“Really? This is just ‘essentials’?” he asked, hefting a duffel that seemed heavier than a small planet.

Aarya rolled her eyes, holding her backpack with a faux-offended expression. “Hey! Essentials. It’s just… smart packing. Unlike some people who carry their whole wardrobe for a weekend.”

Hiten smirked, adjusting the strap over his shoulder. “Smart packing, huh? Looks like you packed the entire city.”

“Shut up, Dumbo,” she shot back, punching his arm lightly.

Settling into their window seats side by side, they shared earphones as soft music floated around them. Hiten’s head gradually leaned on her shoulder, eyes half-closed. She nudged him lightly.

“Hey! Don’t fall asleep yet, we’re almost there,” she whispered, smiling.

“Best pillow I’ve ever had,” he muttered sleepily.

She rolled her eyes. “Shut up, Dumbo.”

---

By the time the bus pulled into the little hill town of Rainvale, fog rolled gently along cobblestone streets, and the air smelled crisp and new. Wooden houses with sloping roofs peeked out from between trees, and locals in colorful raincoats waved to the students as they unloaded.

Aarya’s eyes sparkled. “It’s… so peaceful. Almost like the town’s holding its breath for us.”

Hiten smiled softly. “Or maybe the rain paused just to see us arrive.”

Their group checked into the cozy hill inn. After unpacking, they ventured out to explore the quiet streets, all narrow lanes, warm lamps, and the faint smell of roasted corn.

Aarya’s mischievous side immediately came alive. “This is so cute! Look at that little shop! And that one! Oh, the pastries here…” She darted from stall to stall, pointing and teasing Hiten along the way.

Hiten followed calmly, amused. “You’re already in full explorer mode, Muffin. Careful, you might eat the town out of sweets.”

“Shut up!” she giggled, punching his arm. “Dumbo. You just wait… I’m going to make sure you try everything first.”

“Fair enough,” he said, letting her take the lead.

They shared a small roasted corn, laughing at how sticky it got on their fingers, teasing each other lightly as they moved along. Aarya was playful, teasing him more than usual, making fun of how he carefully balanced his bag, his mature expressions when talking to a shopkeeper, and even his slow walking pace. Hiten responded with gentle smirks, letting her have the spotlight in their playful banter.

---

Evening fell, and they reached the lakeside. The water shimmered faintly under the soft glow of lamps, mist curling just above the surface. Aarya’s voice softened as she spoke, almost to herself.

“I’ve always wanted to go for a walk at 5 a.m. when everyone’s asleep… just me, you, and the fog rolling over the lake,” she said. “Back home, I used to go with my grandma. I want to feel that… just once more.”

Hiten smiled, quiet now, no teasing. “Oh, I’d love to do that… but wake up at 5 a.m.? Miss Sleepyhead, I doubt it.”

She smirked, nudging him playfully. “Maybe I will. You never know.”

They lingered at the lakeside, watching the faint drizzle, breathing in the crisp air, and enjoying the calm that came with being somewhere entirely new.

---

Back at the inn, night had fallen. Dinner was a warm, lively affair with friends, the hall echoing with laughter. Hiten and Aarya found a quiet spot by the window afterward.

“You know,” Aarya said softly, “I didn’t think I’d enjoy silence this much.”

“That’s because silence with you isn’t empty,” Hiten replied, a gentle smile forming.

She laughed quietly. “Wow, you’re good with words tonight.”

He pulled out his phone, a slight blush on his cheeks. “Actually… I wrote something while you were exploring earlier.”

He recited softly:

> “From a rainy street to this misty hill,

We’ve walked through moments the sky couldn’t still.

From laughter loud to silence deep,

In every memory, it’s you I keep.”

Aarya looked down, shy and quietly smiling. “That’s… beautiful.”

“It’s just us,” he said. “How we started, and where we are now.”

Her teasing returned, playful as ever. “You’re just showing off now, aren’t you?”

“Maybe a little,” he admitted, grinning. “But only a little, Muffin.”

---

Later that night, Aarya texted him from the next room:

“Don’t stay up too late, poet.”

He replied with a small smile:

“Hard to sleep when the rain’s this gentle… and you’re this close, even if in my thoughts.”

The fog thickened outside, the drizzle humming softly on rooftops — a gentle, calm promise of something waiting in the next dawn.

---