Kazaf: The upside down

The days in the Elara Sect passed in a blur. After his training with Elder Basir, Kazaf dedicated himself to refining the Heaven's Essence Technique. His progress was impressive, but his mind wasn't only occupied by training.

Lately, he had noticed Asma acting differently around him. It wasn't obvious—just little things. She lingered in conversations longer than necessary, her gaze holding his for a second too long. But then, she would quickly look away, as if catching herself.

Kazaf wasn't blind. Something had changed between them.

But before he could dwell on it, an unexpected visitor arrived at the sect.

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The Arrival of Idris

The sun had barely risen when the disciples gathered at the sect's entrance. A lone figure stood at the gates, his elegant robes flowing in the wind.

Kazaf stood beside Rahim, Harun, and Samir, observing the newcomer.

"Who is he?" Kazaf asked.

"Idris Al-Fayad," Rahim replied with a smirk. "A prodigy from the Azure Moon Sect. Smart, talented, and most importantly… madly in love with Asma."

Kazaf's expression didn't change, but something in his chest tightened.

Idris stepped forward, his sharp features exuding confidence. His eyes scanned the gathered disciples before landing on Asma. A warm smile spread across his face.

"Asma," Idris greeted, his voice smooth. "It's been too long."

Asma inclined her head politely. "Idris."

Kazaf didn't miss the stiffness in her voice.

Idris turned to Jamal Kassim and the elders, bowing respectfully. "I come bearing gifts from my father, Lord Rashid Al-Fayad. He wishes to extend his regards to the Elara Sect and strengthen our bond."

Kassim nodded. "Your father is a wise man. You are welcome here, Idris."

Idris smiled but seemed more interested in Asma than anyone else. His gaze flickered toward Kazaf for the briefest moment, assessing him.

Kazaf met his eyes with a calm stare.

He already didn't like this guy.

---

A Tense Encounter

Later that day, the disciples gathered for an informal sparring session. Idris, eager to show off, easily defeated several challengers, moving with effortless grace.

After his latest victory, he turned to Asma. "I remember you used to be my greatest challenge. Care to have a match for old times' sake?"

Asma shook her head. "Not today, Idris."

"Then maybe your new friend would like to?" Idris turned to Kazaf, his smile polite but his tone holding an edge.

Kazaf smirked. "Not interested in meaningless fights."

Idris chuckled. "Or perhaps you're not confident?"

Kazaf stepped forward slightly, his eyes unwavering. "I don't waste time proving myself to people who don't matter."

For a split second, the air crackled with tension. But before Idris could respond, Asma spoke up.

"Enough," she said firmly. "There's no need for this."

Idris backed off with a charming smile. "Of course. I didn't mean to cause trouble."

But Kazaf knew better.

This wasn't over.

---

A Walk Under the Moonlight

That night, Asma sat by the lake near the sect's gardens, staring at the rippling water. The moonlight made her features glow softly, her expression thoughtful.

Kazaf approached quietly. "Mind if I join you?"

She glanced at him, then gestured for him to sit. They sat in silence for a while, the cool night breeze brushing past them.

"Are you okay?" Kazaf finally asked.

Asma sighed. "Idris… he's not a bad person. But he doesn't understand that I've moved on."

Kazaf nodded slowly. "And what have you moved on to?"

She hesitated, then turned her gaze toward him. "Something different."

Their eyes met, and for a moment, the world around them faded.

But just as Kazaf opened his mouth to say something, Asma looked away. "It's late. I should go."

Kazaf watched as she walked away, his heart beating faster than he'd like to admit.

This wasn't just friendship anymore.

Something between them was changing.

And Kazaf wasn't sure if he was ready for it.

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