POV: Rithul
It started with a laugh.
Vin had bolted out of the haunted block like a squirrel on energy drinks—grinning ear to ear, her cheeks flushed with joy.
I was leaning near the corridor railings, lazily scrolling on my phone when I noticed her. "Yo, what happened? Why are you flying like you won a lottery?"
Vin halted, catching her breath, her eyes sparkling. "You won't believe it!" she squealed. "Ram and Max kissed!"
I blinked.
"What?"
She clutched her bag tighter, still excited. "In the haunted block! Just now! It finally happened, Rithu. After years. And Max's mom approved! It's like—like watching a drama ending with the best twist ever!"
I chuckled weakly. "Wow… that's… awesome."
But my smile didn't reach my eyes.
She ran past me, her joy trailing behind like perfume. I stood there for a second longer, then slowly turned around.
"I'll be back," I mumbled to no one, already making my way toward the restroom.
The cold splash of water on my face didn't wash the ache away.
I gripped the sink edge tightly, avoiding my reflection.
You said it was a joke, Rithul.
You joked about waiting for their breakup.
You flirted, teased, smiled.
But somewhere in between those jokes…
You started hoping.
Not for a fairytale. Just a chance.
A small one. A crack in the glass where you could fit.
I leaned against the wall and closed my eyes. That kiss. That haunted block. That moment—it wasn't mine.
And the truth?
It never was.
I walked back slowly, freshened up but heavy-hearted, following Vin's steps that led back to the room. Everyone was there. Laughing. Glowing.
Max looked different.
Not in appearance. But in energy.
She radiated something only love could give.
I smiled again, hiding it better this time. I congratulated them. Teased Ram. Gave Max a playful wink. Said all the right things.
But deep inside?
A small tear threatened to fall again—but I blinked it away.
That night…
My hostel room was colder than usual.
The bunk above me was empty. The lights were dim. I stared at the ceiling, my heart playing scenes I never asked for.
Max, giggling beside me during group projects.
Max, tying her hair up during lunch.
Max, looking lost in her thoughts.
Max… never seeing me that way.
I sighed, rolling over to bury my face in the pillow.
"I'm happy for them," I whispered to myself.
"I'm really happy."
But God, why did it hurt so much?
Rithul's Journal – Unsent Entry
"You ever love someone quietly?
Not the kind of love that screams or breaks things—but the soft kind. The 'I'll wait outside your class just to see you smile' kind. The 'I'll make you laugh when you're tired' kind.
That was me with Max.
And now that she's with Ram… I'm still that person.
Just… quieter.
Maybe in another life, it could've been me.
But in this one?
I'll protect her love—even if it's not mine."
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