A Mysterious Kiss and an Unexpected Confession
Lunchtime.
I found myself in an empty classroom, sitting alone by the window, idly munching on a bag of chips. Usually, I would have my tiffin with me, but today, I had forgotten it. My mind had been so preoccupied with the mysterious girl who had kissed me that everything else had slipped through the cracks.
Even now, my heart was still racing slightly.
"I can't believe Shruti might actually like me…" I mumbled absentmindedly, placing a hand over my chest. It was still pounding.
If Shruti had been working at the temple all this time, then logically, it made sense that she could have been the one who kissed me that night. But…
"Wait… what about last night?" I muttered aloud, furrowing my brows. "There's no way Shruti could've sneaked into my room…"
Before I could dwell on the thought any longer, a familiar, energetic voice called out to me.
"Heyyyy! Harshhh!"
I turned towards the doorway and saw Sanika, one of my seniors. She was leaning against the doorframe, a teasing smile playing on her lips. Her long, wavy brown hair was pulled into a loose ponytail, and her sharp hazel eyes sparkled mischievously.
"Huh? Sanika? What's going on?" I asked, confused. Sanika never missed lunch, so why was she here?
"What do you mean what's going on?" she said, stepping into the room. "I saw you sitting here all alone, eating just snacks, so I came to cheer you up."
"Cheer me up?" I repeated.
Sanika crossed her arms, giving me a knowing look. "I heard the rumors. You got rejected by a girl from another class, right?"
"Oh… so the news has already spread," I sighed. It wasn't surprising—after all, Shreya and I had talked in the hallway where anyone could have overheard us.
"So it's true, huh?" she said, tilting her head.
"There's more to that story," I replied. "It's a little too complicated to just say I'm depressed about it."
"Then tell me everything," she said, plopping down on the desk in front of me. "And while you do that, let's eat lunch together."
"I didn't bring my lunch today."
"I know," she smirked. "That's why I came looking for you. I'll share mine with you."
And just like that, I found myself explaining everything—about the temple, the mysterious kiss, and the strange notes.
By the time I finished, Sanika had a stunned expression. "No way… So you were kissed while you were asleep?" She leaned in closer, her hazel eyes widening in disbelief. "And then the gods left you a little love note?"
I sighed. "It sounds crazy, but yeah. That's what happened."
Sanika puffed her cheeks out in a slight pout. "Hmm…"
"Huh? What's wrong?" I asked, suddenly feeling nervous.
She bit her lower lip before finally speaking. "You confessed to a girl because of that?"
I blinked in confusion. "What do you mean?"
"I mean… I could have been the girl who kissed you that night."
"W-What?" I stammered. "What do you mean by that?!"
She let out a small laugh, but her face was turning bright red. She lifted her hand and started biting her nails—something she did when she was embarrassed.
"Well… you know, I always kind of thought you'd be a good catch," she admitted, her voice growing softer.
I stared at her, my mind struggling to process her words.
"So… I was kind of annoyed that you confessed to someone else," she added, avoiding my gaze.
No way… No freaking way.
Sanika was one of the most popular girls in college. She was smart, beautiful, confident—one of the top beauties on campus. And she was jealous that I had feelings for someone else?
Was she really the one who kissed me and left the note?
Before I could say anything, she suddenly picked up a piece of food with her fingers and held it out to me.
"Say ahh," she said with a playful grin.
"Huh?! W-Wait a second—"
"You can just forget about the girl who rejected you and focus on me instead," she said. "Now, come on. Say ahhh."
"This is all too sudden—"
"It's okay! It won't physically hurt you, right? Just one bite! Pleaseee!"
Her pleading eyes made it impossible to refuse.
"…O-Okay," I muttered, reluctantly opening my mouth.
Sanika giggled and gently fed me the bite. My face burned as I chewed—it felt so… intimate.
A Moment of Rest… and Another Mystery
After lunch, we washed our hands, and for some reason, Sanika insisted that I take a nap.
She pointed out the dark circles under my eyes, saying it was unhealthy for me to be so sleep-deprived. She even suggested that I sleep with my head on her lap.
Of course, I hesitated for so long that we ended up compromising—I would sleep on her shoulder instead.
With hesitation, I leaned my head against her.
I was so freaking nervous. How was I supposed to fall asleep like this?!
"Hehehe, look at you," she giggled, her voice soft and teasing. "You're turning all red. How cute. Alright, good night now."
Her warmth, her pleasant scent, the soft rhythm of her breathing… slowly, my eyelids grew heavy.
And then—
Smooch.
A soft sensation pressed against my lips.
I woke up instantly.
My eyes flew open, my heart hammering in my chest.
"Huh?! Wait—what?! Why am I sleeping on her lap?!" I exclaimed, sitting up in shock.
Beside me, Sanika stirred awake, rubbing her eyes sleepily.
"Hmm? Sorry… I must have fallen asleep at some point too…" she mumbled.
"Y-Yeah, but…" My voice trailed off as I noticed something beside me.
A new note.
My hands trembled slightly as I picked it up and unfolded it.
> You were really cute when you were asleep. Hurry up and find meeee~.
I froze.
"Another one…" I muttered.
Sanika, now fully awake, leaned closer. "Read it!" she urged.
I showed her the note, and her eyebrows shot up.
"Wait… So someone kissed you again?!" she asked.
"Yeah," I said, looking around. "Did you not notice anything while I was asleep?"
She shook her head. "Sorry, no. I was sound asleep too."
I hesitated for a moment before finally voicing the thought in my head.
"…I'm just curious. Are you the one who kissed me and left the note?"
Sanika's eyes widened.
"Huh?! What?!" she exclaimed.
I quickly waved my hands. "Sorry! I was just thinking about it from my perspective. I thought maybe—"
She scoffed, crossing her arms. "Of course not! Honestly, if you really think it was me… then do you want to kiss me right now to find out?" she challenged, biting her lip.
"H-HUH?! S-SORRY! Just forget I ever said anything!!" I stammered.
Sanika let out a small laugh, but her expression was unreadable.
And just like that, I found myself holding yet another mysterious letter.