I woke up late.
Which meant—of course—I was late for school.
Fck.
They had trusted me with responsibility, and here I was—already failing at the simplest thing.
When I rushed into class, the teacher's glare nearly burned a hole through me.
"Siya, why are you late? Are you so busy with your script that you forget you even have school?"
Heat rushed to my cheeks. "Sorry, ma'am… the traffic was heavy."
"Let it be. Sit down."
I sank into my bench, heart still racing, when I felt it—someone's eyes.
Slowly, I turned.
And met his.
Ayaan.
He wasn't just looking. He was studying me. Our eyes locked for a moment too long, and my stomach twisted.
Not adorable. Suspicious.
What? Is something wrong with me?
I touched my face. My clothes. My hair.
"Didn't you sleep all night?" ma'am suddenly asked.
The whole class laughed.
And I… wanted the ground to swallow me whole.
---
The lecture ended. I escaped with Anisha into another classroom, script in hand.
Strange how quickly we had grown closer through this project. She even began opening up.
"I'm glad Ayesha isn't here," she muttered.
I blinked. "Why? She's never been rude to me."
"I just don't like her," she said flatly, then shook her head. "Forget it."
Before I could press, the door clicked open.
Ayaan.
He didn't even look at me first—straight to Anisha.
"Do you know where Tanev is?"
She stiffened. "No. Why would I?"
His gaze shifted to me. "Is something—"
But Anisha snapped, "What will happen between us?" Her tone was too sharp, like she was hiding something, warning me to stay out of it.
Right then, Tanev walked in.
"Bro, I'm here. Let's take Nayan, Vish, Praann, and Shela to help. Script's done, let's prepare."
And just like that—they both left.
I turned to Anisha, silently asking for answers. But she just plastered on a smile and changed the topic back to the script.
Yet the heaviness in her eyes told me everything—she was hiding something.
---
Later, Anisha and I entered class again, where rehearsals were happening.
"What's the name?" I asked.
Tanev shot me a mocking look. "Things take time, Siya. Everything doesn't get ready when you want it."
The sting was sharp.
And Anisha? Furious.
She stormed out without a word.
My pulse rose. What should I do?
Before I could move, Ayaan stepped closer.
"Please. Handle her. I'll let you know when we decide the name."
I nodded and rushed after Anisha.
I found her outside—eyes glossy, on the verge of tears.
"What happened? Why are you like this?" I asked.
She inhaled sharply, lips parting—
But Shela cut through like a blade.
"Siya, you can leave. Let me and my bestie talk."
Her words were sharp, but what stung more was Anisha's silence.
Shela's eyes narrowed. "Will you please leave? Or should I give you a written invitation?"
The embarrassment burned hotter than fire.
And because Anisha didn't stop her… I left.
---
Lost in thought, I almost collided with someone.
Of course.
Him.
Ayaan.
His eyes flickered irritation. I rushed to say, "Sorry."
"It's alright," he said, then lowered his voice. "Did Anisha tell you anything? What happened?"
I shook my head. "She's with Shela right now."
"Oh. Okay."
I turned to leave, but his voice stopped me cold.
"Wait."
I froze.
He stepped closer. And closer. His breath brushed my ear. His voice dipped lower—dangerous, intimate.
"What did you mean… when you said you're not like me? And that I should relax?"
The world stilled.
It wasn't too close. Not scandalous.
But my heart didn't care—it thundered like it wanted to escape my chest.
Our eyes collided. Dark. Intense. His gaze locked me in place.
"I meant…" My voice shook, but I forced it out. "I'm not someone who spreads things. None of this matters to me. So maybe next time, think before speaking."
He didn't move. Didn't speak. Just watched me—with a cold, unreadable intensity that made me want to run.
So I did.
---
In the washroom, I splashed water on my face, whispering to myself.
"Why couldn't I sleep last night? Why was I blushing? Why was I happy he came close?"
I tried to dismiss it. It isn't about him. It's just about being close to a guy for the first time. That's all.
But even I didn't believe it.
And as if the universe wanted to test me more, I bumped into Tanev on my way out.
The first guy I had ever been close to.
But he never made me feel this way.
With Ayaan… everything felt different. Too different.
I tried to shake it off. Until—
A soft, broken sob reached me.
A whisper: What should I do?
"Anisha?"
"Yes." Her voice cracked.
"Who is it? Shela?"
"No… it's Siya."
I asked her to come out. Slowly, she stepped forward—eyes red, face blotchy from crying.
"What happened?" I whispered.
"Nothing."
My heart clenched. I don't know why, but I pulled her into a hug.
"Please, Anisha… tell me."
And then she did.
She confessed something I never expected. Something heavier than I imagined.
And my mind? Exploded into chaos.
Because suddenly, there were a hundred thoughts racing at once.
And one terrifying question—
How did I never see this before?