The day felt different.

Zoya wasn’t sure if it was because of the late-night call she’d never forget, or because she woke up with his voice still echoing in her chest.

She saw him the moment she walked into college.

Akif.

Leaning casually against the wall near the auditorium.

White shirt, sleeves rolled up. Eyes down on his phone.

But the moment she walked past…

He looked up.

And she felt it.

That second-long glance that said everything but still claimed nothing.

Her heart fluttered.

She looked away.

But smiled.

---

Throughout the day, it kept happening.

During class —

She looked up.

He was already looking at her.

At the canteen —

She laughed at something Aarfa said, glanced toward the sports field…

And there he was.

Headphones in. Bag slung over one shoulder.

Watching her like she was a secret no one else could see.

But neither said anything.

No texts.

No words.

Just… glances.

And somehow, it was enough.

---

Meanwhile…

Ayaan was pacing outside the music room, holding a folded note in his hand like it weighed 50 kilos.

Aarfa had gone in to rehearse her dance performance, not knowing that her entire day was about to flip upside down.

> “You got this, bro,” Akif said, patting his back.

> “What if she says no?” Ayaan whispered, panicked.

Akif smirked. “Then at least you’ll know. And if she says yes…”

Ayaan gulped. “I’ll die of happiness.”

---

A few minutes later, Aarfa walked out, tying her hair into a bun, still humming the dance steps.

She didn’t notice Ayaan standing behind the pillar.

Until he stepped forward.

> “Aarfa!”

She blinked, surprised. “Hey, what’s up?”

He scratched the back of his neck. “Can I tell you something?”

> “Sure?”

He held out the note.

She took it, confused.

> “What’s this?”

> “It’s something I couldn’t say out loud,” he mumbled.

She opened it slowly.

It read:

> “You’re the reason I started smiling more.”

“And I think… if you let me, I’d like to keep making you smile too.”

— Ayaan

She stared at it.

Then stared at him.

> “Did you just…”

“Wait… are you actually…”

He was already nodding, nervous, shaking a little.

> “I like you, Aarfa. A lot.”

> “Since forever, honestly.”

---

Zoya watched from afar — half hiding behind the notice board.

She couldn’t hear what was said, but she saw the way Aarfa’s eyes widened.

The way her hand flew to her mouth.

Then…

She hugged him.

Zoya gasped softly, smiling so wide she almost screamed.

Akif came and stood beside her, arms crossed.

> “Well… finally,” he muttered.

Zoya looked up at him.

> “You knew?”

> “He told me this morning.”

She laughed. “And you didn’t say anything?”

> “Would’ve ruined the drama.”

---

Later that day, Zoya and Aarfa sat together under the tree near the back gate.

Aarfa’s cheeks were still red.

> “I can’t believe he actually did it,” she whispered.

> “And you actually said yes!” Zoya squealed.

Aarfa smiled, dreamy. “I don’t know what this is… but it feels right.”

Zoya looked at her.

And whispered more to herself than anyone:

> “I hope I get to feel that too… one day.”

---

Somewhere not too far,

Akif scrolled through his playlist.

Paused.

Looked toward where they were sitting.

And smiled to himself.

He didn’t know what this was either.

But it felt right.

---

To be continued...