As they sat in the car, Ember turned to Emir, gratitude shining in her eyes. "Thank you for everything you've done for me."
He smiled gently. "It's okay."
After some time, the car slowed to a stop, and Emir glanced at her. "So, here we are at our destination. Let's get off."
Ember stepped out and took in the sight before her. Her eyes widened in awe. "Wow... This college looks just like the ones in movies."
Emir chuckled softly at her reaction. "Let's head to my department."
Curious, she turned to him. "Which department are you in?"
"Management," he replied casually.
A small smile tugged at Ember's lips. That's the same as mine.
As they walked through the bustling campus, the energy around them was almost overwhelming. Students hurried past, lost in their own worlds. Suddenly, Ember lost sight of Emir. Her heart pounded as she glanced around frantically.
"Where are you, Emir?" she called out, her voice filled with panic.
Before she could take another step, a strong hand grabbed hers and pulled her away from the rush. She stumbled slightly, her heart racing, and found herself pressed against a firm chest. The scent of him—warm and familiar—surrounded her. An arm rested gently over her head, shielding her from the crowd as he guided her to safety.
When they were clear of the chaos, she looked up and met Emir's intense gaze. His grip on her hand was firm, as if he wasn't ready to let go.
"Don't do this ever again," he said, his tone stern yet laced with concern.
Ember swallowed hard, unsure if his words stemmed from genuine care or simply responsibility. Either way, she couldn't ignore the way her heart fluttered at the way he worried about her.
As they reached his department, Ember noticed students stealing glances at them. Whispers filled the air, curious eyes shifting between her and Emir. She couldn't make out what they were saying, but the way they spoke made it obvious—she was the center of their conversation.
A little while later, a confident-looking guy entered the classroom. His bright smile and easygoing demeanor made him stand out.
"Hey, I'm a friend of Emir—Dylan," he introduced himself.
Ember returned his smile. "Oh, hello! My name is Ember."
Dylan gave her a friendly nod before turning to Emir, pulling him toward the back bench for a private conversation. Though their voices were hushed, Ember could feel their occasional glances her way.
They're talking about me, aren't they? she thought, shifting in her seat.
When class ended, Emir turned to her, his tone light and inviting. "Let's go eat some food."
At the canteen, he glanced at her. "What do you want to eat?"
Ember shrugged with a small smile. "You can get anything you want."
His expression softened, but his voice was firm. "I'll bring the lunch. Don't go anywhere."
There was something about the way he said it—protective, almost possessive. Ember simply nodded, watching as he walked away.
"Okay, I'll be waiting," Ember replied softly, a small smile playing on her lips.
As she waited, Dylan approached and took a seat beside her. Leaning in slightly, he asked, "Hey, Ember, where did you come from?"
Before she could answer, a familiar voice cut through the air.
"Dylan, come here."
She turned to see Emir standing nearby, his gaze locked firmly on Dylan. There was something in his expression—something unreadable. Dylan flashed Ember a quick smile before getting up and walking over to him.
A few minutes later, Emir returned, placing a tray of food in front of her before settling into the seat beside her. A strange tension lingered in the air, making Ember shift uncomfortably.
She couldn't shake the unsettling feeling that someone was watching them. Subtly turning her head, she caught sight of a group of girls sitting at the next table. Their cold, piercing stares sent a shiver down her spine.
"What are you looking at? Let's eat. I'm hungry," Emir's voice pulled her back to the moment.
Ember quickly nodded. "Okay."
They ate in silence, but the weight of those stares never truly faded.
Once she finished, Ember clapped her hands together, a satisfied grin on her face. "Yummy! I'm done."
Emir turned to her, amusement flickering in his eyes. "You're just like a child. You even have food on your face."
Her eyes widened in embarrassment. "Where?" She instinctively touched her face, her cheeks burning.
Leaning in, Emir pulled a tissue from his pocket. "Let me help you," he murmured, gently dabbing the corner of her mouth. "There, now it's fine."
Ember froze. Her heart pounded against her ribs as the world around them seemed to fade. When she glanced around, she realized the entire canteen had gone quiet. Eyes were on them—watching, whispering.
Heat rushed to her face, and she quickly lowered her gaze.
Breaking the awkward silence, Dylan suddenly called out, "Let's go!"
