The Elites

The usual morning routine unfolded at Aarav's house, as familiar as the rhythm of the day itself.

Amy was already in the kitchen, her presence commanding the space as she hummed softly to herself while stirring a pot on the stove. The smell of freshly brewed coffee and the warmth of her cooking filled the air, creating a comforting atmosphere that anchored the house. As always, she was fully engrossed in her task, her movements precise and graceful, a picture of effortless skill.

Anna was darting about the dining room, her pace quick but smooth as she hurriedly set the table. Plates, cups, and utensils were being arranged with a practiced hand, the task an extension of her nurturing nature. She moved with purpose, glancing over her shoulder to make sure everything was in place. Despite the speed of her actions, there was an air of calmness about her—nothing could ruffle Anna's composure.

At the head of the table, Arun sat, engrossed in his morning newspaper, his glasses perched on the bridge of his nose as he scanned the headlines. He was the picture of quiet focus, his thoughts seemingly miles away from the chaos of the morning. His presence was calm, as always, a steady anchor for the family.

Aarav, already dressed in his college clothes, made his way into the room. His sharp eyes took in the scene with a quiet detachment. He had already bathed and was neatly prepared for the day ahead, his usual expression of calm seriousness in place. He walked to the table and took his seat without a word, his presence somehow managing to fill the space without uttering a single syllable.

Emma, on the other hand, was still scrambling to get ready. She had woken up late again, her eyes widening in panic as she saw the time. She scrambled around her room, throwing on clothes as quickly as she could. When she finally emerged, still pulling on a shoe, she darted into the dining room with a mix of urgency and fluster.

"Morning," she mumbled quickly, her voice still a little groggy from sleep.

She noticed Aarav already sitting at the table, his usual air of quiet confidence adding to her sense of rush. Seeing her brother already set and composed made her feel like she was always running behind. Emma grabbed a plate, moving quickly to catch up with the rhythm of the house, but she still looked a little out of place, her disarrayed movements at odds with the calm of the rest of the family.

Anna, noticing Emma's frantic energy, shot her a quick, understanding look. "Take your time," she said gently, her voice carrying a note of reassurance as she adjusted a napkin. "No need to rush. You still have a few minutes."

But Emma, already starting to gather her things, barely acknowledged Anna's words. She was always in a hurry to catch up with Aarav's smooth, collected routine, which, in turn, made her feel even more out of sync.

Amy's voice came from the kitchen, calm as always. "Breakfast is almost ready, Aarav, Emma. Don't worry about it, we'll make sure there's enough time for everyone."

Arun, still engrossed in his newspaper, nodded briefly in acknowledgment but didn't say anything. His routine was simple, steady, and never wavered, much like the rest of the house, each person playing their part in the daily choreography without needing to make a sound.

As Anna finished setting the last of the plates, she gave Emma a final look of encouragement. "You'll get the hang of it. Just take a deep breath."

Emma nodded quickly, her movements slightly slowing now, as the reality of the morning settled into her bones. Despite her constant rush, there was something grounding in the gentle reassurance from Anna.

Aarav, sitting silently at the table, glanced over at his sister, a brief flicker of something unreadable in his eyes. He hadn't said a word, but it was clear that he was already mentally preparing for his day ahead. The familiar pattern of his routine kept him grounded, even if the chaos of his family didn't always match his calm demeanor.

The house, though full of movement, felt peaceful. Everyone was in their place, following their roles, moving through the familiar routine that had become the backbone of their lives. Despite the rushed moments, the little moments of care and comfort that surrounded them made the start of every day feel like a new beginning, filled with the unspoken love that held them all together.

In Sophia's household, the morning routine had its own rhythm, shaped by the busy lives of its members.

Ayesha, the nurse, was always the first to wake. Her job required punctuality and precision, so she had a set schedule she adhered to without fail. She would grab her house key, unlock the door, and quickly slip out of the house to begin her day, making sure everything was in order before heading to the hospital. Her movements were swift and practiced, the responsibility of her career weighing on her every morning. Ayesha didn't have time to linger; her routine was a well-oiled machine, and she had learned to be efficient in both her work and her personal life.

