POV: Max
The corridor felt colder than usual. Or maybe it was just me.
Everything felt… distant. Faded.
I entered the class late — Kitty wasn't there.
She hadn't come since yesterday.
The group chat said it was something she ate from the canteen.
She'd texted me late at night:
"Little weak… don't worry. I'll be back soon."
But I couldn't shake off this weird guilt in my chest.
And before I could even sit… Ren walked in.
She didn't look at me like usual.
Not with that soft grin she gave everyone.
Not even with confusion.
Just… cold eyes.
"Max, can we talk?" she asked, tone flat.
I followed her outside, my palms slightly sweaty, and before I could ask what's wrong—
"Why are you dragging Rithul into your mess?"
I blinked. "What?"
Ren crossed her arms, jaw tight. "You clearly don't like him. Yet, you let people talk, you let Kitty push things, and you let Rithul believe there was something."
"I didn't let—"
"You didn't stop it either."
That stung.
Hard.
I stood silent for a second, trying to find words that wouldn't sound like excuses.
"I didn't ask for any of this," I whispered.
"But you didn't stop it, Max," she snapped back. "Do you know how hurt Rithul is? He thinks he embarrassed himself. That people are laughing at him."
I bit the inside of my cheek.
And then it hit me.
She wasn't just defending a friend.
She liked him.
Suddenly, all the odd glances. Her awkwardness around him. Her frustration around me. It made sense.
"I never gave him hope," I said quietly.
Ren looked away, breathing heavy. "Maybe not. But sometimes… silence becomes permission."
Her words echoed.
Just like Ram's silence used to echo in me.
Now mine was hurting someone else.
I nodded. "I'll talk to him. Clear it all."
Ren looked at me again — this time, a bit softer. But still hurt.
"You better do it soon. Kitty's going home after sessionals. Don't let her leave thinking this friendship was all fake."
And she left.
Just like that.
...
Later That Day…
I passed by the bench Kitty and I always sat on. Empty.
I could still hear her laugh from last week — dragging me to eat that dry fries plate in the canteen.
Now, everything just… felt quiet.
One week.
That's all we had before she left for home.
And I wasn't even sure she'd come back the same Time.
How can I get what I wanted for long,
I wanted a simple college life. Friends, laughter, memories.
But now I'm standing in the middle of a storm made of silence, feelings, and unspoken truths…
And I don't know if I'll make it through without losing someone.
after class,
The break bell rang, and the corridors flooded with chatter and footsteps.
I thought I'd finally get a breath, maybe a moment to think.
But Kitty?
She had other plans.
I saw her march — yes, march — straight towards the senior block like a storm in sneakers.
I followed her with my eyes, unsure if I should stop her… or record the drama.
Fifteen minutes later, I was standing awkwardly near the senior classroom.
That's when I heard it.
One of the seniors chuckled loudly, teasing Rithul, "Yo bro, your girl's here. Looks pissed. Better give her a kiss and cool her down!"
Laughter erupted around.
But then—
"I'm not his girl."
The voice was mine.
I didn't plan to say it. It just slipped. But once it did… I meant every word.
The room went quiet for a second. Even the air paused.
Ram, who was sitting at the back, looked up — eyes narrowing slightly. Confused. Watching.
His jaw tightened, like something twisted inside him.
I stepped closer to Rithul and spoke clearly, "I don't have feelings for you. I never did. I'm not into this love drama, and honestly, I don't even want to think about anything like that right now."
Rithul scratched the back of his neck, looking a little awkward, but he didn't look angry.
In fact… he smiled.
"I know," he said. "I figured it out the hard way. But I'm not upset, Max."
He paused, looking down at his shoes before glancing back up.
"I'll wait. Not with pressure. Just... quietly. Until the day you feel something. If not, it's fine. I won't hate you."
I blinked. Didn't expect that.
Kitty exhaled beside me, like she was holding her breath the whole time.
The seniors whispered again — some "awws," some mocking giggles — but I didn't care anymore.
Not about them.
My eyes flicked over to Ram.
He quickly looked away.
And that?
Hurt more than I wanted to admit.
Sometimes, the things we say to end something…
begin something else.
And sometimes, someone's silence… screams the loudest.
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