Author’s POV~

After a week~

Ivaan entered the classroom, pulling one earphone out as the faint music faded away. His eyes instinctively moved to his bench—and there she was.

Akira sat on his side, her head resting on the desk, long hair cascading freely over her shoulders. She looked peaceful, almost fragile.

A few classmates waved at him. “Good morning,” they greeted one by one. He returned their wishes, slipped his bag off his shoulder, and placed it on the floor before sitting beside her.

Quietly, he took out his phone and clicked a picture of her. For a few seconds, he stared at the photo, a soft smile tugging at his lips. Then he locked his phone and tucked it back into his bag.

Tapping Manya’s shoulder, he whispered, “How long has she been sleeping?”

“More than an hour,” Manya replied softly.

“She came this early?” Ivaan asked, surprised.

Kriti turned around too, and both girls nodded.

“Yeah. We all came early today. We were at Ishvin and Kriti’s place last night, and Akira had to go back home early in the morning,” Manya explained.

“Oh,” Ivaan murmured. “Should I wake her up now?”

“Yeah, class is about to start,” Manya said.

“Thanks.”

Turning back to Akira, he gently patted her shoulder.

“Wake up, Akira.”

At the sound of his voice, she shifted, turning her face toward him, her head still resting on the desk.

“Ivaan?” she murmured, fluttering her lashes as sunlight streamed in through the window, hitting her eyes.

Ivaan pulled his chair closer to the table, picked up his bag, and placed it in front of her to block the light.

She opened her eyes again—only to close them immediately, a sleepy, cheeky smile appearing on her lips.

“Gentleman,” she whispered, sinking deeper into drowsiness. “Akira, wake up before sir comes,” Ivaan said, his hand resting on her shoulder.

She hissed softly as she lifted her head, leaning back against her chair. Her eyes remained closed, but her face showed discomfort.

“Are you hurt somewhere?” he asked, concern evident in his voice.

She shook her head.

“Periods?” he asked gently.

She shook her head again, opening her eyes and looking straight at him. The way she stared made him avert his gaze, suddenly shy.

“Then what happened?” he asked softly.

“Should I take you to the medical room?”

“I’m fine, Ivaan,” she said quietly. “I just didn’t sleep well. That’s all.”

“Let’s go to the medical room,” he declared, standing up. He grabbed her wrist just as she spoke, “Class is about to start—”

“Kya hua?” Kriti asked, turning back.

“She has body pain. I told her to go to the medical room,” Ivaan replied.

Ishvin, Shaarav, Riva, and Aviraj turned around too.

“We can go to the next lecture, na?” Akira said. “After this, it’s art class. I’ll skip it.”

“If the pain is unbearable, go now. If it’s normal, then go to the next lecture,” Riva advised.

“I’m fine. It’s normal—like always,” Akira said, adjusting her specs.

Ivaan sighed. “Akira—”

“Looks like someone’s caring a little too much,” Ishvin interrupted, leaning back against Shaarav, who smiled softly.

“Is this love?”

Ivaan sat down again, lowering his voice.

“Are you really okay?”

She nodded, smiling reassuringly.

“When will someone care for me like this?” Kriti murmured, shaking her head as she opened her notebook.

“Give me a chance just once,” Ishvin said softly, catching her words. “I’ll take care of you the way you deserve.” He added a playful wink.

Kriti rolled her eyes and focused back on her notebook.

“Stop teasing her,” Shaarav muttered, lightly tapping Ishvin’s head.

“I’m not teasing,” Ishvin replied calmly.

“I mean it. Every single word.”

He shrugged gently and pulled out his book.

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

As the period ended, everyone picked up their canvases and sketching tools from the lockers. Akira and Ivaan headed toward the medical room, while the others walked toward the art class.

Kriti couldn’t stop smiling as they walked.

“You really love drawing, don’t you?” Ishvin said, matching her pace.

“Yeah. It’s my favorite,” she replied. “I’ll choose arts after 10th.” He nodded, understanding.

“What about you?” she asked. “What will you choose?”

“Don’t know,” he said, walking a little ahead.

Just then, a girl ran toward him and side-hugged him.

“Hey! How are you? It’s been so long!”

They began talking casually as they walked together toward the art class.

🐇🌷

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