Emir turned his attention to him. "Where?"
"To the sports center," Dylan replied.
Emir blinked as if just remembering something. "Oh, I forgot about that. Let's go," he said, rising from his seat.
Extending his hand toward Ember, he waited.
She hesitated for a moment before placing her hand in his. His grip was warm, steady. Together, they walked toward the sports center.
As they strolled, Ember glanced at him and softly asked, "What did you forget about there?"
Emir sighed. "I have a meeting to attend at the sports center. We need to go there."
"Oh," she murmured, nodding in understanding as they continued their walk.
They arrived at the sports center, the towering building buzzing with activity. Emir turned to Ember, his expression gentle yet firm.
"You go and sit there. We'll be right back. Don't go anywhere, okay?"
Ember nodded softly. "Hm."
She found a bench outside and sat down, watching as Emir and Dylan disappeared into the sports club. Left alone, her thoughts began to spiral.
'How did I end up here? What is happening in my life?' she wondered. 'Did something happen in my past life? What about my house... my parents? Did I teleport here? They must be so worried about me. I have to find them. They don't even know I'm here…'
A lump formed in her throat as the questions overwhelmed her. Her chest tightened, and tears blurred her vision. Then, amidst the turmoil in her mind, an image of Emir flashed before her.
'I know he's been so kind to me, but I need my parents. I miss them so much…'
She clenched her fists, struggling to hold back the emotions bubbling inside her, but it was useless. Silent sobs wracked her body as she murmured, "Ember, this is just a dream... wake up, wake up."
She knew people were watching, but she couldn't stop. The ache in her heart was too deep. Her vision blurred further, until suddenly, a familiar voice broke through the haze.
"Hey, Ember. What happened? Why are you crying?"
That voice—warm, familiar, grounding.
She looked up to see Emir crouching in front of her, concern etched across his face. Without hesitation, he reached out and gently patted her head.
"Hey, stop it! I'm here. I'm here," he reassured her, his voice tender.
Through her sobs, she choked out, "I want my parents. I want to go home."
Emir exhaled softly, his eyes never leaving hers. "You miss them... I understand. But I'm here now, so don't cry, okay?"
Before she could say anything, he pulled her into a gentle embrace, his arms warm and secure around her. He rubbed slow, comforting circles on her back as she clung to him, her emotions pouring out.
"I want to meet my parents… I miss them… I want them," she whispered, her voice breaking.
Emir tightened his hold, his voice low and soothing. "Don't cry. Don't cry." He hesitated before adding in a playful yet serious tone, "We'll find them, okay? I'll help you. But you need to stop crying now. If you don't… I'll kiss you. And don't even think about the people who might see us."
Ember's breath hitched. Startled, she lifted her tear-filled eyes to his, her sobs fading into quiet sniffles. Emir smiled faintly, his fingers brushing away the lingering tears on her cheeks.
"That's my good girl," he murmured. "I know you're missing your parents, but I promise I'll help you find them."
Ember hummed in response, the weight in her heart easing ever so slightly.
Pulling her into another brief embrace, he whispered, "Don't cry again, okay?"
She nodded against his chest, her heart unexpectedly steadying in his warmth.
For the first time in what felt like forever, she felt safe.
Emir pulled away gently, his hand resting on her shoulder as he guided her toward the parking lot, where his car was waiting.
Back at Emir's house,
he guided Ember to the room where she had woken up that morning. The familiar space felt different now—less strange, more comforting. They sat down on the bed, a quiet tension filling the air before Emir finally spoke.
"Where are you from? Do you remember?"
Ember hesitated before answering. "I'm from City Blue in Country I."
His eyes widened in shock. "What? From Country I? That's so far from here. How did you even manage to get here?"
Ember lowered her gaze, her fingers gripping the fabric of her dress. "I... I don't know," she murmured, the overwhelming uncertainty threatening to bring back her tears.
Seeing the sadness clouding her eyes, Emir leaned closer, his voice turning soft. "Don't cry. I'll figure this out, okay? Just give me some time."
He reached out and gently patted her head, a comforting gesture that made her feel strangely at ease. She nodded, quickly wiping away the moisture threatening to spill from her eyes.
