Chapter 7 A Moment to Remember

The following week, Naomi and Layla spent even more time together. Naomi made excuses to accompany Layla on errands or sit with her in the library, pretending to study while stealing glances at Layla's concentrated face. Layla, ever so kind, pretended not to notice-though the faint blush on her cheeks betrayed her awareness.

One late evening, they sat on the rooftop of Layla's house, a blanket draped over their shoulders to keep the chill away. The stars twinkled above, casting a serene glow over the small town.

"Do you think the stars keep secrets?" Layla asked, her voice soft.

Naomi turned to her, a little confused. "What kind of secrets?"

"Like... things people wish for," Layla said, her gaze fixed on the sky. "Maybe they hold onto them, keeping them safe."

Naomi tilted her head back, staring at the vast expanse of stars. "Maybe. Or maybe they're just there to remind us how small we are."

"That's kind of sad," Layla said, pouting slightly.

Naomi chuckled, nudging her. "Okay, then. What would you wish for, if the stars could keep it a secret?"

Layla hesitated, her fingers fiddling with the edge of the blanket. "I'd wish for... moments like this to last forever."

Naomi felt her chest tighten. The way Layla's voice wavered, the hope in her eyes-it was too much, and yet, Naomi didn't want to look away.

"I think," Naomi began, her voice quieter than usual, "if the stars could keep secrets, they'd say they already know your wish."

Layla turned to her, surprised. "How?"

Naomi shrugged, trying to appear casual. "Because I'd wish for the same thing."

For a moment, Layla just stared at her, the words hanging between them like the stars above. Then, slowly, a smile spread across her face-soft, genuine, and full of warmth.

"You're such a softie," Layla teased, though her voice carried no malice.

Naomi rolled her eyes, though a small smile tugged at her lips. "Don't get used to it."

"Too late," Layla said, leaning her head on Naomi's shoulder.

The two sat in silence, the world around them fading away. Neither spoke, but in that quiet moment, their unspoken promise was clear: they'd hold onto each other, no matter what the stars knew.

Days turned into weeks, and the bond between Naomi and Layla only deepened. Their routine became a quiet comfort: morning walks to school, afternoons spent studying together, and evenings lost in shared conversations about dreams and secrets.

One particular evening, Naomi found herself waiting for Layla at the small café near their usual hangout spot. She tapped her fingers nervously on the table, glancing at her phone every few seconds. Layla was late, which was unusual.

Just as Naomi's worry began to grow, the bell above the door chimed, and Layla appeared, her cheeks flushed from running.

"Sorry, sorry!" Layla panted, sliding into the seat across from Naomi. "Got held up by Mrs. Carter. She wouldn't stop talking about her cat."

Naomi smirked, handing Layla a glass of water. "Let me guess-her cat learned a new trick?"

"Exactly!" Layla said, rolling her eyes. "I mean, I like cats, but I don't need a play-by-play of Mittens' life."

Naomi chuckled, her earlier tension melting away. "Well, you're here now. That's what matters."

Layla's smile softened as she took a sip of water. "Thanks for waiting. So, why the sudden coffee date?"

Naomi hesitated, her fingers brushing the edge of her cup. "No reason. Just... thought we could hang out. You know, before exams get crazy."

Layla tilted her head, studying Naomi with a curious look. "Hmm. You're being weirdly thoughtful today. What's going on?"

"Nothing!" Naomi said quickly, her ears turning red. "Can't I just be nice without a reason?"

Layla giggled, leaning closer. "You can, but it's suspicious. Spill it, Naomi."

Naomi sighed, resigning herself to Layla's teasing. "Fine. I just... wanted to make sure you're okay. You've been busy lately, and I thought you might need a break."

Layla blinked, momentarily surprised by Naomi's sincerity. Then her expression softened, and she reached across the table to squeeze Naomi's hand.

"You're sweet, you know that?" Layla said, her voice quiet.

"Don't get used to it," Naomi muttered, though her lips curved into a small smile.

Layla just laughed, her eyes sparkling under the warm café lights. "Too late. I already am."

The weeks before exams passed in a blur of late-night study sessions and whispered encouragements. Layla and Naomi spent nearly every moment together, their bond growing stronger with each shared laugh and stolen glance.

One Friday evening, Layla insisted they take a break. She dragged Naomi to the park near their neighborhood, where the spring blossoms were in full bloom. The air smelled of fresh flowers, and the soft glow of lanterns strung across the trees gave the park a magical feel.

"Why are we here again?" Naomi asked, shoving her hands into her pockets as she followed Layla down the cobblestone path.

"Because," Layla said, turning back to flash Naomi a mischievous grin, "you're way too stressed. You need to relax, and I know just the way to do it."

Naomi raised an eyebrow. "This better not involve anything embarrassing."

Layla laughed, her voice ringing like a melody. "Just trust me, okay?"

She led Naomi to a clearing where a group of musicians was playing soft, romantic melodies. Couples swayed together under the lights, and Naomi's heart skipped a beat when Layla turned to her, a playful smile tugging at her lips.

"Dance with me," Layla said, holding out her hand.

Naomi stared at her, taken aback. "What? Here? In front of everyone?"

Layla nodded, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Why not? Don't tell me you're shy."

"I'm not shy," Naomi muttered, though her cheeks betrayed her with a faint blush.

"Prove it." Layla's tone was teasing, but her gaze was steady, almost challenging.

After a moment's hesitation, Naomi sighed and took Layla's hand. "Fine. But if I step on your feet, it's your fault."

Layla grinned, pulling Naomi closer. "Deal."

As the music swelled, the two began to sway awkwardly at first, but soon they fell into an easy rhythm. Layla's laughter was infectious, and Naomi couldn't help but smile despite herself.

"You're not so bad at this," Layla teased.

"Don't get used to it," Naomi replied, though her voice was warm.

The world seemed to fade away as they danced, the soft music and the glow of the lanterns wrapping them in a cocoon of quiet joy. For a moment, it was just them-no exams, no worries, just the simple, undeniable happiness of being together.

As the song ended, Layla leaned in, her voice barely a whisper. "Thank you, Naomi. For everything."

Naomi felt her heart flutter, but she managed a small, teasing smile. "You're welcome. Now let's never do this again."

Layla laughed, her eyes shining. "We'll see about that."