“Hey,” she said, smiling, “let’s go to your house today. I’ll cook Maggi for you, and we’ll binge some stupid videos together.”

Normally, he’d tease her, say yes with that boyish grin. But today… he hesitated. His eyes flickered with something she couldn’t place.

“Uh… not today,” he muttered, avoiding her gaze. “I’m busy.”

Aarya tilted her head, half amused. “Busy? Since when do you get busy without telling me? What’s going on?”

Instead of answering, Hiten suddenly stopped in front of her house. He fished something from his pocket — his house keys — and pressed them into her hand.

“Wait for me inside, okay? I’ll be back soon.” His voice was rushed, almost nervous.

Before she could protest, he ran down the street. “Hiten! Wait—” she called, but he was gone.

Confused, she looked at the keys in her palm. Why was he being so secretive?

---

Hours later, restlessness gnawed at her. She couldn’t stay put. Her instincts led her to the small garden nearby — and there, her world cracked.

Hiten was there… but he wasn’t alone.

A girl stood with him. Not just standing — he was hugging her tightly, smiling wider than Aarya had ever seen. His whole face lit up in a way that made her stomach twist.

She froze behind a tree, breath caught. Her chest ached, her throat tightened.

“…So this is what you were hiding,” she whispered to herself, her voice trembling. Memories crashed down:

The “sister’s birthday gift” excuse at the ring shop.

His random disappearances.

The rushed goodbye today.

Every puzzle piece locked together into one brutal picture: Hiten had someone else.

Tears welled up, but she bit her lip hard, refusing to break in the open. She turned away before they noticed her.

---

Back at his house, she unlocked the door with shaking hands. The silence inside mocked her.

On his desk, she placed the bracelet he had gifted her. Her fingers lingered on it for a moment before she pulled a small notepad and scribbled a note:

“Be happy with your new girlfriend.

— Aarya”

Her tears fell onto the paper, smudging the ink slightly. She left the keys beside it, closed the door behind her, and walked away, her steps heavy, her heart heavier.

---

Meanwhile, Hiten’s phone buzzed as he walked his sister home, his face still glowing with joy.

13 missed calls from Aarya.

1 unread message: “We’re done.”

He frowned, panic rushing into his veins. “Done? What does that even mean…?”

The chapter ends with him bolting toward his house, confusion and fear written all over his face.

---