It was a soft, golden Tuesday morning.
The sun had barely risen fully, but the sky already held a hint of brightness, like it had something special planned. The roads were quiet, the air cool, and a faint smell of freshly baked bread drifted from a nearby kiosk.
Liana stepped out of the house, ready for tutorial.
Her outfit was simple but sweet—a fitted peach blouse tucked into high-waisted jeans, paired with clean white sneakers. She hadn't dressed to impress anyone. She had just wanted to match her sisters, Lisa and Linda, who were already inside the car, teasing her for being the last one out (as usual).
But as she turned to lock the gate behind her, she froze.
There he was.
Zayne.
Standing right in front of her gate, hands in his pockets, his hair slightly messy from the morning wind. His black hoodie hung loosely on his frame, and his white sneakers had a little dust on them—but he still looked effortlessly handsome.
"Zayne?" she blinked, surprised.
"Morning," he said with a grin. "Thought I'd wait for you so we can walk together."
"You came… all the way here?" she asked, confused but smiling.
"I needed morning air. Plus, your street is on the way," he lied.
It wasn't on the way. Not even close.
But she didn't need to know that.
They began walking, side by side, their steps light, conversation flowing like soft music.
As they passed by the neighborhood shops, Liana's eyes caught sight of a snack stand. Her stomach grumbled slightly.
"You want something?" Zayne asked, noticing.
"Yes, but… I don't have enough money right now," she said softly, reaching into her pocket.
"Don't worry. I'll pay," Zayne said, pulling out some cash. "You can pay me back later."
"Are you sure?" she asked.
"I'm already sure," he said with a smirk, handing the money to the seller.
She smiled, muttered a small "thank you," and they continued walking, Liana unwrapping the snack slowly while Zayne walked with his hands deep in his hoodie pockets—trying not to look at her too much.
But it was getting harder.
Every day… it was getting harder.
Because she wasn't just beautiful anymore—she was breathtaking.
The way her top hugged her softly, the way her earrings caught the sunlight, the way she laughed at something small and innocent—it was all too much.
He kept stealing glances.
And every time he looked… he found something else to admire.
Her skin.
Her lips.
The way she walked.
The calmness in her presence.
It's like she's doing this on purpose, he thought.
Like she knows she's killing me softly.
But she wasn't.
She had no idea.
That made it worse.
---
Good News at Home
Later that week, Liana's family had something to celebrate.
Her parents received a large business payment, and things were finally falling into place. The house was bubbling with laughter, music, and energy.
Her father danced with Lisa. Her mom made special fried rice and turkey.
Even Linda offered to help with chores—that was rare.
And then came the real announcement:
"We've decided," her father said at the dinner table, "you girls are starting school full-time. And Liana… your university processing begins next week."
Liana's heart jumped.
It was finally happening. She was going to start her journey. Her real dream.
But somewhere in her joy, a small ache tugged quietly.
What about Zayne?
They were growing closer, closer than she ever expected. And while she had told him to wait… this step reminded her that time was truly moving.
Zayne stood at his window, watching the moon.
He had tried all day not to stare too much. Not to fall deeper.
But the truth was… every time she looked at him, or smiled, or laughed—
He sank a little further.
Girl, he thought, you're not even trying and you're breaking every wall I built.
He picked up his phone and stared at their last text.
He didn't send anything that night.
He didn't know what to say.
But in his heart, he whispered,
"The more I see you, the harder it is to wait."
And the countdown continued.
Day 4 of 2,562