[POV: Aarav – Morning]
I sat on the couch, sipping plain water, trying to keep my head from spinning. The ache wasn't too much, but still annoying.
God, I really hate hangovers.
Just then, I heard footsteps behind me.
Bunny:
"Here… drink this. Might help with the headache."
She handed me a warm mug.
Aarav (taking the cup):
"What's this? Hangover rescue potion?"
Bunny (smirking):
"Let's just say I've seen enough K-dramas to know ginger-honey water helps. Now drink. And tell me honestly — how much did you drink last night?"
Aarav:
"I usually never drink this much, honestly. But they kinda forced me, yaar… I swear."
Bunny (teasing):
"Hmm… then what about yesterday night…?"
My hand paused mid-sip.
Her tone wasn't sarcastic. It was casual — but too direct.
Aarav (in his mind):
Wait… she knows?
She was awake? Damn it… okay. Calm down, Aarav. Maybe this is your moment to tell her everything.
I opened my mouth to speak, trying to find the right words.
But just before I could…
Bunny (interrupting):
"By the way… did you come into my room last night? I remember sleeping with the lights on… but when I woke up, they were off."
Her eyes were sharp. Curious. But not accusing.
Aarav (in his mind, relieved):
Oh thank God. She didn't see. Or at least she's not saying it.
Just a little longer. Just a little more time, Bunny. I'll tell you everything soon.
Aarav (clearing his throat):
"Uh… yeah. I came to check if you were okay. Saw the lights on, so I turned them off and left. That's all."
Bunny (raising an eyebrow):
"Hmm… thoughtful. Didn't take you for the caring type at 2 AM."
Aarav (pretending to look offended):
"Oye, I'm always caring. Just… selectively."
She laughed — soft, the kind that made the room feel brighter than the sunlight outside.
I smiled to myself, sipping from the mug she gave me.
---
[POV: Bunny]
He lied.
I could tell. His eyes shifted just a little.
His tone was too casual.
But I didn't call him out.
Because even if he wouldn't say it… I felt it.
The way he looked at me.
The way my heart still hadn't calmed down since last night.
Bunny (in her mind):
Why aren't you telling me? Were you scared I'd push you away? Or were you scared you were getting too close?
I sat beside him, pretending not to notice how his hand brushed mine slightly as he placed the mug on the table.
---
[POV: Aarav]
She was quiet now.
Looking ahead, not at me.
But her hand… it was still near mine.
And for some reason, I didn't move it away.
I could've told her. Right there.
But I didn't.
Because even though the words sat on the tip of my tongue…
Aarav (in his mind):
I don't want to tell her like this. Not when I'm hungover. Not when I'm afraid she'll think it was just a moment.
She deserves more than that.
---
[POV: Bunny]
I sat beside him, casually scrolling through my phone, pretending to be completely unaware.
But I knew he was watching me.
If you're not going to speak up, Aarav… then let me have some fun.
Bunny (innocently):
"By the way… remember that guy from our department… what was his name? Veer?"
Aarav (suspiciously):
"Why?"
Bunny (smirking slightly):
"He asked for my number yesterday."
Silence.
He suddenly stiffened.
Aarav (flat voice):
"And did you give it?"
Bunny (teasingly):
"Maybe I did."
He didn't answer.
Just took a slow sip of his coffee — harder than usual.
Aarav (thinking):
What the hell does 'maybe' mean? Who even is Veer again?
Bunny (pretending to look innocent):
"You look a little tense… Are you jealous?"
Aarav (firmly):
"No."
Bunny (grinning):
"Hmm… you sure? Because I think your eye twitched a little."
He looked away, jaw clenching for a second.
Aarav (mumbling):
"Do you… like him or something?"
I blinked, surprised by that question.
Bunny (softly):
"No. But I'm surprised you asked."
He didn't say a word. Just nodded, avoiding my eyes.
Bunny (gently):
"If I liked someone… I wouldn't play games. I'd just say it."
His head turned.
Our eyes locked.
And for a moment, neither of us said anything.
[POV: Aarav]
I wanted to ask.
Was she hinting at something right now?
But just then… her phone buzzed.
She checked it and smiled.
I hated how fast my heart dropped.
Aarav (dry tone):
"Veer again?"
Bunny (laughing):
"No. Just a friend. But wow, you remembered his name."
She leaned in, whispering:
Bunny (teasing):
"I think someone is a little jealous."
Aarav (in his mind):
No, Bunny. Not jealous. Possessive. And I don't like sharing what's mine.
---