It had only been two days.

Two.

And yet, everything felt... quieter.

Zoya sat by the university fountain, legs swinging over the edge, her phone in her hand — blank screen, no notifications. She sighed, stuffing it back into her pocket.

Akif had told her about the family function. A cousin’s wedding. He said he’d be gone for “just a few days.” But just a few days was starting to feel like a lifetime.

It was ridiculous. He wasn’t even her person. Not really.

But maybe… she was starting to wish he was.

---

Aarfa plopped down beside her, sipping on iced coffee and immediately catching the vibe.

“You look like a sad Bollywood heroine whose hero went off to war.”

Zoya blinked. “He’s just attending a family wedding.”

“Same thing,” Aarfa teased.

Zoya rolled her eyes. “I’m just used to seeing him around. He always walks across the lawn at this time. Always has one earbud in. Always has that same broody ‘don’t talk to me unless you’re dying’ look on his face.”

Aarfa smirked. “So basically... you miss him.”

Zoya paused.

She didn’t want to say yes. But her silence was enough.

---

Later, while studying in the library, she glanced at the chair where Akif usually sat.

Empty.

In the canteen, his favorite corner booth — the one he always claimed with his arms stretched wide — also empty.

The basketball court?

Empty.

Even his playlist — which she secretly saved when he left his phone behind once — now felt different when she played it.

His absence wasn’t loud.

It was quiet.

Like a missing beat in a song. A space where someone’s laugh should’ve been.

---

That night, she laid in bed, scrolling through their old texts.

> Akif: “Don't skip dinner, Zoya. I’ll know.”

Zoya: “What are you? My mom?”

Akif: “Worse. I’m someone who cares.”

She smiled.

Then sighed.

And texted:

> Zoya: “How’s the wedding?”

No reply.

Just the double tick.

She put her phone away and stared at the ceiling, annoyed with herself.

Why did it matter so much?

Why did she keep catching herself thinking about his stupid hoodie and the way he always smelled like rain and warmth?

Why did she keep wanting to hear his voice?

---

The next morning, she woke up to a ping.

> Akif: “Boring. Cousins won’t stop dancing. Food is good. Missed your sarcasm though.”

Her cheeks turned pink.

She didn’t reply immediately.

But later, she sent:

> Zoya: “Try not to fall for your cousin’s friend. That’s your typical wedding plot.”

> Akif: “Already in trouble with someone else.”

She stared at the message, heart skipping.

> Zoya: “Oh? Sounds serious.”

> Akif: “Very. She doesn’t even know it.”

Zoya’s heart did a full somersault.

She locked her phone.

Smiled to herself.

And whispered under her breath, “Idiot.”

But deep down...

She had already started counting the days until he returned.

---

Phewwww ~ author - nim is already tired but will not let the story hang! Don't worry the story isn't going to get boring!