Day.5. Unexpected.

It was the weekend. Aunt Naaz had invited Aiza and her mother for a trip.

“Ma, can’t you tell Aunt I can’t come? I have to study for tomorrow’s class,” Aiza pleaded, fiddling with her pen.

“Child, it’s just one day. And your aunt doesn’t know the city well—show her around. Come on, get ready.”

“Urrgh…” Aiza dragged herself to her room and got dressed in her usual loose pants and shirt.

But as soon as she came out, her mother’s brows knitted.

“You’re going in that? No way. Wear a dress.”

“Maa! You know I don’t wear dresses!”

“What will your aunt think if you go out like that?”

“She never complains! You’re the only one who—”

“Stop acting like a brat. A grown-up girl should dress properly and style herself. Which girl acts like you? Now go change.”

After changing, just like that, Aiza found herself walking to her aunt’s house, the hem of her borrowed floral dress swishing with every reluctant step. She felt like the whole street was staring.

When she called out, Aunt Naaz appeared at the door, surprise lighting her face.

“Wow, Aiza! You look so lovely. Sure enough, a makeover works wonders. Saba must have forced you into it?”

Aiza gave a sheepish smile.

“Haha, my girl even knows how to get shy now,” Naaz chuckled.

Omu, her older cousin, had been leaning against the doorway. His gaze lingered for a second longer on Aiza before Naira tugged at his sleeve.

“Hey, brother, Mom’s calling us!”

“Ah—” he blinked and straightened, as if caught off guard.

They set off soon after, Aunt Naaz driving with Aiza in the front seat and the kids in the back. Aiza kept yawning, which her aunt quickly noticed.

“You seem tired. Didn’t sleep enough?”

“Sorry, Aunt. I stayed up late reading.” Another yawn slipped out.

“Go ahead and nap. I’ll wake you when we get there.”

Aiza dozed off, waking only when the car stopped at a roadside mart. She glanced around and saw Omu in the back, absorbed in his phone.

“Mom went inside to buy something,” he explained without looking up.

“Oh.” She adjusted herself in her seat.

Then, unexpectedly, he spoke again—this time looking directly at her.

“You… don’t like spending time with relatives when you’ve got work on your mind, do you?”

She blinked. “What?”

Before she could read his expression, Aunt Naaz and Naira returned, and the moment dissolved.

After a long drive, they reached a lively beach town. Shops lined the streets, and the air smelled of salt and fried snacks. There was even a theater nearby.

Naaz decided to visit the theater.

“I’ll skip. I'm uncomfortable in such places, aunt” Aiza said. "Don't worry I'll be waiting around her, please you'll enjoy. "

Her aunt nodded and left with the kids, and Aiza wandered in the beach until she found a spot near the shore but not too close. She bought a drink and some snacks, sat on the sand, and began surfing in her phone.

The breeze was cool, carrying the scent of the sea.

“Aiza?” a voice called out.

She looked up—and froze.

“Senior?!”

Saad stood there, his expression unreadable, the light glinting off his glasses.

“…What are you doing here?” he asked.

“I came with my aunt. She’s watching a movie with her kids. What about you?”

“My relatives live here. Just visiting.” He adjusted his lens, his gaze steady on her.

“Oh…” She said.

“What are you doing?” he asked, sitting down beside her.

“Nothing much. Just looking into study materials…” she replied, tucking her hair behind her ear.

“Your studies going fine? The tests are coming up soon,” he reminded her in his usual calm tone.

“Yeah…” She tried to focus on his words, but something about this conversation felt different. Normally, their exchanges were short—just greetings or class talk. This was the first time he’d lingered.

The silence stretched. Then he suddenly said, “I wonder… if marine creatures ever need lifeguards when they drown. Would the lifeguard be… a whale?”

Aiza stared at him. “Was that… supposed to be a joke?”

“Maybe,” he muttered, half-smiling.

“Pff—hahaha!” She burst out laughing, surprising even herself.

His chuckle joined hers, quiet but genuine. The breeze swirled between them, carrying away the awkwardness and leaving behind something unexpectedly easy.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***