Take off your Hijab (Rewriting)

A Risk Worth Taking✅

"Sometimes, the hardest thing isn't admitting love to someone else—it's facing it within yourself...is it really a risk worth taking?"

Third persons POV

Zach pushed open the door to the house, the familiar weight of the key in his hand. The space before him was unexpectedly empty, save for the colorful decorations scattered around—a quiet, bittersweet reminder of the life that once filled this place. His lips twitched into a smile, the kind that spoke of memories he was still learning to cherish. His heart was heavy but lighter than it had been in weeks. Slowly, he climbed the stairs, the creak of each step echoing in the stillness of the house.

As he reached the top, he paused before a door painted in a striking lemon green—Amal's trademark. Of course, she wouldn't go for the regular green. It had to be lime. He smirked, running a hand through his hair, the corners of his mouth lifting as he thought of her: stubborn, weird, and somehow always making things seem brighter.

With a deep breath, he turned the doorknob, pushing the door open. He scanned the room, eyes immediately locking on the rows of bookshelves crammed with every title imaginable—classic Amal. But it was the walls that stole his attention: a bold mix of black and purple, where chalkboard paint framed the bed. It was a riot of colors—doodles, quotes, sketches—every inch of the walls alive with her quirky touch. He read one aloud under his breath: You can make it if you believe it... The next one made him chuckle: Smile, it's sunnah. Typical Amal, always finding ways to make him smile.

But he didn't have time to linger. He shook his head, trying to focus, and carefully laid the envelope on her bed. That was all—drop it and leave, mission accomplished. He turned to walk out, but then his eyes were caught by a doodle on the wall: a jagged line that curved into something almost childlike but clever, something she would do just to make him pause and laugh.

Suddenly, a loud "SURPRISE!!!" erupted from somewhere, A loud voice rang through the house, and Zach nearly jumped out of his skin, the envelope slipping dangerously from his hands. He spun around in a blur of panic, heart racing. Oh no. The dreaded sound. The one he knew could only mean one thing.

They're back.

His pulse hammered in his ears as the adrenaline surged through him. His mind flashed to Amal's reaction if she found out he was in her room—her refusal to accept the graduation gift. He couldn't let her see him like this. He needed to vanish, and fast.

Cautiously, he tiptoed toward the door, barely breathing, making sure to avoid every creak in the floor. The hallway outside was silent. He made his move, his heart still pounding as he crept back toward the stairs. The house, suddenly full of life, seemed to mock his every step, the noise from downstairs growing louder.

With one last glance over his shoulder to ensure he wasn't spotted, Zach breathed a sigh of relief and started to move, his footsteps light and quick. But just as he turned the corner, the sound of his name froze him in place.

"Zachary."

His heart skipped a beat, and he shut his eyes for a brief moment, hoping that if he didn't look, maybe he'd be invisible. But when he turned around, there was no avoiding it. Amal's stepdad stood there, his smile wide, his eyes sharp. Zach felt a chill creep up his spine, his throat going dry.

"Sir," Zach forced out, his voice coming out hoarse despite his attempt to steady it.

"We need to talk," Amal's dad said, his tone casual but with an edge that sent a jolt of panic straight through Zach. Without waiting for a response, he motioned for Zach to follow him to a quieter corner, and Zach, frozen for a moment, reluctantly obeyed. His stomach churned.