With the year drawing to a close, Yusuf's publishing house was also a hive of frantic activity. One team scrambled to secure year-end interviews with prominent figures for their magazines. Another was deep in writing articles. Kirana and her editorial team were buried in proofing and coordination. Yet others handled final layouts and budgeting. All of this ultimately flowed to Yusuf's desk for supervision, final checks, advice, approvals, and signatures. đź“‘
Despite the tempest of love for Kirana still swirling in his heart, he poured his maximum focus into his professional duties. Yet, he couldn't help but notice the change in her behavior. She seemed to be avoiding him leaving a space when he entered, keeping her gaze averted when their paths crossed. The warmth of their previous professional rapport had cooled into a polite, careful distance.
Nevertheless, Yusuf held a private resolution close to his chest. Before the year ended, he would find the right moment to finally voice what was in his heart and present his proposal to her. He had to. The professional success surrounding him felt hollow without the hope of a personal one. He steeled himself, determined to bridge the gap his own confession had created, no matter the outcome. 🤞