Morning.

  Yuqeen arrived at Rayn’s apartment early at dawn. She looked around here and there, searching for Rayn.

  The apartment felt unusually quiet, as if it had lost its warmth overnight. Then suddenly she remembered — Rayn had gone back to his Town house.

  A hollow feeling settled in her chest as the realization sank in. Feeling a little downhearted, Yuqeen whispered softly:— “Seeing Rayn every day… I’ve made it into a habit.”

  Then, slowly, she left the apartment. A little while later, she got ready for school. Just as she was about to open the door to step outside, her phone rang.

  Glancing at the screen, she saw Rayn’s name. Quickly, she answered:— “Hello Rayn, did you reach home safely?”

  In his calm voice, Rayn replied:— “Yes, I arrived safely. How are you? Do you feel lonely without me?”

  Hearing that, Yuqeen stayed silent for a moment. Then, with a tender smile, she said:— “Now that I’m talking to you, I feel better. But yes… I do feel a little lonely. That’s why I want you to come back as soon as you can.”

  Just hearing his voice felt like a quiet embrace. Rayn gave a faint smile and said:— “Alright, I’ll try. For now, I’m ending the call.”

  The silence afterward felt cruel.

  He hung up and sat down on his bed, lowering his head. Softly, he whispered to himself:— “I don’t know what’s happening to me… but whenever I talk to Yuqeen, I feel a strange peace. A feeling I’ve never known before.”

  The room felt too spacious for just one person. Standing just outside the door, Rayn’s father overheard his words. Without saying anything, he simply gave a gentle smile and walked away.

  There was a quiet satisfaction in his eyes, the kind only a parent could feel. Downstairs, Rayn’s father called someone. In a calm voice, he said:— “Hello brother, I have good news. My son has fallen in love.”

  On the other end, the man replied with a cheerful laugh:— “That’s truly wonderful news. If I can fall in love, if you can fall in love—then why wouldn’t Rayn be able to!”

  All day at school, Yuqeen could only think about Rayn. Every hour dragged on painfully slow. She wasn’t really talking to anyone, kept to herself in class, and sat alone in the cafeteria.

  She didn’t even exchange a single word with Hinnah. Only one thought kept circling in her head — when will school finally end so I can call Rayn again?

  Meanwhile, Rayn hadn’t stepped outside the house the entire day either. He, too, was lost in thoughts of Yuqeen.

  The day felt so empty and lonely without her. Even time itself seemed unwilling to move forward.

  Rayn’s father noticed his son and simply gave a faint smile. He understood exactly what was going on, but he didn’t want to disturb him, not even once.

  Evening.

  Rayn thought to himself — it must be after school hours by now. Without waiting any longer, he quickly called Yuqeen.

  At that moment, Yuqeen was on her way back from school. The moment she saw Rayn’s name flashing on the screen, her joy knew no bounds.

  She instantly answered the call and hurriedly said:— “Hello Rayn! How are you? Why did you call so late?”

  Rayn gave a soft chuckle and replied in his calm voice:— “Slow down, slow down… take a breath first. I called late because you were still in school then.”

  After that, they began talking — hour after hour without pause. The world outside faded, leaving only their voices.

  Even when Yuqeen was busy doing other little tasks, she never hung up the call. Their voices carried waves of happiness.

  Even when Yuqeen went to take a shower, she didn’t let Rayn hang up. Water rushed around her, but his voice remained clear and close. In her sweet voice she pleaded:— “Don’t cut the call, please. If you do, maybe you won’t call me again.”

  She then placed the phone aside, hurried through her shower, and rushed back — only to keep talking with Rayn again. It felt as if there was no end to their happiness.

  The next morning.

  Rayn had woken up quite early. His father, too, was already awake and had prepared breakfast.

  When Rayn came near the dining table, his father said calmly:— “Rayn, do you remember where we have to go today?”

  Rayn’s expression turned a little serious as he replied in a steady tone:— “Yes, I remember it very well.”

  Suddenly something came to Rayn’s mind. He quickly left the table, went straight to his room, and called Yuqeen.

