A week had passed since the storm.

Zoya was lighter now. Her heart hadn’t healed completely, but the weight on it had shifted.

One morning, a loud announcement echoed across the campus:

"Attention students! This year's Annual Academic-Cultural Trip is set! Three days, two nights in Lonavala, filled with activities, bonfire, talent rounds, and lots of memories. Forms are available now!"

Zoya and Aarfa looked at each other in shock.

"WE ARE GOING," Aarfa said instantly.

Zoya blinked. "But I—"

"No excuses. Pack your bags, baby girl! It’s time to breathe and have fun."

Zoya laughed.

Behind them, Ayaan was already grabbing two forms.

"One for me and one for my princess," he winked at Aarfa.

Akif walked past, headphones in, barely glancing their way. But when his eyes met Zoya's for half a second, something shifted. A small tilt of his lips. The smallest nod.

And her heart fluttered.

Zoya hadn't signed the form yet.

But she knew she would.

And yes, she did.

___

The bus was packed with energy.

Students were laughing, singing, clicking selfies, and tossing snacks around like it was a party on wheels.

Zoya and Aarfa settled into the third row. Ayaan, as expected, grabbed the seat beside Aarfa.

Zoya looked out the window, lost in thought.

Until she heard his voice.

"Mind if I sit here?"

Akif.

Her eyes widened. "You? Here?"

"The back is too noisy. And you’re... less noisy."

Zoya shifted slightly, hiding her smile. "Fine."

He sat beside her. Close enough to feel his presence, far enough to not touch.

Minutes passed. Her phone buzzed.

Aarfa: _"Jiya’s here."

Zoya turned. And there she was. Jiya. In the very back row, laughing loudly with two girls.

Zoya groaned. "Why is she here?!"

Akif leaned in slightly. "Ignore her. We’re not here for her."

His voice was soft, yet protective.

---

Lonavala Arrival

The resort was dreamy. Wooden cabins, misty trees, lanterns, and a small bonfire pit.

Room allotments were done. Girls in one row, boys in the other.

As everyone unpacked, Aarfa whispered, "Tonight is bonfire. Group performances. Talent night. We are going to OWN it."

Zoya laughed. "What are we even doing?"

Aarfa grinned. "We? I signed us up for a duet. You sing. I dance."

Zoya gasped. "WHAT?!"

"Too late. You're in, baby. And the whole campus will be watching. Including your silent hero."

Zoya blushed.

Outside the window, she saw Akif talking to Ayaan,

laughing quietly. Then he looked up.

Right at her.

And smiled.

---

To be continued...

_____

Was it getting romantic?

Hehe.