**Season 2 — Episode 9
"THE BREATH BETWEEN THEM"**
The hostel corridors were unusually quiet that night. Most girls were in their rooms, lights off, whispering gossip or scrolling on their phones. But Bhanu was pacing near the staircase, hugging her arms, her mind crowded, her heartbeat heavy.
She had fought with Arjun.
She had ignored Goutam.
And she had no idea where she stood with Yashwin.
The world felt too loud, too confusing.
She stepped outside into the open terrace, hoping the night breeze might calm her. The sky was dark, clouds hanging low, the smell of rain drifting in the air.
She closed her eyes.
**"Bhanu?"**
Her heart skipped.
She turned sharply.
Yashwin stood there… breathless, like he had run all the way. His hair was messy, his eyes intense, his shirt sleeves rolled up like he'd been restless.
**"I… I've been looking for you."**
His voice was low, desperate.
Bhanu blinked.
"Why?"
He exhaled hard. "Because you walked out today without saying anything. You were upset. And when you're upset… I can't focus on anything."
Her throat tightened.
He walked closer, slow, careful—like stepping toward something fragile.
**"What happened?"** he whispered.
Bhanu looked away. "It's nothing. Just… too much today."
He stepped closer.
Too close.
"Bhanu. Look at me."
She slowly lifted her eyes.
And the world blurred.
There was only him.
Only those eyes that softened when they saw her.
The wind blew hard, pushing her hair across her face. Yashwin lifted his hand—hesitated for a second—and then gently tucked her hair behind her ear.
Bhanu froze.
His fingers grazed her skin… warm… lingering for a second too long.
Yashwin swallowed.
"I hate seeing you hurt."
She could feel her pulse in her neck.
In her hands.
Everywhere.
"I'm fine," she whispered.
"You're lying."
He stepped even closer, his voice barely audible.
"Your eyes get glossy when you lie."
Her breath trembled.
She tried stepping back—
But the wind pushed her off balance.
In an instant, Yashwin grabbed her waist—
Pulling her toward him—
Her palms pressed against his chest, his arms locked around her automatically.
An **accidental hug**.
But neither stepped away.
For a moment, it felt like time held its breath.
Bhanu's heart hammered.
She could feel his heartbeat too—fast, strong, nervous.
Yashwin didn't let go.
His voice brushed her ear.
"Careful."
She didn't speak.
She couldn't.
He loosened his grip slightly… but his hands stayed on her waist.
They were standing closer than they ever had before.
Too close.
Their faces inches apart.
His breath warm on her cheek.
And then—
He leaned in.
Slow.
Uncertain.
But drawn to her like he couldn't stop himself.
Bhanu's breath caught.
She didn't step back.
His forehead touched hers.
Soft.
Deliberate.
Intimate.
"Bhanu…" he whispered her name like it was something precious.
She felt dizzy.
Every inch of her body felt alive.
His nose brushed against hers.
They were one breath away from a kiss.
Her lips parted slightly.
His eyes half-closed.
The air crackled between them.
He tilted his head—
Their lips almost touched—
And then—
**The hostel watchman's whistle shrilled downstairs.**
Bhanu jerked slightly.
Yashwin froze.
They stayed like that for one last heartbeat—his hands on her waist, her hands on his chest—both breathless, both trembling.
Finally, he stepped back.
Slowly.
Reluctantly.
He rubbed the back of his neck, trying to steady himself.
"Bhanu…"
He swallowed.
"I'm sorry. I didn't… I mean… I shouldn't have—"
She shook her head quickly. "No. It's okay. You didn't… you didn't do anything wrong."
He stared at her, searching her face.
"Tell me something," he said quietly.
"When I held you… did you want to move away?"
Her lips parted.
But no answer came out.
He took a step forward again.
Just one.
"Because I didn't," he whispered.
A shiver ran through her.
Before she could respond, a girl from the hostel called out from the stairs:
**"Bhanu! Warden madam is checking rooms!"**
Bhanu flinched.
She gave one last glance at Yashwin—soft, confused, shaken—and ran inside.
Yashwin watched her go, chest rising and falling, eyes burning with something he could no longer hide.
And under the dim terrace light, he whispered to himself—
**"I almost kissed you."**
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***End of Episode 9**