Rohan, on the other hand, had a far more unpredictable schedule. As a surgeon, his hours were dictated by emergencies, surgeries, and patient needs. He would wake up when his body told him to, often in the middle of the night or at odd hours in the morning. His house key sat by the door, ready for him to come and go at any moment. He had no fixed routine, but he always made sure he was ready for whatever the day threw his way. His mornings were often a blur, a mix of grabbing a quick breakfast, scanning through medical reports, and preparing himself mentally for whatever challenges awaited him in the operating room.

As for Sophia, her routine was different. Being a year younger than Aarav and still navigating the chaos of her teen years, Sophia didn't have the same sense of urgency as her parents. She was the last to wake up most mornings, her alarm clock echoing through the house as it competed with the sound of Rohan's departure or Ayesha's rushing to work. Sophia wasn't as strict about time as the others. She liked to take things slow, still sleepy and often groggy as she stumbled out of her room. Even though she had her own house key, she often didn't feel the same rush to get out the door that her parents did.

The mornings at the Dutta household had their own chaotic charm. Ayesha would leave first, Rohan's unpredictable hours meant he was often not far behind, and then Sophia would make her appearance, always a bit later than the others, not in any particular hurry but still trying to get ready in time to join her busy family for breakfast or a quick exchange of words before the day began.

Despite the differences in their routines, the Dutta family had a sense of understanding that the chaos was a part of their life. There was always love, even in the moments of rush, and an unspoken bond that tied them together, no matter how different their days might start.

Karan's household was a vast, luxurious mansion nestled in one of the quieter corners of the city, a stark contrast to the bustling streets outside. Despite its grandeur, it was empty—save for Karan and his loyal butler, Sebastian. The sprawling estate, with its marble floors, high ceilings, and carefully curated artwork, often felt too big for just one person to inhabit. But Karan never allowed that emptiness to show.

He was the sole heir to his family's wealth, and while the house was filled with staff who maintained its upkeep, Karan had few personal connections. His relationship with the workers, while respectful, was professional and distant. There was one person, however, who had been by his side for years: Sebastian, the butler.

Sebastian was a man of few words, but his presence was a steadying force in Karan's otherwise erratic life. He had seen Karan grow up from a mischievous child to the young man who stood before him today. The two had an unusual rapport, with Karan often calling him "old geezer" in a teasing tone, though it was clear there was deep respect beneath the surface. Sebastian had always been there, providing Karan with the structure and care he needed, even when Karan would have preferred to avoid it. Sebastian was, in a sense, Karan's only family.

Every morning, Karan's routine was the same. He would wake up late, often not until the late hours of the morning, his body lazily pulling him from his dreams. The silence of the mansion pressed in on him, reminding him of the solitude that he felt, despite the grandeur surrounding him. He was always the last to rise in the house, with Sebastian already up and preparing breakfast or organizing Karan's day. Karan would roll out of bed with a groan, his eyes squinting against the light as he masked his loneliness with a smile. He had mastered the art of wearing a mask—always the charming, carefree young man in public, but in the privacy of his home, he often felt the weight of isolation.

"Old geezer," Karan would call out, as he made his way down the grand staircase, his steps echoing in the empty hallway.

Sebastian, who was already dressed in his usual formal attire, would respond in his usual deadpan manner, "Good morning, Master Karan. I've prepared breakfast as you requested."

Karan would give him a grin, his smile barely reaching his eyes. "I'll be down in a minute, just give me a second to get my head together."

Sebastian would nod silently, accustomed to Karan's ways. The butler would give Karan the space he needed, though he had a watchful eye on the young man. Despite Karan's bravado, Sebastian could see through the mask, recognizing the quiet loneliness that Karan kept hidden beneath his charming exterior.

Karan's late wake-ups were more than just a sign of a carefree nature. They were his way of avoiding the solitude he often felt when the house was too quiet. Despite his wealth, he lacked the kind of connections that could fill the emptiness, leaving him with only fleeting interactions and a house full of workers who were more like strangers than family.

Sebastian, however, was a constant in his life, the one person who could truly understand the complexity of Karan's situation. And even though Karan joked about the "old geezer," it was clear that Sebastian's presence, however quiet and unassuming, was the anchor that Karan needed in his vast, lonely mansion.

