Last Wednesday was one of those days that felt like a warm hug from the past — a rare and much-needed catch-up session with my best friend, Najihah. We’ve been inseparable since high school, like two peas in a pod. But as we grew older, life naturally took us on different paths. Work, responsibilities, and adulting, in general, kept us busy. Despite everything, we always make it a point to see each other at least once a month. It’s our little promise — to pause our hectic lives and just be in the moment together.

Whenever we meet, it’s like unloading a month’s worth of tea, problems, funny stories, and updates. Nothing is ever off-limits. It’s raw, real, and always full of laughter and sometimes even tears. That’s the beauty of our friendship.

For this month’s meet-up, we kept things simple and close to home. We went to Kulim Central, which is honestly just around the corner from where we live — but hey, it's not always about the destination, right? It’s the company that matters most.

We kicked off our little date with lunch at Myeondong Tteokbokki. Najihah was craving their Seondubu Jjigae like crazy, and of course, I had to be the supportive best friend. Now, let me be real with you — I’m not exactly the biggest fan of Korean food. It’s just not my thing. But seeing Najihah so excited about it made it all worth it. I settled for a simple chicken porridge and we sat down to enjoy our food, pouring out stories from our past few weeks. The laughter, the side glances, the "remember that one time..." — it felt like high school all over again.

After lunch, we made our way to Llaollao, our all-time favorite frozen yogurt spot. I have to say, I think I’ve found the perfect combo — pistachio yogurt with white granola and Chips Ahoy. It was so damn good, I can’t stop thinking about it. We decided to share a medium tube (because we’re those besties who always share everything, even froyo), and savored every spoonful like it was the last one on earth.

But the highlight of the day? Definitely watching Blood Brother at the cinema. Let me just say this — it was worth every cent. I initially bought the tickets because, well… Syafiq Kyle. Enough said, right? But the movie turned out to be more than just good looks on screen. The plot twist had us gasping and clutching our seats — it was that intense. I haven’t felt that invested in a movie in a long time. It brought back memories of the last time we watched a movie together — Highland Tower, back in our high school days. Crazy how time flies.

Before heading home, we made a quick stop at CU Mart to grab some snacks — because why not? We weren’t done talking, obviously. More stories, more emotional unloading, more laughter. As our little hangout came to an end, we grabbed some Ai Cha for our families, a small gesture that wrapped up the day on a sweet note.

Spending time with Najihah is always grounding. In the middle of our busy lives, it's moments like these that remind me of the importance of friendship — the kind that stays strong no matter how many years pass or how many things change. Just two best friends, a simple day out, and hearts a little lighter by the end of it.

Here’s to many more spontaneous meet-ups, deep conversations, and of course, more pistachio Llaollao.

Lots of love, 
Nadiera Hashim
1:15 p.m.
Kedah, Malaysia.