Sana couldn't shake the warning text. Every time she thought about it, a cold knot formed in her stomach. Who was threatening her? And why had it mentioned Arjun indirectly?
By the time her next shift rolled around, her nerves were taut. She forced herself to the café, telling herself it was just a coincidence — maybe some prankster student.
Arjun was already there, casually leaning against the counter as usual, though today his eyes seemed sharper, more alert.
"You look like you've seen a ghost," he remarked, smirking lightly but with an edge of concern.
Sana bit her lip. "Nothing. Just… tired, I guess."
"Uh-huh." His gaze lingered on her, scanning her face as though he could read every worry she had. "Well, keep your head down today. Don't let anything — or anyone — distract you."
Before Sana could respond, the afternoon rush hit again. Orders flew in, phones rang, and students jostled. Sana was juggling two trays when she accidentally bumped into Arjun. Cups tilted dangerously, but Arjun was there instantly, catching one with a hand against her chest for balance.
Their eyes locked, and this time neither of them looked away. The accidental closeness sent a jolt through both of them.
"Careful," Arjun murmured, his voice low. "I don't want another near disaster."
Sana swallowed, her cheeks burning. "I… I'm trying."
But just as her pulse began to calm, a sudden crash outside the café window drew everyone's attention. A student had slipped on the wet pavement, but then a shadow moved swiftly past — someone in a hoodie, carrying a backpack that looked suspiciously heavy.
Arjun's expression hardened instantly. "Stay inside." He dashed out, leaving Sana frozen with fear and concern.
Moments later, he returned, carrying a bundle — a student's bag, still intact — and gave a quick, knowing look. "All safe. Nothing to worry about."
Sana wanted to ask more, to follow him, but the tension in the café kept her rooted. Instead, she focused on cleaning up spills, her mind replaying the brief moment their hands touched — the warmth, the unspoken electricity, the way her heart had skipped a beat.
As the shift ended, Arjun walked her to the campus gate. The evening sun cast long shadows, and the world seemed quieter than usual.
"You know," he said, stopping and leaning closer than necessary, "most people would be terrified after today. But you… you handled it pretty well."
Sana's pulse quickened. "I had… help," she whispered, thinking of the way his hands had steadied her throughout the shift.
Arjun smiled softly, a rare, unguarded moment. "I like that about you," he admitted, voice low. "You're strong… and you don't crumble under chaos."
Their eyes met, and for a heartbeat, everything else faded — the café, the college, the threat, the world itself. All that existed was the closeness between them, the subtle brush of his sleeve against hers, the warmth that lingered long after his words.
Then, the sound of a motorbike revving snapped them back. A black bike skidded into the campus road, stopping suddenly. Arjun's expression stiffened, and Sana followed his gaze to see a masked figure jump off, scanning the area with sharp eyes.
The figure's gaze locked onto Arjun for just a second — long enough for Sana to sense danger. The rider sped off, leaving only questions behind.
Arjun's hand brushed hers instinctively, as if warning her to stay close. "This… isn't over," he muttered, voice tense.
Sana's heart raced — for him, for herself, and for the storm she was only just beginning to be drawn into.
Cliffhanger: Who is the masked figure, and why are they after Arjun? How deep will Sana get pulled into his dangerous world?