The next morning, when I reached school, the first thing I saw was Ayyan and Disha together again.
I couldn't help it—I made a disgusted face. Seriously, it was gross. But… this time, they weren't laughing or acting close. They were arguing.
And my curious brain? It refused to mind its own business.
I tried to get closer, pretending to just walk by, hoping to catch a word or two.
Big mistake.
Instead of hearing them, I almost walked straight into the wall in front of me.
Thud.
"Fukk—" I whispered under my breath, my cheeks burning.
When I turned… both of them were looking straight at me.
I swear, I wanted the ground to open and swallow me alive.
Embarrassing. So. Damn. Embarrassing.
I rushed into class, my face still hot.
---
Inside, I spotted Anisha and—oh wait, I haven't told you about Era yet.
Era is… complicated. She's selfish sometimes, always wanting my notes and study tips. But somehow she's always around me. And now, along with Anisha, even Shela has started hanging out with us.
So yeah, the four of us… a sort of group.
Though honestly, I can feel Shela doesn't really want me there. She doesn't exactly hate me either, but something about her feels… off.
Anyway, as I slipped into my seat, Ayyan walked in right after me.
It was almost like… a sequence.
Anisha leaned toward me, grinning.
"Ahhh, look at that. Ayyan is right after you. Something happened?"
I waved my hands quickly. "Nooo! Nothing. I don't even know him properly."
"Oh really?" she teased. "Then who offered you water the other day?"
"That was normal!" I argued, my face heating up again. "I don't see him that way. He likes someone else."
"Ahhh, so you do know about Ayesha," Anisha said, smirking.
At that point, Era joined in. "It's obvious."
And of course Shela had to add her salt. "This dumbo actually knows about crushes? Wow. Thought she only knew books."
I forced a smile, but inside I rolled my eyes. Typical. Why do people think studious kids don't understand relationships? Like, hello? We're not robots.
---
The topic died down only when Disha appeared again, sticking close to Ayyan. This time, they weren't fighting. He was joking around, and she looked all too happy.
Era whispered, "Is there something going on between them?"
Anisha shook her head instantly. "No way. I know Ayyan. Disha must be the one chasing him. He's not the type to look at other girls. It's clear—he only likes Ayesha."
For some reason, hearing that stung. Even though I knew it already, it still hurt.
My mind flashed back to the lipstick stain I saw on his shirt at the farewell.
And then, like fate wanted to taunt me more, Tanev walked over.
"So, Ayyan, did the lipstick stain go away?"
My head snapped up.
"No," Ayyan muttered, annoyed.
Disha jumped in immediately. "That's why I told you—just give me your shirt. I'll clean it and return it."
Ayyan refused, and Tanev laughed.
"What were you two doing anyway?"
My stomach twisted.
Before I could think more, ma'am entered, and everyone scattered back to their seats.
But my brain? It was screaming. God, why do you keep giving me mysteries I don't even want?
---
The exam days arrived fast.
Our teacher gave out the seating arrangement, and my heart almost dropped. Guess where I was placed?
In the middle of everyone.
In front of me—Nayan's crush. Beside me—Shela on one side, Ayyan on the other. Behind me—Vish. In front rows—Anisha, Era, even Tanev. Basically, I was the "answer sheet" for half the class.
And yes, everyone suddenly became sweet. Even the ones who never spoke to me before.
"Siya, can you help me?"
"Siya, just one answer, please."
Seriously. Exams turned me into a celebrity.
---
The first paper went well. I helped Shela, a bunch of others… and yes, even Ayyan.
When the bell rang, we walked out, and Nayan came over with his usual sweet smile.
"Thanks, Siya. Please prepare tomorrow also. We'll split the chapters, okay?"
I laughed. "Yeah, yeah."
But suddenly—someone brushed against my back. My breath caught.
I turned—Ayyan. Too close. For a few seconds, it was just… us. He looked happy, smiling in relief.
"Paper went good, bro," he told Nayan. "Wrote more than passing marks."
Nayan teased, "Of course. Siya was beside you!"
Ayyan chuckled and looked at me. "True. Thanks, Siya. I'm glad you helped."
And then, that smile.
My heart skipped. I actually felt it.
---
Later, when Anisha joined us, Ayyan teased her, saying, "I'm lucky Siya was beside me, or else…"
Anisha pouted. "Wow. So she helps you, but not me?"
Era joined in. "Yeah, Siya! Not fair."
I tried to explain, but then Anisha leaned close and whispered, "You like him, don't you?"
My eyes widened. "Shut up! Don't say that!" Thank god no one else heard.
Anisha smirked. "Fine. Prove it. Tomorrow, don't help him."
"What?! That's impossible. He sits right next to me! And I always share notes. Plus, Nayan is like a brother. How can I say no?"
"Okay then," Anisha said, crossing her arms. "If you're really not into him, make sure you help us first. We're your friends."
Era nodded immediately in agreement.
I groaned. Great. New problem unlocked.
---
That evening, while walking home, I couldn't shake off one thing.
Ayyan's smile.
It was the first time I'd seen him smile because of me. Around others, he was always serious, only fun with his close friends or Ayesha. But today…
My hand touched my chest. My heart was beating faster than usual.
And Anisha's voice echoed in my head.
"You like him, don't you?"
I shook my head hard. No. This isn't liking. This is just… teenage stuff. Just because he's a guy and I've never faced this before. That's all.
But deep inside, I knew this wasn't the end of it.
Because if Anisha ever blurts it out in front of the whole class, rumors will spread like fire.
And the last thing I want is to be tagged as the "third person" between Ayyan and Ayesha.
Never.