  Seeing this, his father was a bit surprised, but it didn’t take him long to understand—Rayn was surely calling Yuqeen.

  On the other side, Yuqeen was still asleep. The phone kept ringing until she finally opened her eyes. Seeing Rayn’s name on the screen, she whispered in surprise:— “Why is Rayn calling so early in the morning? Did something happen to him?”

  She hurriedly answered the call:— “Hello Rayn, did something happen?”

  Rayn smiled softly and said in his calm voice:— “No, nothing happened. I just called to tell you something.”

  Yuqeen asked gently:— “What is it?”

  Rayn’s voice grew deeper as he replied:— “Today I’m going somewhere where there won’t be any phone signal. So, for a while, I won’t be able to talk to you.”

  The words felt heavier than Rayn intended. Hearing this, Yuqeen’s heart sank. After a moment of silence, she asked quietly:— “For how long won’t we be able to talk?”

  Rayn answered calmly:— “I’m not sure… it might even be a few weeks. I have to leave now.”

  Saying this, Rayn cut the call.

  On the other side, Yuqeen sat in silence, her heart heavy with sadness. The whole day passed, but there was no call from Rayn.

  She stayed quiet, her mood downcast. But before going to sleep at night, she took out a photo album. Looking through the pictures, a faint, peaceful smile appeared on her lips.

  And so, the days began to pass. Yuqeen started counting each one—how many days it had been since Rayn left. Day after day she lived with a heavy heart, spending most of her time sitting in Rayn’s apartment. And at night, she would open that same album and stare at it.

  This went on until three whole weeks had passed. Each day blurred into the next, marked only by her waiting.

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  Night time.

  Yuqeen was sitting on the sofa in Rayn’s apartment, watching the news on TV — just like Rayn used to. It felt like borrowing a piece of his presence.

  With a long sigh, she whispered softly:— “I don’t know how Rayn could watch the news with such focus.”

  The moment she finished speaking, the doorbell suddenly rang. Yuqeen flinched slightly in surprise. Who could it be at this hour? she wondered. Slowly, she walked to the door and gently opened it.

  The moment the door swung open, Yuqeen froze. Standing right in front of her was Rayn. Her heart skipped, unsure whether this was reality or longing.

  Before Rayn could even say a word, Yuqeen rushed forward and hugged him tightly. Tears welled up in her eyes, but a joyful smile spread across her lips.

  Rayn was taken aback for a moment, seeing Yuqeen like this. With a deep voice, Yuqeen said:— “You took too long to come back.”

  Hearing those words, Rayn looked at her with gentle eyes. Then slowly, he raised his arms and embraced her in a soft, tender hug. Everything she had been holding inside finally spilled free.

  Sunday morning.

  The sky was a light gray, and the soft sunlight hadn’t yet fully spread across the world. A gentle winter breeze brushed the surroundings, calming the mind.

  Today, Yuqeen was going out with Rayn for the first time, and she was extremely excited. She wore a long coat given by Rayn, which draped from her waist down to her feet.

  The coat’s light folds and soft fabric made her look graceful and elegant. She felt different — more confident, more seen.

  Ready, Yuqeen headed straight to Rayn’s apartment. Upon entering the living room, she suddenly flinched, covering her face with her hands, and hurriedly said:— “I told you.”

  Yuqeen had flinched because Rayn wasn’t wearing his shirt yet. Rayn quickly noticed her blush and turned to put on a shirt. Her heart raced for reasons she didn’t fully understand.

  With a calm voice, Rayn said:— “Now you can take your hands off your face.”

  Yuqeen slowly lowered her hands from her face but didn’t lift her head.

  Seeing Yuqeen, Rayn’s eyes widened. She looked incredibly beautiful today — her long coat, flowing hair, and blushing cheeks made her look entirely different. Rayn quietly watched her for a few moments. For a second, he forgot how to breathe.

  With her head bowed, Yuqeen softly and shyly said:— “I said, don’t come in front of me half-dressed.”

