Scene 1: The Class Tease
Payal was taking notes, trying hard to focus.
But from behind her, Dev whispered again and again:
"Hey."
She ignored him.
"Hey, Payal."
Still ignored.
"Payal… You look like a marshmallow today."
She stiffened.
He grinned. "Cute, soft, and impossible to bite without smiling."
She turned. "Will you stop talking?"
"No. Because you'll miss me when I'm silent," he winked.
The professor looked up. "Dev, is there a problem?"
Dev pointed at Payal. "Yes, sir. She distracts me."
The class laughed.
Payal looked down, face burning, fingers tightening around her pen.
Dev leaned forward and whispered, "Sorry. I'll make it up to you. Ice cream?"
She muttered, "You're impossible."
He smiled, whispering, "Yet you're still listening to me."
Scene 2: Trouble in the Corridor
Payal walked alone after class, turning into the quieter hallway leading to the art room.
Suddenly—three boys from the senior batch stood in front of her, blocking the way.
One of them grinned, "Hey. You're the quiet one, right? Dev's new girl?"
Payal flinched.
Another stepped closer. "He flirts with everyone, but you're the one he actually follows around. So what makes you special, hmm?"
She didn't answer. Tried to walk past.
The third boy held out a paper. "Draw us a heart too, artist. Come on."
Payal backed away, scared. Heart racing.
And then—a strong hand grabbed the guy's wrist.
"Back off," Dev's voice growled behind them.
All three seniors stiffened.
Dev's eyes were burning. Not playful. Not flirty. Dangerous.
"She's mine to annoy. Not yours."
One senior tried to laugh it off. "Chill, Dev. Just joking—"
Dev shoved him gently, but with clear warning. "One more joke and you'll be laughing without teeth."
The guys stepped away quickly.
Payal stood frozen.
Dev turned to her. His voice softened. "Are you okay?"
She nodded slowly.
"You should've called me."
"…I didn't want you to fight."
He stepped closer. Looked straight into her eyes.
"You think I'd let anyone touch you?"
Payal's breath hitched. She didn't have an answer.
Dev smiled gently now. "Come on. Let's go. I'll walk you."
Scene 3: Walk to the Art Room
Silence between them.
Then Dev spoke, "Next time, just scream my name. Even if you hate me. I'll be there."
She looked up at him. "…Why do you care so much?"
He paused.
"…Because even when you ignore me, you're the only one who never pretended to like me. You just… see me."
Payal's heart beat faster.
He looked at her. "And that drives me crazy."
Scene 4: Payal's Room – That Night
She stared at her phone.
Message from Dev:
"You okay now? Or still scared of the monster who protects you?"
She smiled.
Typed slowly:
"Still scared. But… less than before."
He replied instantly:
"Progress 😏. I'll annoy you until you're not scared at all."