(After he felt reassured about Misaki, and exchanged farewell words with her family with a smile of gratitude, Ahmed left the house under the moonlight. The night is calm, and the stars twinkle as if they are sharing his thoughts. His steps are slow, as if they don't want to leave this warmth he suddenly found.)
(When he arrives at his small apartment, he opens the door quietly, puts his shoes aside, and goes directly to his room. He lies on his simple bed, his eyes on the ceiling, but his mind... is somewhere else.)
(He slowly closes his eyes, and the entire day plays out before him: Misaki's terrified eyes, then her shy smile... the smell of the porridge, the laughter of her siblings, and her mother's hand on her shoulder. Every scene carries a different tune, and every moment weaves a new thread in his heart of a feeling he cannot yet name.)
(Ahmed takes a deep breath, then whispers to himself in a voice that is barely audible:)
Ahmed:
"Perhaps... this is the beginning of something beautiful."
(In the heart of that silent night, a faint flame is born in his chest, small, but warm... as if something inside him has finally found its way.)
(On a soft morning, golden sunbeams slip into Ahmed's small apartment, waking him gently as if patting him on the shoulder. He opens his eyes quietly, feeling a different energy coursing through his veins, as if he has a promise in his heart that he does not want to be late to fulfill.)
(He gets up from his bed and goes directly to the kitchen. He washes his face, puts on a simple apron, and then begins to prepare lunch. The fragrant smell of seasoned rice begins to rise little by little, mixed with the scent of cumin and turmeric, and a touch of cinnamon. Beside him, a small pot of beans simmers gently, with drops of oil glistening on its surface.)
(He turns the seasoned chicken in the pan, carefully making sure it's cooked, as if he's making something more precious than just food. He prepares two plates, with care not devoid of love, and places them in two clean boxes decorated with simple drawings.)
(The delicious smell fills the place, and Ahmed stands for a moment, looking at the two boxes, then smiles slightly.)
Ahmed (in a low voice):
"If she smiles at this, all the effort is worth it."
(He carries the two boxes, and leaves his apartment with quiet, confident steps, carrying food in his hand... and something else in his heart that is still quietly ripening.)