Sabrina's POV
"Welcome, dear beautiful," he sang as I arrived at his spot. Today, we weren't in the garden but at the school park, he'd come to visit me. It was a cloudy Saturday, the kind of day perfect for cozying up under a blanket, watching your favorite show, and sipping hot tea. But who was I kidding? Just two weeks into university, and it already felt like the place was out to get me. I was used to a premium soft life, after all.
Even though unintentionally, this outing was part of Anisha's reunion plan, she'd lent me one of her car keys. I accepted it out of necessity, but honestly, it didn't change much.
"Thank you, dear handsome," I replied as I sat across the table, facing him directly. Watching him blush nonstop was amusing. He wore a sleek black kaftan with an Amina Rawaram cap perched perfectly on his head. Through his thick black shades, I could feel his gaze, warm and admiring. Honestly, the guy was a solid 10.
"So, how far? How's school treating you?" he asked with a smile, that MJ smile.
"Not funny at all," I replied, taking a sip of the cold water he'd ordered before I arrived. "It feels like the school is out to ruin my life."
"Ayy, sorry about that," he said with a grin. "But at least you're studying something you're passionate about. It'll get fun eventually, trust me." His words lifted my spirits, even if just a little.
"I hope so," I said. Then I raised a brow at him. "But why are you alone? Where's she?"
MJ had promised to introduce me to his sister, saying she was a huge fan of my work and dreamt of being my client someday. When he first told her we were friends, she apparently got so excited she bombarded him with questions until he had to call me to calm her down. Yesterday, she even called to remind me about today, pleading for me to be early. Yet now, she was nowhere to be seen.
"I gave her the wrong time," he admitted with a shrug.
I scowled at him. "Seriously?"
"Relax," he laughed. "I just wanted to spend some time with you before the talkative shows up."
"Of course, Ya Abdul Majeed, the most just and considerate brother ever," I said sarcastically, shaking my head as he laughed.
"So," I asked, leaning back in my chair, "what do you want us to do now that you've misbehaved?"
He leaned forward, his expression suddenly curious. "One question, Sabrina."
I raised a brow. "Alright, I'm listening. What's your question?"
"I know you're a female photographer and all, and most of the people you work with are guys. But before photography-or even now-haven't you ever had a female friend? Like, a close one?"
That took me by surprise. "What a question, MJ!" I said, laughing.
We both laughed, though I couldn't help but wonder where such an unexpected question had come from.
"Well, I had a few close friends before photography, but after that, it was mostly me and my guys, plus a few women I met through work," I replied.
"So, what happened to them? Where are they now?" he asked, his curiosity clearly at its peak.
"They're where they are, and I'm here with you," I said with a wink, earning that signature MJ smile.
"But to answer your question properly, I'd have to go into a bit of detail," I added, and he nodded attentively.
"Growing up, I was one of those confident, stubborn girls everyone knew at school. My curiosity was on another level, and I had a brilliant sister who always had answers to my endless, sometimes nonsensical questions. Because of that, I knew a lot and ended up answering most questions in class, which made me the teachers' favorite. That, combined with my growing popularity, earned me a lot of friends and older students who doted on me.

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A walk on thorns
General FictionIn the unforgiving North, societal norms thrive on shaming women, and the pursuit of affluence overshadows humanity. Marriage is a cage, once locked, there's no escape, no matter the cost. Mukhtar Abdul Samad, a ruthless and cunning industrialist, e...