Falling—Quite Literally

Aira was restless.

Ever since last night, ever since he smiled at her like that, ever since she let it slip that she cared—

She couldn't stop thinking about it.

She paced the room, arms crossed, deep in thought.

It doesn't mean anything.

Just because I was worried doesn't mean I like him.

He's still arrogant, still annoying, still—

Her thoughts were abruptly cut off as her foot caught the edge of the dresser.

"Ow!"

Pain shot up her ankle, and she stumbled, barely catching herself against the bed.

The door burst open a second later.

Muneeb stood there, brows furrowed, eyes scanning the room like he was ready to fight an intruder. "What happened?"

Aira, still wincing, glared at him. "What—are you planning to kill someone at midnight or what?"

His gaze dropped to her foot, and his jaw clenched.

"You're hurt."

Aira rolled her eyes. "No, I screamed for fun."

Before she could react, he was in front of her, kneeling.

Aira blinked. Wait… what?

Muneeb grabbed her foot, inspecting it with sharp eyes. His grip was firm but careful. "You're always doing something stupid," he muttered.

Aira stiffened. "I am not—"

"Then why do I keep finding you in trouble?" He shot her a look before pressing gently around her ankle.

Aira flinched. "Ow! Muneeb!"

He sighed. "Drama queen. It's just a bruise."

Aira folded her arms. "Oh, sorry, Mr. I-Get-Into-Fights-Every-Week. Please, lecture me more about injuries."

Muneeb smirked. "Finally admitting you know my history?"

She scowled. "I have ears."

He let out a soft chuckle before gently placing her foot down.

"Can you walk?"

Aira hesitated. "Of course I can—"

The moment she tried to stand, pain shot through her foot, and she lost balance.

Muneeb caught her easily.

"For someone who talks so much, you really don't think, do you?" His voice was low, close, teasing but oddly gentle.

Aira swallowed. He was too close.

Muneeb sighed. "Alright, that's enough for today. Bed."

Before she could protest, he hooked an arm under her knees and effortlessly lifted her.

Aira almost shrieked. "Muneeb!"

He walked towards the bed like she weighed nothing. "Hush. You talk too much."

Aira glared. "Put me down, I can walk—"

He dropped her onto the bed.

She let out an ungraceful oof before shooting up. "You jerk!"

Muneeb smirked, tucking his hands into his pockets. "Sleep."

Aira huffed, still fuming. But as she adjusted her foot under the blanket, she caught him watching her—his gaze unreadable.

"What?" she snapped.

Muneeb tilted his head. "Nothing." Then, as if to annoy her more, he added, "It's just cute watching you try to act tough."

Aira grabbed a pillow and hurled it at him.

Muneeb laughed, dodging easily before heading to the couch.

Aira fell back against the bed, groaning.

This is bad.

She cared.

She really cared.

And the worst part?

She was starting to think…

That she was falling.