Chapter 47

Mehul had done a lot to mess with me.

 The teasing.

 The casual touches.

 The smirks that made my brain short-circuit.

But today?

Today, he took it to another level.

Because now, he wasn't just flirting.

He was caring.

And I had no idea how to handle it.

The car ride back was quiet.

Not awkward. Not tense.

Just… soft.

Mehul was driving, focused on the road.

Meanwhile, I was sitting in the passenger seat, gripping my books like a lifeline, trying not to overthink everything.

Which was impossible.

Because my brain was looping the past hour on repeat.

 The way he picked a book for me like it was nothing.

 The way he paid for them without hesitation.

 The way he said "I pay attention" like it was obvious.

…I was in so much trouble.

We pulled up outside my apartment.

I immediately reached for the door handle—

But before I could escape, Mehul spoke.

"Vihaan."

I froze.

Turned back, heart already racing.

Mehul's fingers tapped against the steering wheel. Casual. Thoughtful.

Then—he looked at me.

And said something that completely destroyed me.

"You looked happy today."

…What.

My stomach twisted.

I blinked. "What?"

Mehul tilted his head slightly. "At the bookstore."

I swallowed.

Because he noticed.

He actually noticed something so small.

And now?

Now, he was pointing it out.

Like he wanted me to know that he noticed.

Like he wanted me to realize something.

I cleared my throat. "I—uh—it was nice."

Mehul hummed. "Good."

And then—he smiled.

Not the smirk.

Not the knowing look.

A real, soft, completely devastating smile.

I turned around immediately.

Because if I looked at him any longer, I was going to say something stupid.

Like 'I think I'm in love with you.'

Or worse—'Can we do this again?'

I stepped out of the car, shutting the door behind me.

Didn't turn back.

Didn't look.

Because if I did—

I would never leave.