The children came forward first, laughing cheerfully and approaching with small steps, extending their trembling hands with a childlike curiosity to touch Ahmed's arm. Their innocent laughs rose as they discovered the strength of his muscles, as if they were touching something supernatural. Ahmed laughed gently with them, his eyes gleaming with affection as he watched their innocence.
After the children moved away a little, Misaki hesitated for a moment, her hands trembling in her lap. Then she gathered her courage and took a small step towards him. Very slowly, she extended her hand as if she feared the moment would break if she moved in a hurry, and she touched his bicep gently. The moment her fingertips touched his warm skin, a strange feeling, like a delicate electric current, ran through her body. Her eyes widened in astonishment, and her heart pounded with a speed she had never known before.
But she quickly realized what she had done, and shame overwhelmed her to her very fingertips. Her face lit up with a clear blush, and she quickly pulled her hand back, covering her cheek with her trembling palm. Then she ran towards her room in silence, leaving behind an awkward smile on her face and the echo of faint laughter from her siblings and parents.
Ahmed remained for a moment, looking at the door that had closed behind her, a small smile adorning his lips. Then he put on his jacket quietly, asked Misaki's parents for permission to leave, said goodbye to the children who were waving at him with enthusiasm, and cast one last glance at Misaki who had not come out of her room. He left the house with quiet steps toward his home, his heart heavy with new feelings that he did not know the name of, as he prepared for the next day at school, carrying with him the memory of that unforgettable moment.