Murad sat in his seat on the private plane, staring out the window at the sparkling horizon. The clouds seemed as if they were playing with the colors of the last rays of the sun before sunset, and the cold air that passed through the transparent window felt like it was whispering to him about returning home. His heart beat at a different rhythm than what he was used to in the university halls; here, the feeling of responsibility was heavier, and the longing for John left its mark on every pulse. He tried to organize his thoughts, but he realized that the messages coming from John would become the only refuge for his heart in the coming days.
Murad returned to the Kingdom of Dawn after a long journey from the university city, with a mixture of excitement and anxiety filling his chest. The sky was clear, and the sun lightly filtered through the clouds as the plane descended onto the bright royal runway, where the airport guards awaited him with precise welcoming gestures, as if greeting every step the prince took.
Murad stepped out of the plane and took a deep breath. The scent of the earth and the cold breeze mixed with memories of his childhood in the kingdom. Everything seemed familiar, yet a new feeling pursued him: the responsibility toward his distant beloved, and seeing Princess Iris and her young son, Lawrence, for the first time in months.
Upon arriving at the palace, Murad was greeted with smiles and congratulations from everyone, from the senior guards to the simple servants, as if his return had ignited a special warmth in the palace corridors. Even the servants who had not seen him for years remembered his laughter and kindness, offering their greetings with words full of joy: "Welcome back, Your Highness!"
Murad entered the palace, with eyes following him with attention and longing, and a slight smile appeared on his face as he saw everyone gathered around him, feeling the sincere love everyone held for him. He was known among the kingdom's members not only as a young prince but as someone close to everyone, knowing how to make those around him feel cared for and warm, and this return was no exception.
When Murad entered his parents' wing, King Roland II and Queen Roxlina received him with a warm hug and smiles full of love and pride. The king held him tightly, as if wanting to reassure himself once again about his youngest son, and said in a tender voice: "Murad… we have missed you so much."
Murad smiled as he raised his head to meet his mother's eyes, which looked happier than ever, and she whispered to him: "Welcome back, my son. Things have been quieter here since your departure, but nothing fills this place like your presence."
Everyone sat together for a moment, exchanging brief conversations about news in the kingdom, political affairs, and developments that occurred during Murad's absence. The atmosphere was warm and full of nostalgia, and Murad felt that returning to his homeland was not just a journey, but an opportunity to renew the family bonds he had longed for.
After a heartfelt moment with his parents, Rayan, the Crown Prince, arrived in his usual official attire, smiling in a brotherly manner, his eyes carrying a mix of pride and teasing: "Welcome back, Murad. The kingdom felt your absence… even the palace seemed less lively without you."
Murad smiled, jokingly replying: "I think you're just trying to make me feel guilty for all the time I spent away."
Rayan laughed softly, before Princess Iris, holding her six-month-old son Lawrence in her arms, smiled warmly and said: "Don't run from the truth, Murad. The little prince has been waiting for your return eagerly."
Murad approached and gently held Lawrence's hand, and the child let out a small joyful cry, responding to the affectionate touch from the prince. His heart melted at the sight, feeling that all the exhaustion he had endured over the past months had vanished in an instant, in front of this innocent joy and pure family love.
The servants who witnessed the young prince's return began to smile and offer congratulations, some with light handshakes, others with gestures of respect, as if the entire palace was celebrating the return of one of its most cherished members.
Everyone sat in the royal salon, with luxurious furniture and heavy curtains giving the room a sense of warmth and privacy. The discussion began between Murad's parents and his siblings about the kingdom's events during his absence, while Murad listened attentively, smiling occasionally, and commenting in a friendly way that showed his love for the kingdom and attention to every detail.
The king said, looking at Murad with eyes full of pride: "You've been away for a long time, my son, but your news from the university has been excellent. You've proven that you can bear responsibility, both in your studies and in your personal life."
Murad smiled modestly: "Thank you, Father. I always try to meet your expectations."
The queen added with a tender smile: "And now, with your university break, you can enjoy some time with the family. The kingdom needs your presence, but we know your heart is still focused on your studies."
