---
Morning sunlight slid through the curtains like a soft reminder of the night before.
Haniya woke up with a smile she didn't even try to hide. There was no confusion now, no fear, no questions twisting in her mind like before.
Whatever this was between her and Aarav…
She wasn't running anymore.
She dressed casually and headed downstairs. Halfway to the breakfast table, she heard them—Vivaan and Harsh—already whispering like detectives on a secret mission.
"Bro, she's glowing again."
"She was glowing yesterday too."
"Exactly. Suspicious."
Haniya cleared her throat loudly.
Both boys snapped upright like soldiers caught sleeping.
Harsh grinned, "Good morning, Queen of Secrets."
She sat down gracefully, poured her cereal, and replied, "Good morning, Captain Overthinking."
Aarav, sitting across the table, almost spit his coffee.
Vivaan pointed between her and Aarav. "Why are you both acting like… like this isn't weird?"
Haniya calmly raised a brow. "What's weird? That I exist? Or that Aarav exists? Or that you two are jobless enough to analyze breakfast expressions?"
Harsh gasped dramatically.
"Aarav, control your girlfriend!"
Aarav coughed so hard the spoon nearly fell from his hand.
Haniya didn't shy away. She looked Harsh dead in the eye and replied,
"Harsh, I can be many things, but I will never be something you announce like breaking news."
Vivaan wheezed. "Ohhhh she roasted you alive!"
Aarav was looking at her in a way that made her heart swell—soft admiration, pride, and that gentle possessiveness he always tried to hide.
She caught him staring and mouthed, What?
He mouthed back, Everything.
She rolled her eyes, but her smile betrayed her.
---
Training Session – A Different Atmosphere
Later, at the practice grounds, something had changed.
The entire team felt it.
The boys weren't just teasing—they were WATCHING. Every second.
Aarav adjusted his gloves, glancing at her more often than necessary.
Haniya sat on the bench, reviewing her notes, pretending not to notice.
Harsh nudged Aarav. "Bro, she's literally staring at you. Look."
"I'm NOT staring," Haniya said loudly without lifting her eyes. "I'm observing how slow you all are today."
The whole team groaned.
Aarav chuckled.
"I swear she scares them more than the coach," he whispered to Harsh.
Mid-practice, Aarav came over for water. He stood close—too close—but she didn't move away.
"You okay?" he asked softly.
"Why? Am I supposed to be?"
He smirked. "You're answering everything with confidence today."
"Get used to it," she replied.
He leaned slightly closer, lowering his voice. "Should I also get used to last night?"
She inhaled sharply but kept her cool. "Should I?"
Aarav grinned, turning to leave—
Then, as if remembering something, he spun back and pressed a quick, sneaky kiss to her cheek.
She froze, eyes wide.
Half the team screamed like schoolchildren who had witnessed a scandal.
"AARAV BHAI. IN PUBLIC?!"
Haniya recovered instantly.
She wiped her cheek dramatically.
"Next time, try aiming properly."
Aarav nearly collapsed laughing.
---
Afternoon Break – A Moment Alone
During a break, when everyone scattered around, Aarav found her leaning against the wall, sipping water.
He stepped close.
"Why are you avoiding me?" he asked.
"I'm not."
"You are."
"Fine. Maybe I am. Happy now?"
"Why?"
She took a breath. "Because… things feel real now."
He softened. "Real is good."
"A little scary," she admitted.
He stepped closer until their arms brushed. "Then I'll take half the fear."
She looked up at him, and the warmth in his eyes was too intense to ignore.
"You're getting… better at this comforting thing," she said.
"I'm trying," he replied. "Because you matter."
She swallowed hard.
He touched her hand lightly, just the tips of his fingers brushing hers.
It was enough to melt every wall she had left.
---
Night – Aarav's Room Again
It was late when Haniya knocked on Aarav's door.
He opened instantly.
"You came again?" he teased.
"Don't act surprised," she said, stepping in. "I needed to talk."
He shut the door behind her. "About?"
She crossed her arms. "Those boys won't stop teasing unless we clarify something."
He stiffened slightly. "Clarify… what exactly?"
"You know," she said softly.
He waited—expectant, hopeful.
She stepped closer, staring up at him with a steady gaze.
"Aarav," she whispered. "I'm not hiding anything anymore. Not from you. Not from anyone."
He exhaled slowly. "So… you really like me?"
Instead of answering, she reached up on her toes and kissed him.
Not rushed.
Not hesitant.
But slow… deliberate… certain.
His hands found her waist automatically, pulling her closer.
Her fingers tangled in the fabric of his shirt.
When she pulled back, breathless, he whispered, "What does that mean?"
She smirked. "Use your brain. You have one."
She turned to go.
But Aarav grabbed her from behind—arms circling her waist—pulling her against him with a possessive urgency he couldn't hide anymore.
"Don't leave like that," he murmured.
His lips brushed her neck—so light at first it felt like a shiver.
Then he kissed her again, deeper, lingering.
Her breath hitched.
She whispered, "Aarav…"
He smiled against her skin. "This is what your kiss meant to me."
She turned her head slightly toward him. "And what do you think my kiss meant?"
His grip tightened around her waist.
"That you're mine."
She blushed—really blushed—but didn't deny it.
"Let me go," she whispered weakly.
"No."
"Aarav…"
He finally loosened his hold, turning her gently.
Their faces were inches apart.
"Goodnight," he whispered.
She smiled. "Goodnight."
And walked out—
This time with her heart full
and her mind clear.
---