“Bloom”
341 Words
Outside the Venue
Ismail sat in his car, wearing a face cap and nose mask to avoid attention. Kia greeted him briefly while Tia stood quietly.
Ismail's eyes stayed on Tia. She looked beautiful - effortless.
"You look really good," he said softly.
"Thank you," Tia replied. He also complimented Kia, and she smiled appreciatively.
Ismail lowered his mask slightly so Tia could see his face clearly.
"No need," Tia laughed. "I've seen you all over the internet."
"That's edited," he replied playfully. "This is the real face."
They laughed and talked for a few minutes.
Remembering his tight schedule the next day, Tia encouraged him to head home early.
Before leaving, Ismail asked to take a picture
— one with Tia alone and another with both twins.
They took the photos, exchanged goodbyes, and went their separate ways.
Ismail drove home.
Kia and Tia returned to the club to enjoy the rest of the night.
Kia and Mustekim's love slowly found its way back.
And between Tia and Ismail, something gentle and beautiful continued to bloom.
Hours later, when the party finally ended, the twins stepped outside the venue together. The cool night air brushed against their faces as the loud music faded behind them.
For a moment, they looked at each other in silence.
Then Kia suddenly burst out laughing.
Tia frowned slightly. “What?”
“I can’t believe tonight just happened,” Kia said between laughs. “You and Ismail… taking pictures like that.”
Tia shook her head, trying to hide her smile. “You’re one to talk. I saw the way you and Mustekim were looking at each other.”
Kia nudged her playfully. “Don’t change the topic.”
Tia finally laughed too, the kind of laugh that felt light and free. For the first time in a while, the heaviness in her chest felt a little less.
The twins walked side by side toward the road, still teasing each other, their laughter echoing softly into the quiet night.
For once, everything felt simple.
- Writer
