In-yeon

Chapter 5:- Afreen!

6 Years Ago

Karishma

It's been two weeks since I met her again. It's hard to find the right words to capture her beauty, words that would justify how I felt upon seeing her again. Her hair, her voice, her humor, the way she conversed—everything is so out of the ordinary about her. Her eyes sparkled at the mention of her studies; I have never seen someone so passionate. And don't get me started on her smile- delicate and genuine, like a rare flower blooming in a desert. And when she spoke, her voice was a soft, lilting melody still lingering in my ears.

"Are you daydreaming about your party girl?"Sasha's irritating tone snapped me back to reality. I turned around to meet her gaze.

"How did you know?"

"Because you overcooked my veggies again. The Uber guy is waiting for the order. You better hurry up, or I will shun you out of your mind with these hot tongs each time I suspect you are zoning out."

"Okay! Relax.....I will make it right. "

I should stop getting lost in my thoughts when I'm working. Thank God it was Sasha and not that grumpy store manager. She would have fired me. Okay, no distractions this time. Get this one right.

I refocused on the task at hand, meticulously preparing the vegetables, ensuring they were perfectly cooked this time. The Uber guy tapped his foot impatiently by the counter, and I shot Sasha an apologetic look as I placed the order and handed it over.

Alright! It's time to stay focused and avoid getting lost in my thoughts—at least until the break.

**********************

Sasha leaned forward, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. "Tell me why you didn't ask for her number again?" she inquired, breaking the silence. We sat on the park bench on our lunch break, eating the burritos we had just made.

"How?" I sighed, taking a bite of my burrito. "I mean, it wasn't even that long of a warm conversation that would have justified me asking for her contact. It was awkward. Mostly, I was awkward. And then I didn't know what to do when she casually rested her head on that guy's shoulder. Should I have stayed there watching them like a creep? No, I just left."

"You could have just asked her out," Sasha suggested, her tone encouraging.

"See...... I'm not familiar with the Western ways yet. Take me in and groom me, Sasha," I said, exaggerating my plea with an over-the-top flourish. Sasha burst into laughter at my dramatic antics.

"And... she might be with that guy," I added, more seriously this time.

"Girl, never assume," Sasha countered, shaking her head.

"I don't know... They were pretty cozy... And how can I deny my true nature?" I said, looking down at my burrito.

"What nature?" Sasha asked, genuinely curious.

"The psychological prank my brain pulls by making me fall for the straight girl," I explained, sighing. "Sasha, If I am attracted to her, it means she is undoubtedly straight."

This time, Sasha laughed even harder, her laughter ringing through the park. "You are funny," she said, still chuckling.

As her laughter echoed, I couldn't help but smile, feeling a little lighter.

"Anyways, I will be over her soon. What are the chances that I will ever see her again?" I said, trying to sound nonchalant. Sasha gave me a consoling glance as we silently resumed our lunch.