The morning sun cast golden streaks across the campus, but for Akif Malik, it felt like storm clouds hovered directly above him.

Zoya hadn’t said a word to him since they arrived.

She didn’t wave. She didn’t smile. She didn’t even glance his way.

She had walked right past him at the entrance of the university like he was invisible.

And it hurt more than he expected.

He finally caught up to her just outside the literature block.

“Zoya—”

She turned her face, quickening her steps.

“Baccha, please. Talk to me.”

She didn’t respond.

“I swear, I didn’t mean to ignore you. My body just gave up after basketball practice last night. I didn’t even know when I passed out. I didn’t hear a single ring—”

Zoya turned sharply. “Your phone was on silent, Akif. Silent. You know how scared I was?”

Akif looked stunned.

“I called you six times. Six! Then messaged you. Nothing. I—I thought something happened. You never sleep without telling me goodnight.”

Her voice trembled.

Akif’s guilt wrapped around his chest like a rope.

“I know. I’m sorry. I should’ve told you I was exhausted. I just thought I’d lie down for five minutes and…”

“And you slept like a baby while I sat staring at my screen for hours,” she mumbled.

He took a careful step closer. “Zoya, please don’t do this. Don’t shut me out.”

She crossed her arms. “Maybe I need a break from someone who sleeps like a log.”

Akif blinked. “That was actually funny. Are you… are you slowly forgiving me?”

“No!” she snapped. “I’m still angry. Very angry.”

“But you’re talking,” he grinned sheepishly, walking beside her now.

“I’ll stop again.”

“Okay, okay. Sorry! I’ll do anything. I’ll buy you pani puri every day this week. I’ll carry your books. I’ll delete Jiya’s number—”

“You have her number?!”

“No! That was just part of the apology!”

Zoya rolled her eyes and stomped into the library.

Akif followed like a kicked puppy.

They ended up in their usual corner, between the history section and the huge window that overlooked the garden.

She sat down. He sat beside her.

Silence stretched.

“I’m really sorry,” he whispered again.

Zoya stared at the table. Then slowly, her fingers curled into fists.

“I got scared,” she admitted, her voice breaking. “Really scared. I—I thought something had happened. And that feeling... it made me realize how much I care about you.”

Akif’s heart dropped.

Tears filled her eyes.

Without another word, she stood and hugged him tightly.

His arms wrapped around her instantly.

“I’m sorry,” he said into her hair. “Never again. I promise.”

She buried her face in his chest. “You better not. Or next time, I’ll delete your number.”

He chuckled softly. “Fair enough.”

They stayed like that for a while, hidden between shelves of dusty books and silent whispers, in a corner of the world where only their hearts spoke.

And somewhere between apologies and quiet comfort, love grew a little deeper.

---

Cute huh? I wanted to make it sad but...hehe.