Harry cleared his throat, embarrassed by how violently the question surprised him. "My family?" he repeated, buying himself time.
Airam glanced at him, half-curious, half-warning. She wasn't sure why she suddenly felt protective.
"Yes, dear," Mrs. Amira said warmly. "A fine young man like you, surely someone is missing you at home?"
Harry set his spoon down, choosing his words carefully.
"Well…they're a bit scattered. My dad travels a lot, and my mum, well, she is no more." He forced a small smile. "So it's just me for now."
"Aww," Laila said dramatically. "No wonder you like hanging around here. We have food, noise, chaos, everything you need."
Everyone laughed except Airam, who watched Harry quietly. Something about his answer felt rehearsed, even though he had told her this before. It felt tucked away. A truth folded neatly inside a lie. But she said nothing.
Mrs. Amira reached for the bowl of stew and placed it closer to Harry. "Then you're welcome here anytime," she said. "No one should eat alone."
Harry softened, a bit unsteady at the unexpected kindness."Thank you, ma'am. Truly."
Dinner continued with the usual chaos. The kids arguing over who got the biggest piece of chicken, Jane teasing Laila about her terrible cooking, and Mrs. Amira offering everyone seconds.
Harry kept stealing glances at Airam, who pretended not to notice… until she finally did.
Their eyes met for a second too long.
Airam looked away immediately, her heart beating a little too fast. She didn't like this feeling, this warmth spreading through her chest whenever he smiled… or spoke… or existed.
When supper ended, the kids ran off, and the women started clearing the table. Harry stood up too.
"I'll help," he offered.
"No, no, we've got it," Mrs. Amira said.
"Please," he insisted. "I want to."
Airam almost rolled her eyes. She watched him take plates from the table, sleeves rolled up, moving between the sink and counter like he belonged there.
Laila nudged her with her elbow. "Look at your face," she whispered. "You're falling."
"Laila," Airam warned."It's cute," Laila sang and walked away before Airam could kick her.
Harry approached her with the last stack of plates."You okay?" he asked softly.
Airam swallowed. "Yes. Why?"
"You look… distracted."
"I'm not."
"Sure," he said, smiling at that gentle smile that always managed to annoy and disarm her at the same time.
She hated that he was making her nervous. She hated it even more because she didn't want him to stop.
After the dishes were done, Harry walked Airam out to the porch as the house slowly quieted behind them.
The night was cool, the streetlights dim, and everything felt too quiet.
"Thank you for letting me tag along today," he said.
"You didn't tag along," she replied. "You forced yourself."
Harry laughed. "True. But I still enjoyed it."
She looked away. "Good for you."
He stepped closer just enough for her to feel it.
"Airam," he said, voice low, "you know I'd do anything to make your day easier, right?"
Her breath caught."Harry…I'm not a princess in distress who needs saving, so don't start."
"Start what?"
"Whatever this is."
He took one more step, cautious but brave.
"I'm not starting anything," he said softly. "I think… it already started."
Airam's pulse jumped.
For a moment, neither of them moved. Their breaths were synchronized. Their hands brushed accidentally, or maybe not.
Harry looked at her lips, and she noticed. He noticed that she had noticed.
And the universe tilted. He leaned just slightly forward...
...and the front door swung open.
"Airam! Come help me with something," Jane yelled.
They jumped apart instantly.
Airam exhaled shakily. "Goodnight, Harry," she said quickly and hurried inside before her knees betrayed her.
Harry stood there for a few seconds, smiling despite himself. He almost kissed her. And she didn't pull away. Not immediately.