It began with a rumor.
Not a malicious one, but one that spread like wildfire by lunch.
Apparently, Ananya was seen talking to a boy from 12-B near the bike stand. Laughing. Smiling. A little too comfortably.
Karthik heard it from Shruthi, who, of course, added her signature dramatic flair.
"Da, he touched her shoulder. That's contact, okay? Not just 'hi-bye' level."
He tried to brush it off. Tried to stay calm. But it itched at the back of his mind all through Chemistry class.
By Games period, he couldn't hold it in anymore.
Ananya was sitting on the bleachers, tying her shoes, when Karthik plopped down beside her, arms crossed.
"You had a nice little chat with that guy from 12-B?"
She didn't even look up. "Yup."
"He's... tall."
She snorted. "So is the flagpole. You jealous of that too?"
He frowned. "He was laughing too much."
"Maybe I'm funny."
"You are, but he doesn't get to laugh at you like that."
Ananya finally looked at him, amused. "You're seriously jealous."
"No, I'm—okay, fine. Maybe a little."
She smiled and leaned in, her voice teasing. "You look cute when you're sulking."
He looked away, ears red. "I'm not sulking."
"You are."
"I'm protective."
"Possessive," she corrected with a wink.
Karthik sighed, embarrassed. "It's just… I don't like sharing you."
"You're not sharing me, Karthik," she said, softly now. "You're with me. There's a difference."
His heart calmed instantly.
She stood up, tying her ponytail. "Come on, Captain Jealous. Let's go win this match."
As they walked toward the volleyball court, Karthik couldn't help the small smile that curved on his lips.
Maybe jealousy wasn't always a bad thing—especially when it ended with her calling him cute.
---
End of Chapter 46