Though Karan was often surrounded by luxury, the lavishness felt hollow. He missed something more tangible—real companionship, someone to share his day with, someone who didn't just care about his status but about him as a person. But for now, he had Sebastian, and that, in his own way, was enough.

As he prepared to face another day, the loneliness would always follow him, lingering at the edges of his thoughts, masked by the laughter and banter he put forth for the world to see. But in the silence of his mansion, Karan allowed himself a moment of vulnerability before stepping out into the world, once again wearing the mask of the carefree, rich, and charming young man that everyone knew him to be.

Sayaka's apartment, nestled in a modest yet cozy building, was simple but neat, a quiet sanctuary in the heart of Mumbai. The sunlight filtered gently through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the room. Despite being far from her homeland in Japan, the apartment felt like home—a place where she could unwind and recharge after her busy days.

She had a routine, one that brought a semblance of comfort in the midst of her foreignness. The apartment had everything she needed, though there were days when it felt too empty, and the loneliness crept in. Being away from her family, in a foreign land with its own set of complexities, was not easy. But Sayaka had found solace in the friends she'd made along the way—people who had become like family.

Aarav, Emma, and Sophia were the constants in her life, each one offering her something different: Aarav's quiet genius, Emma's relentless determination, and Sophia's lightheartedness. Together, they made her feel a little less alone. Then there was the "jerk," as she liked to call him—Karan, who was complicated, distant, and, at times, frustrating. But even Karan, with all his layers, was someone she couldn't quite ignore.

This morning, Sayaka sat by her small dining table, sipping her tea and staring out the window. The apartment was silent except for the soft hum of the city below. The contrast between the bustling world outside and the quiet solitude she felt inside was something she'd come to get used to.

She'd moved to India for work, her passion for design taking her to a land full of opportunities but also challenges. And although she had made some progress in settling down, a small part of her always longed for the comfort of Japan, for the familiarity of her family and the life she once knew.

But in the meantime, her friends in India made the distance feel a little shorter, even if it was just for a moment. Aarav and Emma often visited, sometimes to hang out, other times just to check in on her. Sophia, with her energy and bubbly personality, often managed to brighten her day without even trying. And though she couldn't quite figure Karan out, there was something about his presence that made her feel a little less like a stranger.

Still, there were mornings like this—quiet, alone—that reminded her of the challenges she faced as an outsider. Yet, in those moments, she found a strength she didn't realize she had. Sayaka was carving out her place in this city, surrounded by friends who made her feel like she was no longer just a visitor but a part of something bigger.

She leaned back in her chair, allowing herself a small smile as she finished her tea. Today would be another day to navigate the complexities of life, but as always, she knew she wasn't truly alone. Not with friends like hers.

After finishing her tea, Sayaka stood up, moving toward the small kitchen corner of her apartment. Her movements were fluid, a practiced rhythm born from the many mornings she had spent preparing for the day. She quickly gathered the ingredients for a simple breakfast—eggs, toast, and some fruit she had bought the day before. The process of cooking was oddly comforting, a small ritual that made her feel grounded before she faced the busy day ahead.

While she prepared her breakfast, her thoughts drifted briefly to her friends. She often saw Aarav and Emma at college, sometimes even Sophia, though the latter had a tendency to show up late or rush in and out of the campus due to her packed schedule. Sayaka's relationship with Karan was more complicated, but despite his cocky attitude, he was one of the few people she could count on when needed.

Today, though, she would focus on her own path—her design work, her studies, and her life in Mumbai. She wasn't sure where it would all lead, but for now, the routine felt manageable. She wasn't going to let the emptiness of her apartment get to her.

Once breakfast was ready, she sat down at the table, quickly eating her meal. The energy of the city outside began to seep into the apartment as the sun climbed higher in the sky. The hustle of Mumbai was never far away, and today, she would immerse herself in it, just as she always did.

After finishing, Sayaka quickly grabbed her bag, made sure she had everything—laptop, notebooks, and a pen—and slipped on her shoes. With a quick glance at the clock, she knew she had just enough time to catch the bus to college.

