I'm sure you've heard a lot about unrequited love, but what if I say there exists an unwilling love, hidden somewhere between the echoes of silence and the whispers of the heart's secrets? A love that fights to stay buried, yet yearns to be discover...
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๑ 🥀 ๑
Shazal pushed open the sleek glass doors of The Moyana Hotel, stepping into a space that was the epitome of modern luxury and sophistication.
The lobby was an atrium bathed in natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows that offered panoramic views of the bustling city outside. The design was minimalist and elegant with an emphasis on glass and steel.
Shazal's footsteps echoed softly as he moved deeper into the lobby of stylish contemporary furniture. Low, modular sofas in shades of grey and white were arranged in inviting clusters accompanied by glass coffee tables that seemed to float above the ground. Each table held a selection of glossy magazines and crystal vases with minimalist floral designs.
In the centre of the room, there was a striking glass staircase spiralled up to the mezzanine level,l, where a chic bar and lounge area overlooked the lobby below. His eyes scan the room until he spots his friends seated at a large table near the windows.
The entire basketball team had gathered at the Moyana Hotel to celebrate their recent win. Shazal walked over to a group of sofas arranged in a cosy corner of the lobby, where his teammates were already in high spirits.
He exchanged greetings, their enthusiasm lifting his own spirits as he settled onto a sleek, white leather sofa.
"The Ace of our team is finally here," Eric called out with a grin, leaving his former seat to sit next to a very nervous and agitated Shazal.
"Oh, I don't want to make a big deal out of it, please," Shazal said, shaking Eric's hand and warning him playfully.
"Sure, as you say," Eric replied with a chuckle.
"Where's Josh?" Shazal asked, glancing around.
"Um, he told me he was here, but where exactly, I don't know," Eric shrugged while signaling for the waiter to order drinks.
Shazal scanned the area once more, his eyes momentarily halting on someone familiar. Before he could make out who it was, the waiter arrived to take their orders.
"Pomegranate juice," Shazal said without looking at the menu, then tilted his head to see the view that was now blocked by the waiter taking others' orders.
His gaze, however, was drawn back to the man seated a few tables away. The man was sipping coffee, looking straight into Shazal's eyes. He wore a teal green suit paired with a brown silk tie, an ensemble that made him stand out. The man looked familiar, and as Shazal darted his gaze away feeling a bit uncomfortable.
He couldn't shake the feeling that he had seen him somewhere before.
The drinks arrived and everyone were engaged in jolly conversations, Josh had still not arrived.
Feeling uncomfortable under the man's gaze, Shazal excused himself to the restroom. He wove through the lobby heading towards a concealed path that led to the restrooms, away from the lively celebration. As he walked, he could sense the man's presence behind him, and his unease grew.
