LOVE WITHOUT DESTINY

part 14

Zain was enjoying his rare day off when Noah suddenly barged into his room, her enthusiasm unmistakable.

"Zain, we're going out for lunch today. No excuses!"

Zain looked up from his phone, unamused.

"I'm not in the mood, Noah. Can't we just grab something here?"

Noah gave him a playful nudge, shaking her head.

"Come on! Since I came back from America, you've hardly taken me anywhere. It's about time we hang out, don't you think?"

Zain raised an eyebrow and sighed.

"I don't have time for a lunch date, Noah."

She crossed her arms, giving him a determined look.

"It's not a date, it's just lunch. A casual outing, nothing more. You're free today, so you have no excuses!"

Zain rolled his eyes but gave in with a shrug.

"Fine. But you better not drag this out for hours."

Noah's face lit up.

"I promise it'll be quick. Thank you!"

Noah went to her room and chose a dress she thought was perfect. However, when she tried to zip it up, the zipper stuck. She cursed under her breath before calling out,

"Zain! Zain, I need your help!"

Zain groaned, reluctantly putting his phone down. He walked to her room and knocked lightly.

"What now, Noah?"

She turned, clearly frustrated.

"This zip won't budge. Can you help me?"

Zain looked at her, unsure.

"Can't you just change, Noah?"

Noah gave him an exaggerated pleading look.

"Please, Zain. I don't have time to change. Just this once?"

Zain sighed and stepped inside.

"Fine. But I'm only doing this because you won't stop asking."

Noah stood in front of the mirror, turning her back to Zain. She smiled mischievously as she spoke.

"You're the only one I can rely on for these things, Zain."

Zain, clearly uncomfortable, tried to ignore the tension in the air.

"I'm just helping. Don't read too much into it."

Noah took a step closer to him as he struggled with the zipper. She had a playful glint in her eyes and was enjoying the small amount of attention.

"You're acting like I'm making this harder than it is. Relax, Zain. It's just a zip."

Zain tried to adjust the zipper, his fingers brushing against her dress. He glanced at Noah through the mirror, trying to keep his focus on the task.

"I'm doing this, Noah. Don't start acting like it's something else."

Noah, sensing his discomfort, leaned a little closer. She watched his movements carefully through the mirror, her smile teasing.

"You're such a perfectionist, Zain. You can relax, I'm not going to bite."

Zain, frustrated, pulled the zipper up with more force than necessary.

"Done. Next time, wear something easier to manage."

Noah smiled, almost satisfied by the moment.

"Thanks, Zain. You're so helpful... I'll remember this."