part 6

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"The four friends sat on the grassy floor, enjoying the warm sunshine and each other's company. The atmosphere was relaxed, and the conversation flowed easily.

Hana turned to the others with a curious expression. 'Hey guys, have you thought about what's next after academics? We're nearing the end of our school journey, and I'm starting to wonder what the future holds.'

Arwan leaned back on his elbows, his eyes gazing up at the sky. 'I'm planning to apply for Seoul University's entrance exam after our finals. I've always dreamed of studying business there.'

Ayliz and Hana exchanged a look, and then Ayliz spoke up. 'Actually, Hana and I were just talking about that the other day. We're both considering applying to Seoul University too!'

Hana nodded enthusiastically. 'Yes, we are! It's such a great opportunity, and it would be amazing to stay friends and support each other through university.

Arwan's POV


"As we sat on the grass, Yuna's sudden craving for ice cream sparked a lively exchange. I offered to buy some and asked Hana for her favorite flavor. She replied without hesitation, and then I turned to Ayliz, expecting a similarly quick response. But instead, she met my gaze with a hint of hesitation, her eyes sparkling with a subtle intensity.

'No need, I'm fine,' she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

I sensed a faint blush rising to her cheeks, and my curiosity was piqued. 'Come on, we're friends! Tell me your favorite flavor,' I coaxed, my tone light and playful.

Ayliz's eyes held mine for a moment longer, and then she relented, her voice barely above a whisper. 'chocolate.'

I grinned, feeling a small triumph at having persuaded her to share her preference. As I got up and went to buy the ice cream, I couldn't help but admire the way Ayliz laughed and played with Hana and Yuna, her green shining eyes with joy. Her carefree spirit was infectious, and I found myself smiling as I watched her, feeling grateful for this chance encounter that had brought us together."

"As I walked back with the ice cream, my mind was still reeling with thoughts of Ayliz. But my admiration was abruptly interrupted by the memory of that incident, and my expression darkened. I clenched my fists, my determination renewed. 'I will protect her at any cost,' I vowed to myself.

I shook my head, chiding myself for getting too caught up in my emotions. 'Snap out of it, Arwan!' I thought, giving myself a mental slap.

Shaking off my reverie, I approached the trio with a bright smile. 'Ice cream time!' I announced, holding out the colorful treats.

Yuna's eyes lit up, and she clapped her hands in excitement, taking her ice cream from me. Hana and Ayliz smiled their thanks, and I sat down beside them, feeling a sense of contentment washing over me.

As we sat there, enjoying our ice cream and each other's company, I couldn't help but steal glances at Ayliz. My heart skipped a beat as our eyes met, and I knew in that moment that I was irretrievably lost. I was in love with her.
  

"As they strolled homeward, Ayliz turned to Hana with a conspiratorial grin. 'Hey, guess what? Arwan is the same guy who saved me from those bullies that day!'

Hana's eyes widened in shock, her face frozen in a silent 'O'. Then, her expression transformed into a mischievous smirk. 'No way! I think he's really into you, Ayliz! You should totally give him a chance!'

Ayliz looked at her with a amazed look 'Hana, stop it!'

Come on, girl, don't be shy! He's a great guy, and he's clearly got a thing for you!' hana said.

Ayliz rolled her eyes, laughing despite herself. 'Hana, you're impossible!'

Hana just giggled, her eyes shining with mirth. 'Oh, come on! Just admit it, Ayliz! You like him too!'

Ayliz's face grew even redder, but she couldn't deny the truth. She did like Arwan, more than she cared to admit. And Hana's teasing only made her heart flutter more."

"'No, no, it's haram for a Muslim girl,' Ayliz said, tilting her head and trying to sound stern, but her eyes betrayed her amusement.

Hana rolled her eyes, still grinning. 'Yeah, I know, but come on, Ayliz! You're not going to let a little thing like that stop you from having some fun, are you?'

Ayliz playfully pushed Hana's shoulder. 'You're a bad influence, Hana!'

Hana chuckled. 'That's what friends are for! And besides, I'm just trying to help you see the obvious.
"'Oh, come on, girl!' Hana said, whining like a baby, her eyes sparkling with mischief. 'Don't be so stubborn! Arwan is clearly into you, and you can't deny the chemistry between you two. Just give him a chance, Ayliz!'h!.

Ayliz rolled her eyes, trying to maintain her composure. 'Hana, stop teasing me! It's not that simple.'

Hana's grin grew wider. 'Why not? What's holding you back?'

Ayliz sighed, her resolve weakening. 'My parents... my faith... it's all complicated, and dating is haram, I can't go against my Allah.

Hana's expression softened, her voice filled with understanding. 'I get it, Ayliz. But sometimes you have to listen to your heart, not just your head. And your heart is clearly telling you something.'

Ayliz looked at Hana and said, holding her shoulders
" if I really love him, I will pray to Allah to unite us",

Ayliz looked away, her cheeks flushing pink. She knew Hana was right, but she was scared to admit it. Scared to take a chance on Arwan, scared to risk her heart. But Hana's words lingered in her mind, tempting her to reconsider."

------------------

She reached at home. They say goodbye to each other. Hana goes towards her house and ayliz enters inside the house. She called out to her mother, "Mumma, I came home," she said in a tired voice while sitting on the sofa.

Her mother came "how was your day my precious ones, had you fun over there", she asked her.
Ayliz excitedly recounted her park adventure to her dear mumma, "Yeah, mumma, we had so much fun in the park! You know, there was this cute little girl who came along with her brother, and the three of us played together." Her mother, felt relaxed that at least she is happy now. Then she planted a gentle kiss on Ayliz's forehead and lovingly said, "Okay, now go and freshen up and offer your salah, then we'll gather for a delightful dinner." She hugged her mother," okay I am going", she said..............

To be continued

Love from Arshi my precious tulips 🌷💓

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