Two Worlds Apart 🥀

Chapter 15: The butterfly moments

(Next day, At University)

Alihan was striding purposefully down the university corridor when he abruptly halted a passing student. "Hey," he called out, a random student, "Have you seen Miss Yilmaz?" The startled young man blinked owlishly before recognizing his intimidating professor. "Y...Yes sir. I think I saw her in the library a little while ago." A fleeting smile - rare and surprisingly warm - came across Alihan's face and said, "I see. Thank you."

Then he made his way toward the university's grand library. The library was quiet, filled with the soft rustling of pages and the occasional whisper. Zeynep sat at a table in a secluded corner, engrossed in a book titled "Secrets of Love." She bit her pen thoughtfully, a faint blush coloring her cheeks as she read. From another stack of books, Alihan watched her, a soft smile played on his lips. As he moved closer, he noticed the title was about love. Intrigued, he quietly made his way behind a nearby stack of books, watching her intently. Suddenly, she smiled, a blush creeping across her cheeks. Unable to resist, Alihan moved closer and whispered in her ear, "Miss Yilmaz." Zeynep jumped, startled by his sudden appearance. The book slipped from her hands, falling to the floor with a soft thud. Flustered, she quickly knelt to retrieve it, They both knelt down to retrieve it, their fingers brushing as they reached for the book simultaneously. They look up, their eyes locking, both blushing by looking at each other. Zeynep's mind raced. "Oh no, what if he sees what I was reading?" She tried to quickly grab the book, but Alihan was faster. He placed his hand firmly over the cover, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Let me see what made you blush while reading," he said, his voice low and teasing. "It was nothing, please, let me get that book," Zeynep pleaded, her cheeks growing warmer by the second.

Alihan's smile widened. "Why are you hiding, Miss Yılmaz? Let me read it too. You looked so cute while blushing." He picked up the book and began to read aloud, "Two souls drenched in the warmth of love... intertwined together... Their connection, the pleasu..." Zeynep's blush deepened, and she looked around, hoping no one else could hear. Zeynep while blushing deeply said, "Stop!" She snatched the book from his hands

Alihan chuckled softly, standing up, he offered his hand to Zeynep. She hesitantly takes his hand, and he pulls her up gently. As she rose, he didn't let go. Instead, he leaned in close, his eyes intense as they locked with hers. "I don't want to read about love," he said, his voice husky with emotion. "I want to experience it with you. With the woman I admire the most. She's so beautiful, so graceful, just the way she is. Will you walk by my side on this journey?" Zeynep was stunned, her heart racing so fast.

She couldn't look away from his earnest gaze, even as she struggled to find words. Alihan's thumb gently caressed the back of her hand. Then, with his free hand, he brushed a stray strand of hair from her face, his touch lingering as he placed his palm on her forehead. "It's still warm," he said, concern evident in his voice. "You should rest more. I suggest you go home early today." He paused, searching her face. "Will you not say anything?" Zeynep stammered, her mind whirling. "I... ah... I came today..."Alihan's lips curved into a knowing smile as he completed her sentence, "Because you were missing me?" The question hung in the air between them, full of hope and possibility.

Zeynep's breath caught in her throat. Alihan smiled softly and let go of her hand. He then gently took the pencil from her grip, his movements slow and deliberate. With careful strokes, he wrote a note on a piece of paper. "Miss Yilmaz," he said, his voice barely above a whisper, "I don't want to lose this connection." Zeynep softly replied, "But... I..." before she could continue, he placed a finger gently on her lips, stopping her from speaking further. Alihan whispered, "Shh... Just promise me you'll consider what I said. I'll wait for your answer, no matter how long it takes." He smiled warmly, his eyes never leaving hers. He stepped back, giving her space. "Take care, Miss Yilmaz. I'll see you soon." With that, Alihan turned and walked away, his steps measured and deliberate. Zeynep stood rooted to the spot, watching him go.