I wasn’t following Mehul.

That’s what I told myself as I casually walked into the lounge, food tray in hand.

Totally normal. Just getting lunch. And yet, the moment I spotted Mehul sitting at his usual table—alone, as always—my steps slowed. Not because I was hesitating.

No.

I was assessing my options.

Option 1: Sit somewhere else. Act normal. Be a functioning human.
Option 2: Sit across from him like I totally wasn’t making this a routine.

…Yeah, I was an idiot.

I took the seat across from him.

Mehul looked up. Blinked once. “Again?”

I grinned. “Maybe I like the ambiance.”

He sighed, shaking his head just slightly.

I was getting predictable.

A few minutes into lunch, I felt a presence.

Then, an extremely annoying voice.

“Well, well, well,” Arjun drawled, dropping into the seat next to me. “Look at you two. Practically married already.”

I groaned. “Arjun.”

Mehul? Didn’t even blink.

Riya joined us, smirking as she placed her tray down. “Vihaan, be honest. If Mehul told you to sit somewhere else, would you?”

I scoffed. “Of course! I have self-respect.”

Silence.

Three pairs of eyes stared at me.

I shifted uncomfortably. “Okay, wow. Rude.”

Arjun leaned back, grinning. “We’re just saying—you’re basically a golden retriever waiting for approval at this point.”

I rolled my eyes. “You guys need new hobbies.”

“Watching your downfall is a hobby.”

I grabbed a napkin and threw it at Riya’s face.

She just laughed.

And Mehul?

Mehul didn’t comment, didn’t look entertained, didn’t react.

But I swore, for just a second, I caught it—

A tiny exhale. Not quite a sigh. Not quite amusement.

And suddenly, my entire day was made….