Beyond the game

The evening city lights flickered outside Yuzarsif's office window. He leaned back in his leather chair, twirling his pen between his fingers as he reread the message on his phone.

"Jamal Ameer is back."

A name he had never paid attention to before. But now, it carried weight.

He glanced at the background report on Azra once more. Jamal—a childhood friend from the orphanage. Someone Azra and Rahma had known for years. A person with history.

Yuzarsif wasn't sure why, but something about the situation made him uneasy. He had spent the past months trying to break through Azra's walls, and now this guy suddenly appeared? He wasn't about to let some old friend become an obstacle.

Malik and Jafar entered his office without knocking.

Malik smirked. "You look serious. That's new."

Yuzarsif tossed his phone on the desk. "Jamal Ameer."

Jafar raised an eyebrow. "Who?"

Yuzarsif exhaled. "Azra's childhood friend. Just got back from the UK."

Malik whistled. "So? What's the issue?"

Yuzarsif's jaw tightened slightly. "I don't like complications."

Jafar chuckled. "Sounds like you're jealous."

Yuzarsif shot him a sharp look. "I don't do jealousy."

Malik and Jafar exchanged glances before bursting into laughter.

Jafar leaned on the desk. "Man, admit it. You're in deep. This isn't just about the bet anymore."

Yuzarsif ignored the comment. "I want to know everything about him."

Malik crossed his arms. "Relax. Just because he knew Azra first doesn't mean she'll suddenly fall into his arms."

Yuzarsif's eyes darkened slightly. He didn't like uncertainty.

—

At the orphanage, Azra and Rahma were helping the children with their evening studies. Jamal was sitting nearby, observing the scene with a soft expression.

"You haven't changed, Azra," Jamal said suddenly.

Azra looked up from the book she was holding. "What do you mean?"

"You're still the same. Focused, patient, kind," he said. "I missed this."

Rahma smirked. "And I bet you missed Azra most of all."

Azra shot her a warning glare, but Jamal only chuckled.

"Not going to deny that," he admitted.

Azra turned back to the kids, ignoring the comment.

After a while, the children finished their studies and ran off to play. Jamal leaned back in his chair.

"So, tell me. What's your life like now?" he asked.

Azra hesitated for a moment. "It's… normal. Busy with studies, working part-time, coming here whenever I can."

Jamal smiled. "Sounds exhausting. You're still the hardest-working person I know."

Rahma nudged Azra playfully. "And she still has admirers, too."

Azra sighed. "Rahma, enough."

Jamal raised an eyebrow. "Admirers?"

Rahma grinned. "There's someone who keeps coming to see her."

Azra stood up abruptly. "I need to go check on the kids."

She walked away before Rahma could say another word.

Jamal watched her go, his eyes thoughtful. "Who's this person?" he asked Rahma.

Rahma shrugged. "Some guy named Yuzarsif. Keeps coming to her workplace, donates to the orphanage, even tried to offer her a job."

Jamal's expression darkened slightly. "And she's interested?"

Rahma smirked. "She won't admit it, but… she doesn't treat him like other guys."

Jamal's fingers tapped lightly against the table. "Interesting."

—

The next day, Yuzarsif parked his car outside the supermarket. He stepped out, adjusting the cuffs of his shirt before walking inside.

As expected, Azra was behind the counter, checking inventory. She looked up when she sensed someone approaching.

"You again," she said, unimpressed.

Yuzarsif smirked. "You make it sound like a bad thing."

Azra crossed her arms. "What do you need today?"

Yuzarsif leaned against the counter. "Just coffee. But only if you'll have it with me this time."

Azra sighed. "Still trying?"

He chuckled. "Persistence is key."

She stared at him for a moment before shaking her head. "Not today."

Yuzarsif sighed dramatically. "One day, Azra, you'll say yes."

Azra simply rang up his order. "We'll see."

As he took his coffee, he hesitated. "By the way… you have a childhood friend back in town, right?"

Azra's eyes narrowed slightly. "How do you know that?"

Yuzarsif smirked. "I have my ways."

Azra frowned. "You shouldn't pry into my life."

He raised his hands in mock surrender. "Just making conversation."

Azra handed him the receipt. "Goodbye, Yuzarsif."

He chuckled and walked out.

Jamal Ameer…

The name echoed in his mind.

This was getting interesting.