The office building's doors were about to lock for the evening when Kirana, bag slung over her shoulder, stepped outside. đ
At that exact moment, Yusuf did too, her boss by day, but for that evening, simply her fiancé.
Their eyes met. Words weren't necessary. đ
"One hour?" Yusuf asked, a hopeful smile playing on his lips.
Kirana grinned. "Maybe two." âș
They drove through the city's winding streets, away from the grid of their professional lives. First, to a park, where they sat on a bench under the shade of a sprawling tree. They talked about nothing and everything, carefully avoiding office projects and deadlines. It was just laughter and the simple comfort of intertwined hands.
Later, they walked barefoot along the beach, the cool evening sand beneath their feet, a gentle breeze carrying the scent of salt. The world felt soft at the edges. đ
As dusk began to paint the sky, Kirana's phone chimed with a motherly check-in. She typed a quick reply: "mom, couldn't finish some work. Don't worry, office transport is here. Will be a bit late."
She hit send. The words weren't a complete truth, but she wasn't ready yet,not to explain Yusuf, not to unravel the secret they were still holding close. đŹ
Yusuf watched her, understanding passing between them. "I'll drop you," he offered quietly.
Those words brought her a wave of relief.
As full darkness settled, they drove back toward her neighbourhood. His car stopped on a quiet street a short walk from her house, a familiar, discreet routine. đ
"Text me when you get inside," he said.
"I will." đ€
The car door closed, and the sound of the engine slowly faded into the night. As Kirana walked the final stretch home alone, a quiet realization settled in her heart:
Some moments of happiness have to be hidden from the world, tucked away like precious secrets, until the day comes when you can finally speak the whole truth. đ