The loud snickers from us came to a halt when our eyes located the black BMW waiting at the gate.
Ireen and Naima nudged my shoulders, bearing sly grins on their faces before pushing me slightly towards the car.
They bid their goodbyes, and I opened the passenger seat.
Inside, Haider was there, typing on his phone. The car was scented with rich bakhoor and was chillingly cold.
"Assalamualaikum."
He greeted first.
I replied whilst sitting down beside him, shoving my tote bag below the seat.
He started the car, and I could still point out some passing students glancing at him through the tinted car window. One even tried to approach the car, but before that could happen, he drove off.
I maintained my silence.
Thankfully, I wasn't awkward anymore. My thoughts were scattered away by my friends.
I began inspecting him freely since I knew he wouldn't necessarily peer in my way.
His dark blue tie was loosened from his neck, and his upper button was undone, revealing his collarbone. His hair was ruffled before it was swiped back clean.
He rolled up his white sleeves, unveiling his forearms underneath.
He definitely appeared more tired than this morning. It must have been another busy day.
"We can stop for groceries?"
Out of the blue, he voiced out. His tone was soothing and calm while his eyebrows lifted slightly.
"Yes."
I answered firmly.
Haider parked the car near a grocery store before both of them got out.
Ariya stretched her shoulders while Haider took out a cart.
The loosened tie around his neck bothered her, considering she suffered mildly from OCD. Yet, relentlessly, she turned a blind eye to it.
She hesitated to even ponder touching him.
In the midst of strolling around the aisles and picking out necessities, they exchanged a few words to convey what was needed for their abode.
"Would this much be enough?"
She asked while carrying a pile of tomatoes in her hands.
He carefully grabbed the bag from her hands, thinking it was too heavy for her, before giving her a nod of agreement.
Abruptly-
Some kids passed by her, pushing her with force and making her lose her balance.
Her eyes tightly closed as she expected her fall.
But before she could-
He grabbed her by the waist and pulled her close into his embrace.
Her nose could pick up the bakhoor lingering on his skin. Time slowed itself, and a brilliant wave of embarrassment took over her.
She didn't back off, nor did he.
While he was making sure no more crowds were in sight.
Meanwhile, her legs were about to give out. A sudden overwhelming rush of heat brushed her face, painting it crimson.
Her wide, startled eyes stared ahead as if trying to process the sudden shock.
Ba-thump.
Her heart skipped a beat. It echoed with the sheer intensity of the moment. Concern filled her as she slowly lifted her face, still in his embrace.
Haider still hadn't noticed what he had done.
But when he did-
A single bead of sweat traced down his jaw, and he looked startled likewise.
Immediately, he panicked and released her from his grip.
Guilt washed over him, and so did the fluster. He jumped two steps away, keeping his head low and gripping onto the handle of the cart too tightly.
On the other hand, she could barely think. Her thoughts left her astray and alone to find a solution by herself.
Momentarily, the only thing that felt right was to thank him.
She parted her lips and stuttered.
"T-thank you..."
He could only nod within the intensity of the moment. The surreal embarrassment completely took over his senses. He too was flustered, and the hand he had grabbed her with was tingling.
He began to move, just to avert his eyes from the situation. He stretched the very fingers that had dared to touch her, the sensation never leaving him.
His ears were painted red, so he attempted to cover them with his hands. He was aware that his ears turned pink first.
Each of his steps felt heavier as he rushed towards the cash counter, pulling out his card.
He didn't know if she was behind him, but he hoped she was.
Ariya stared at the broad back in front of her. It still felt unreal.
Throughout her twenty-four years of life, this was the first time a man had touched her that way. She could still remember the warmth she felt when he pulled her close.
One thing was for sure- she couldn't deny it.
She didn't hate it.
She cupped her face and followed behind while thinking to herself.
How am I going to sleep tonight?