The crisp autumn breeze filtered through the slightly open window, rustling the pages of Ahmad's notebook. The tiny shared dorm room was warm inside, filled with the soft scent of cinnamon tea and the faint buzz of a nearby heater.
Ahmad sat cross-legged on his bed, wearing a simple grey hoodie, his Quran resting gently in his lap. Across from him, Hyunwoo lay on his stomach on the other bed, chin resting in his hands, eyes fixed on Ahmad.
Hyunwoo: "You really read that every day?"
Ahmad: "Yes. It gives me peace. When I read the Quran, it's like I'm being reminded that Allah hasn't forgotten me... even when the world has."
Hyunwoo's expression softened. The room was quiet again except for the wind tapping against the glass. He rolled over onto his side and stared up at the ceiling.
Hyunwoo: "I've never felt that from the Bible. I mean... I like going to church. It's peaceful too. But I never really connected with it deeply."
Ahmad looked at him curiously.
Ahmad: "Is it because of your family?"
Hyunwoo: "Maybe... maybe it was always just routine. A box to tick. Not something I carried in my heart."
A silence lingered, but this time it was filled with thought rather than awkwardness.
Ahmad: "Islam isn't just about rules. It's a way of life that constantly reminds you to be better — more patient, more kind, more grateful. It's not easy. But it's beautiful."
Hyunwoo turned back to face him.
Hyunwoo: "You make it sound... like a love story."
Ahmad smiled gently, his eyes flickering with warmth.
Ahmad: "Maybe it is. A love between the soul and its Creator. A love that's pure and never fails you."
Hyunwoo stared, captivated — not just by the words, but by Ahmad himself. The way he spoke, the way his eyes shimmered with conviction. It made something inside Hyunwoo ache in a way he didn't understand yet.
Hyunwoo: "Tell me something from the Quran. Something that helped you the most."
Ahmad looked down at the open page and then, slowly, began to recite in Arabic. His voice was low, smooth, reverent.
Ahmad: "'Indeed, with hardship comes ease.'"
He translated it with a soft smile.
Ahmad: "Surah Ash-Sharh, verse 6. It was the first verse I clung to when I left home. When I cried on the flight. When I didn't know if I'd ever belong here."
Hyunwoo's voice was barely a whisper.
Hyunwoo: "But you still believe?"
Ahmad: "Especially then."
For a long moment, Hyunwoo said nothing. Then he sat up, swinging his legs over the edge of the bed. He looked at Ahmad with eyes full of something Ahmad couldn't name — curiosity, admiration, maybe even longing.
Hyunwoo: "Do you... think someone like me could believe in that too?"
Ahmad blinked. His heart skipped.
Ahmad: "Of course. Faith isn't about where you're from. It's about what your heart is searching for."
Hyunwoo stood slowly and crossed the room. The floor creaked under his bare feet. He sat on Ahmad's bed beside him, eyes never leaving Ahmad's face.
Hyunwoo: "And what if... I'm searching for both faith and you?"
Ahmad's breath caught in his throat. He looked away, cheeks turning red.
Ahmad: "Hyunwoo..."
But before he could say more, Hyunwoo leaned forward, resting his forehead against Ahmad's shoulder. It wasn't romantic. It wasn't lustful. It was vulnerable.
Hyunwoo: "I'm sorry if that was too much. I just... I don't know how to separate the two anymore. I'm learning so much from you. Not just about Islam, but about love that doesn't break me."
Ahmad gently placed his hand over Hyunwoo's.
Ahmad: "Then take your time. There's no rush. Faith is a journey, not a switch."
They stayed like that for a while. In that small dorm room filled with tea and sacred words, two souls found an unspoken harmony — not perfect, not complete, but honest.
Later that evening, they made instant noodles in the small shared kitchen downstairs. Hyunwoo added too much chili powder and ended up coughing dramatically, making Ahmad laugh until he had to hold his stomach.
When they returned, Ahmad offered Hyunwoo a soft hoodie to wear — oversized and warm.
Hyunwoo: "I'm starting to like your clothes more than mine."
Ahmad chuckled.
Ahmad: "It's modest fashion. Covers your sins."
Hyunwoo nudged him playfully.
Hyunwoo: "Guess I'll need ten of these, then."
They lay down on their own beds, lights dimmed, the world outside already asleep. Hyunwoo stared at the ceiling again, more at peace than he had been in years.
Hyunwoo: "Do you think Allah could love someone like me?"
Ahmad turned to face him from across the room.
Ahmad: "He already does."
And for the first time, Hyunwoo believed it just might be true.