Soft rays of the morning sun crept into the lounge through the tall windows. The leather sofas reflected a soft glow under the light. Aisha stirred on one couch, stretching slightly, her neck aching from sleeping awkwardly. Her eyes fluttered open, and the first thing she saw was Ishaan—curled up on the adjacent couch, one leg hanging off, mouth slightly open, hair a disheveled mess, lost in deep sleep.
She blinked slowly, then smiled to herself.
Even like this, he looks… adorable, she thought.
Silently, she picked up her phone and clicked a picture.
"I don't know why I always had a crush on you," she whispered, voice just barely a breath, "but I couldn't let anyone know. I don't know why I fell for you despite everything I've heard, despite what I know. This picture… will always be my little secret."
She tucked the phone away quickly, cheeks burning as she sat back, heart betraying a quiet flutter.
Meanwhile, across the city in Bunny's apartment, the air was filled with the comforting scent of warm pancakes and brewing coffee.
Raha stirred slowly in the bed, reaching out unconsciously—only to find the space beside her empty.
She sat up, momentarily disoriented. Her eyes scanned the unfamiliar room, sunlight now streaming in through sheer curtains. She clutched the blanket closer and swung her legs down cautiously.
Voices from the kitchen caught her attention.
She stepped out quietly, her bare feet brushing the cool marble tiles. She found Bunny in the kitchen, hair still damp from a shower, wearing a grey hoodie and black joggers, expertly flipping pancakes with one hand and holding his phone with the other.
"Yeah, room 1803. Can you send someone up with a few clothes? Women's—she'll tell you the size," he said into the phone, then turned as he sensed her.
"Perfect timing," he said, smiling gently. "Here, they'll ask you for your sizes. Hope that's okay."
He handed her the phone, and she blinked.
"Oh… um, sure."
After awkwardly sharing her sizes, she handed the phone back. "Thanks for that. You really didn't have to go this far."
Bunny shrugged, turning back to the stove. "Didn't feel right, letting you wake up without something clean to wear. Or breakfast."
She hesitated. "About yesterday… those pictures—"
Bunny turned to her with mock seriousness. "Yeah. About that… they're all over campus now. You're trending, Raha. Viral stuff."
Her mouth dropped open in horror. "WHAT?!"
He laughed, unable to keep the act. "Relax, relax! I deleted everything. Even made those jerks wipe their phones clean. Threatened to turn their kneecaps into pasta if they didn't."
"You're insane," she said, exasperated.
"But you're smiling," he said cheekily.
She rolled her eyes. "Only because you're cooking. And because I'm too tired to punch you."
The doorbell rang just then, and Bunny walked over to grab the bags. He passed them to her with a little bow. "Madame's wardrobe, delivered."
She took them wordlessly, disappearing into the bathroom. As she shut the door, she let out a deep breath.
Why is he like this? So irritating. So… kind.
When she emerged, dressed in a cream knit sweater and faded jeans, Bunny paused mid-bite of his pancake. "Whoa."
"What?" she asked, nervous.
"Nothing. You just look like someone who actually slept eight hours. Good look on you."
She snorted, but a blush crept up her neck.
They sat down for breakfast, Bunny sliding her a mug of coffee.
She sipped it. "Not bad."
After a few bites in silence, Raha looked up. "You didn't have to do all this. I mean… we barely know each other."
Bunny set his fork down. "That's true. But you needed someone. And I didn't want to be just another person who looked away."
She stared at him, unsure of how to respond.
"You can yell at me later for crossing boundaries," he said lightly. "But for now, let's just… survive this day, alright?"
She nodded slowly. "Alright."
They cleaned up together. Bunny wiped the counter while Raha dried the plates. Their movements fell into a rhythm, quiet, coordinated.
As they got ready to leave, Bunny handed her a scarf. "It's cold out there. Wear this."
She looked at it, then at him. "You always this prepared?"
"Nope. Just with you."
She blinked, stunned, but before she could reply, he grinned and walked to the door. "Let's go. We've got a reputation to salvage."
Back on campus, the day had begun to bloom with usual chaos—students hurrying between classes, the faint smell of coffee wafting from the canteen.
Aisha and Ishaan walked out of the lounge, trying not to look like they had just woken up on leather couches.
"You're unusually quiet," Ishaan noted.
Aisha shrugged. "Didn't sleep well."
"Liar. You looked like a burrito rolled in that blanket."
She smirked. "Jealous I got the better couch?"
"I'll get you next time," he teased.
She gave him a long look. "You always say that."
His gaze softened. "You always come back anyway."
Something unspoken shimmered between them.