The air was cool that morning, and the sky was covered in soft clouds. Aarav and Yuvaan sat together on the college lawn, sharing a quiet moment before class. Aarav leaned back on his elbows, watching Yuvaan sketch in his notebook.
You always draw when you're thinking, Aarav said.
Yuvaan smiled. It helps me feel calm. Like I'm putting my feelings on paper.
Aarav leaned closer. What are you feeling today?
Yuvaan looked at him. Safe. Loved. A little nervous.
Nervous?
Before Yuvaan could answer, a voice called out from behind them.
Yuvaan?
They turned. A boy stood a few feet away, holding a camera bag and wearing a faded denim jacket. His hair was messy, and his eyes were familiar soft, but sharp.
Aarav stood slowly. Who's that?
Yuvaan's voice was quiet. That's Karan.
Karan walked closer, smiling. I didn't know you studied here. It's been a long time.
Aarav looked at Yuvaan, confused. You know him?
Yuvaan nodded. We were close. Before I moved here.
Karan's eyes lingered on Yuvaan. I've missed you.
Aarav felt something shift in the air. Karan wasn't just an old friend. There was history in his voice. Something deeper.
Yuvaan stood up. What are you doing here?
Photography workshop, Karan said. I saw your name on the student list. Thought I'd say hi.
Aarav watched quietly as Yuvaan and Karan talked. Their words were polite, but their eyes held memories. Aarav felt a strange ache in his chest.
Later, Aarav and Yuvaan sat alone in the library. Aarav stared at the table, his fingers tapping slowly.
You were close with him, Aarav said.
Yuvaan nodded. We were. He was my first crush.
Aarav looked up. Did he know?
No, Yuvaan said. I never told him. I was scared.
And now?
Yuvaan reached out and touched Aarav's hand. Now I'm not scared. Because I have you.
Aarav's heart softened. But he still felt unsure. Karan had stirred something old feelings, quiet doubts.
That evening, Meera joined them at the rooftop. She brought snacks and her usual energy.
You two look serious, she said.
Yuvaan smiled. Just thinking.
About Karan?
Aarav nodded. He's… complicated.
Meera sat down. People from the past always feel bigger than they are. But they're just people. You're allowed to feel things. You're allowed to be unsure.
Yuvaan looked at Aarav. I don't want you to feel threatened.
I don't, Aarav said. I just want to understand.
Meera stood up and stretched. Then talk to him. Ask what he wants. Don't let silence grow into fear.
The next day, Aarav found Karan near the photography lab.
Can we talk? Karan nodded. Sure.
They walked to the garden behind the building. Aarav spoke first.
Yuvaan means a lot to me. I just want to know why you're here.
Karan looked at him. I didn't come to cause trouble. I came because I missed him. But I see how he looks at you. I see how you look at him.
Aarav stayed quiet.
You don't have to worry, Karan said. I'm not here to take anything. I just wanted to say goodbye properly.
Aarav nodded slowly. Thank you.
That night, Yuvaan found Aarav sitting on the rooftop again.
You talked to him?
I did, Aarav said. He's not here to stay. He just needed closure.
Yuvaan sat beside him. I'm glad you asked. I'm glad you trusted me.
Aarav looked at him. I'll always trust you. Even when I'm scared.
Yuvaan leaned in and kissed him soft, slow, full of warmth.
Meera watched from the window again, smiling.
And somewhere across town, Karan packed his camera bag, looked at an old photo of Yuvaan, and smiled too.
Some stories end quietly so others can begin.