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The biology lab thrums softly under fluorescent lights, the air carrying a sterile scent of preservative and the earthiness of freshly dissected plants. A bar of afternoon sun cuts through the high windows, glinting along the edge of Leila’s hijab as she bends over her microscope, the sole woman in a ring of quietly attentive classmates. Zayan watches from his bench, his hands motionless on the table, his heart beating a slow, heavy cadence against his ribs. He has held this image in his mind a hundred times. Today, he will alter it. He draws a steadying breath and turns to face her. 'Leila,' he says, his voice kept low, 'I need to speak with you. Something important. After class, insha’Allah?'