Siya's Apartment - Next Morning
Siya is at her small kitchen table, stirring her coffee absentmindedly. Her thoughts drift back to last night-the masked stranger who rescued her, the thrill of his voice, the security in his arms. She's never felt anything like it. She touches her lips, a blush creeping to her cheeks as she remembers their encounter, still wondering who he was.
Her phone rings, jolting her from her thoughts. It's Alex, asking if they can meet before class, and she agrees, curious yet happy.
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Cozy Café Near the Institution
Alex is waiting for her, leaning against the café counter. When she arrives, he greets her with his usual playful charm, but Siya notices a softness in his gaze that wasn't there before.
Siya: (sipping her coffee) "You called early. Something on your mind?"
Alex: (shrugging, smiling) "Maybe I just wanted to see you. And... maybe I also wanted to make sure you're okay after last night. I was terrified when told me about that incident!!"
Siya: (surprised) "Oh... it's sweet of you to ask. I'm still a bit shaken, honestly."
She tries to hide her blush as she recalls the masked stranger, but Alex can sense she's holding something back. He can't resist pressing a little further.
Alex: "So... do you remember much about what happened? Anyone stand out to you in the crowd?"
Siya: (pauses, thinking, then hesitates) "Actually, yes... there was someone. A man in a mask. He... he saved me."
Alex feels his heart race as she speaks, an unexpected thrill sparking inside him as she unknowingly describes him.
Alex: (pretending surprise) "A masked stranger? Sounds like something out of a romance novel."
Siya: (smiling, a bit flustered) "I know, it sounds silly, but... he made me feel safe. Like he really cared about me."
Alex fights the urge to tell her the truth, torn between revealing his feelings and keeping his identity hidden. He instead smiles, hoping she doesn't see through his mask of indifference.
Alex: "Maybe you'll see him again. Maybe he's closer than you think."
She blushes deeply, and Alex feels a pang in his heart. He's trying to get closer to her in his own way, but he's also nervous about where these feelings are leading him.
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Music Class
In class, Alex tries to stay focused, but he can't help glancing at Siya every chance he gets. Her dedication, her gentle smiles, the way she patiently teaches-it all makes him fall deeper. He finds himself volunteering for extra exercises just to be near her.
Siya: (correcting his finger positions on the violin) "Alex, your grip is too tight. Relax... like this."
Her hand gently guides his, and he feels his pulse quicken. He smiles, trying to suppress his excitement, as she shows him the correct technique.
Alex: (grinning) "Guess I just need more practice... and maybe a great teacher by my side."
Siya laughs, unaware of the intensity of his gaze. Her innocence and kindness continue to draw him in, and for the first time, he feels like he wants more than a casual fling. She's become his anchor, grounding him in ways he never expected.
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Outside Siya's Apartment - Late Evening
As cab pulls up to the curb, Akex steps out, coming around to open the door for Siya. She gives him a soft smile, her exhaustion from the whole day's event's evident, but there's a warmth in her eyes as she thanks him.
Alex: (in a gentle tone) "Take care, Siya. See you in tomorrow's class"
Siya: (smiling shyly) "Thank you, Alex. Meet you tomorrow! "
She turns toward the narrow walkway that leads to her apartment entrance. Alex stands back, watching her, feeling a strange pull to keep his eyes on her even as she walks away.
Just as Siya takes her next step, her heel catches on the uneven pavement, and she stumbles forward. Before she can fall, Alex's hand instantly grips her arm, pulling her close to steady her. The suddenness of his touch leaves her breathless.
Their eyes meet, and in that moment, everything seems to slow down. She's close enough to feel his heartbeat against her, his strong hands still holding her in place. The way he's looking at her, intense, as if seeing into her soul, leaves her speechless.
For a split second, her mind flashes back to the mysterious masked stranger from the night before. The feeling, the protection... there's something hauntingly familiar.
Siya: (a little flustered, trying to hide her surprise) "Thank you... again." She looks away, but her cheeks are flushed.
But Alex's gaze doesn't waver. Though he's elated inside, he maintains his calm facade, carefully letting her go, but lingering just enough for her to sense the warmth of his touch. He's caught in her eyes, noticing the softness that she's trying to hide behind her polite smile.
Alex: (smiling gently, stepping back slightly) "No worries, Siya. Just a friend helping another friend, right?" He gives her a small nod, though his heart is pounding with unspoken emotion.
She nods back, but a part of her feels as if something has shifted, something she's not entirely ready to name. She tries to collect herself, giving him a small wave as she turns toward her apartment door.
As she steps inside, closing the door behind her, she leans against it, feeling the rush of emotions swirling through her. She presses her hand to her chest, trying to calm her racing heart, whispering to herself, "Why does he make me feel this way?"
Meanwhile, outside, Alex turns back to his car, a soft smile tugging at his lips. He can still feel the warmth of her touch, the way her eyes held his, if only for a moment. Though he's forced himself to stay in the role of her "friend," his heart knows the truth. This isn't just friendship it's something far deeper, and he's willing to wait as long as it takes for her to realize it too.
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Yours,
Kaushi
YOU ARE READING
The Secret Symphony of Love
RomanceAlexander Van Derlyn, 29 years old, a charismatic billionaire, a playboy and having a reputation for being a heartbreker, finds his life taking an unexpected turn when he meets Siya. Drawn to her innocence and charm, Alexander's flirtatious nature e...