𝐑𝐡𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐦 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬 • 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐓𝐈 𝐎𝐒𝐀𝐌𝐀

✿ Chapter 6: New beginnings ✿

A Month Later!

The sun peeked through the tall buildings of New York, casting golden rays across the bustling streets. Aliyah was buzzing with excitement; her best friend, Destiny, was finally coming to visit. They hadn't seen each other in ages, and Aliyah couldn't wait to show her around the city that had stolen her heart.

Destiny arrived just after lunch, and Aliyah greeted her with open arms. "Yo, you made it!" Aliyah exclaimed, pulling her friend into a tight hug.

"Of course! I wouldn't miss it for the world," Destiny said, her eyes sparkling with energy. "I wanna see the city, and I wanna meet this Notti you've been hyping up!"

Aliyah laughed, her cheeks warming. "Aight, let's grab some food, then I'll introduce you to my heart, Notti."

They headed to a nearby diner, where the two friends caught up over fries and milkshakes. Destiny leaned in, her curiosity piqued. "So, what's the deal with you and this Notti dude? You've been acting all soft over him."

Aliyah blushed, a shy smile creeping onto her face. "It's just... different with him. He gets me, you feel me? Like, he understands my dreams and my struggles. We've been vibing hard."

"Sounds serious!" Destiny teased, but her tone softened. "I'm happy for you, bestfren, He better treat you right."

After they finished eating, Aliyah led Destiny through the streets of Harlem, pointing out all her favorite spots. As they walked, Notti texted Aliyah, asking if she wanted to meet up. She quickly replied, letting him know she was with Destiny. "He's gonna come by soon," she said, excitement bubbling in her chest.

When Notti arrived, he looked as effortlessly cool as ever, rocking a fitted cap and a fresh outfit that hugged his body just right. "Yo Whats good ladies" he greeted, flashing his charming smile.

"Hey, Notti!" Aliyah said, her heart racing at the sight of him. She gestured to Destiny. "This is my best friend, Destiny."

Notti extended his hand, his demeanor warm. "Nice to meet you, Destiny. Aliyah talks about you all the time."

Destiny smirked. "Only good things, right?" she teased, eyeing Aliyah.

"Of course!" Notti chuckled, glancing at Aliyah, whose cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

As they chatted, the chemistry between Notti and Destiny was undeniable. They joked and bantered effortlessly, making Aliyah feel a mix of joy and jealousy. She loved seeing Notti in his element, but she couldn't help but wonder if Destiny would steal his attention away.

After a while, Notti suggested they head to a nearby park to chill. They found a cozy spot under a tree, the sun filtering through the leaves. Notti leaned back on his hands, looking relaxed and confident. Destiny started sharing wild stories from back home, and Aliyah watched as Notti laughed, his eyes lighting up.

As the conversation flowed, Notti leaned closer to Aliyah, their shoulders brushing against each other. "You good, ma?" he asked softly, his voice low, just for her.

"Yeah, I'm good," she replied, her heart racing. "Just happy to have you here, bae."

He smiled, his gaze intense. "Same here. You mean a lot to me, you know that?"

Aliyah felt a flutter in her stomach. "I feel the same way," she admitted, biting her lip.

Destiny caught the moment and raised an eyebrow, smirking knowingly. "Ayo, you two are cute together."

Notti shot her a playful glare. "Chill, Destiny."

As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over everything, Notti turned to Aliyah, his expression softening. "You wanna take a walk? Just us, my heart?"

Aliyah nodded, feeling a rush of excitement. They walked a little away from Destiny, who pretended to be absorbed in her phone, giving them some space. Notti stopped and faced her, the atmosphere charged with an undeniable tension.

"Aliyah," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I know things are kinda new, but... I really like you. Like, for real."

Aliyah's heart raced. "I like you too, Notti. You make me feel... special."

Notti stepped closer, their faces inches apart. "Can I kiss you, Ma?"

"Yeah," she breathed, and with that, he leaned in, capturing her lips with his in a soft, tender kiss. Time seemed to stop as Aliyah melted into him, feeling safe and cherished. It was like the world around them faded, and all that mattered was this moment.

When they pulled apart, both breathless, Notti grinned. "Damn, I could get used to that."

"Me too," Aliyah replied, a shy smile spreading across her face.

But Notti wasn't done. He leaned in closer again, brushing his lips against her ear. "You know I can't get enough of you, right?" he murmured, sending shivers down her spine. "You got me feeling like a whole different dude."

"Yeah? What's that mean?" Aliyah teased, leaning in, her heart pounding.

He smirked, his dark eyes locked onto hers. "Means I'm ready to show you what real love feels like. No games, just me and you, ma."

Before Aliyah could respond, Notti cupped her face, his thumb tracing her cheek. "You ready for that?"

Aliyah felt a rush of desire. "Yeah, I'm ready."

Notti's lips crashed into hers again, this time with more urgency. It was electric; their mouths moved in sync, a mix of soft kisses and playful nips. Aliyah melted against him, feeling the heat radiating between them. Notti pulled her closer, his hands resting on her waist, while Aliyah wrapped her arms around his neck, deepening the kiss.

"Damn, ma," he breathed when they finally pulled apart, both breathless and flushed. "You got me going crazy."

"Right back at you, baby," Aliyah whispered, her heart racing.

Suddenly, Destiny's voice broke through the moment. "Ayo, lovebirds! Y'all trying to leave me hanging or what?"

Aliyah and Notti laughed, still caught up in the heat of the moment. "My bad, Destiny! We just... got a little lost," Aliyah said, trying to catch her breath.

Destiny rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her smile. "Y'all are too cute. Just remember, I'm still here!"

They returned to their spot under the tree, but Aliyah felt different now—more connected to Notti than ever. They spent the rest of the evening hanging out, joking, and sharing stories. But every glance between her and Notti felt charged, and Aliyah knew their relationship was blossoming into something special.

As they walked Destiny back to her hotel later that night, Notti took Aliyah's hand, intertwining their fingers. "You good for a late-night vibe session tomorrow?" he asked, a playful glint in his eye.

"Always," Aliyah replied, her heart racing. "Can't wait to see you again, baby."

"Bet," he said, pulling her in for another quick kiss before they parted ways. "Get some rest, my heart. I'll be thinking about you."

"Same here," Aliyah whispered, watching him walk away, feeling the thrill of new love wash over her. She couldn't help but smile, knowing this was just the beginning of something beautiful.