MY MOON

CHAPTER 25: ALYA

It's been a week since Alex and I decided to put the past behind us and be civil. This new way of relating feels refreshing, like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders. For the first time in a long while, Alex and I are speaking and talking without fighting or arguing. Yes, we are not tearing each other's clothes off or breaking bed yet; instead, we're being respectful and courteous, which feels oddly comforting.

We discuss each other's day, share a simple "hi" with a smile whenever we pass in the hallway, and even cook for each other. This dynamic is purely platonic, but I find myself enjoying this newfound simplicity. It's as though we're finally getting to know each other as individuals, rather than just as romantic interest. This platonic phase feels like a reset, a chance to build a foundation of friendship that we never had the opportunity to establish before. We saw each other, fell quickly, and then drifted apart just as swiftly. But now, we have the chance to really become friends, and I think this could be the best thing for us.

Reflecting on the past week, I've come to realize that giving Alex another chance was the right decision. Despite the tumultuous history we share, this week has shown me a side of him I hadn't seen in a long time—a side that is genuine, caring, and perhaps even worthy of my trust. The atmosphere between us has shifted from tense and fraught with unresolved emotions to something more peaceful, more comfortable.

I was lying on my bed, absorbed in a book, when I heard a soft knock on my door. "Do you want to watch a movie tonight?" Alex's voice called through the door.

I looked up from my book, a smile creeping onto my face. "Yeah, sure. What are we watching?" I asked, curiosity piqued.

Alex leaned against the doorframe, his casual posture a stark contrast to the formality I was used to seeing from him. "I don't know. What genre do you like?" he asked, a playful gleam in his eyes.

"Horror. I love horror movies. The excitement, the thrill—it's all there," I replied, with excitement.

He raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Woah, I didn't expect that. I thought a girl like you would definitely be into romance," he said with a teasing smirk.

I rolled my eyes and threw a pillow at him. "A girl like me? What do you mean by that, huh?"

He caught the pillow, laughing. "Don't take it the wrong way. It's just that you're sweet and kind and incredibly beautiful," he paused, his gaze locking onto mine with a sincerity. "I just assumed all beautiful girls are into romance novels," he finished, still chuckling.

I shook my head in disbelief, a smile playing on my lips. "Okay, I'll find us a good horror movie. Be in the hall in 10 minutes," I said, trying to mask the warmth his compliment had ignited in me.

As he turned to leave, I couldn't help but marvel at the easy camaraderie that had developed between us. There was a lightness to our interactions now, a sense of rediscovery as we got to know each other again, little by little. And yes, I had to admit, Alex was definitely flirting this whole week, slipping in compliments and playful banter whenever he could. It was charming and disarming all at once. Somehow this week made me trust Alex again.

After selecting a movie—a classic horror film that promised plenty of scares—I made my way to the hall. Alex was already there, setting up the TV. He looked up and flashed me a smile.

"Found something good?" he asked, glancing at the remote in my hand.

"Yeah, I think you'll like it. It's got all the classic horror elements—ghosts, jump scares, and a creepy old mansion," I said, settling down on the couch.

As the movie started, the room filled with eerie music and flickering shadows. We sat close but not too close.

The movie was everything I hoped it would be—spine-chilling and suspenseful. At one particularly intense moment, I jumped, clutching the edge of the couch. Alex laughed softly and reached out, his hand brushing mine in a gesture that was meant to be reassuring.

"You okay?" he asked, his voice low and steady.

"Yeah, just a little startled," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. His touch lingered for a moment longer than necessary.

As the movie progressed, we fell into a comfortable silence, occasionally breaking into laughter or gasps at the screen. It felt natural, effortless—like slipping into a rhythm we hadn't shared in years.

When the credits finally rolled, Alex turned to me, his eyes searching mine. "Thanks for tonight, Alya. It's been a while since I've had this much fun."

"Me too," I admitted, feeling a warmth spread through me. "It's amazing movie."

He nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I'm glad we're giving us an another chance, getting to know each other. I've missed this for past two years—missed you."

His words hung in the air, heavy with meaning. For a moment, I was tempted to delve into our past, to ask the questions that had been burning in my mind. But something held me back. Maybe it was the fear of stirring up old wounds, or perhaps it was the desire to let this fragile peace grow stronger.

Instead, I smiled and said, "Goodnight, Alex,"

As he stood up to leave, he paused and looked back at me. "Goodnight, Alya. Sleep well."

AsI headed back to my room, I couldn't help but feel that something had shifted between us. The walls I had built around my heart were beginning to crumble, brick by brick.