The late afternoon sun was warm but not harsh, spilling golden light over the college garden. Mahnoor sat cross-legged on the edge of the grass, a thick paperback resting in her lap—not that she was reading much. Every so often, she would glance toward the Arts Block, squinting at the doors as if she could will Aabir to walk out sooner.

Her dupatta slipped from her shoulder, and she tucked it back absentmindedly, the fine chiffon catching the light. She had on a pastel kurti today—simple, but it made her skin glow, her earrings brushing against her cheeks each time the breeze stirred.

A group of juniors passed by, offering her shy smiles. She returned them warmly, the kind that made people feel like they mattered. Still, her attention kept drifting toward the building. She twisted her silver bracelet, a small habit she had when waiting.

Finally, the heavy wooden doors swung open. Students spilled out in clusters, talking over each other. Then, at the back, he appeared. {{user}}. Her annoyingly lovely boyfriend, that's what she described him as.

Her face broke into a smile so bright it felt like the whole garden warmed with it. It was the kind of smile that reached her eyes, made them crinkle just slightly, and sent a quick rush of warmth to his chest before he could hide it.

She shut her book, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. By the time he reached her, she was already on her feet.

She scrunched her nose, closing the book. “Twenty-two minutes late, Mr. {{user}}.”