Paths To Forever

By My Side

"Yes!"

She stared at me for a long moment. Then-completely unbothered-she shrugged. "Rude. But fair. But still rude."

I exhaled slowly. I was too young to be this exhausted.

Meanwhile, Azlan was still on the dance floor, his hand resting securely on Haiza's waist as he twirled her effortlessly, his expression unreadable. But I knew him.

The lights of the grand ballroom shimmered, golden reflections dancing across the polished marble floor. Laughter, conversation, and the soft melody of the live orchestra wove together, creating the illusion of a perfect evening. But to me, it all felt distant-like watching a scene from behind a glass wall.

I needed a break.

With a quiet exhale, I made my way toward the drinks counter, away from the overwhelming noise, away from the swirling figures lost in their own perfect moments. The scent of expensive cologne, floral perfume, and gourmet food filled the air, but none of it mattered. My mind felt heavy, weighed down by an exhaustion deeper than just physical tiredness.

I leaned against the bar, rubbing a hand over my face before signaling the bartender.

"Something non-alcoholic," I muttered.

The bartender nodded, quickly fixing me a drink, the clink of ice against glass somehow louder in my ears than the entire chaotic event behind me. I took the cold glass in my hands, staring into it for a moment.

I should be used to this. The expectations. The constant pressure. The feeling of always having to be composed, perfect. But some nights, like tonight, it got to me.

I took a sip, letting the cool liquid run down my throat, when a voice I wished I didn't recognize shattered the small moment of peace I had carved out for myself.

"Standing alone again, Zian?"

I stiffened. Him.

My father stepped up beside me, his expression unreadable to anyone else, but I knew what was coming.

"You should be socializing, not brooding in a corner," he continued, his tone calm but carrying the usual undertone of disapproval. "People look up to you. You're the captain of the national team. Standing around like this-what do you think it looks like?"

I said nothing, taking another sip of my drink instead.

He sighed, shaking his head. "You have everything-the talent, the name, the reputation. And yet, you act like it's a burden."

I clenched my jaw. Because it is.

But I didn't say it. No point in arguing. It was always the same conversation, the same weight he placed on my shoulders.

"You should be out there, making connections, impressing the right people-"

"Or maybe he just wants to enjoy his drink in peace."

I turned, surprised.

Mahi.

She had somehow materialized beside me, casually swirling her own drink in her hand, wearing an easygoing smile-but her eyes? Sharp. Calculating. Like she knew exactly what she was doing.

My father looked at her, clearly unamused. "And you are?"

"Mahi," she said cheerfully, taking a sip of her drink before adding, "his girlfriend."

I choked.

Mahi, entirely unfazed, took another sip of her drink like she hadn't just dropped a bomb into the conversation.