Setting: Elemental International College. The courtyard is still buzzing with whispers about Aahi's grand arrival. Up on the second floor near the Arts Department hallway…
Aarif stood by the railing, jaw tight.
He heard the murmurs, saw the staff lining up at the gate, and the way students gathered like it was a red carpet event.
> "All this… for one girl?" he muttered.
Then someone whispered behind him—
> "That's Aahi Shaikh. Aarifah Shaikh's daughter."
His brows rose.
> "That Aahi?"
He didn't wait for an answer.
Aarif slung his bag higher, and with long strides, rushed down the corridor. He took the corner fast—too fast—eyes scanning the crowd below.
And that's when destiny struck.
> BAM!
He collided with someone so suddenly, he staggered back.
> "Whoa—sorry, I—"
He stopped.
Because standing in front of him, slightly startled but still holding her balance like a leaf in wind…
Was her.
Aahi.
The girl from the car.
The eyes that had haunted him.
But right now, she was alone.
Their eyes locked.
Her fingers clutched her bag tightly. His hand still hung mid-air from the accidental impact. Neither moved. Neither spoke.
Aahi's lips parted slightly, as if to say something—but stopped.
Aarif's breath caught in his throat.
> "You should watch where you're going," she finally said, soft… not angry, just calm.
> "I—yeah. I should," Aarif replied, voice lower than he intended.
Then she stepped to the side.
And walked away.
Not looking back.
But he did.
Something in his chest shifted.
And for the first time in a long time…
Aarif was curious.
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