As she walked out of her apartment, locking the door behind her, she couldn't help but think about the strange balance she had struck between her life in India and her past in Japan. Her friends here had become her family, and though the longing for home would always be there, she knew that she had found a place where she could truly belong.

With that thought in mind, she stepped out into the morning hustle of Mumbai, ready to take on another day.

The sun was still low in the sky, casting a soft golden glow over the city as the five of them stepped out of their homes, each with their own rhythm and style.

Aarav, ever the methodical one, had already left the house early. His strides were purposeful, his eyes straight ahead, making it clear that he had no time to waste. Emma, trailing behind, hurried to catch up with him, a light breeze catching her hair as she quickened her pace.

Sophia, the social butterfly, had a more carefree approach. As she walked down the street, she greeted everyone she passed with her usual sunny demeanor, offering cheerful "Good mornings" and "How are you?" to the shopkeepers, fellow students, and neighbors. Her presence was always warm, like the sun itself.

Karan, always looking for something a little more thrilling, was already doing parkour on the walls and railings of the street, effortlessly hopping from one surface to the next. His athleticism made it look easy, and he greeted the others with a cocky grin when he landed with a flourish, glancing at the others like he was daring them to keep up.

Sayaka, in her quiet confidence, moved gracefully through the morning crowd. With her striking Japanese features and graceful stride, she caught the attention of many as she walked, but she was used to it by now. In Mumbai, where the streets were filled with diverse faces, her beauty stood out, but she was careful not to let it distract her. She was focused, but there was an underlying quiet strength in her gaze.

As fate would have it, all five of them reached the four-headed road at exactly the same time.

Aarav, always ahead, slowed as Emma finally caught up to him. Their eyes met for a brief moment, Aarav's usual cold gaze softening just for a second. He had a slight edge of pride for Emma's persistence.

Sophia was the first to spot the group and flashed her signature smile, waving to everyone. "Morning, everyone!" she chirped, her energy lighting up the scene.

Karan, still perched on the low wall he'd jumped onto moments ago, leaned back casually and waved in acknowledgment. "You guys are all so slow," he teased, making sure to add a wink to Sophia's direction, knowing she'd take the bait.

Sayaka, standing to the side, couldn't help but smile at the chaos of the moment. It was always a curious mix of energy when they all came together. She gave a slight nod of acknowledgment, though her gaze lingered for a moment longer on Aarav and Emma, silently observing the sibling dynamic, which was so intriguing to her.

The four-headed road, where the paths converged, was a natural meeting point for them every day. The traffic buzzed on the outskirts, but this moment—standing together before they went their separate ways to class—felt like a small pause in the rhythm of the city.

Aarav, not one for long moments of idle chatter, broke the silence first. "We're going to be late," he muttered, glancing at the clock on his phone.

Emma shot him a playful glare. "You don't have to remind me every morning," she replied, rolling her eyes, though there was a warmth to her tone that only Aarav seemed to notice.

Sophia, ever the peacemaker, laughed lightly. "Come on, let's get going. I don't want to be late for that annoying chemistry class again," she said, clearly having no real animosity toward the class, but choosing to channel her frustration into something more fun.

Karan jumped off the wall and landed with a thud on the ground, turning toward the others. "I'm already ahead of you," he teased, jogging in place like he was preparing for a sprint.

Sayaka smiled faintly, adjusting the strap of her bag. "Let's go," she said quietly, but her voice held a kind of calm authority, the kind that made it clear she was ready to face whatever came next.

And with that, the five of them began walking together, the road ahead a mixture of possibilities and familiar routines. The city was awake, and so were they, each in their own way—ready for the day that awaited them.

As the five of them entered the college gates, the usual murmurs followed them. The students—some whispering, others daring to steal glances—were all too familiar with the elite group. The rumors about them had circulated for months, if not years, but despite the gossip, no one truly understood the depths of who they were.

Aarav, as always, walked ahead with his cold, stone-faced expression. His sharp gaze cut through the chatter, making the whispers around him fall silent. To most, he was the cool, handsome genius—intimidating in his silence, and untouchable in his brilliance. No one knew much about him except that he was the top student in his class and never spoke more than necessary. His ability to read people, to instantly assess the situation with a piercing stare, only added to the mystery.

