Chapter 8: The Party That Changed Everything

The weekend arrived with the promise of a small escape from classes and endless assignments. Lina and Aarav had spent the last few days carefully planning Sara's surprise birthday gathering, a cozy affair with just their close circle of friends. It was meant to be simple—just laughter, cake, and a chance to breathe life back into their routine.

Kol found himself unusually restless that evening. His thoughts kept drifting back to Sara — her hesitant smile when he'd asked if she was excited for the party, the way she'd tucked her hair behind her ear during their last conversation, as if trying to hide something. He shook his head, chastising himself silently — Stop reading into everything.

As he waited in the dorm lounge, he recalled their last encounter under the oak tree, how their hands had lingered too long over the book, how the silence had screamed louder than any words. The memory burned warm in his chest, but still, he refused to name it.

The door swung open and Lina swept in, a whirlwind of energy and warmth. "Alright, everyone's here! Aarav's setting up the music; you just worry about showing up with that brooding look, Kol."

Kol smiled, despite himself. Lina's teasing was the best distraction.

Sara appeared next, wearing a soft lavender sweater that brought out the gentle glow in her skin. Their eyes met briefly, and Kol felt the familiar twinge in his chest. Sara looked away quickly, biting her lip. It's nothing, she repeated in her head.

As the evening progressed, laughter and stories filled the room, the kind of easy joy that only close friends can create. Lina and Aarav sat side by side, their fingers occasionally brushing, each touch sending sparks neither would admit aloud. They exchanged glances laden with new promise, their own slow-burning connection unfolding beside Kol and Sara's silent storm.

At one point, Lina nudged Sara playfully. "So, birthday girl, how does it feel being another year older and wiser?"

Sara laughed, the sound light but tinged with nervousness. "I don't feel wiser. Just... more confused."

Kol caught the word, his brows furrowing. He wanted to ask what she meant, but the words caught in his throat.

Later, when the music slowed, Kol found himself sitting beside Sara again. The space between them was electric, charged with all the things they refused to say. Their hands brushed once more, this time neither pulling away instantly. Kol's heart pounded, and Sara's breath hitched.

He glanced at her, searching her eyes for answers, but she looked away, cheeks flushed. "You okay?" he asked softly.

"Yeah," she whispered. "Just... the music."

Kol nodded, though he knew it wasn't the music. It was them—this tension, this dance of denial that had become their constant companion.

Suddenly, Lina's voice cut through the charged silence. "Hey! Enough of the serious stuff. You two look like you're about to solve all the world's problems."

They both jumped slightly, embarrassment flooding their faces.

"Nothing like that," Kol mumbled.

Sara gave a small smile, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Yeah, just... tired."

Lina winked. "Sure, sure. Keep telling yourselves that."