She chuckled softly. “New snacks? Are you bribing me with food?”

Hiten’s voice was teasing. “Maybe… but only if you finish your homework properly.”

Aarya grinned and agreed, excitement bubbling inside her. The rain outside had left the air fresh, and the scent of wet soil crept in through the slightly open window as she made her way to his house. The droplets tapped gently on the roof, mixing with the faint aroma of Hiten’s room, making everything feel cozy and inviting.

Once she arrived, they set up their homework on the table. Hiten patiently explained concepts, while Aarya asked questions, sometimes biting her lip in concentration. Every now and then, she would fidget, knock over a pencil, or spill a bit of her notebook onto the floor. Hiten would lean down to help, brushing his hand accidentally against hers, and she would quickly pull back, cheeks flushing slightly.

“You’re making it sound so easy,” she said, trying to hide a smile.

“Well, maybe it’s easy because you’re paying attention,” he teased, raising an eyebrow. “Or maybe I’m just distracting you with my charm.”

Aarya rolled her eyes, but couldn’t stop herself from laughing. “Hiten! Stop teasing me!”

He leaned closer, pointing at her homework. “Okay, focus. But only for a minute… then I get to see if you remembered my tips.”

Their small banter continued, light and playful, punctuated by soft giggles and teasing remarks. Occasionally, she would stretch and accidentally brush against his arm, and he would feel a warmth in his chest he couldn’t quite explain.

After some time, Hiten brought out the snacks he had prepared. The aroma of freshly cooked treats filled the room, mingling with the soft smell of rain coming through the window. “Oh wow! You made these yourself?” she asked, eyes wide as she took a bite.

“Of course,” he said with a small smile. “Now, focus on your homework again… and maybe taste one for motivation.”

She grinned, taking a tiny bite, and then whispered, “Hmm… tastes better because you made it.”

Hiten chuckled, pretending to be offended. “Hey! Don’t say that too loudly, or I’ll get a big head.”

As the homework session continued, Aarya’s eyelids grew heavy. She leaned on her elbow and then, almost unconsciously, rested her head on Hiten’s shoulder. The warmth of her against him made him pause for a moment, heart racing.

“She’s so cute, yar… I can’t lose her at any cost. She’s priceless to me,” he thought, gently adjusting her so she was comfortable. “She’s the one who colors my life, and now… I have to favor her back.”

Carefully, so as not to wake her, he lifted her and laid her gently on his own bed. Watching her sleep, her soft breathing and relaxed expression, he felt a calmness spread through him. Her hair fell lightly on the pillow, the faint scent of shampoo mixing with the lingering rain outside.

Soon, sleep claimed him too.

When he awoke, he found her resting with her head on his arm, one hand holding his. Quietly, he tried to move, but sleepy Aarya clutched his hand tightly. “Don’t leave me alone,” she murmured in a sleepy, childish voice.

Hiten’s heart melted instantly. He stayed, wrapping an arm around her, keeping her warm. Outside, the rain continued to shower softly, the gentle sounds blending with their quiet breathing. Suddenly, a crack of lightning made her grip him tighter, pulling him close to make herself feel safer.

Before they drifted back to sleep, Hiten whispered softly, teasing her just a little: “You’re really using the rain as an excuse to stay with me, huh?”

Aarya murmured, half-asleep, “Maybe… but I like it…”

Hiten smiled in the quiet, feeling a mixture of happiness and protectiveness. He brushed a few strands of hair from her face, noticing how delicate and peaceful she looked. The small moment stretched, filled with calm warmth and gentle breathing, until sleep claimed them both again.

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