Story -The magic of Late Afternoon

Story serial –
The magic of Late Afternoon
An Evening of Anticipation (Episode> 5-7)

After lunch, Adrian leaned back against his pillow.
He kept waiting for evening to arrive.
His mind wandered again and again — back to Sophie’s face.
That soft, gentle smile…he couldn’t forget it.
Somewhere between those thoughts, his eyes slowly closed.

When Adrian woke up, evening had almost passed.
He quickly got ready and stepped outside.
The pathway shimmered under the soft glow of streetlights.
The green grass sparkled beneath them as he walked, taking long, hurried steps.
He climbed up to the third floor and pressed the doorbell.
The door opened. Sophie stood there.
“Good evening… you’re late,” she said with a soft smile.
“Good evening,” Adrian replied.
“I’ve been waiting for you. Come in.”
A little hesitant, Adrian stepped inside.
Sophie gestured him to sit and gently placed the two kittens from her lap onto the floor.
“Sit… I’ll be right back.”
She walked into the other room.

Adrian sat down on the sofa — but it sank slightly beneath him. Embarrassed, he adjusted himself,
glancing around the room.
Suddenly — The two kittens started meowing and jumped toward him.
Startled, Adrian stood up, trying to push them away. But instead, they came closer.
Helpless, he picked them up and placed them on another sofa — a little more forcefully than he intended.
The kittens cried out loudly.
Just then—
Sophie walked back into the room.
Sophie quickly picked up the two kittens, holding them close. She kissed their tiny faces, gently stroking their heads.
In her arms, they calmed down — resting quietly against her soft warmth.
Without looking at Adrian, she said—
“Did you hurt my Laltu and Bintu?”
Adrian hesitated.
“No… I mean… I just don’t like cats.”
Sophie looked at him this time.
“You know how much they mean to me? I can’t tolerate even the slightest neglect toward them.”
Adrian lowered his voice.
“I’m sorry… I didn’t know.”
Sophie paused for a moment… then sighed softly.
“It’s okay. Just don’t hurt them again. It would really hurt me.”
Adrian quickly replied—
“No… I would never do anything that hurts you.”
A faint smile touched Sophie’s lips.
“Good.”
She sat down and asked—
“So… what would you like to have?”
Adrian shook his head.
“No thanks. Your company is enough.”
Sophie burst into laughter. Adrian looked confused.
“Why are you laughing?”
“You’re so naïve.”
“Why?
“Does company fill your stomach?”
Sophie smiled—
“Of course not.”
Then she added — “My parents aren’t home. My sister will be late too.
It’s just me and my grandmother.
So tell me — what would you like to eat? I’ll make it.”
Adrian stayed silent.
“Alright,”
Sophie said, standing up,
“I’ll bring coffee.”
Then she paused at the door.
“But…”
Adrian looked up.
“But what?”
Sophie smiled playfully—
“I’m not leaving my Laltu and Bintu with you.”
She gently picked them up and walked out of the room.
Adrian watched her go…quietly.
All the teachers were busy in an urgent meeting. The classroom was without supervision.
Some students were gossiping. Some were laughing loudly. Others were scribbling nonsense on the board.
Adrian sat quietly in a corner, eyes closed… humming softly —
“”You are standing on the shore of my song…””
A gentle touch on his head broke the moment.
He opened his eyes. Sophie was standing beside him.
Adrian quickly tried to get up.
“You…”
Sophie smiled—
“Yes, me. But—
I do have a beautiful name. Sophie.”
Adrian smiled back.
“It suits you. Sophie is a beautiful name.”
“Then call me by that name. I’d like that.”
“Alright… Sophie.”
She paused for a moment, then said—
“I have a question.”
“Go ahead.”
Sophie leaned slightly closer—
“Who is standing beyond your song, Adrian?”
Adrian hesitated.
“No… I mean… no one.”
He wanted to say — It’s you.
But the words never came out. He stayed silent.
Sophie smiled again—
That smile… felt like the world had paused just to admire it.
After a moment, she said—
“I found the last class assignment a bit difficult. Will you help me?”
“Of course,” Adrian replied.
“Good. Then after class…
you’re coming to my place.”
Adrian didn’t say anything. But his silence… was enough.

• To be continued – story (Episode> 8-10)