It was a quiet Sunday morning. Rayyan woke before the sun fully rose, the world outside still cool and soft. He made his usual cup of black coffee, ate a slice of bread, and sat down with his notes. Today, Ayden was visiting. It had been a while since they last met, and Rayyan felt a strange excitement — and a little curiosity.
Ayden said he was bringing his girlfriend. Rayyan smiled to himself.
She must be beautiful. Someone kind. Someone who deserves him. Because Ayden wasn't just a friend — he was the person who once helped Rayyan stand up when life felt too heavy.
Rayyan only hoped Ayden found someone who would cherish him just as deeply.
But what Rayyan didn't know was that today would be the day his life would change — in a way he never expected.
He dressed carefully — his favorite green shirt — and left for the bus stop. As he waited, his thoughts drifted to Lisa. The quiet girl with gentle eyes… and the bruises on her arm. Should I tell Ayden about her? Would that even matter?
A sharp honk cut through his thoughts.
Honk— honnnk—
A car stopped in front of him. Ayden leaned out of the window, looking different — new glasses, new hairstyle, new confidence.
"Bro! You waited long? Sorry, late! "Rayyan shook his head. "No… I came early. Wanted to enjoy the morning breeze."
Ayden laughed. "You're weird, bro. Come, get in. You ate?"
"Bread."
"Bread?? That's not breakfast. Let's go eat. We're meeting my girlfriend at Venice Café at eleven."
On the drive, Ayden spoke excitedly about how he met his girlfriend — but he didn't say her name. Then he turned the conversation around.
"So… what about you? Any love story to tell?"
Rayyan looked out the window. "We're… just friends. I think. We don't talk much. I met her on the first day of college. She helped me. I don't really… talk to girls much. I don't have that confidence."
Ayden frowned ."Hey. Don't say that. You're smart. And honestly? You're a handsome guy, bro. You just don't see it yet."
Rayyan smiled faintly. It felt good. After so long, it felt good to laugh again.
By the time breakfast ended, it was close to eleven. They drove to the café and took a seat. Rayyan felt uneasy — he couldn't explain why.
"I'll be back," he murmured, heading to the washroom to steady himself.
When he returned, a girl with long, dark hair was sitting across from Ayden. Ayden smiled and lifted his hand casually.
"Bro, this is my girlfriend— Nehal Lisa."
Time stopped.
Rayyan stared. Lisa turned. Their eyes met.
Shock. Recognition. Silence.
Rayyan's throat tightened. "It's… nice to meet you. I'm Rayyan," he managed to say, though his voice sounded distant.
Ayden laughed lightly. "Bro, isn't she beautiful? I told you I got lucky."
"Yes…" Rayyan forced a smile. "She suits you. A perfect match. I'm happy for you."
Then, Ayden joked to Lisa.. "You know baby, Rayyan found a girl in his college it seems? You see this good boy now turned into love boy" Hahaha..
Lisa in shock!
Lisa didn't speak much, but more than she did with Rayyan before. Rayyan, meanwhile, spoke less — trying not to say anything that would reveal the truth.
On the ride back, Lisa sat in front. Ayden insisted Rayyan take the seat, but Rayyan refused.
She should sit there. She belongs there.
They talked — Ayden and Lisa, laughing, happy.
And Rayyan listened silently in the back seat — heart heavy, mind burning.
How could this happen? Was it fate being cruel? Or was this how life simply was — always one step ahead, always slipping away?
He thought of the bruises on her arm again.
Ayden would never hurt someone… right? But what did Rayyan really know about him?
Too many questions. Too much silence. Too much pain buried behind a practiced smile.
The day ended, but the ache didn't.
Everything had ended…before it even had the chance to begin.