  Rayn averted his eyes. For the first time today, he felt himself blushing. In a stammering, slow voice he said:— “O-okay. But since you’ve come in front of me, let’s forget that. I’m getting ready.”

  Saying this, Rayn left the room. Yet Yuqeen’s blush didn’t fade. A little while later, Rayn returned, fully ready. Yuqeen looked at him and said in a surprised voice:— “Is it really you, Rayn?

  Rayn immediately understood why she said that. He had changed his hairstyle. Normally his hair hung down, but today it was styled upwards, with the sides trimmed neatly.

  He wore a long black coat, which made him look even more handsome. Rayn gave a gentle smile and calmly said:— “Why did you say that? Didn’t you like my hairstyle?”

  Yuqeen’s blush deepened, her cheeks turning even redder. In a shy, blushing voice, she replied:— “No… actually, I didn’t notice your hair at first.”

  Then she stepped closer to Rayn and said:— “Honestly… you look much more handsome today.”

  Rayn simply gave her a soft smile.

  A few hours later.

  Rayn arrived with Yuqeen at a grand 5-star restaurant. The sight left Yuqeen truly astonished.

  From the outside, the entire building was wrapped in glass, and sunlight reflected off the surface, spilling inside with brilliance. In a soft, surprised voice Yuqeen asked:— “Rayn, why did you bring me here?”

  Rayn gave a gentle smile, held her hand, and said:— “First, come inside. Then I’ll tell you everything.”

  Not giving her a chance to argue, he led Yuqeen inside. The moment they entered, her eyes fell on a vast hall — high ceilings, white-and-golden décor, and spotless elegance all around.

  The air itself felt refined and distant from her usual world. Rayn immediately guided her to an empty table.

  On the table lay a spotless white tablecloth, gleaming glasses, and in the center a small vase with fresh flowers. Soft music played in the background, and with daylight streaming in, the atmosphere felt even more lively.

  One side of the restaurant was an entire glass wall, giving a clear view of the city — blue sky, bustling streets, and faraway greenery.

  Looking around, Yuqeen softly said:— “Why did you bring me to such a big restaurant? Just by the looks of it, the food here must be very expensive.”

  Rayn chuckled and replied:— “Yes, you guessed right. The food here is indeed very expensive.”

  Hearing this, Yuqeen’s tone turned slightly firm:— “Then listen, whatever the bill is, I’ll pay it. Otherwise, let’s just leave.”

  Rayn smiled again, speaking calmly:— “We’re not leaving. And you don’t need to pay for anything.”

  Yuqeen frowned and said slowly:— “No, I don’t want you to spend so much money. Let’s go.”

  Still smiling softly, Rayn answered:— “When did I say I’d be paying the bill?”

  Her mind struggled to catch up with his words. Hearing that, Yuqeen was utterly stunned.

  Just then, an elderly waiter came up to them and said warmly:— “How are you, Rayn? It’s been such a long time since you came here.”

  The way the waiter addressed him left Yuqeen even more shocked. In a calm voice Rayn replied:— “Yes, I’m doing well. Please bring us the restaurant’s special dish today.”

  The waiter nodded and walked away. With wide, surprised eyes, Yuqeen asked:— “Rayn, what’s going on? How does he know you?”

  Rayn gave a light smile and said:— “This restaurant belongs to my uncle. His name is Rayyan Taqeesh.”

  The gap between their worlds suddenly felt very real. Astonished, Yuqeen said:— “You have an uncle? You never mentioned that before.”

  In a calm tone, Rayn answered:— “You can have an uncle, but I can’t? Don’t worry. Eat first, then I’ll introduce you to him.”

  Just as Rayn finished, the elderly waiter returned, carrying plates of food arranged with artistic precision.

  Colorful vegetables, perfectly plated meat, and a touch of light sauce on the side — everything looked not only expensive, but also like a visual feast.

  After some time, their meal was finished. At that moment, the elderly waiter came up to Rayn and said in a gentle voice:— “Rayn, your uncle is calling for you.”

