expression quickly wiped the smile off his face.