Setting: A quiet night in their dorm room. The rain is gently tapping the window. Ahmad sits at his desk reading a book, while Hyunwoo is lying on the bed, eyes fixed on him.
Hyunwoo:
Ahmad… can I ask you something?
Ahmad:
Of course. What's on your mind?
Hyunwoo:
Why do you always seem so… peaceful? Even when you're sad, it feels like you're holding something stronger.
Ahmad: (smiles softly)
Maybe it's because I rely on my faith. It gives me a kind of calm that I can't really explain.
Hyunwoo:
I noticed that. Even when I panic, you're just… breathing. Like you're in control of your heart.
Ahmad: (chuckles lightly)
Not always. I just remind myself that Allah is always with me. That helps.
Hyunwoo:
Allah… do you ever feel alone though? Your parents… the pain you went through… and now you're in another country.
Ahmad:
I do feel lonely sometimes. But when I pray, it feels like I'm talking to someone who understands me more than anyone ever could.
Hyunwoo: (quietly)
That sounds… beautiful. I've never really believed in anything that deeply.
Ahmad:
It's okay. Belief takes time. Even asking questions is part of the journey.
(Hyunwoo sits up on the bed, his face serious.)
Hyunwoo:
When you speak about Islam… it doesn't sound strict. It sounds like love.
Ahmad: (nods gently)
Islam is love. It teaches us mercy, patience, and purpose. But like anything real, it has rules too — to protect that love.
Hyunwoo:
Would your religion… hate me?
Ahmad: (his eyes soften)
No. Islam doesn't teach us to hate anyone. It teaches us to guide, to care, and to stand with truth — with compassion.
Hyunwoo: (looking down)
What if… I don't understand everything right away?
Ahmad:
Then I'll be patient. Just like Allah is patient with us.
(A silence falls between them, deep and warm. Then, Hyunwoo slides off the bed and walks over to Ahmad.)
Hyunwoo:
I don't know where this road is going… but I want to walk it with you.
Ahmad: (heart racing)
You already are.
(Hyunwoo steps closer and wraps his arms around Ahmad's shoulders. Ahmad freezes for a moment, then places his hand gently on Hyunwoo's back.)
Hyunwoo:
Thank you… for not judging me. For letting me be confused.
Ahmad: (softly)
Thank you… for listening. And for trusting me with your questions.
(They stay like that for a moment — two souls, quietly growing closer in the gentle light of understanding.)