Emma, on the other hand, was a different kind of beauty. As she walked beside Aarav, there was no denying the contrast. Her elegance radiated, but it was laced with awkwardness, the kind that came from being both too aware of her beauty and yet unsure of how to present herself. Her sharp tongue, though often quick to come out, was a defense mechanism against the discomfort of social situations. She had a beauty that mesmerized everyone—yet her academic struggles were something few understood. Many would call her a 'silly little sister' in the world of academia, but those who knew her better could see the vulnerability hidden behind her sharp words.

Sophia was a force of nature. The social butterfly, always greeting everyone with a smile and a wave. She was the kind of person who could talk to anyone, and everyone loved her for it. But her carefree nature often led others to underestimate her. They labeled her a 'moron,' 'stupid,' and 'clumsy,' all because she had a knack for getting into awkward situations or making silly mistakes. What they didn't know was that behind the tomboy exterior, Sophia had a heart as warm as the sun. She was fiercely loyal and would go to great lengths for those she cared about—traits that made her much more than what people saw on the surface.

Sayaka, the Japanese beauty, walked with a quiet grace that immediately caught the attention of passersby. But unlike her peers, Sayaka didn't crave the spotlight. She carried herself with the mystery of someone who wasn't easy to read, which made her even more intriguing. While everyone saw her as the quiet, genius beauty, the truth was darker. Some whispered she was a 'yandere'—obsessive, possessive, and sometimes unnerving in her attachment. To those who didn't know her, she seemed calm and collected, but to those closest to her, there was an intensity beneath her serene exterior that couldn't be ignored.

And then there was Karan—the troublemaker, the chaos king. The one who seemed to live for mischief. He was the handsome, charming genius with a swagger that made him impossible to miss. But his flirtatious nature and his constant desire to stir the pot made him the 'annoying pervert' in the eyes of most. The ones who got too close to him quickly learned that there was more to Karan than the cocky smile and mischievous grins. He had a sharp mind and an even sharper wit, and though he often acted like a Loki-esque figure in his pranks, there were times when his cunning and cleverness shone through in ways no one expected.

Together, they made up a group that was both admired and misunderstood—each member a puzzle piece of their own complexity, only ever truly understood by their closest friends. As they walked through the campus, the students couldn't help but watch them, trying to decode the enigma that was this elite group. The whispers never stopped, but for those who truly knew them, it was clear: they were more than the labels society tried to give them. They were individuals with stories, with secrets, with strengths and flaws—and somehow, they had found each other in this sprawling, complicated world.

And as they reached their class, the murmurs grew louder, but so did the sense of camaraderie between them, the unspoken bond that only they understood. They may have been elite in the eyes of the college, but in each other, they found a space where they could just be themselves.

As the group walked through the corridors of the college, the usual buzz and murmur began to stir. Seniors turned their heads, eyes following their every move, and juniors whispered excitedly to one another. The whispers weren't about their flaws or secrets—no, it was always about the good things. The things they'd heard, the things they believed about the elite group.

"Aarav, the genius," one senior whispered with awe. "He never speaks, but everyone knows he's at the top. The entire section A looks up to him. If anyone could crack the mysteries of the universe, it's him."

"Emma's got the elegance of a movie star," another girl said in a soft voice, as if in reverence. "She's always so poised, yet you can tell there's something more to her. She's probably the prettiest girl in the college."

"Sophia," a junior gushed. "She's got such a warm, carefree vibe, but she's always surrounded by people. I heard she's the one who knows everyone. It's no wonder she's always at the center of the crowd. Everyone loves her."

"Sayaka is like a goddess," another student whispered, looking over at her with fascination. "Her beauty... it's unreal. And the way she carries herself—so composed, yet there's a quiet brilliance in her. I heard she's as smart as Aarav."

"And Karan," someone else added with a grin, clearly impressed. "He's like a whirlwind. So confident, so charming, always with a new adventure. He could charm anyone, but there's something more to him. People say he's the kind of guy who gets everything he wants."