Rayan laughed as he nudged Murad: "And also, we know the little prince here needs some adventures with his little uncle!"
Murad approached Lawrence, holding him in his arms, while the child laughed and stretched his little arms toward his uncle, as if they had been familiar with each other for years. A warm feeling filled Murad's heart, and he realized that these moments with the family were priceless, and that returning to the kingdom was not merely a journey, but a chance to reconnect with roots and old memories.
A few days after his return, Murad sat in his private wing of the palace, his phone in hand, sending a message to John:
"Murad: I arrived safely. Oh, and I met Lawrence today… he's growing so fast! I've attached a picture of him with me."
Murad sent the picture, showing him holding young Prince Lawrence's hand, wide smiles on their faces, the child's surprise and joy evident in his eyes.
Minutes later, John's reply arrived, and a smile spread across Murad's face as he read the message:
"John: Amazing! Looks like you're really enjoying yourselves. Here's a picture of me, alone, I miss you so much."
John's picture was simple, showing him sitting on his couch, smiling lightly at the camera, with a window behind him letting in the dim evening light. Despite its simplicity, Murad felt warmth fill his heart, as if the distance between them was no longer significant.
Murad smiled as he stared at John's picture, his heart racing with happiness, and took his phone to send a new picture, this time showing him with Lawrence playing nearby, while the young prince's laughter filled the room.
"Murad: Here's a new picture… Lawrence is smiling at you."
John replied quickly, full of longing and warmth:
"John: He's wonderful! And you look so happy with him… I miss seeing you soon."
The messages carried between the lines all the feelings of longing and yearning, making both of them feel close despite the distance, as if the temporal and spatial gap no longer existed between their hearts.
And so Murad's days passed between practicing hobbies, outings, and spending time with the family after busy days. He would return to the palace tired from workouts, only to suddenly see young Prince Lawrence crawling toward his feet with an incredulous smile, raising his little hands in the air. Murad whispered as he picked him up: "Mama… Lawrence!" smiling emotionally, while Princess Iris laughed with tears sparkling in her eyes.
Everyone sat in the luxurious palace hall, Murad between Rayan and the Crown Prince, and his sister Iris with her husband Louis, while Lawrence rolled between their legs playing with toys. They talked about childhood days, recalling Murad's little memories, from royal parties to trips in the palace gardens, even the playful pranks he used to pull with Rayan and Iris. Laughter filled the hall, and the memories they revived made everyone feel warmth and nostalgia, as if time had returned them to days of innocence and simple joy.
Murad spent the holiday days practicing his favorite hobbies in the palace, playing with Lawrence and teaching him some games, walking in the palace gardens with Rayan and Iris, and talking about their past and future dreams. It was not just a break from university, but a chance to reconnect with the family, recharging his heart with the energy he needed before returning to his world in Florida.
At the end of the holiday, Murad sat with his parents in the hall before leaving, and before Lawrence left, holding his hand, he said for the first time a clear word: "Mama… Mama…," making everyone laugh and filling Murad with unparalleled warmth. They exchanged hugs and promises to meet soon, while the atmosphere was filled with feelings and a temporary farewell.
Murad got into his car heading to the airport toward the Kingdom of Florida, his heart full of memories, family love, and longing for John, who awaited him there. As the royal streets passed behind him, he realized that this holiday had returned to him a strange sense of reassurance and joy, and that every moment he spent with his family would accompany him in the coming period, until he returned again to the arms of his loved ones and friends in his real world.
After days of travel, Murad finally arrived in the Kingdom of Florida, and the first thing he did upon entering his room was to take out his phone, open the messaging app, and look for John's name. His hand trembled slightly, his heart beating fast, as if each message would return him to another world of feelings and longing. He wrote his first short message:
"I'm back… it was a holiday full of beautiful memories, but you were always on my mind."
Within minutes, a message from John arrived, with a picture of him sitting in his favorite club, holding a drink, a light smile on his face:
"Happy you're back… I couldn't stop thinking about you all this time. Seems like you had a wonderful time with your family."
