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Around noon, everyone slowly gathered in the hotel dining area for breakfast, still drowsy from the long travel and late-night chatting. The place smelled of toasted bread, warm pastries, and freshly brewed coffee. Haniya walked in a little late, her hair tied loosely, her face naturally glowing despite barely getting enough sleep. The moment her eyes found Aarav across the room, she couldn't help but smile softly. And he, sitting there with a juice glass in his hand, mirrored that smile instantly—gentle, knowing, and warm enough to make her heartbeat skip.
Harsh nudged Vivaan with an exaggerated gasp. "Look at that smile exchange. Someone had a good night."
Vivaan snickered loudly. "Good night? Bro, that smile says amazing night."
Haniya rolled her eyes and took her seat as if their words didn't affect her, but a faint blush betrayed her. "You two have a very bad habit of assuming nonsense," she said, picking up the menu card even though she already knew what she wanted.
Harsh leaned forward with a teasing grin. "We don't assume, Haniya. We just… observe patterns."
Aarav coughed, trying not to laugh. "Harsh, behave."
"Ohhh, look at him defending her," Vivaan whispered dramatically. "Sir Aarav, protector of Lady Haniya."
Haniya placed her spoon down and gave both of them a glare sharp enough to slice marble. "Say one more word and I'll make sure you don't see the field today."
Both boys straightened instantly like frightened schoolchildren, and Aarav nearly choked trying to hide his laughter. Haniya smirked in victory and calmly took her juice, sipping it elegantly.
Aarav leaned slightly toward her. "Terrifying," he whispered.
"I know," she whispered back smugly.
Breakfast continued with the usual chaos—plates clattering, people arguing about who took the last croissant, and the boys replaying yesterday's practice mistakes as if they weren't all equally responsible. But through all that noise, Haniya and Aarav kept glancing at each other every few seconds, sharing silent conversations only they could decode.
At one point, Aarav leaned close and said quietly, "You look happy today."
"I am," she said, without hesitation.
He tilted his head a little. "Any particular reason?"
Haniya's lips curved into the smallest, softest smile. "Maybe."
Aarav's eyes narrowed teasingly. "Maybe? That's all I get?"
She took a deliberate sip of water, pretending to think deeply. "Hmm… yes. Maybe."
"Unbelievable," he muttered, unable to hide his grin.
"Ahem," Harsh said loudly from across the table. "Guys, please, not the private smiling contest again."
Vivaan nodded. "Seriously. Get married already and spare us."
Haniya shot them the deadliest glare yet. "Finish your food."
"YES MA'AM!" both saluted, making everyone laugh.
After breakfast ended, people slowly drifted out, leaving the dining area quieter. Haniya and Aarav walked out together, naturally falling into step side by side. The hallway felt peaceful, and the hotel air-conditioning carried a cool breeze that brushed against their skin.
"So," Aarav said casually, hands tucked in his pockets, "you slept well?"
She gave him a look. "I wonder why."
His eyebrows shot up. "Oh? And what could possibly be the reason, Haniya?"
She pretended to think. "Maybe because someone was being sweet. Maybe because someone stayed with me. Maybe because someone makes me feel safe…"
Aarav stopped walking for a moment, just staring at her with that soft, overwhelmed expression he rarely let anyone see. "You're really trying to kill me today, aren't you?"
She faced him, eyes sparkling. "Me? Never."
He chuckled under his breath. "You were really soft last night, you know."
Her cheeks warmed immediately. "Don't start."
"Why?" he teased gently. "You held onto me like I'd disappear."
"Well…" she mumbled, looking away, "you were leaving in the morning."
"I'm here now," he said quietly.
"I know," she replied, even more quietly.
Silence settled for a moment, but it wasn't uncomfortable—it was thick with an emotion they both understood perfectly.
Aarav nudged her shoulder lightly. "You know… you didn't tell me something today."
Haniya blinked. "What?"
"You smiled at me—but you didn't say the thing you usually do."
She frowned in confusion. "I did… what do you mean?"
He lifted a brow. "You know. The three words you say sometimes without thinking."
The realization hit her and she rolled her eyes with a slow smirk. "You mean those three words?"
"Yes," he said, leaning slightly closer without even realizing he'd done it. "Those."
She crossed her arms, pretending to act tough. "Why should I say them? You already know."
"I do," he agreed softly, "but hearing it… feels different."
Her gaze softened instantly. She stepped a little closer, lowering her voice so only he could hear. "Aarav…"
He swallowed, almost holding his breath.
"I love you," she said gently—not rushed, not shy, but steady and warm. "You already know that. And it's not the first time I'm saying it, and it won't be the last. So stop demanding it like a kid."
Aarav's smile widened slowly, beautifully. "I'll never stop demanding it."
She shook her head. "Of course you won't."
"And," he added in a deeper whisper, "I love you too. More than I know how to explain."
Her heart fluttered, a familiar, addictive warmth spreading through her chest. They stood there staring at each other like the rest of the world had gone silent.
Aarav finally broke the moment with a smirk. "Also… you're glowing today."
She narrowed her eyes. "Don't bring Harsh's nonsense back."
"But it's true," he said innocently. "You are glowing."
"And you," she said coolly, "are irritating."
"Yet lovable?" he asked.
She let out a breathy laugh. "Yes. Very."
He grinned proudly, and she nudged him, trying to hide her smile but failing miserably.
"Come on," she said. "We have a meeting in half an hour."
"Lead the way."
They walked off together, their steps perfectly in sync—like they always had been, long before either of them realized it.
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