The campus felt different.

Zoya didn’t know if it was because the air was crisp with a hint of monsoon rain, or if it was because she’d just spent the most magical night of her life on a date with Akif.

Either way, the tension in the air was undeniable.

And she was pretty sure it had everything to do with the dark-haired girl who was suddenly staring at her from across the quad.

Jiya.

Zoya shifted uncomfortably. She had been so happy with Akif earlier, their date feeling like a secret they both wanted to protect. But seeing Jiya now... something in her gut twisted.

“Uh, Zoya... I think you should—” Aarfa’s voice came from beside her, snapping Zoya back to reality.

But Zoya didn’t need to hear the rest.

Jiya was heading toward her with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes.

“Oh. My. God.” Jiya’s voice was smooth like honey, but laced with something dangerous. “So, Akif Malik... the cold, fearless guy... and you?”

Zoya straightened. “What’s your point, Jiya?”

Jiya tilted her head. “Well, he’s been very loving lately, hasn’t he? Always by your side, protecting you. Isn’t that sweet?”

Zoya narrowed her eyes. “What do you want, Jiya?”

“Oh, nothing. Just wondering how long you think this little... thing will last.”

Her words hung in the air like poison.

Zoya’s stomach twisted. “It’s not a ‘thing,’ Jiya. And I don’t owe you an explanation.”

Jiya smiled even wider. “I’m just curious. I mean, how long do you think you’ll hold his attention when there are so many other girls willing to... compete?”

Her words stung more than Zoya was willing to admit. But before she could respond, a voice from behind interrupted.

“That’s enough, Jiya.”

Akif’s voice, smooth and deep, sent a wave of relief over Zoya. She turned around to see him walking toward them, his eyes icy, posture stiff, like a protective force field that was ready to take on whatever Jiya had planned.

Jiya’s smile faltered just for a second, but she quickly recovered. “Oh, Akif. I didn’t know you were here.”

“You knew,” he said firmly, stepping closer to Zoya and standing by her side, his hand casually brushing against hers.

“Leave her alone, Jiya,” Akif said, his tone cold.

Zoya could feel the subtle change in the air. She wasn’t sure if it was his words or just the way he stood so close, but it felt like a declaration.

Jiya’s eyes flickered between them. “You really think you’re the only one who can keep her around, huh? You think you’re the only one who can make her feel special?”

Akif’s jaw tightened. “Don’t. Ever. Talk to her like that again.”

Jiya laughed bitterly. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m just being friendly.” Her eyes bore into Zoya now. “Just remember... you’ve been warned.”

With that, she turned on her heels and walked away, her steps echoing in the empty hallway.

Zoya stood there, feeling the weight of the moment. She didn’t know if it was the way Jiya had said it or if it was the way Akif had stepped in so effortlessly — but the silence between them felt almost suffocating.

Zoya didn’t know what to say, but before she could speak, Akif looked down at her.

“You okay?” he asked softly.

She nodded, though her heart was racing.

He cupped her face gently, his touch soothing her nerves. “Don’t listen to her. She doesn’t know a thing about us.”

“But why does she always try to get in between us?” Zoya whispered, looking up at him.

Akif’s eyes darkened, a glint of protectiveness in his gaze. “Because she knows something we don’t. She knows what it feels like to lose someone she loves.”

Zoya frowned. “You mean... her past?”

He nodded. “She’s probably jealous. But it doesn’t matter, Zoya. She won’t get between us.”

Zoya swallowed hard, feeling a mix of emotions. She wasn’t sure if it was the jealousy creeping inside her or the unspoken love between them, but something about that moment felt different.

Akif leaned down, his lips hovering just above her forehead. “I’ve got you,” he whispered. “And no one will take you away from me.”

Zoya smiled softly, her heart full. “Thank you, Akif.”

---

Later that evening, Zoya was walking to her apartment when her phone buzzed with a message from Aarfa.

Aarfa: "What happened with Jiya? She’s been giving you those eyes for the last hour."

Zoya: "She tried to mess with me, but Akif stepped in. He’s being really protective."

Aarfa: "Of course, he would. That boy’s been head over heels for you since forever. Just... keep being the sweet, sassy Zoya we all know and love. You’re not in this alone."

Zoya smiled as she read the message.

As she neared her apartment, she could see Akif leaning against the door, his eyes scanning the street as if he’d been waiting for her.

“Need a ride home, princess?” he asked, his voice low and teasing.

Zoya chuckled. “Don’t you have a meeting?”

Akif shrugged, his gaze still locked on hers. “I’ll cancel it.”

---

As they walked into the apartment, Zoya felt a sense of peace. Everything had changed since the first time they’d met — and yet, some things felt exactly the same.

Akif had become her anchor, her strength. And no matter how much Jiya tried to pull them apart, nothing would break the bond they had.

Not now. Not ever.