[Scene: Ilham's Apartment – Midnight]
Ilham sat on the edge of his bed, phone still glowing in his hand.
The interview clip — the one where she spoke of faith and dreams — had become a loop he couldn't stop replaying.
Ilham's POV
I should sleep. I have schedules tomorrow. But every time I close my eyes, her voice comes back. The way she said 'I found Allah more than anything else'… it didn't just sound like belief. It sounded like peace. A peace I've been chasing for years.
His manager had long warned him about distractions. About "attachments." But this wasn't noise. It wasn't infatuation.
It feels like recognition. As if I've seen her before… in the prayers I whispered when I thought no one was listening.
[Scene: Alvira's Apartment – The Same Night]
Alvira knelt on her prayer mat, forehead pressed to the soft fabric.
Her whisper was fragile, breaking between breaths.
Alvira's POV
Ya Allah, why does my heart feel so unsettled? I've dreamed of him for years — foolishly, obsessively. But today… he wasn't just an idol. He was human. And worse… he looked at me like I wasn't invisible.
She lifted her head, brushing at her damp cheeks.
Alvira (whispering):
"Don't let me lose You in this, Ya Rabb. If this is only a test, strengthen me. If it's more… guide me."
Her phone buzzed with a message from Ruhi.
> "Sooo… did he talk to you after? 👀 Spill everything."
Alvira smiled faintly but typed nothing. Some things were too heavy for emojis.
[Scene: Broadcasting Company – The Next Day]
The producer reviewed the joint panel footage. A small smile tugged at his lips.
Producer:
"These two… the way their energies balanced on camera. We might just have a perfect story here."
His assistant nodded.
Assistant:
"Should we… pair them for the next feature as well?"
Producer:
"Let's try. Sometimes authenticity can't be manufactured. And this—" he gestured at the screen, where Ilham's gaze lingered on Alvira—
"…is very real."
[Scene: Ilham in Transit – Car Ride Across Seoul]
Ilham stared out the window, Seoul's neon glow flickering across his face.
His manager scrolled through emails beside him.
Manager:
"By the way, they're planning another Cultural Voices panel. Same theme. They want you back… and the girl too."
Ilham's chest tightened.
Ilham:
"Elvaira?"
Manager:
"Yeah, her. She's… different, huh? Not like the others."
Ilham didn't reply, but his silence spoke volumes. His fingers tightened around his phone, her name still open on the screen.
[Scene: Alvira's Walk Home from University]
Books hugged close to her chest, Alvira walked through the chilly evening.
Zaina's call came through, cheerful and nosy.
Zaina:
"So… joint panel with Isa Yoon. Everyone's talking about it on the student forum."
Alvira (sharply):
"Wait, what?!"
Zaina:
"Yeah! Don't worry, only positive stuff. People loved your answers. They said you looked… dignified."
Alvira's pace slowed.
Her mind screamed. What if the attention grows? What if my parents find out?
Yet somewhere beneath the fear was a fragile spark of warmth.
He noticed me. Others noticed me. But… will Allah be pleased with me?
[Closing Scene: Two Souls, One Restlessness]
Ilham's POV
Her words won't leave me. I've spent years singing songs that never gave me peace. But her silence — her prayerful silence — shook me more than any stadium ever did.
Alvira's POV
I begged Allah to take away this dream. Now, when it finally breathes, I don't know whether to run toward it or away. My heart is unsettled. My soul is trembling. Ya Rabb, don't let me fail You.
Seoul pulsed with life around them — but in two separate corners of the city, Ilham and Alvira lay awake, restless under the same sky.
To be continued...