---
The next morning, the dorm smelled like toast, coffee, and chaos. Vivaan was already laughing about something Harsh said, and Kashvi was scrolling through her phone with sleepy eyes. As soon as Haniya entered the dining area, all three of them looked up like they'd been waiting for her.
Vivaan pointed his spoon at her dramatically.
"Well, well, well. Look who finally woke up. Miss Secret Queen."
Harsh grinned. "So, madam president's daughter, how does royalty sleep? On rose petals?"
Haniya didn't even blink.
"I sleep peacefully," she said calmly. "Unlike you guys who cry every night because you're single."
Vivaan choked on his juice. Kashvi burst into laughter.
Aarav, who had been leaning casually against the counter, smirked. He tried to hide it behind his mug, but failed.
Harsh placed a hand on his chest. "Ouch. That was personal."
"You asked for it," Haniya said, sliding into her seat.
Vivaan leaned forward. "Now, now… don't be shy. Tell us, princess, how does it feel being the president's daughter?"
Haniya slowly lifted her gaze.
"It feels amazing, actually. Because now I can get you all fired."
Silence.
Then Kashvi BURST out laughing again, nearly dropping her phone.
Aarav coughed to hide his laugh. "She's in a mood today."
"I'm always in a mood," Haniya shot back.
Vivaan looked at Aarav. "Bro, you sure you can handle her?"
Aarav's lips curved. "I'm managing."
Haniya raised a brow at him teasingly. He gave her a small look back—one only she understood. Warm. Familiar. Secret.
Everyone ate together, teasing, laughing, pretending like the world wasn't watching. And for a while, it felt light.
But the day was just starting.
---
Practice began with the usual noise—headsets being connected, chairs dragged around, monitors warming up. Coach walked in with his usual strict expression.
"Warm up. Focus. Yesterday was good, but the competition ahead is harder."
"Yes, sir," the team replied.
Aarav took his seat. Haniya settled into hers. Their screens lit up at the same time.
Vivaan whispered loudly, "Guys, let's not distract our lovebirds today, okay?"
Harsh raised his hand. "I make no promises."
Haniya didn't even look up. "Harsh, focus on your game. You barely survived yesterday."
Harsh shut his mouth instantly. "Okay, fair."
Aarav grinned but kept his eyes on the screen.
"She's dangerous today," he murmured under his breath.
Kashvi smirked. "She's always dangerous."
They all started warming up. Haniya's fingers danced across the controls, fast and sharp. Aarav glanced at her occasionally—she was calmer today. More herself. More fearless.
The tension from yesterday wasn't visible anymore.
But the spark between them definitely was.
Coach clapped loudly. "Break! Ten minutes."
Everyone relaxed. Vivaan leaned back in his chair, Harsh stretched his arms, Kashvi walked out for water.
Aarav stood up and walked toward Haniya, who was adjusting her headset. He leaned slightly over her chair.
"You're in a really savage mood today," he said softly.
She didn't look up. "Maybe you bring it out of me."
He blinked. "Is that a compliment?"
She tilted her head. "Depends. Do you want it to be?"
Aarav bit back a smile. "I want everything from you to be a compliment."
She finally looked up at him. "Then maybe earn it."
He leaned closer. "How?"
"Try harder," she whispered.
He laughed under his breath. "Haniya… seriously… what are you doing to me?"
"What you're doing to me," she replied lightly.
Aarav placed one hand on the back of her chair, half caging her in. "If no one was around, I'd kiss you right now."
She didn't flinch. "Then good thing people are around. You need control."
"Do I?" he whispered.
"Yes," she said, crossing her arms. "Otherwise you'll get us caught."
"You say that like you're innocent."
"I'm very innocent."
"You're not," he murmured.
She smirked. "Maybe I'm not."
Aarav swallowed. Her confidence was lethal.
He stepped a little closer. "You're distracting me."
"That's your problem," she said.
"Haniya…"
She lifted her chin. "Aarav."
He stared for a moment, then leaned in just enough that she felt his breath.
"You're cold today."
"And you're too soft today."
"Oh?" He raised a brow. "Is that so?"
"Yes," she said. "Try harder."
He laughed again, quietly. "Fine. Come outside after practice. I'll show you how hard I can try."
Her eyebrow arched. "Is that a challenge?"
"It's a promise."
She looked away, hiding her smile. "We'll see."
Just then, Coach walked back in. "Break is over!"
Aarav straightened instantly. Haniya turned back to her seat. But their eyes met one last time before they refocused—and the silent flirting was louder than any spoken words.
---
The rest of practice went smoothly. The team actually performed better. Maybe it was the teasing. Maybe it was the flirting energy floating in the air. Maybe it was confidence.
When practice ended, the team packed up slowly.
Vivaan yawned. "Man, I'm so tired."
Harsh nudged him. "Bro, you always tired."
Kashvi stretched. "Today was good."
Haniya stood, collected her things calmly. Aarav walked beside her toward the exit.
Vivaan shouted from behind, "Aye lovebirds, don't do anything weird!"
Haniya turned around. "Vivaan, if I ever do something weird, you won't live to tell anyone."
Vivaan froze. "Yes, ma'am."
Aarav burst into quiet laughter, shaking his head. "You're impossible."
"I know," she said proudly.
"And I like it."
She rolled her eyes but smiled.
"Shut up."
"That's not a no," he said softly.
She bumped his shoulder lightly. "You talk too much."
"And you love it."
She didn't deny it. Not this time.
As they walked out together, their fingers brushed for a moment. Neither grabbed the other's hand—because they couldn't.
But the electricity between them was unmistakable.
The day had been ordinary.
But somehow, with them, ordinary felt magical.
---