The beach town had one rule:
You don't fall for your brother's best friend.
And definitely not while he's watching you talk to another guy with that unreadable look on his face.
---
It was a regular college afternoon. The sun was doing that golden, soft glow thing, and the campus buzzed with the usual gossip, chai, and last-minute assignment panic.
I was standing near the cafeteria, sipping iced lemon soda and trying to be unbothered. But I couldn't stop replaying the look Aarav gave me yesterday.
The look that said: I see you. I know you feel something. And maybe… I do too.
And just like a romantic drama cue, Aryan walked over.
Tall, a little nerdy, always polite — Aryan was in my psychology class. We'd partnered once for a presentation, and since then, he'd become that guy who always smiled a little too much around me.
"Hey Tapasya," he said, rubbing the back of his neck. "I was wondering… would you maybe want to get coffee sometime? Just as friends. Or more, if you'd like."
My heart tripped over itself. Not because of Aryan. But because I could feel someone watching me.
Aarav.
Leaning on his bike just across the campus gate. Arms folded. Jaw tight. Staring.
"Uhhh," I blinked at Aryan. "Coffee sounds—uh—nice."
"Cool!" he beamed. "I'll text you?"
I nodded. Aryan walked away. My stomach flipped.
Not because of the invitation.
But because Aarav was now walking toward me.
Great.
---
He didn't say anything at first. Just stood there, close enough for me to smell that warm, woodsy scent he always wore. I pretended to scroll through my phone like I hadn't noticed his whole broody entrance.
"Making new friends?" he finally asked, voice casual—but with a sharp edge.
I looked up. "You mean Aryan? Yeah. He's sweet."
"Sweet," he repeated. "Right."
I narrowed my eyes. "What is that tone?"
"What tone?"
"You sound like you're auditioning for K-dramas: Jealous Boy Edition."
He laughed dryly. "Why would I be jealous?"
"I don't know, Aarav. Why would you?"
He didn't answer.
Instead, he stepped closer. Just a little. Enough to make the world feel smaller.
"I just thought you weren't the type to say yes to random guys."
"Maybe I am," I said, lifting my chin. "Maybe I like attention."
He stared at me for a long second. "Or maybe… you're just trying to make me react."
Boom.
Right in the chest.
"Don't flatter yourself," I muttered, turning to leave.
But his hand gently caught my wrist.
"Tapasya."
My name in his voice. Soft. Dangerous.
I turned. Slowly. My heart didn't get the memo to stay calm.
He leaned in just enough to speak close to my ear. "You don't need coffee dates to get my attention."
Then he walked away.
Leaving me standing in the golden sun. Glowing. Flustered.
And maybe, just a little bit… completely his.
---
Dear diary,
Aarav is acting like he invented the word possessive.
Also, how dare he?
How dare he look like a romantic villain and say things like "You don't need coffee dates to get my attention."
Who writes his lines?
Can I hire them for my emotional damage?
P.S. Aryan texted. I didn't reply.