The cool breeze brushes softly against my skin as I stroll aimlessly, hands tucked into my hoodie pockets.
Nights like this calm me in ways nothing else ever could. The world feels quieter, slower—like it finally gives me space to breathe.
Nighttime has always been my favorite part of the day. The silence. The peace. The freedom to think without interruption.
So much has happened in just one month.
My stupid crush on Alex.
Andrew's sudden reappearance in my life.
The memories I've been trying so hard to bury clawing their way back to the surface.
Maybe it's time to let go.
What if Alex turns out to be another Andrew?
Haven't I learned my lesson already?
Love… relationships… they don't seem to work for me.
Every time I let my guard down, I end up hurt.
Maybe some people just aren't meant for that kind of thing.
I take a deep breath and make a silent promise to myself.
I'm going to stop this so-called crush on Alex.
I'm going to focus on my dreams—on myself.
Becoming the best hacker the world has ever seen.
Choosing this course was honestly one of the best decisions I've ever made.
For once, something feels like it truly belongs to me—something no one can take away or ruin.
Lost in my thoughts, I almost don't notice him.
Alex.
He's walking ahead of me, hands in his pockets, moving at an unhurried pace. I freeze slightly.
The last time I saw him was at the football match… and I've avoided thinking about that day ever since.
Like I promised myself, I don't look at him. I don't slow down. I simply walk past him.
But my heart betrays me.
It starts racing, pounding so loudly I'm sure he can hear it.
I hate how my body reacts even when my mind is screaming no.
I keep walking.
I can't control my heart—but I can control my actions.
Or so I think.
A few minutes later, fate decides to test me again.
Andrew.
I stop in my tracks the moment I see him. Of all people… of all nights… it had to be him.
My chest tightens as he steps closer, wearing that familiar smile—the one that once made me feel safe.
Now it just makes my skin crawl.
I force a smile back, fake and stiff.
"Ali."
Hearing that name from him sends goosebumps down my arms—and not the good kind.
My body reacts before my mind can stop it.
"Ali, things don't have to be like this between us," he says softly, reaching for my hand.
I step back immediately.
"Let's forget the past," he continues. "I just made one little mistake."
One little mistake?
He looks genuine. His voice is calm, persuasive—just like before. For a split second, I almost doubt myself.
Almost.
"You call that a little mistake?" I ask, my voice steady despite the storm inside me.
"I forgive you," I add after a pause. "But I need distance from you."
His expression hardens for just a second before he tries to grab my hand again.
But this time… he doesn't get the chance.
Someone forcefully pushes his hand away.
I look up—and my breath catches.
Alex.
Was he… following me?
Alex speaks calmly, his voice soft but firm.
"Ali, it's really late. My sister was worried about you and asked me to find you. Let me escort you back home."
I highly doubt that explanation.
Was he actually worried? Or was he using Mandy as a cover?
Either way, I'd rather walk with him than spend one more second standing next to this manipulator.
Alex stretches out his hand.
I hesitate for only a moment before placing mine in his. I mutter a brief goodbye to Andrew, who is now visibly angry, his jaw clenched.
We walk away together.
The walk home is quiet—too quiet. Alex doesn't explain anything. He doesn't mention Andrew. He doesn't ask questions. When we reach my place, he simply wishes me goodnight and leaves.
No explanations. No answers.
Confusing… but somehow comforting.
As I dropped onto my bed, my phone vibrated.
Unknown Number.
I froze.
Did you get home safely?
My heart pounded. No one knew I had gone out—except Alex.
My fingers trembled as another message came in.
You shouldn't walk alone at night, Ali.
I slowly lifted my eyes to the window.
The curtains were slightly open.
And for the first time since moving into this place…
I felt like I wasn't alone.