The classroom was pure chaos.
Ruby and Daisy had declared themselves a "married couple" and were dancing — literally dancing — in the middle of the class while everyone clapped to a beat only they could hear.
Even Saanvi, usually quiet, joined in and twirled like a graceful ballerina.
It was a circus.
A happy one.
I laughed so much, my cheeks hurt.
⸻
That's when Adithya came over.
Not sitting, but standing beside me.
"Why don't you talk to Arskaan these days?"
Of all things, I didn't expect that.
Before I could reply, he smirked.
"You two are besties, right?"
I narrowed my eyes. "Stop teasing."
He chuckled. "I'm joking."
But his tone changed.
"You know, you're the only one I can talk to like this."
I looked up. "Like what?"
"Just… openly. No filter. I used to have a female best friend at my old school."
I felt that twist in my chest again. Jealousy?
I tried to sound normal. "Still in touch?"
"No. I lost interest in her."
I blurted, "So if I changed schools, would you lose interest in me too?"
He shook his head.
"Nope. You're special. You're not like her."
I couldn't help but smile. But I covered it with a scoff.
"Yeah yeah. We'll see."
He smiled too.
Not his usual half-smile.
A real one.
The kind that made me forget everything else.
⸻
The classroom was still buzzing.
Ruby and Daisy were dancing.
Saanvi was twirling.
Laughter echoed off the walls.
But for a moment, it was just me and him.
Talking.
Laughing.
Pretending nothing had changed.
But somewhere, deep inside, I knew…
Something had.