Rayyan reached his room and sat quietly at the edge of his bed. The number still written on his palm felt warm, almost alive—Monica.He saved it into his phone, placed the device aside, then walked to the bathroom.
The shower water washed away the sweat and dust of a long day, but not the heaviness inside him.
As he returned to his bed, he opened his phone again.
A message window appeared.
Hi Monica, thank you so much for helping me today. The test was easy because of you. My heart felt light also because of you. I will not forget this help…
His thumb hovered over the send button.
But hesitation hit him.
What if she thinks I'm flirting? What if she misunderstands?
Rayyan sighed and deleted nothing—simply turned off the phone and placed it beside him.
Sleep came late.
A little heavy. A little hopeful.
The Next Morning
The day went on as usual.Morning revision.Lectures.Assignments.Life continued, even when his heart felt slow.
Rayyan went to the café for lunch—hungry, tired, and craving a moment of peace.
Just as he entered, he bumped into Lisa.
Their eyes almost met.
Rayyan immediately turned away.
No words.
No smile.
No acknowledgment.
He walked to the counter… and only then realized his wallet was empty.
He froze.
He walked quickly to the ATM and checked his balance.
its 10.00, he can't withdraw it.
His stomach dropped.
He took the mini statement, hands trembling slightly.
Then he understood.
Ayden's father did not transfer money this month.
No allowance.
No backup.
No safety net.
Rayyan walked slowly back into the café, his feet heavy, and sat alone—at a different table.Far from Lisa.Far from everything familiar.
Lisa, too, sat alone at another table.
Two people.Two empty tables.Two heavy hearts.One silence.
Rayyan stared blankly at the floor.
Why didn't Uncle Khir send it?Did something happen?Did Lisa… say something?No, it can't be…
He rubbed his forehead.
I shouldn't question. I shouldn't think. I shouldn't break.
He stood up to leave—empty wallet, empty stomach, empty spirit.
But a voice stopped him.
"Rayyan."
He froze.
Lisa.
She stood in front of him, her expression unreadable.
"Can we talk?" she asked softly.
Rayyan inhaled, long and tired."Hi, Ms. Lisa. I think… there's nothing to talk about. I'm not feeling good. I want to go back to the hostel."
"Please," she said."Sit. Let me talk.At least once.Or… for the last time, if that's what you feel."
Something in her voice felt final.
He sat.
Lisa spoke first—her voice weak, like she was forcing her heart to speak instead of her mouth.
"I didn't know Ayden was your best friend. I never expected everything to collide like this. But the truth, Rayyan… is not what you think. I won't go into details. If I tell you, your best friend will become your enemy."
Rayyan swallowed.
"Ayden helped me more than anyone. He's the reason I can study here. Whatever is going on between the both of you… I shouldn't know. I don't want to ask."
He paused, something tightening inside him.
"I'm too overwhelmed, Lisa. I have my father, my mother, my studies… my life is shaking. I need to remain focused."
His voice softened.
"But I worry about you. I still do. Your bruises… they haunt me. I hope no one harms you. Whatever is happening, please take care of yourself. And… maybe it's better if I stay distant. I don't want Ayden to misunderstand us. I don't want problems."
Lisa looked down.
Then up.
Her eyes were tired.
"I won't trouble your friendship. But Rayyan… remember this.Every person has two sides.One day, you will see the real one."
She got up and walked away.
Rayyan sat there, stunned.
Is she talking about Ayden?No… Ayden can't be like that.He's too good. Too kind. Too helpful…
He took a deep breath and walked out of the café.
His phone buzzed.
It was Ayden's father.
Rayyan messaged politely first:
Dr. Khir, I didn't receive this month's allowance. Just wanted to check if everything is okay.
The reply came fast.
Hi Rayyan. Ayden just left to London. His expenses are very high now.I can't help you much after this.You should start standing on your own feet.
Rayyan stopped walking.
That single message felt like a slap.A cold, stinging reminder.
One day the money will stop.
And the day had come.
Rayyan forced his fingers to type:
Thank you so much for everything, Dr. Khir. I appreciate all your help.
He walked back to his hostel room, lay on the bed, and stared at the ceiling.
How am I going to survive?I can't trouble my parents.I can't ask Ayden.I can't rely on anyone.
His throat tightened.
He wiped his face roughly.
Then—
Ring ring…
His phone vibrated.
Monica.
He answered.
"Hey Rayyan! What are you doing? I was busy today because my parents came to visit me… Do you want to follow us for lunch?"
Rayyan hesitated."Not today, Monica… I'm not hungry."
But Monica's tone sharpened—playful but firm.
"No argument. Come down. That's an order."She laughed.
Rayyan couldn't say no—not after everything she did.
He changed his shirt, combed his hair, and went down.
A black Rolls Royce was waiting at the bus stop.
He blinked.
Is this a dream?
He called Monica."I'm here. Where are you?"
Monica lowered the car window."Rayyan, we're right here! Get in!"
He slowly stepped into the car—soft leather, cool air-conditioning, polished wood—everything felt unreal.
Monica grinned at him like a child.
"Mom, dad—this is Rayyan. Hard-working, serious, and very shy around rich people."
Her parents laughed kindly.
"Son," her father joked, "is my daughter torturing you already?"
Rayyan smiled awkwardly."She's… very friendly. And very kind."
Monica's mother turned and said warmly, "I'm glad she's helping someone who deserves it."
They talked all the way to the restaurant.
Rayyan felt out of place—he had never sat in such a luxury car before.The difference in their status felt like a mountain.
At the restaurant—an expensive buffet—Monica nudged him.
"Come on Rayyan, don't be shy. Take anything you want. It's my dad's treat. Let's make him broke today!"She laughed loudly.
Rayyan took only a little food.
But for a moment—just a small, precious moment—his heart felt lighter.Monica's presence felt like warmth in winter.
They finished lunch and talked for hours until Monica's father drove Rayyan back to the hostel.
Before he left, he said:
"Son, if you need any help, don't hesitate. Monica talks a lot about you. You're a good boy."
Rayyan bowed slightly."Thank you, sir… truly."
He walked back to his room.
And the weight returned.
I need to survive.I need a part-time job.I cannot borrow money anymore.I cannot depend on anyone.
He placed his wallet on the table and sighed.
But then—
He noticed it was thicker than before.
Impossible.
He opened it.
$300
Rayyan's eyes widened.
"Wh—who did this?"
Then he remembered leaving the wallet on the café table when he went to the toilet earlier.
He immediately called Monica.
"Monica… I found money in my wallet. Is this you?"
She giggled."Hehe… yes. Don't get angry."
"Monica… no. I can't borrow money. It will affect our friendship. I don't want problems—"
"Rayyan, use it now. Return it in the future once you start working. I trust you."
Rayyan closed his eyes.
He needed the money.He hated needing the money.
But he had no choice.
"Thank you, Monica," he whispered.
After the call ended, Rayyan lay on his bed again.
Tomorrow, he needed to find a job.
He remembered Dr. Khir's message.
"You should start standing on your own feet."
Rayyan clenched his fist softly.
"Yes," he whispered to himself."I must stand on my own. No matter how painful it is."