His unexpected love

Ayla didn't believe in love. Not anymore.

She had loved once-deeply, foolishly-and it had left her wrecked. Now, she didn't do softness, didn't do attachments. And she definitely didn't do Azlan.

But Azlan? He was persistent.

No matter how many times she pushed, he never snapped, never walked away. Just stood there, annoyingly patient, like he had all the time in the world.

Tonight was no different.

"Ayla," he called as she brushed past him at the family gathering.

She didn't slow. "Busy."

"I didn't ask if you were free," he replied, a playful glint in his eyes.

She exhaled sharply, turning with an unimpressed look. "What do you want?"

Azlan shoved his hands in his pockets, rocking back on his heels. "You've been avoiding me."

"Maybe take the hint," she deadpanned. "I don't care about you. I don't care about your feelings. And I definitely don't want you in my life."

That should've made him leave.

But Azlan only raised an eyebrow. "Ouch. That was kind of mean, Ayla. You wound me."

She crossed her arms. "Good."

He chuckled softly. "But see, the problem is, I don't believe you."

Her jaw clenched. "I don't care what you believe-"

"Of course, you do," he interrupted easily. "Because if you really wanted me gone, you wouldn't be standing here arguing with me. You'd have walked away already."

Ayla opened her mouth, then shut it.

Azlan's expression softened. "Gotcha."

Her hands fisted. "Leave."

He nodded, his demeanor sincere. "Okay," he said simply.

Ayla blinked. "...What?"

"I mean, if you really want me to go, I will," he shrugged. Then, with a gentle smile, he added, "But fair warning-absence makes the heart grow fonder."

She scoffed. "Not mine."

Azlan's eyes twinkled with mischief. "We'll see." Then, stepping back, he gave her one last playful salute. "Take care, Ayla."

Then he walked away. Just like that.

And for some annoying reason, she found herself watching him go.