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The Next Day – First Day of Third Year

"WAKE UP!"

Annu's voice nearly made Shristi fall off the bed.

"Annu! What—"

"We're going to be late! First day of third year!"

Shristi groaned but quickly got ready. Together, they rushed to class along with Khusi and Bhumi but Annu rushed going ahead...

Annu: I think we have quite time because professor haven't entered the class...

Khusi nudged Shristi, pointing ahead. "Look over there."

Shristi followed her gaze. Across the courtyard, Vikram—Wick—was involved in a fight, his movements swift and brutal. The guy he was beating was barely holding himself together.

Shristi sighed. "Tch... He's good at getting into fights. That's the only thing he's good at."

Khusi, on the other hand, watched with admiration. "He's so cool. And do you see his friend, Aryan? He's famous all over the college—tall, athletic, and just..." She let out a dreamy sigh.

Shristi scoffed. "Aryan might be okay, but Vikram? He's just a thug."

Khusi leaned in, whispering. "Uh... have you forgotten that he's her brother?"

Bhumi shrugged. "What's the need to hide it? He is a thug."

Just then, Khusi grinned mischievously. "Watch this."

She waved at Vikram. "Hi, Wick!"

Wick didn't even glance at her.

Khusi pouted. "Wow. Rude." She turned to Shristi. "Now you try. I bet you'll get a reaction instantly."

Shristi narrowed her eyes. "I don't want to."

Khusi smirked. "Come on, let's make a deal. If he ignores you, I'll treat you today. But if he does reply, you have to do whatever I say for the rest of the day."

Shristi raised an eyebrow. "Fine."

She turned slightly toward Wick and said, "Hi."

The moment the word left her lips, Wick's entire demeanor changed. His fists clenched, his expression darkened, and without a second's hesitation, he drove another punch into the guy he was fighting.

Harder.

Everyone around them went silent.

The scene was chilling—Wick, a man who was calm and chill, was suddenly furious. And it happened right after Shristi spoke.

Khusi's mouth fell open. "What the hell was that?"

Even the surrounding students looked uneasy. Many had assumed that Wick liked Shristi—so why did he react like that?

Within seconds, the crowd dispersed, too afraid to linger.

---

As the girls walked away, still in shock, they ran into Kritika. She immediately noticed their stunned expressions. "What's wrong with you guys? You all look like you just saw a ghost."

Khusi shook her head. "Forget that—what happened to Vikram?"

Kritika frowned. "What do you mean? What could possibly happen to him?"

Khusi crossed her arms. "He ignored us. And not just us—he ignored Shristi too. Like we didn't even exist."

Understanding flashed in Kritika's eyes. "Oh... I see. You guys are still new here. You don't really know this college yet."

Khusi was unconvinced. "But he talks to Annu just fine."

Khusi rolled her eyes. "Maybe Annu's his girlfriend."

Kritika nearly choked. "Are you crazy?! Never say that in front of him unless you have a death wish." She shook her head. "Annu is like a sister to him. That's all."

Khusi huffed. "Fine. But still, what's his deal?"

Kritika sighed. "Come with me. I'll explain everything."

---

Kritika led them to a quieter spot and leaned against a wall. "Alright, listen closely."

She took a deep breath before beginning.

"There are several gangs in this college, but only two really matter—The Shield and The Legacy."

Vaibhav, who had been eavesdropping from behind, finally stepped in. "Who's the most dangerous?"

Kritika jumped. "When did you—?! Ugh, never mind." She crossed her arms. "Right now, The Shield is the most dangerous. Not the most powerful, but definitely the most feared."

Vaibhav frowned. "Why?"

Kritika smirked. "Because of them—Nick and Wick."

She continued, "Nick—Aryan—is the mastermind. He and Wick form the undefeated duo, Death Dragons. Their strength isn't just in numbers—it's in how they fight. Wick isn't the leader, but he doesn't need to be. His unpredictability makes him the most feared."

Before leaving, Kritika smirked. "For more details, find Annu. But be warned—she tells the full story."

---

Annu's Explanation

The group found Annu scrolling through her phone. She sighed. "Alright, ten minutes—listen carefully."

She repeated Kritika's summary but added, "The Shield's strength lies in its duos. Death Dragons (Nick & Wick) are undefeated, and Whispers of Death (Dipanshu & Shreekant) are feared by everyone."

Vaibhav frowned. "Then why does everyone fear Wick specifically?"

Annu smirked. "Why do you fear him?"

Vaibhav hesitated. "He's... unpredictable. His eyes... they're something else."

Annu grinned. "Exactly. It's not just his strength—it's his presence."

---

Both Annu and Shristi got in The class...

The professor, Sharma, stood at the front. "Good morning, everyone. Welcome to your third year. How are you all feeling?"

A voice from the students cut through the room. "Sir, our whole life is hell."

Laughter erupted.

Professor Sharma's eyes narrowed. "Who said that? Silence for the rest of the class!"

Shristi and Annu hurried in.

"Ah, the new student," Professor Sharma said, looking at Shristi. "Introduce yourself."

Shristi cleared her throat. "I'm Shristi. Due to some reasons, I had to transfer here in third year."

"Welcome. Now, take a seat."

She scanned the room.

Every seat was taken.

She turned to Annu. "Are there always this few seats?"

Annu whispered, "No, some were taken for the event. You'll have to manage today."

Shristi's eyes landed on a seat—except someone was lying on it, face covered with a bag.

She sighed and walked up. "Excuse me, there are no seats left. Can you move?"

A lazy voice responded, "Find another seat. I don't let anyone sit here."

Her eye twitched. "Get up, or I'm complaining to the professor."

The person chuckled. "Do whatever you want. By the way, Shristi, you should look elsewhere."

Her eyes widened. "How do you know my name?"

Then she assumed something and said "Ohh yeah got it,it's that stupid idiot Vikram's fault that everyone in the college knows me. Why the hell he simp so much that he don't let a boy even sit with me".

A hand removed the bag.

Wick.

Her heart skipped a beat.

He smirked. "So, what were you saying? That I 'simp' for you too much and don't let any guy sit with you?"

She crossed her arms, regaining her composure. "Yeah. And?"

Wick leaned back. "You value yourself too much."

Shristi scoffed. "Oh, really? I thought you were just a possessive idiot, but turns out you're arrogant too."

Wick sighed. "Just sit down if you're going to keep talking nonsense."

She hesitated before sitting beside him.

"So, do you sit alone every day?" she asked.

Wick rolled his eyes. "I sit with Nick. He didn't come today."

She smirked. "He's probably avoiding you."

Class ended.

As they left, Annu grabbed Shristi's arm, eyes wide. "You just made history."

Shristi frowned. "What?"

"You're the first girl to ever sit with Wick in class."

Shristi blinked. "Second. After Nick."

Annu nodded. "3rd actually if you count boys because he is more close to Deep and Dipanshu, but today's the first day they weren't together."

Just then, Nick entered.

Annu crossed her arms. "Where were you?"

Nick sighed. "Making an excuse to skip the first period."

Annu raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

Nick hesitated. "Wick's been... too aggressive lately. I needed a break."

Annu smirked. "So... when are you telling him that?"

Nick paled. "Are you crazy? Never."

To be continued…