The week moved forward in a blur of laughter, shared homework, and whispered moments during class. Karthik and Ananya didn't label what was happening between them—but something had changed. There was a warmth now. A quiet, mutual comfort.
On Thursday afternoon, their class had a last-minute announcement: a school trip to the local science museum. While everyone buzzed with excitement, Karthik felt a quiet dread settle in.
Crowds. Noise. Unpredictable chaos.
Ananya noticed immediately. "You okay?"
"Yeah," he said, a bit too quickly.
She didn't push.
But when they boarded the bus, she made sure to slide into the seat beside him before anyone else could. She didn't speak right away. Just sat there, close but not too close.
"You don't like crowds, do you?" she asked, her voice low.
He shook his head. "It's not the people. It's the noise. The unpredictability. I… lose control in my head sometimes."
She didn't say sorry. She just gently reached out and took his hand under the seat.
Warm. Steady.
His breath slowed.
The bus rolled forward with laughter and chaos, but Karthik stayed anchored by the quiet pressure of her fingers in his.
---
At the museum, things weren't easy. There were loud groups, bright displays, and sensory overload. Karthik's shoulders tightened, his steps hesitant.
Ananya stayed near, giving him space when needed, guiding him silently when he paused. She didn't make a show of it. She just… understood.
In the astronomy section, they stood before a glowing display of constellations.
"You know what I like about stars?" Ananya said, looking up.
"What?"
"They shine brightest in the darkest skies."
Karthik turned to her. "That's what you are, you know."
She raised an eyebrow. "A ball of burning gas?"
He burst into laughter. "A light when I needed it most."
She smiled, eyes soft. "And you're learning to shine too, Karthik. Even if you don't know it yet."
For the first time in a long time, he believed her.
Not because he wanted to. But because… she did.
---
End of Chapter 88