Half Night

Chapter-1

Afternoons are my favorite. Today's afternoon feels even better. The gentle breeze outside is making the fallen flowers dance around my fingers. Inside my heart, there's an extraordinary silence, like a beautiful feelings...

Let's go a few years back, when every afternoon felt like the wings of golden butterflies, every morning was as beautiful as the blooming jasmine, and every night shone with the brightness of the moon arrived in my life after countless dark nights.

It was a beautiful and unfamiliar morning. My eyes blinked softly, trying to take in the gentle sunlight outside. The curtains by the window looked as bright as sunflowers in the sunlight. Yet, here I was, still lazily lying in bed... Just at that moment, my uncle, Mr. Elias Kieran, called out to me loudly! After all, today is the 20th of February, my aunt Selene Kieran's birthday.

By the way, I'm Lyra, Lyra Celestine. I live with my uncle and aunt in New York. I'm 19 now.

Uncle began shouting, 'Lazy girl, hurry and come downstairs! Did you forget it's your aunt's birthday today???!! Your cousin Mikke has come over for the celebration. Come on, princess. we're all waiting downstairs!

Wait, what?! Mikke is here? And this early in the morning? Oh no!! I have to get ready and head downstairs quickly!

Mikke is my mom's brother's son. He's a very disciplined and well-mannered guy. My relationship with him is different from how it is with my other cousins. I'm really shocked today because Mikke rarely ever comes to our house. And he's such a busy person.

Now, it's time for me to hop in the shower. During the holidays, I like to take my sweet time. In the bathroom, I feel completely independent. I'm basically a super duper bathroom singer and dancer with my slim figure. In those moments, I forget that in real life, I'm a girl with a strong personality and mindset. I'm hard-working, but I can also be a bit rude sometimes.

Today, I'm gonna wear my favorite t-shirt that my best friend Amara gave me on my birthday. Now it's time to head downstairs; I'm already running late.

"I'm coming- Uncle and Auntie, I've arrived! I sincerely apologize for keeping you waiting", I said.

"It's okay hun" auntie said.

"Hey, Lyra, how have you been? You've grown up quite a bit & also look Beautiful ," Mikke said.

I replied, "Hi mikke, aahhh Thanks, I'm great . How about you? How are you managing with your busy schedule? Is everything going smoothly?

Mikke replied, 'Yeah, I'm doing well. Just navigating through a mix of good and bad busy times. There's a lot of pressure with work, so I can hardly find time to come over.'

Lyra said, 'Oh, it's no problem at all. Let's make today a great day with our sweet, lovely uncle and auntie.

"Yeahh of course <3". Mikke replied.

I don't know why I can't seem to take my eyes off Mikke. He looks absolutely gorgeous after such a long time. His physique has changed a lot. Any girl would easily fall for him. I know I've changed too, but I can't tell if Mikke has noticed that!!.

By the way, Auntie has prepared a variety of delicious dishes today. The table looked vibrant, like a bouquet of colorful flowers. I know it's childish to compare food to flowers, but that's how it felt.
Then, we started eating after a little while. Uncle and Auntie were chatting with Mikke, while I quietly listened like a fish of water. Suddenly I feeling somewhat lost in the conversation. Despite having such a wonderful time, my mind was filled with worry and anxiety. I couldn't let anyone see it; it was really fucking tough on my mind.

Suddenly, I felt like Mikke had noticed me. But he didn't say anything. At that moment, I pulled myself out of my thoughts and started talking to them. I noticed Mikke was looking at me, as if he could read my mind. His silent, steady gaze seemed to say so much to me. But what? What did that look mean? Did he know about the turmoil in my heart? Nope!!!