Bangalore's morning sun rose over the sprawling campus of Higher Value University, casting golden light on the glass-paneled buildings and polished pathways. The futuristic university was a dream destination — with AI-equipped classrooms, aesthetic canteens, and a library so massive it was whispered you could get lost in its aisles. But the real stories never unfolded inside classrooms — they began in the dorms.
Dorm 7C was one of the many just outside the main campus. It had two compact but cozy rooms, each with a bunk bed, and a shared living area. The university had a bold system — mixed dorms. Four students from different departments, chosen at random, learning to live together. And in 7C, things were about to get interesting.
Krisha adjusted the strap of her laptop bag as she pushed open the dorm door. The familiar scent of coffee and room spray hit her instantly.
"Morning!" she called out, her eyes scanning the room.
Sitting on the couch, still in his hoodie and headphones around his neck, was Abhishek, law student and the definition of composed — unless Krisha was around. He looked up and gave a nod that was too casual to be casual.
"Morning," he replied, voice low. His eyes lingered on her a second longer than they should've.
From the kitchen, Preesha, the medical genius with messy hair and a sharp tongue, peered out with a cup of black coffee. "Don't tell me you pulled another all-nighter, Krisha."
"Didn't have a choice," Krisha groaned. "Our AI systems project is due, and Anish ditched halfway to go help Myra with robotics."
Abhishek's brows twitched. Anish again.
Before he could speak, a thud echoed from the second room. Moments later, Shaurya appeared, still in his pajama bottoms, stretching like he'd just woken from a royal nap.
"Why is everyone awake?" he asked, yawning. "This is cruelty."
Krisha laughed. "Classes? Responsibilities? You know, uni things?"
Shaurya winked at her. "I only wake up early for two things — breakfast, and you."
Abhishek shot him a look. "Cut it out, Shaurya."
Shaurya turned, smirking. "Relax, Mr. Lawman. Just friendly dorm banter."
But it wasn't friendly. Everyone in 7C knew the tension in the room wasn't just from the shared bathroom or clashing morning schedules. It was Krisha — the engineer who unknowingly drew people like moths to a flame.
Shaurya had made it clear from the first week he found Abhishek's serious face and sharp mind attractive. And he wasn't shy about his flirting — especially when he noticed how Abhishek got all stiff and awkward whenever Krisha was around.
But Krisha was busy pretending nothing was happening. She denied her feelings even when Preesha teased her about blushing every time Abhishek handed her the remote or passed her a bowl of popcorn during movie nights.
"I don't like him like that," Krisha had said once. "We just... talk a lot."
"You talk to everyone," Preesha had pointed out. "But you only look like you're trying not to fall apart when he's near."
And then there was Anish — Krisha's best friend from the engineering quarter. They hung out almost every day. He always saved her a seat in class and made her laugh with the silliest jokes. He didn't live in their dorm, but he was a constant presence. Enough to make Abhishek clench his jaw every time he saw them together.
This morning, as Krisha mentioned Anish's name again, Abhishek stood up abruptly.
"I'm heading to the law block. Trial simulations start in twenty. Don't be late for your meeting."
"You okay?" she asked.
He hesitated. "Fine."
But he wasn't.
Later that evening, Dorm 7C was quieter. Preesha had gone out to meet Chaitanya at the med lab. Shaurya was in his room, playing music softly.
Krisha sat in the living room, scrolling through her notes, when Abhishek stepped out of his room, books in hand.
"Want some tea?" she offered.
He paused. "Yeah. Sure."
She stood up, heading to the little electric kettle by the kitchenette. As the water boiled, silence stretched.
"Listen..." he began.
She turned.
"You and Anish... are you two...?"
Krisha blinked. "What?"
Abhishek looked down. "Forget it. It's none of my business."
Krisha narrowed her eyes. "Wait. Do you think I'm dating him?"
"Are you?"
"No!" she almost laughed. "We're just friends."
Abhishek met her gaze. "You spend a lot of time with him."
"And you spend a lot of time pretending not to care," she shot back before realizing what she'd said.
The kettle whistled, but neither of them moved.
Krisha looked away first. "You're right. This is stupid."
He stepped closer. "Maybe not."
Their eyes met again — tension, unspoken words, and a hundred moments of almost hanging between them.
From the room, Shaurya's voice echoed, breaking the moment. "If you two are done having your secret romance in the kitchen, can someone turn down the AC?"
Krisha shook her head, blushing. Abhishek smirked slightly.
"Same time for dinner?" he asked.
"Yeah," she replied softly. "Same time."
And just like that, another ordinary day at Higher Value University passed — except nothing about 7C was ordinary.
Because in a dorm with a law genius, an engineering heartbreaker, a med student with a sixth sense for love, and a dramatic arts guy who flirted for sport — everything was a little chaotic, a little sweet, and full of possibility.