---
Practice had ended hours ago, yet the emotional energy of the day still lingered in every corner of the dorm. The team drifted around the common area, talking, eating, laughing… but something new hung in the air. Something everyone could feel.
Something between Aarav and Haniya.
Haniya sat on the couch, scrolling through her phone but not really reading anything. Her heart was still thumping from the stolen kiss earlier. Every time her mind replayed it, a tiny smile appeared on her lips before she quickly forced it away.
Across the room, Aarav was pretending to watch a cricket replay, but his eyes kept shifting toward her—soft, teasing, and secretly proud of the effect he had on her.
Vivaan tapped Harsh and whispered,
"Look at him, bro… he's whipped."
Harsh nodded dramatically.
"And she's glowing like she swallowed a fairy light."
Kashvi smacked both of them with a cushion.
"Shut up. Let them be. You two are too nosy."
---
A Moment Alone
The common area slowly emptied as the team drifted to their rooms. Eventually only Haniya and Aarav remained, the soft ambient light casting a golden haze around them.
Aarav stood up slowly and walked toward her.
"You're avoiding my eyes," he said quietly.
She crossed her arms, pretending not to care.
"No, I'm not."
He leaned closer, bending slightly to meet her gaze.
"Then look at me."
She hesitated, but finally lifted her eyes to his—and instantly regretted it. His gaze was warm, mischievous, and heartbreakingly gentle.
Her heart stumbled.
Aarav smirked softly.
"You're blushing again."
"I'm not," she lied.
"You do it every time," he whispered, stepping closer, "and I think… it's adorable."
Her pulse quickened.
"Aarav, stop teasing."
"What if it's not teasing?" he replied seriously now, his voice softer, deeper.
The air grew warmer between them, heavy with unsaid words.
---
The Emotional Confrontation
Haniya took a slow breath. "Aarav… earlier you said I can't give you what you want."
His smile faded.
"I meant it at that time."
"Do you still mean it now?"
Aarav looked away for a moment, jaw tightening with something like fear—or longing.
Then he finally spoke.
"I wanted something I thought you'd never give me… something I thought you'd never feel."
Her breath hitched.
"And what is that?"
He looked directly at her now, eyes burning with a truth he had held back for too long.
"You.
I wanted you."
Haniya's chest tightened painfully, warmth spreading through her entire body.
"And now?" she whispered.
"Now?" Aarav stepped closer until they were inches apart.
"Now I think I'm getting greedy… because I want even more."
Her lips parted, heartbeat wild. "More?"
"Yes," he whispered.
"I want your time. Your attention. Your smile. Your late-night thoughts. Your messiness. Your stubbornness."
He paused, voice trembling slightly.
"And maybe… someday… your heart."
Her eyes widened, breath catching.
"Aarav…"
He held her gaze gently.
"You don't have to say anything. Not yet. I just… needed you to know."
A silence fell between them—heavy, emotional, and fragile.
---
The Unexpected Shift
Suddenly, Haniya stood up, surprising him.
She stepped even closer, stopping when they were nearly touching. Aarav's breath caught.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" he asked quietly.
"Because…" she whispered, "I don't know how to stay away from you anymore."
Aarav swallowed, his heartbeat loud in his ears.
"So don't."
Haniya's eyes softened.
"You think it's that easy?"
"For me?" he murmured, brushing a finger near her wrist but not touching, "It is."
A single inch separated their faces.
Her lips parted.
He leaned in—slow, gentle, testing.
---
The Almost-Kiss
Just when his lips were about to touch hers—
KNOCK! KNOCK!
Vivaan's voice boomed from the hallway.
"Haniyaaa! We need to decide tomorrow's food menu! Come out or we'll choose karela by default!"
Both froze.
Haniya stepped back instantly, covering her burning cheeks.
Aarav groaned quietly, rubbing his face.
"Your timing, Haniya… and his timing…"
He pointed toward the hallway.
"Both are terrible."
Haniya laughed softly despite her embarrassment.
"Go," he said gently.
"Before he picks something horrible."
She took a step, but he caught her wrist—not tight, not forceful, just enough to make her stop.
"Haniya."
She turned back, eyes meeting his.
"We're not done talking."
A small warmth bloomed in her chest.
"I know."
"And…" he added, voice low and teasing,
"I still owe you a kiss."
Her breath stilled.
"Aarav—"
"Don't worry," he continued with a small smirk,
"I'll steal it when you least expect it."
Her heart skipped.
Vivaan's voice echoed again.
"HANIYA! COME BEFORE I ORDER BITTER GOURD SOUP!"
Haniya rolled her eyes and left the room quickly, hiding her smile.
---
Aarav Watches Her Leave
Aarav leaned against the wall, exhaling a slow breath as he watched her walk down the hallway.
His lips curved into a soft, helpless smile.
"Yeah," he whispered to himself,
"this is only getting deeper."
---