Upon getting to the canteen
"Big sis, we're back!"
Mia's cheerful voice rang through the canteen, her face glowing with pride. "Can you believe we got promoted to the next class?"
Clara's eyes widened with delight. "Really? That's wonderful news!" she exclaimed, pulling the girls into a tight hug. To celebrate, she called one of the attendants and ordered a small feast.
After eating their fill, Mia stood and stretched. "Big sis, I'll be going home now. Before you close for the year, I'll come help you."
"Nice. I'll be expecting you," Clara said warmly, waving as Mia and Alex walked out together.
At the gate, Mia smiled softly. "Alex, I'll really miss you."
"Me too," Alex said, her tone gentle as she wrapped her arms around her friend. They hugged tightly, the breeze brushing past them before they finally waved goodbye.
When Alex returned to the canteen, the place was quiet—no customers, just the comforting scent of spices lingering in the air. Without hesitation, she tied her apron and began packing food for home deliveries. The day passed faster than she expected; before she knew it, the sky outside glowed with the fading light of dusk.
~~~
Back home, both sisters were surprised to see Tom's car parked in the compound—a sure sign he'd returned early from work.
The moment they stepped inside, the mouthwatering aroma of fried chicken and chips filled the air.
"Big sis," Alex gasped, wide-eyed, "don't tell me your husband bought chicken and chips from KFC?"
She swallowed audibly, and Clara shook her head, amused. This girl is becoming such a foodie—probably Mia's influence, she thought with a small smile.
"Hubby, you're back early," Clara said, slipping off her sandals as she approached him.
Tom smiled from the sofa. "Surprised to see me home this soon?"
"Very," Clara replied, returning his smile, while Alex quietly disappeared to take her shower.
When she came back, Clara was already eating her share.
"I'll take mine to my room," Alex said, sensing the soft, intimate atmosphere between them.
After dinner, she sent Mia a quick message, played a few games on her phone, and drifted into a peaceful sleep.
~~~
The next morning came with a chill. The harmattan breeze stung Alex's skin as she rubbed her palms together, her breath turning into little clouds in the air. She joined her sister in arranging chairs in the canteen, and soon the other workers arrived.
Business was slow—too close to the end of the year for many customers. Then the door creaked open, and Alex looked up—only to see a familiar face that made her heart skip.
"Hey! Muiz? What are you doing here?" she asked, smiling brightly. "I thought you said you were traveling."
Muiz chuckled. "Yeah, I did. I just got back yesterday, and before the year gets too busy with all the parties, I wanted to see you."
Alex tilted her head slightly, her smile deepening. "That's sweet of you."
"Actually…" he rubbed his palms together, a little nervous. "I wanted to take you out , if you don't mind."
"Oh? Sure—just let me change and tell my sister first."
As she walked away, Muiz's thoughts raced. This is it. No more holding back.
The night before, after returning from visiting his parents, he'd realized something. He loved Alex—not just her laugh, not just her kindness—but her entire being. And he couldn't stand another day pretending otherwise.
~~
When Alex came back out, Muiz was momentarily stunned. She looked effortlessly radiant—the soft morning light highlighting her features in a way that made his heart stutter.
"Big sis," Alex said, stepping into Clara's office, "Muiz is here. He wants to take me out."
Clara raised a knowing brow, a teasing smile curling on her lips. "Really? Alright, be careful. And if it's what I think it is…" she chuckled, "…you can bring him home tonight."
"Big sis!" Alex blushed, rolling her eyes before hurrying out.
"Bye!" Clara called after her.
"Muiz!" Alex's voice brought him back from his daze.
He turned, blinking, and his breath caught again. She's… perfect.
They spent the day together—lunch at a cozy restaurant, laughter echoing across the table, followed by a movie at the cinema. By afternoon, they were walking hand in hand along the beach.
The sea breeze was cool against their faces, and the salty scent filled the air. They played in the water like carefree children, splashing and laughing, before collapsing side by side on the soft sand.
Alex rested her head on Muiz's shoulder, her eyes following the sun as it sank toward the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and gold.
"Isn't it beautiful?" she asked softly.
"Beautiful," Muiz murmured—his gaze fixed on her, not the sunset.
"The sun, silly," Alex said, blushing as she looked away.
For a moment, silence stretched between them—peaceful, yet heavy with unspoken feelings. Then Muiz stood and offered his hand, pulling her gently to her feet.
"Alex," he began, his voice trembling with emotion, "meeting you was one of the best things that ever happened to me. I don't even know what exactly it is—your smile when you talk about your dreams, your strength, or the way you see the world. I just know you've changed me."
He took a deep breath. "I've kept this to myself for so long because I was scared—scared you'd push me away. But holding it in… hurts even more."
His dark eyes locked with hers, raw and sincere. "I don't want to just be your friend anymore. I want to be your rock, the one who stands by you when things get hard, who listens when you cry, who shares your happiness when life is kind. I love you, Alex."
He glanced toward the glowing horizon. "Right now, I can't promise marriage—not yet. My finances, my career—they're still unstable. But when everything is right, I will. That's my promise. And let this setting sun be our witness."
His voice cracked slightly. "So… will you be my girlfriend?"
Alex's heart felt like it might burst. Her eyes glistened as a smile broke through her surprise. "Yes," she whispered.
"Really?" Muiz's face lit up with joy. He pulled her into a warm, lingering hug, his heart racing against hers. When they drew apart, their eyes met again—this time with certainty. He leaned in, and their lips met softly beneath the golden sky, sealing a promise neither would forget.
As they walked back along the beach, Alex still blushing, she said quietly, "Muiz, big sis said you should come by the house."
"Okay, sweetheart," he said, grinning like a man who'd just found everything he'd been looking for.