The buzzer to Erum’s apartment sounded, and she sighed, pulling herself away from the stack of papers she had been grading. She had been looking forward to a quiet evening in, but when Irfan had called to say he was in the neighborhood, she couldn’t bring herself to turn him down.
She buzzed him up, taking a moment to check her reflection in the hall mirror. Her long, dark hair was pulled back into a messy bun, and she was still wearing her glasses instead of contacts. She shrugged, deciding she didn’t care enough to change. Let Irfan see her as she was – a busy, successful woman who didn’t have time to primp and preen for every visitor.
She opened the door just as Irfan was about to knock, a wide smile on her face. “Well, if it isn’t the man of the hour,” she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “To what do I owe this pleasure?”
Irfan held up a bouquet of flowers and a bottle of wine, his cheeks flushing at her teasing tone. “I just wanted to stop by and say hello,” he said, his voice hesitant. “I was in the neighborhood and thought I’d see if you were home.”
Erum raised an eyebrow, taking the gifts from him and setting them on the entryway table. “How coincidental,” she said, her voice laced with doubt. “I find it hard to believe that you just happened to be in the neighborhood. You’ve never been one for spontaneity, Irfan.”
Irfan shrugged, running a hand through his hair. Erum couldn’t help but notice how outdated his fashion sense was – he was still wearing the same button-down shirt and slacks he had worn in high school. She stifled a laugh, shaking her head.
Erum led Irfan into the living room, offering him a seat on the couch. She poured them each a glass of wine, settling into the armchair across from him.
“So, how have you been?” Irfan asked, taking a sip of his wine. “It’s been ages since we last saw each other.”
Erum nodded, her mind drifting back to their high school days. She had always had a bit of a crush on Irfan, but he had been too shy to notice. Instead, he had pined after her best friend, leaving Erum to watch from the sidelines.
She shook her head, pushing those memories away. “I’ve been good,” she said, her voice bright. “Work has been busy, but I can’t complain. How about you?”
Irfan nodded, launching into a long-winded explanation of his job as an accountant. Erum listened with half an ear, her mind wandering. She couldn’t help but notice how attractive Irfan had become over the years – his broad shoulders, his kind eyes, the way his hair fell across his forehead.
She cleared her throat, cutting him off. “Enough about you,” she said, her voice playful. “Let’s talk about me. Do you like my new apartment?”
Irfan nodded, looking around the room with interest. “It’s very…you,” he said, his voice hesitant.
Erum laughed, standing up to give him a tour. “Come on, I’ll show you the rest of the place,” she said, leading him down the hallway.
She showed him the guest bedroom, the home office, and the bathroom, pointing out her favorite features as they went. When they reached her bedroom, she turned to face him, her eyes challenging.
Irfan took a step closer to her, their bodies just inches apart. Erum could feel the heat radiating off of him, and she felt a spark of electricity run through her body.
She leaned in closer, her lips just a breath away from his. “You know, I always knew you had a crush on me in high school,” she whispered, her voice playful.
Irfan pulled away, his cheeks flushing. “I did not,” he protested, but Erum could see the truth in his eyes.
She laughed, stepping back. “Sure, sure,” she said, her voice teasing. “But I’ll let you in on a little secret – I always had a bit of a crush on you too.”
Irfan’s eyes widened, and Erum could see the desire in them. She took a step closer to him, their bodies pressed together.
“I think it’s time for you to go, Irfan,” she whispered, her voice husky.
Irfan nodded, his voice hoarse. “Yes, I think you’re right.”
Erum led him to the front door, her hand lingering on his arm. “Text me when you get home,” she said, her voice soft.
Irfan nodded, his eyes locked on hers. He leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to her lips.
Erum smiled, watching as he walked down the hallway. She closed the door behind him, leaning against it with a sigh.
She couldn’t believe what had just happened – she had kissed Irfan, the boy she had always had a crush on. And it had been everything she had imagined and more.
She shook her head, pushing those thoughts away. She had a job to do, and she couldn’t let herself get distracted by old crushes.
But as she turned to go back to her grading, she couldn’t help but smile. Maybe it was time to let herself indulge in a little bit of pleasure – after all, she deserved it.
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