Kavya's POV:
The minutes tick by, the classroom settling into a familiar rhythm, but I can't shake the weight in my chest. I scribble notes, but each time I glance up, his eyes are still on me—just a flicker, a smirk, but enough to make my stomach twist. I focus harder on the board, on my pen. Still, I feel his presence like a shadow sitting just one seat away.
Then, during a break, he leans over, his voice low enough that only I can hear. "You know, you didn't have to run away," he says, and that small, teasing lilt makes my skin prickle. I clench my jaw, forcing myself to nod, even though inside, I'm burning with irritation.
I'm done pretending it doesn't bother me. I just have to figure out how to stand my ground—before his teasing turns into something bigger.
As he speaks, his words press heavier on me, and my pulse quickens. I don't dare lift my head, but then, just on the edge of my vision, I catch Khushi by the door. She's smiling, just a small wave, a silent reminder of the school tour we planned. My chest unclenches just a little. I pull in a shaky breath, and for a moment, the noise around me fades.
"I have to go, she's calling me", I blurted out and didn't wait for his response before moving out.
The moment I step into the corridor, I breathe.
Actually breathe.
"Finally!" Khushi grabs my arm dramatically. "What took you so long? I've been signalling you like a mad person."
I give her a look. "Yeah, I noticed. You looked insane."
She gasps. "Excuse me? That was a graceful signal."
"Yeah, very graceful. Like a drowning pigeon."
She stares at me for a second…
…and then bursts out laughing.
And just like that—
something inside me loosens.
A little. We start walking.
Not fast. Not slow.
Just… away.
"So," she says, side-eyeing me, "what happened?"
I frown. "What do you mean?"
"Kavya," she deadpans, "your face literally looks like you either fought someone or confessed your love and got rejected."
I choke. "WHAT - no!"
She raises an eyebrow.
I look away. "…It's nothing."
"Hmm." She doesn't push. Just hums like she knows I'm lying.
Annoying.
We pass the main corridor, the one with all the notice boards.
Posters. Announcements. Random achievements.
We turn toward the science block.
The air changes , quieter, heavier.
Labs line both sides.
I slow down a little.
"This place still feels scary," I mutter.
Khushi sighs. "I know."
We climb the stairs to the library floor.
It's calmer here. Almost silent.
For a moment, neither of us speaks. I exhale slowly.
"Better," I whisper.
Khushi nods. "Yeah… I like this part."
We don't go inside.
We just stand there for a second.
And somehow… that's enough.
We step out into the playground area.
Open space. Sunlight. Noise. Students everywhere.
And suddenly, everything feels… lighter. "So… that was the school tour," she turns to me.
"Did you like it?" she asked. Clearly waiting for feedback.
"Of course I did."
She smiles.
And I smile too.
Just a little.