LOVE WITHOUT DESTINY

part 24

"Do you really want to take a break today?" Zain asked, leaning casually against the doorframe. His gaze lingered on Amal, who was seated on the sofa, flipping through her notes absentmindedly.

Amal paused, her fingers clutching the edge of the notebook. She glanced at him briefly before lowering her eyes. "Yes... I think I should. I have so much pending work. If I take a break today, I might actually get a lot done." Her voice was quiet, almost unsure, like she was convincing herself more than him.

Zain raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into a faint smile. "Okay, that's fine. But don't push yourself too hard. You'll only stress yourself out. I'll come back and help you if you need me. You know I'm here, right?"

Amal's throat tightened at his tone-gentle but firm. She could only nod, feeling the weight of his words settle on her.

Zain stepped closer and placed a hand lightly on her head. His touch was warm, and his smile deepened as he said, "Good girl."

Amal's breath hitched. She looked up at him, startled by the sudden gesture. Her heart raced, but she quickly looked away, unsure how to respond.

Zain chuckled softly at her reaction. "And listen," he added, "if you feel bored, just call me.

Amal frowned slightly, her brows knitting in confusion." Why should I call you?" she asked hesitantly, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Because I get bored without you," zain replied as if it were the most natural thing in the world. He shrugged, his tone light yet teasing. "What else can I do? I end up talking to you pictures instead."

Her cheeks flushed a deep red, and she quickly turned her face away, pretending to focus on her assignment. The thought of him talking to her picture sent a strange flutter through her chest.

Zain noticed her silence and smirked. "Alright then," he said, straightened up. I'll head out now. But don't forget __call me if you need anything. He started walking towards the door and stopped briefly. Glancing over his shoulder, he added, " See you later."

As the door closed behind him, Amal let out a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding. She slumped back on the sofa, staring blankly at the ceiling. Her mind replayed his words, each one making her heart race.

After a few minutes, curiosity tugged at her. She stood up, her feet carrying her almost instinctively to the balcony. She peeked out, her hands clutching the railing.

There he was. Zain stood beside his car, scrolling through his phone. His sleeves were rolled up, and the sunlight highlighted the sharp angles of his face.

Amal froze for a moment, she just watched him, her heart pounding loudly in her chest. Then, as if sensing her gaze, Zain looked up.

Their eyes met.

Amal's breath hitched,and she panicked. She ducked back behind the wall, her heart racing wildly. She pressed her back against the cool surface, clutching her chest as if to steady the erratic beats.

Down below, Zain smirked, having caught her red _ handed. He shook his head slightly, amused, before getting into his car.

In the quiet of her room, Amal muttered under her breath, "What are you doing, Amal ? What is wrong with you? " She rubbed her face, trying to shake off the heat creeping uo her cheeks. But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't suppress the small smile forming on her lips.

After Zain leaves, Amal walks back to her study table, where piles of assignments are scattered. The sight of them feels overwhelming, but what truly occupies her mind is the lingering warmth of Zain's touch when he had gently run his hand over her hair and head. It wasn't the touch itself, but the way it made her feel-like he wanted to say something without using words.