The conversation began to accelerate, with short messages full of jokes, longing, and small memories they had shared before the trip. Every picture, every word added a layer of intimacy, increasing their anticipation for the upcoming meeting.
After preparing himself, while the city was immersed in sparkling street lights, Murad decided to surprise John inside the club. He put on his favorite coat, drove quietly, his eyes carrying a mix of anticipation and excitement, his heart pounding with every step on the gas pedal.
The car drove through the streets of the Kingdom of Florida, past tall buildings and scattered gardens, each turn bringing him closer to one destination: the club John usually sat at. He had not sent any prior message, did not announce his arrival; he wanted to see John's expression directly, the moment of surprise, perhaps even a smile that photos or messages could never convey.
Every passing minute increased his excitement and curiosity, and every time he approached the club, his heart beat faster, recalling the last meeting they shared, every moment of emotion, every laugh, every instant of joy and longing. This short drive was more than just traveling between two points; it was a journey within himself, toward a moment where everything would return to its natural state, where he could be with John without any medium, without any barriers, just the two of them, here and now.
Finally, Murad arrived in front of the club, parked quietly, glanced at the dim lights, the music emanating from inside, then stepped out carefully, his heart fluttering with anticipation and fear, eyes searching through the shadows for the one person who occupied his mind and heart: John.
Murad entered the club, the dim lights dancing on the walls, the music pulsing with a low rhythm flowing among the patrons. Every step was deliberate, though he barely felt his feet, his mind entirely focused on just one person. There, at the usual table near the bar, sat John, slightly relaxed, holding a light glass in his hand, his eyes wandering as if lost in distant thoughts.
When their eyes met suddenly, John froze for a second, a sudden shock and an involuntary smile mixed with genuine astonishment. Murad hadn't sent him any message and did not expect to see him like this, and the surprise was so overwhelming that his heart pounded strongly.
Murad smiled lightly, his steps steady despite his racing heart: "John…" he said the name as if a spell had opened all the closed doors.
John looked at him, a mixture of shock and joy evident on his face, then a wide smile appeared on his lips, eyes sparkling with astonishment and longing: "Murad… you're here?!"
Murad approached the table and sat in front of him, everything seeming normal despite the indescribable tension: past touches, memories of meetings, messages, and moments they shared all exploded in that moment. Words were unnecessary; their gazes alone spoke of all the longing, all the mixed emotions, the sincere love that had grown between them in the absence of direct meetings.
John could hardly believe it, laughing lightly, waving his hand at Murad: "I never imagined you would come suddenly… this is the best surprise!"
Murad smiled, feeling comfort and joy fill his heart, and said: "I needed to see you… away from messages, away from screens… just the two of us."
That moment marked the beginning of an evening full of laughter, long conversations, memories, and unspoken promises, yet present in every glance, every smile, and every touch, rebuilding a bridge between their hearts, stronger than any distance or absence.
As the night ended, Murad left the club, but instead of stopping on the streets, he decided to take John to the palace, where privacy and safety awaited. The city lights shimmered through the windows as they entered, and the light rain on the sidewalks reflected a faint shine on the glass, as if the whole world granted them a private moment, away from noise and constraints.
Inside the palace, the doors closed behind them, and quiet settled in every corner. Murad stood in front of John, his heart racing with longing and excitement, while John's eyes gleamed with curiosity and warmth. He stepped closer, then another step, until the distance between them completely disappeared, and everything else around them vanished. Murad gently raised his hands, holding John's face in his palms, smiling a calm yet emotionally charged smile.
When their lips met, the kiss was intense and long, carrying all the longing, joy, and freedom that had been postponed over the past weeks. Their bodies drew closer and closer, each breath amplifying the heat of the moment, each heartbeat seeming to redraw the world anew. For a brief period, time stopped, silence cried out their names, before they collapsed together in the warmth of their emotions, exchanging sensations they had not been allowed before, leaving everything else behind.
After slightly pulling away from the kiss, they dressed, then decided to go out to the balcony overlooking the garden, where the rain was falling gently, sprinkling the ground and trees with a cool, refreshing mist.