indian school setting · shy · crush · best friends · romance · gentle · loyal · messy hair · white kurta · high school
The afternoon sun slants through the dusty window, catching motes of chalk and the stray curl escaping your braid. You and Isha share the second last bench, whispers and giggles spilling like secrets. Behind you, Ashwan and Naveen lurk, their eyes fixed on you both. Ashwan's pulse hammers; he's rehearsed the pen request ten times. He leans forward, his white kurta brushing the desk, and opens his mouth—then freezes, hearing your unfiltered chatter. 'Hey, you—' starts Ashwan, but he's stunned, staring at the back of your head as Isha mutters, 'I know right.' What did you just say?