[Scene: Alvira's Apartment – That Evening]
The taxi ride home felt endless. Alvira sat by the window, her fingers brushing the cool glass as city lights flickered past.
Alvira's POV
I should've been relieved the day was over. But why does it feel like it has just begun? His words replayed in my head, not loud, not dramatic — just gentle. And gentleness can be more dangerous than fire.
I whispered to myself, "Ya Allah, protect my heart. Don't let me lose myself."
Her phone buzzed. A message from Ruhi:
> "How was it??? Tell me every detail!! 👀"
Alvira smiled faintly, but her reply was short:
> "It went fine, Alhamdulillah. I'll tell you later."
Because words would never be enough.
[Scene: Ilham's Apartment – Late Night]
Isa stood by his window, Seoul glittering beneath him. The TV was muted, his schedule tossed aside on the table.
Ilham's POV
I've lived in cities louder than this, but tonight feels quiet. Too quiet.
Her voice keeps circling back — steady, calm, certain. She didn't speak to impress, she spoke to be true. Do you know how rare that is in my world?
His manager called from the living room:
"Ilham, don't forget — you have a brand shoot tomorrow at 8."
"I know," Ilham answered. But his thoughts were elsewhere.
Alvira.
[Scene: The Next Morning – University Campus]
Alvira walked briskly across campus, clutching a stack of research papers. But her steps slowed when she passed a group of students giggling around a laptop.
Student 1: "Did you see Kim Taejun on yesterday's panel? He looked unreal!"
Student 2: "Of course. I've already replayed the clip three times."
Student 3: "Some girl in hijab was sitting next to him. Who even was that?"
Alvira's breath hitched, but she kept walking. Don't look back, don't listen, she told herself.
Alvira's POV
This is what I feared. Attention I never asked for, never wanted. If my name gets linked to his even in whispers, it'll be enough to haunt me.
[Scene: Ilham at His Shoot]
Between outfit changes, Isa scrolled through his phone. Clips from the panel were everywhere — fan edits, slow-motion shots, comments flooding with fire emojis.
But his eyes paused on one quiet post:
> "I don't know who the hijabi girl was, but the way she spoke… respect. More voices like hers should be heard."
Ilham found himself smiling.
Ilham's POV
So the world noticed her too. But do they see what I saw? No. They can't.
[Scene: Alvira's Prayer Room – Evening]
She spread her prayer mat, the soft fabric grounding her.
Alvira's POV (praying softly)
"Ya Allah… if my heart leans toward something that isn't for me, remove it gently. And if it's good for me, bring it closer in a way that keeps me firm in Your path."
A tear slipped down her cheek, but this time it wasn't only from fear — it was from hope, fragile but alive.
[Closing Scene: Two Windows, One Night]
Ilham stood at his window, staring out at the city lights.
Alvira sat by hers, gazing at the same night sky.
Ilham's POV
Maybe we'll meet again.
Alvira's POV
Maybe I shouldn't hope for it.
Different words, same silence — but the thread between them refused to break.
To be continued....