These murmurs were the stories everyone wanted to believe. The highlights, the polished sides, the bits that fit the image of perfection the elite group had unwittingly built around themselves. No one talked about Aarav's coldness, his emotional distance, or the isolation he carried. No one mentioned Emma's sharp tongue, her inner struggles to fit into a world that didn't see her intelligence but only her beauty. No one spoke of Sophia's awkwardness, her tendency to trip over her own feet, or the way her social butterfly tendencies often led to her being seen as a 'stupid' tomboy.

As for Sayaka, they only saw the quiet, composed girl who seemed out of reach. The rumors of her being a 'yandere' were brushed off by most as absurd, but those who whispered were secretly intrigued. And Karan, well, his cocky confidence was what caught everyone's attention. The pranks, the flirtation, the endless charm—it all painted him as the fun-loving, carefree genius. But no one saw the calculated layers beneath, the subtle hints of loneliness, the vulnerability he masked with mischief.

And so, the murmurs continued, swirling in the air around the five of them. In the eyes of the college, they were flawless, flawless in ways that both excited and intimidated the masses. But the truth? The truth was far more complicated.

And the elite group, well aware of the whispers, let them carry on. Each of them, in their own way, had built this persona, this image, and they wore it like armor—protection against the world that would never see beyond the surface.

As they passed by the students, Aarav glanced at the chatter, his gaze as cold and unfeeling as always. Emma smiled faintly at the attention, but her eyes held an edge of discomfort. Sophia, always the social butterfly, flashed a grin, waving at the murmuring crowd. Sayaka walked with her usual grace, though her eyes held something darker—something no one could quite place. And Karan, true to form, threw a wink at a couple of girls who giggled nervously, his mischievous grin never leaving his face.

But deep down, in the quiet spaces between the cracks of their perfect exteriors, they all knew. The real them—who they really were, their flaws, their struggles—was something only the closest among them would ever understand. The rest could keep guessing.

As the group of five entered the classroom, the chatter in the air momentarily silenced, and all eyes shifted towards them. Aarav, with his cool, aloof demeanor, walked in first, his stone-cold expression making everyone step aside without a word. His usual quiet confidence seemed to part the crowd as though he was a force to be reckoned with.

Emma followed, her presence radiating warmth despite her sharp tongue and slight awkwardness. She gave a quick, charming smile to a couple of students who greeted her, her elegant stride effortlessly turning heads as she made her way to her seat. Her beauty always seemed to captivate, but it was the way she held herself that made her unforgettable.

Sayaka entered next, her cool, enigmatic air carrying the subtle yet undeniable grace of someone used to being observed. She was like a mystery that everyone wanted to figure out, but no one ever could. She barely glanced at the students around her, the air of detachment only adding to her allure.

Sophia followed, as casual as ever, greeting friends with a wave and a loud "Good morning!" She was dressed in her usual comfortable, tomboyish style, the unbothered attitude radiating from her as she found her seat. Despite her somewhat clumsy reputation, her energy filled the room, making her one of the most approachable people in their class.

Karan strolled in last, his swagger unmistakable. As usual, his sunglasses rested atop his head, his smile more mischievous than ever. He gave a playful wink to a couple of girls as he passed them, knowing full well the effect his charm had. He was the center of attention by sheer force of personality, never needing to try too hard.

The moment they all settled into their seats, the whispers resumed. The students behind them exchanged excited glances, eager to see if the "elite group" would cause any more drama today.

---

Student 1: leaning over to their friend, whispering "Do you think they'll sit together again today? I mean, the whole classroom feels... different when they're all in the same place."

Student 2: nodding "I don't know. It's like they're from different worlds, but when they're together, it's like they make their own universe. It's the kind of vibe you can't ignore."

Student 3: pointing subtly to Karan "Karan looks like he's plotting something. He's always got that look, doesn't he? Like he's up to no good."

Student 4: whispering "And Aarav—he's so cold. Why does he look like he doesn't care about anything? It's like he's above all this, but you can tell people still want to impress him."

---

Meanwhile, in the front of the room, the professor entered, pulling everyone's attention away from the hushed gossip. The five of them didn't even acknowledge the murmurs—they had gotten used to the whispers by now. Instead, they settled into their seats, each lost in their own thoughts.

