Chapter 29: Cracks in the Wall
Karthik couldn't sleep.
No matter how much he tossed and turned, the same memory kept replaying in his head.
Ananya's voice.
Ananya's smile.
Ananya resting her head on his shoulder.
His heart still hadn't recovered.
"I don't like her," he muttered into his pillow. "I don't."
His heart strongly disagreed.
---
The next morning, Karthik made one decision—he had to act normal.
If he let Ananya see even a hint of weakness, she would destroy him.
Unfortunately, she was already waiting for him outside class.
"Morning, Karthik~"
Karthik nodded quickly. "Morning."
She tilted her head. "What's wrong? You seem tense."
"I'm not tense!" he blurted out way too fast.
Ananya smirked. "Mmm-hmm."
She wasn't buying it.
---
During lunch, Ananya made zero effort to give him space.
She sat next to him.
She leaned in way too close.
And the worst part?
She wasn't even trying to hide her amusement.
"Karthik, do you have a fever?" she asked, placing a hand on his forehead. "You look really red."
Karthik flinched. "I'M FINE."
Shruthi sighed. "He's hopeless."
Vikram nodded. "Truly embarrassing."
Karthik groaned. "Can you guys shut up?!"
Ananya just grinned. "Nope."
---
By the time school ended, Karthik was exhausted.
He thought he had survived the day.
But the second they stepped out of school, Ananya turned to him and said—
"So, when are you going to admit it?"
Karthik blinked. "Admit what?"
She sighed. "That you like me."
Karthik's brain completely shut down.
"I—I don't—"
Ananya laughed. "Karthik, you literally ran away yesterday."
"That doesn't mean anything!"
"And you blushed when I called you cute."
"That—That was just—"
She leaned in, looking him straight in the eyes. "And your heart is racing right now, isn't it?"
Karthik froze.
Because she was right.
He could feel it.
His heartbeat out of control.
Ananya smirked. "You really don't like me, huh?"
Karthik swallowed hard. "I—"
Words failed him.
And in that moment, he realized the truth.
He had already lost.
---
End of Chapter 29