The sky was painted in shades of indigo and midnight blue, stars peeking through scattered clouds like shy glances. The city buzzed quietly below, but on the rooftop of Zoya’s apartment, it was just silence, fairy lights, and two hearts too loud to ignore.

Zoya sat cross-legged on a mat, wrapped in a fuzzy shawl, sipping warm coffee from her favorite chipped mug. Her playlist played soft lo-fi music in the background — barely there.

And beside her, Akif.

Leaning against the railing, looking like something out of a dream. Hoodie sleeves pulled over his hands, hair slightly messy from the wind, his gaze distant... until it wasn’t.

Until it was just on her.

"Why do you like this spot so much?" he asked, breaking the silence.

Zoya tilted her head. “It’s quiet. Nobody judges me up here. I can just... exist.”

He hummed. “You’re more than just existing.”

She looked up, eyes catching his. “So are you.”

He looked away first.

---

They didn’t talk for a while. Just sat. Listening to the hum of the city and the rhythm of their own thoughts.

Zoya hugged her knees. “You ever think... some people come into your life just to change everything quietly?”

Akif didn’t answer right away. When he did, his voice was low. “I think about that every time I see you.”

Her breath caught.

He added, softer this time, “I used to be okay with silence. I used to like being alone. Until you walked in and suddenly... I’m scared of quiet places that don’t have your laugh in them.”

Zoya stared at him, the words sitting heavy in the space between them.

“You changed me too,” she whispered. “You make me feel like... I’m not broken.”

His jaw tightened.

“I hated being touched, remember?” she continued. “Now I don’t even flinch when your hand brushes mine.”

A soft smile touched his lips. “That means something to me.”

She nodded.

The music faded into another soft tune. A breeze swept past, carrying the smell of rain and jasmine.

“Zoya,” he said suddenly, voice serious.

“Hm?”

“If you ever disappear again, I won’t survive it.”

Her eyes widened.

“I know I never say much, and I mess up words... but you have to know. You have to feel how much I—”

He stopped himself.

Zoya's heart thudded wildly. “How much you what?”

He exhaled shakily, gaze fixed on the stars.

“Tomorrow,” he said. “Ask me again tomorrow.”

She nodded slowly, heart racing.

Because something told her...

Tomorrow, everything was going to change.

---

Towmmorow? What? What do u think it's going to be huh? And guess it why I named my this chapter as "last night before..." What those three dots mean? Comment me!

~Auhor Annie💗✨