"Hey, you new here?"

***

"Yep." He flashed a smile at me. Oh gosh, he's so handsome!

"Oh, nice to meet you." I nearly stammered my words and I clumsily stick my hand for a handshake.

"Yeah, she's my sister I was talking about." My brother chimed in between us. I saw him mouthing something about me to Mr. Handsome. Probably something embarrassing about me. Ugh.

"Oh yes, I've heard a lot from Afham," he simply smiled again, "by the way, I'm Ihsan."

He shook my hand and that was the warmest and softest hand I've touched.

After a moment of ecstasy, I faced my brother and slapped him in the back. "Hey, you ruined my first impression!"

"Sorry! Geez, you can't even, sis," he snorted.

"Seesh!"

"You are Ayesha, right?" Ihsan asked after a solid five seconds of silence.

"Yeah, sorry for forgetting to introduce myself," I tittered.

A sudden presence came by along us. A beautiful young-looking woman came and took Ihsan's hand. She vaguely resembled Ihsan.

"Hey, let's go. We are already a bit late." She said as she dragged him.

"See you later, guys! Nice meeting you, Ayeesha. Bye!" Ihsan waved us and went away.

We both waved at him as they disappeared in the distance. That must be his mother, I hope.
------------------------------------------------------
"Mom, I am going. Assalamu alaikum!" I was about to take my bag and go but mom had to stop me.

"Valaikum Salam.Before you go, where is your brother, dear?" She asked.

"He must be busy being handsome, you know," I replied.

"What's up with him today? Is he going for a date or to school?"

My mom laughed at her joke. She was weird sometimes.

"Here's the money you asked earlier for the bag." She put the money on the counter. I thought she won't give it.

"You said you wouldn't give me."

"You want it or not?"

I took it immediately before mom changes her mind. "Thanks a lot, mom. Love you!"

She gave a sarcastic laugh. "Cajoling me again?"

"No mom. I am going now, bye!" I dashed outside after hearing her usual reply 'take care's and good bye's'.

I was waiting for my bus when someone approached behind me. Must be Afham.

"Done handsoming yourself?" I asked him without looking back.

"Yep, why?"

That's not my brother's voice.

I looked back and found Ihsan smiling at me.

"Hey, Ayesha."