"I'll contact your parents. In the meantime, you're my responsibility," he said with a reassuring smile. Then, suddenly, his expression shifted, a playful glint dancing in his eyes. "Get ready; we're going out."
Ember blinked in surprise. "Okay," she agreed without question.
Just as he turned to leave, he suddenly stopped in his tracks.
"Wait," he said.
She tilted her head. "What happened?"
He walked over and handed her a set of his clothes. "Change into these."
She looked at them, then back at him. "Okay, wait here. I'll be right back." Taking the clothes, she headed inside to change.
Slipping into his long white t-shirt and knee-length shorts, she caught a faint, familiar scent clinging to the fabric. It was warm and comforting, reminding her of him. She ran her fingers along the soft fabric, her cheeks heating as a thought crossed her mind.
"This smell... it feels like he's here with me."
Shaking off the feeling, she took a deep breath and went downstairs, where Emir was waiting by the door.
"Let's go. The car's right here," he said, holding the door open for her.
She hummed softly in response and climbed into the passenger seat. As they drove, she noticed him stealing glances at her.
Frowning slightly, she turned to him. "Do I look weird?"
He reacted almost immediately. "No, you look good," he said, his tone a little too quick.
Ember smirked. "Really?" she teased, raising an eyebrow.
His grip tightened on the steering wheel as he fumbled with his words. "Ye... yes..." He cleared his throat awkwardly, looking straight ahead.
She leaned in slightly, studying him with curiosity. "Are you catching a cold?"
His brows furrowed. "Why?"
She grinned mischievously. "Because your cheeks are turning red."
His breath hitched as he immediately looked away, his voice dropping to a barely audible murmur. "I'm fine. It's just... yo..." He stopped mid-sentence, his words trailing off as if he had caught himself.
Ember's smile grew wider, but she decided to let it go.
"Let's go!" she said cheerfully, breaking the moment.
Emir exhaled, relieved. "Yeah," he muttered, refocusing on the road ahead.
As the car moved, Ember turned to him, curiosity gleaming in her eyes. "Where are we going?"
Emir glanced at her, a teasing smile playing on his lips. "Wait and see."
She leaned back, a spark of excitement lighting up her face. "Interesting! Let's see."
After a moment of silence, he asked, "Tell me something about yourself."
Ember grinned. "You first."
He raised an eyebrow. "No, you first."
"No, you," she insisted, crossing her arms with playful stubbornness.
He chuckled, surrendering. "Okay, okay. Let me tell you about myself. I'm Emir. I come from a city called Shine in Country C."
Her eyes widened in surprise. "So, we're in Country C?"
He nodded. "Yes, this is the country you're in."
Ember's mind reeled at the realization. "So, I got teleported from my city to you. Wow, that's so interesting. I traveled so far... Do I have superpowers?"
He laughed at her enthusiasm. "Maybe you do."
She leaned in eagerly. "Alright, go on. Tell me more about yourself."
He shrugged. "I'm a university student."
"What are your hobbies?" she asked.
"I like singing, dancing, and traveling."
She nodded approvingly before a mischievous glint appeared in her eyes. "Oh, that's nice. But tell me, why are you so famous at your university?"
He smirked. "Don't you know?"
She feigned ignorance, shaking her head. "No."
His lips curled into an amused smile. "You can figure it out by observing me or imagining how I became famous."
In her thoughts, she mused, 'I already know why. Because you're incredibly handsome, kind, and have the perfect charm that every girl dreams of.'
His voice pulled her from her reverie. "What are you thinking?"
She quickly shook her head. "Nothing, nothing."
Just then, the driver spoke. "We've arrived at our destination."
Emir stepped out of the car, walked to her side, and opened the door. Extending his hand, he said with a soft smile, "Take my hand."
Her heart fluttered at the simple gesture. She hesitated for just a second before placing her hand in his. His grip was warm and firm, sending an unfamiliar but pleasant sensation through her.
As they entered the mall, he leaned in and whispered, "Let's do some shopping for you."
She pulled back slightly. "You don't have to do this."
His smirk deepened as he teased, "So, you want to wear my clothes every day?"
Her cheeks burned instantly. "No! I didn't mean that," she protested.
He chuckled softly, enjoying her reaction. "Okay, let's go."
Still holding her hand, he led her further into the mall, and with every step, she felt the bond between them grow stronger.