The second day at Xavier’s didn’t feel as terrifying.

Zoya still walked with a quiet step, her notebook tucked under her arm like armor. But now… she smiled a little more. Not because she was happy. But because no one here tried to mute her.

> And in a strange way, even the silence of Mumbai felt kinder than the noise back home.

---

She found a corner seat in the common area — sunlight pouring in, the sound of distant chatter bouncing off the marble floor.

Aarfa had gone off to submit an assignment.

Zoya had time.

She flipped open her notebook and started sketching the campus.

The pillars. The windows.

And… somehow, the outline of a boy holding a basketball.

She didn’t even realize she was sketching him — until she paused to look.

And then, like her thoughts had summoned him —

There he was.

Akif Malik.

Leaning casually against a column across the garden. Headphones in. Talking to someone from his group, but not laughing.

He never laughed.

Just listened. Spoke when needed. Always watching.

And this time, Zoya caught him… watching her.

Their eyes met.

It lasted two seconds.

One heartbeat.

But it stayed.

She quickly looked down, pretending to fix something in her sketch. Her cheeks burned.

> Why did it feel like he was reading my thoughts?

---

Later, during a free period, Aarfa dragged her back to the canteen.

Same group. Same table.

Zoya sat quietly, sipping cold coffee as everyone talked over each other.

And again — Akif sat at the end of the table. Silent, observing, present.

> She tried not to look.

She failed.

---

“Are you the type who writes poems in a diary and cries under the moonlight?”

Jiya’s voice cut through the moment like a blade.

Zoya blinked, confused. “What?”

Jiya smirked. “I mean, you have that ‘sad girl’ aesthetic. Quiet, mysterious, always staring at people when they’re not looking.”

The table went quiet.

Zoya stared at her, unsure what to say.

But before she could answer —

he did.

> “Maybe that’s better than faking laughter for attention.”

The voice was low. Calm.

But sharp enough to make Jiya’s smile disappear.

Everyone turned to look at him.

Zoya froze.

Akif didn’t even look up from his phone.

Just sipped his water like nothing happened.

---

Jiya cleared her throat, forcing a chuckle. “Relax, Akif. Just joking.”

He didn’t reply.

Zoya’s heart was beating louder than the canteen noise.

She looked at him once — and this time, he did look back.

Just briefly.

But his eyes said more than his mouth ever could.

> I see you.

---

That evening, back in the apartment, Aarfa leaned on Zoya’s shoulder while scrolling her phone.

“You know…” she mumbled, “he never defends anyone. Not even us.”

Zoya looked at her. “Who?”

Aarfa didn’t answer. Just smirked.

---

Zoya turned to the window.

Outside, Mumbai was glowing.

Inside, something in her chest was glowing too.

Not love.

Not yet.

Just the first flicker.

Of something she didn’t expect to feel again.

---

To be continued...

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YAAYYYY next chapter uploaded! Is it too fast or very slow??

Meet you at next chapter. Byee