The classroom door swings open with a soft creak, drawing everyone's attention to the new boy who walks in with an easy, confident stride. Tall with messy brown hair, Aryan stands still for a moment, scanning the class before moving toward an empty seat at the back.
The teacher smiles warmly. "Class, this is Aryan. He's just transferred here. Please make him feel welcome."
Aryan gives a subtle nod, his voice calm. "Hey, I'm Aryan. Nice to meet you."
Aarohi barely glances up from her phone. She's unfazed by the newcomer. She leans back in her seat, eyes scanning the room with the usual cool detachment. Another transfer student, just like the others. Doesn't matter.
But Meera—sitting beside her—can't help but sneak a glance at him. Her gaze lingers for a second longer than necessary, noting the way he carries himself with effortless ease. There's something about him that draws her in, but she quickly looks away, returning her focus to the lesson.
As class continues, Aarohi's attention shifts to the clock, her mind drifting elsewhere. The new boy doesn't matter to her—not like the others who might've caught her eye. She's too busy with her own thoughts, indifferent to the subtle shifts happening around her. People come and go. It's nothing new.
Meera, on the other hand, watches Aryan more quietly, sensing something beneath the surface. There's a certain calmness in his demeanor, yet an underlying mystery that intrigues her. She doesn't know why, but she's curious about him in a way she can't quite explain.
Later, as the bell rings and lunch begins, Aarohi slings her bag over her shoulder and heads toward the cafeteria, her pace steady. Meera trails behind, her gaze drifting toward Aryan's table, where he sits alone, a quiet confidence around him.
"So," Aarohi starts, her tone casual, "what do you think of the new guy?"
Meera doesn't answer immediately, her eyes still on him. "He's... different."
Aarohi shrugs, uninterested. "Yeah, but so is everyone who walks through those doors."
Meera's voice is soft but thoughtful. "He feels different, though. Like there's more to him than what he lets on."
Aarohi lets out a soft laugh. "Meera, you're overthinking it. He's just another guy. Doesn't matter."
Meera looks at her, a quiet smile on her face. "Maybe, but I think there's something there."
Aarohi just shrugs again, not giving it a second thought. She grabs her food and starts walking to their usual spot. "Whatever. We'll see."
As they sit down, Meera can't help but sneak another glance at Aryan. This time, he catches her eye, offering a brief, polite smile before returning to his conversation with the others. Meera quickly looks away, a soft blush creeping onto her cheeks.
Aarohi notices the shift in Meera's expression and raises an eyebrow but says nothing. She's too busy scanning the room, not caring about the new kid. He'll be gone in a month like the others. Just like always.
The next day, Aarohi walks into class as usual, unfazed, and pulls out her phone. Meera, however, glances at Aryan, who's quietly sitting at the back, scribbling in his notebook. Aarohi notices, smirking. "Still watching him?"
Meera flushes slightly, but doesn't respond. The bell rings, and class begins.
Midway through, Aryan stands up and approaches Aarohi's desk, looking down at her. "Hey, mind if I sit here?"
Aarohi raises an eyebrow, sizing him up. "Sure, but don't expect me to entertain you."
He gives her a small smile and sits down without another word, pulling out his notebook. Aarohi watches him carefully but remains uninterested. Meera, on the other hand, observes quietly, intrigued.
After class, Aryan stands and looks at them. "You guys want to grab lunch? I'm still getting to know this place."
Aarohi shrugs, uninterested. "Not today."
Meera looks at him, then offers a soft smile. "I'll join you."
Aarohi watches them walk away, feeling a strange flicker of something she can't quite place.