Changing Tides
550 Words
The sharp scent of roasted coffee and distant echoes of rolling suitcases filled the arrival terminal. Australia’s golden morning sun filtered through the vast glass windows of the airport, casting soft glows on the marble floor. The moment Tyla stepped through the sliding doors, the subtle click of her heels slowed.
Ezra walked a step behind her, his coat slung over one arm, his posture effortlessly regal, but his eyes—his eyes never left her.
And then—
"Tyla!" A deep, unmistakably familiar voice echoed through the crowd.
Her head snapped toward the sound before a blinding grin stretched across her face. She didn't walk. She ran. Like muscle memory. Like instinct.
Ezra’s brows lifted ever so slightly.
Tyla launched herself into the arms of Noah Sim, who stood by a sleek black car, dressed casually in a light beige button-down, sleeves rolled, his smile wide and waiting. His arms opened just in time, catching her like he'd done a thousand times before.
"You’re actually here!" she exclaimed against his shoulder, laughing, her voice uncharacteristically light, bubbly.
“You doubted me?” he teased, ruffling her hair, earning a half-hearted glare.
“Always,” she said, her grin not fading in the slightest.
Ezra remained where he was, just at the exit, his suitcase beside him, the staff discreetly stepping around. He didn’t move closer. Instead, he watched. Quiet. Observant. The woman who had met his banter with biting sarcasm on the plane now looked like the girl next door with Noah—unguarded, radiant, effortlessly warm.
Noticing a tug in his chest, Ezra exhaled through his nose.
Not jealousy.
Curiosity.
It was rare to see Tyla… this soft. This open. Her boldness remained, sure, but it was now painted with hues of comfort and familiarity. A different version of her. One she didn’t wear with everyone.
"You've gained weight," Noah said teasingly, poking her side.
"Excuse me?" she narrowed her eyes, smacking his hand away, "I’m glowing. I’ve been on a wellness journey."
Ezra couldn’t help the small smirk that tugged at the corner of his lips.
She was adorable.
“Who's that?” Noah asked, finally catching sight of Ezra.
Tyla’s smile faltered just a little. Not out of discomfort. Just surprise. She had almost forgotten he was there.
“Oh, that’s Ezra,” she said, tone casual. “He—uh—we sat next to each other on the flight.”
Ezra’s gaze flicked up as Noah approached, extending his hand politely.
“Noah Sim.”
Ezra shook it firmly. “Ezra Sinclair.”
There was a flash of recognition in Noah’s eyes. Of course, he knew the name. Who didn’t?
“Thanks for surviving a flight with her,” Noah joked.
Ezra chuckled softly. “It was… enlightening.”
Tyla rolled her eyes dramatically and slid her sunglasses down over her eyes. “Stop talking about me like I’m not here.”
“You love it,” Noah shot back.
Ezra didn’t say much, but his eyes stayed on her just a moment longer. She hadn’t looked at him that way—not yet. Not like she looked at Noah.
But that was okay.
He could wait.
Because somewhere in the quiet of his chest, he knew—Tyla Kensington was worth the wait.
- Writer
