_Leah's POV_

After we finished eating, Tariq and I settled in to watch another movie. The light-hearted atmosphere between us continued, and Tariq kept teasing me, making little jokes that brought a smile to my face. The tension of the day had melted away, and for a brief moment, everything felt almost normal.

“So, what do you want to watch next?” Tariq asked, leaning back on the couch, his eyes gleaming with mischief.

I shrugged. “Something that won’t make me spill more water on you,” I teased.

Tariq chuckled. “Fair enough. I’ll keep my distance this time.” He winked at me, and my heart fluttered despite myself.

Just as we...