The Prince from Another Century
glance
tania (fl bff)
I’m at your gate. Tell Arif to open.
maya
Why Arif? Afraid of climbing the stairs? 😂
tania (fl bff)
Just… tell him.
Maya puts her phone down, walks to the kitchen where Arif is making tea.
maya
Hey, Tania’s downstairs. Go open the gate.
arif(fl bro)
Why can’t you?
maya
Because she asked for you specifically.
arif(fl bro)
Raises an eyebrow Did she?
Arif wipes his hands, walks downstairs. Maya follows halfway just to watch. Tania is standing by the gate, brushing her hair behind her ear. Arif unlocks the latch, and for a moment they just… look at each other. No smile, no words, just this long, unbroken eye contact.
maya
(thinking): Ohhh. This is not normal neighborly looking
tania (fl bff)
You’re late.
tania (fl bff)
And you’re still wearing that same grey t-shirt.
arif(fl bro)
It’s my favorite.
tania (fl bff)
I can tell.
They both walk in, Tania carrying her tote bag, Arif holding the gate open a little longer than needed. Maya notices his hand brush hers as she passes. Tania doesn’t pull away quickly.
Maya flops on the sofa between them. Arif is on the armchair, Tania sits across. The tea is still in the kitchen.
tania (fl bff)
So, we’re starting the project, right?
maya
Yes, but… where’s the file?
arif(fl bro)
Get it. stands up slowly
Maya catches Tania’s eyes following him as he walks away. When she realizes Maya saw her, Tania quickly looks at the floor.
maya
Grinning You okay there?
maya
No reason. Just… you looked like you were… thinking.
tania (fl bff)
I always think.
Arif returns with a folder and three cups of tea. He hands one to Maya, then to Tania. When she takes it, their fingers touch — too long to be accidental. Arif clears his throat and sits back down.
maya
(thinking): Oh my God, this is so awkwardly obvious.
arif(fl bro)
You’re welcome.
They sip in silence for a few seconds, eyes avoiding each other but the air thick with something unspoken. Maya scrolls her phone pretending not to notice, but she’s grinning inside.
tania (fl bff)
Yeah. Let’s.
They lean over the table to look at the file, heads a little too close. Maya watches as Arif explains something, his voice softer than usual. Tania nods, smiling faintly. They don’t notice Maya at all.
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