Aarav pulled out his laptop, eyes already on the screen, focused on the notes in front of him. His attention never wavered from his work, the quiet genius at the back of the room, untouched by the noise of the world around him.

Emma grabbed her notebook and started doodling absentmindedly, her mind clearly somewhere else. Despite her outward confidence, her thoughts often wandered, and right now, she couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to her classmates than they let on.

Sayaka was, as usual, the picture of calm, not even opening her books yet. She simply observed the room, scanning for anything or anyone that might catch her attention. She always seemed to be in a world of her own, but there was a sharpness to her gaze, as if she could see things others couldn't.

Sophia leaned back in her chair, making faces at the person sitting next to her. She wasn't too concerned about the lecture. What mattered was having fun, and she wasn't going to let a class ruin her mood. A quick glance at Karan, and she flashed him a playful smirk. She was already plotting her next move, always a step ahead.

Karan sat with his arms crossed, watching the professor but not really listening. He knew the material already, so he allowed his mind to wander, looking at his friends and the chaos around him with an amused expression. The professor's words were nothing more than background noise—he was already planning his next prank or mischief, just waiting for the right moment.

---

The class went on, but for the five of them, it was just another day in the life. The rumors, the stares, the whispers—they were nothing compared to what lay ahead. They might have been the talk of the college, but as they sat in the classroom, it was clear that their bond, however unconventional, was stronger than the gossip that surrounded them.

As the professor stared at the empty chalk holder in confusion, a tense silence filled the room. The chalks were gone, and he fumbled with the tray in front of him, clearly panicking for a moment. He muttered to himself, "How could I have forgotten to refill this?"

Before he could say anything else, Karan's voice rang out from the back of the class.

Karan: "Don't worry, cause I am here..."

With a dramatic flourish, he extended his hand and, just as he spoke, a cloud of white smoke erupted from the palm of his hand. When it cleared, a small, palm-sized box of perfectly white chalks appeared, sitting delicately in his palm.

The class fell silent for a moment, unsure of what they had just witnessed. Karan, unfazed by their surprise, casually leaned forward, holding the box of chalks with the same confidence he wore like a second skin.

Karan: grinning "Tada! Who needs chalk when you've got me?" He winked, like it was the most natural thing in the world.

The professor blinked, his confusion momentarily replaced with stunned amusement. He stared at Karan's hand, still holding the box, before he slowly shook his head. "I... I suppose I should be grateful, Mr. Karan, but I'd really prefer if you didn't summon chalk out of thin air next time."

But Karan wasn't listening. He waved it off with an exaggerated shrug, tossing a chalk in the air and catching it like he was on stage in a circus.

Karan: nonchalantly "Come on, professor, it's just a bit of magic. Besides, you never know when a dramatic moment calls for an emergency snack."

His friends, already used to his theatrics and seemingly infinite supply of popcorn and now chalk, barely reacted. Aarav didn't even glance up from his laptop, his face a mask of indifference. Sayaka was still lost in her own world, but she couldn't hide a small, knowing smile. Emma gave Karan a playful eye-roll, but the corners of her mouth betrayed her amusement. Even Sophia, who was now texting under the desk, looked up briefly and gave Karan a thumbs-up, her grin wide.

Emma: mockingly "How typical of Karan. Summoning chalk like it's a popcorn break."

Sophia: chuckling "Honestly, if Karan wanted to summon something more useful, he'd summon a pizza next."

Sayaka: in a flat tone "He probably could if he really wanted to."

Karan tossed a final chalk in the air and caught it again with a flourish, then tossed the box onto the teacher's desk.

Karan: "I'll leave the rest of the magic to the professor. But if anyone needs anything else, feel free to ask." He winked once more, settling back into his seat, hands behind his head in a relaxed position.

The professor sighed, half exasperated, half amused.

Professor: "Just... Please, Karan, no more summoning things in the middle of class. We're here to learn, not... perform magic tricks."

But the mood was already lifted. The class was filled with a low murmur of students chatting, some laughing at Karan's antics, others whispering about his latest display of talent. It was just another day in the life of the elite group.

And for Karan? It was just another day of making sure the drama never stopped.