  Hearing this, Rayn immediately stood up from his seat and helped Yuqeen rise as well. They both made their way to the upper floor.

  The restaurant’s upper floor had a private room. The room was spacious, with a modern and elegant design.

  Soft lighting illuminated the space, and through large glass windows, the entire restaurant below could be seen.

  Inside, Rayn’s uncle sat quietly, keeping an eye on the guests to ensure everything was running smoothly.

  Rayn and Yuqeen arrived at the door of the private room. At that moment, the door opened automatically. Rayn and Yuqeen saw Rayyan Taqeesh seated on the sofa.

  Rayn’s uncle looked at Rayn with gentle eyes, but was slightly surprised to see Yuqeen. In a calm voice, he said:— “Come inside.”

  Rayn and Yuqeen entered and sat on the sofa placed in front of the uncle. Rayn’s uncle spoke in a calm voice:— “Rayn, you never told me about your girlfriend.”

  Hearing this, Rayn was a little startled, while Yuqeen blushed deeply. Rayn hurriedly replied:— “Uncle, you’re mistaken. Yuqeen isn’t my girlfriend. She just lives next to my apartment. So Yuqeen is only a good friend of mine.”

  Hearing Rayn’s words, Yuqeen felt a slight pang of sadness, though she didn’t let it show.

  She smiled, but something inside her quietly cracked. Rayn’s uncle said gently:— “Oh, I see. Sorry, that was my mistake.”

  After his words, Yuqeen spoke softly:— “Hello Uncle, my name is Yuqeen Aev Hanabirah. It’s a pleasure meeting you.”

  At the mention of her name, Rayn’s uncle looked slightly surprised. With a hint of astonishment in his voice, he asked:— “What did you say? Hanabirah? Who is Zameer Aev Hanabirah to you?”

  Rayn and Yuqeen were both taken aback by the question. In a composed tone, Yuqeen answered:— “Zameer Aev Hanabirah is my uncle.”

  Rayn’s uncle let out a soft smile and said in a calm voice:— “Ah, then it makes sense. Zameer Aev Hanabirah is an old friend of mine from childhood.”

  Hearing Uncle’s words, both of them felt relieved, though Yuqeen was still a little surprised.

  Uncle gently asked Yuqeen:— “Hanabirah, do you sometimes talk with Zameer?”

  In a sweet voice, Yuqeen replied:— “Yes, I talk to him from time to time.”

  After hearing that, Uncle stayed silent for a while, then suddenly said in a cheerful tone:— “Then if you do talk to that duffer, tell him why he never bothers to call me! And warn him—if I ever meet him, I’ll hit him first, and then talk.”

  Hearing this, Rayn let out a faint laugh. Yuqeen leaned closer and whispered to Rayn:— “Your uncle is saying such things about my uncle!”

  Rayn calmly replied in a low tone:— “They were childhood friends, that’s why. Don’t worry — this is normal between men.”

  Their laughter carried years of shared history. In a straightforward tone, Yuqeen said:— “You boys are really strange.”

  After a moment of silence, Uncle spoke again in a calm voice:— “Rayn, it seems you’ve grown a lot stronger than before.”

  Rayn nodded lightly and said:— “Yes, I feel the same.”

  Uncle asked with a faint challenge in his voice:— “Stronger than me?”

  Rayn laughed with a cheerful tone and replied:— “No, no, becoming stronger than you is impossible.”

  Listening to their exchange, Yuqeen whispered softly:— “These two are exactly like friends.”

  After that, the three of them spent the day together — sometimes chatting, sometimes strolling around the restaurant.

  By evening, when it was time for Rayn and Yuqeen to return to the apartment, Uncle personally walked them to his private luxury car outside the restaurant.

  Before they left, Uncle asked in a gentle voice:— “Your winter break is coming soon, isn’t it? Do you have any plans to travel somewhere?”

  Unspoken futures lingered in the air. Rayn politely replied:— “Not yet. Maybe later we’ll decide where to go.”

  Rayyan Taqeesh photo link:-

  Rayyan's Restaurant non-canon photo link:-