The grand wooden doors of the Student Union Room closed behind them with a muted thud. Prestige University's most elite—the Vipers—were the only ones who could walk into that space like they owned it. Because they did.
Ishaan flopped into the leather armchair like a king returning from war. Bunny stood by the mini-fridge, grabbing a soda. Ria perched on the windowsill, eyes far away in thought. Niall sat with his feet up on the glass table while Naina, arms crossed, leaned against the bookshelf, a little too quiet for her usual bold self.
"So," Ishaan began, voice cool but curious. "What's the verdict on today's batch of scholarship kids?"
Niall scoffed. "Boring. Over-eager. Slightly annoying."
Bunny cracked open the soda can. "Agreed. Except for Raha... she's different. Smart, maybe even brilliant."
Ishaan turned toward Ria. "You've been quiet. That's rare."
Ria smiled. "Because I liked two of them. Aisha's got fire. She called you out like a pro."
Ishaan raised a brow. "And you liked that?"
"Of course," Ria chuckled. "She's not fake. And Raha? She was respectful and driven."
Naina rolled her eyes. "You're all too soft. They're scholarship students. They need to prove themselves first."
Bunny cut in, eyes sharp. "She's already doing a research project. That's proof enough."
Niall narrowed his eyes at Bunny, then turned toward Naina, sensing her discomfort. "You good? You've been acting weird since morning."
Naina looked at him, startled. "What? No. I'm fine. Just tired."
He leaned forward, concern etched across his face. "You sure? You've been biting your nails. You only do that when you're nervous."
Naina turned away quickly. "Drop it, Niall. I'm fine."
Ria, who had been watching the exchange silently, stood and walked over. She glanced at Ishaan and Bunny, who immediately followed her lead. The three of them cornered Naina.
"Tell us," Ria said gently. "What's going on with you and Niall?"
Naina hesitated. Her guard cracked just enough. "It's stupid. I— I've liked him forever, okay? But I don't want to ruin our friendship or look weak."
Bunny blinked. "That's not stupid, Naina. It's real."
Unbeknownst to them, Niall had paused just outside the door to grab another energy drink. He heard everything.
His hand froze on the handle. His heart pounded. She... liked him?
But instead of storming in, he stayed still, overwhelmed by the warmth inside him.
She deserves someone better, he thought. Someone who doesn't just hide behind charm and fast cars.
He turned back silently, new determination sparking in his eyes. Time to level up.
Meanwhile, Bunny rushed off to the lab, muttering, "Shit, I've got Professor Mehra's deadline."
As he passed the science block, he saw a group of second-year guys surrounding someone. Leaning in flirtatiously, trying to show off.
It was Raha.
Bunny's face turned blank.
Raha spotted him and immediately said, "Guys, I really need to head to the lab. Sorry."
She walked past them quickly and Bunny followed silently. They entered the quiet, sterile lab. Raha moved to her station, unpacked her kit, and got to work.
She was so focused, she didn't notice him. Eyes squinting through the microscope, scribbling formulas, adjusting vials.
Bunny didn't interrupt. He simply stood near the back, watching her in admiration. This wasn't just a pretty face with a scholarship. This girl had vision.
He smiled to himself.
That evening, the music club hosted a small acoustic event. The spotlight was warm, the lights dimmed, and the room was packed.
Aisha had followed a few girls she met in her dorm and ended up seated in the crowd. She had no idea who was performing.
Until he walked on stage.
Ishaan.
He didn't even glance at the crowd as he adjusted the mic and guitar. When he strummed the first chord of "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran, silence fell.
Then came his voice.
" Cause we were just kids when we fell in love, not knowin' what it was
I will not give you up this time
Oh, darling, just kiss me slow, your heart is all I own
And in your eyes, you're holding mine
Baby, I'm dancin' in the dark with you between my arms
Barefoot on the grass while listenin' to our favourite song
When you said you looked a mess, I whispered underneath my breath
But you heard it, "Darling, you look perfect tonight" "
Soft. Smooth. Raw.
Aisha's heart skipped a beat when she saw ishaan looking at her singing the last line "Darling, you look perfect tonight" .
Ria nudged Naina and smirked. "Look at her."
Naina whispered, "Girl's lost in Ishaan's voice."
On stage, Ishaan glanced toward the crowd just in time to see her hiding her face.
He smirked. Busted.
As the song ended, the applause roared. Ishaan gave a small bow and walked off.
Backstage, Ria caught up to him. "So, you've got a fan."
He shrugged. "She's interesting. Different."
Ria poked him. "And cute. Admit it."
Ishaan didn't reply, but his smile said enough.
That night, the stars over Prestige twinkled brighter than usual.
And in different corners of the campus, hearts were quietly shifting, dreams taking root, and bonds beginning to form.
No one said it aloud.
But something had begun.
And it wouldn't stop.