During the first lessons, Hiten helped her with a few tricky problems, but he seemed distracted, his eyes wandering as if he were planning something. Every time she caught him staring, he looked away quickly, cheeks faintly flushed. She wondered what secret could be hidden behind those fleeting smiles, that quiet glimmer in his gaze. Is he just playful, or is something more brewing?

Even the small things felt heightened today. When he leaned back in his chair, his fingers brushed against hers for a brief second, causing a tiny jolt of warmth in her chest. Aarya caught herself smiling unconsciously, hoping no one noticed. Every subtle gesture, every whispered laugh, seemed to carry weight beyond the casual.

Recess arrived, and the hallways buzzed with the usual chatter, but Aarya’s attention stayed fixed on Hiten. He leaned slightly closer as they walked together, whispering a joke that made her laugh softly. Yet even in this playful moment, she noticed him glancing at his phone, checking something, then glancing toward the street outside. What is he up to? Her pulse quickened with curiosity and anticipation.

Throughout the day, Hiten’s strange little behaviors didn’t stop. He excused himself for a moment, leaving Aarya with a small frown of worry and curiosity. When he returned, his eyes sparkled faintly, as if he had been up to something mischievous. She tried to focus on her lessons, but her mind wandered to him constantly, replaying every glance, every brush of his hand, every half-smile.

By the end of the school day, the anticipation had built into something almost tangible. Hiten approached her with his usual calm smile, though today, it carried a hint of mischief and excitement. “Aarya, want to come with me for a little errand?” he asked casually, though his tone hinted at something hidden.

Aarya blinked, curiosity piqued. “An errand? Okay… what is it?”

“Just… for a gift,” he said lightly, tucking his hand into his pocket. The casualness of his words contrasted sharply with the spark in his eyes.

As they stepped out of the school, the evening sun cast long shadows along the streets. Hiten walked beside her, his steps measured but slightly hurried, as if he wanted the time to pass faster. Aarya noticed the way he kept stealing glances at her, the secretiveness in his smile, the quiet anticipation in his posture.

Her curiosity gnawed at her. He’s hiding something… I can feel it. But what could it be?

And as they turned the corner toward the small streets lined with shops, Aarya felt a thrill she couldn’t explain. Something about today felt different, charged with anticipation. Every small gesture, every quiet glance, hinted at something just out of reach—something that could change the rhythm of their days together.

Hiten’s smile held a secret she couldn’t guess… and the closer they got to their destination, the more impossible it felt to ignore.