William said, "Is falling in love so easy that you'd fall in just two or three days?"
His friends teased, "Then how is it, William? How does one fall in love?"
William leaned back, thoughtful. "Falling in love is like fighting a war with yourself. It's a battle that unfolds in seven stages."
They laughed. "A war? Seven stages? What's all this, William? Are you secretly a philosopher?"
William smirked but continued, "The war begins with courage—the courage to fall in love. Then comes the courage to confess your feelings. If the other person feels the same, you've won the war. But if they don't, you've lost. Even then, you need courage—to endure heartbreak, to watch them love someone else, to let them go, and eventually, to move on and forget."
His friends teased, "That was way too deep, bruh. We just asked you a simple question—do you like Sarah?"
William chuckled lightly. "I think... I'm not really interested in war. Sure, Sarah is beautiful, graceful, intelligent, and charming, but I don't think I have the courage for all this."
They grinned knowingly. "You didn't deny it outright, like you used to. That means there's still hope for you and her."
He shook his head, a faint smile on his lips. "Well, keep your hopes alive if you want. I've got to leave now—I need to be home by night.
As Sarah, Olivia, and Sophia walked into the university the next morning, they were greeted by Lucas, Oliver, and John waiting by the steps. Their curious expressions were impossible to miss.
"So, how was the legendary night out?" Oliver asked, leaning casually against the railing.
"Yeah," John chimed in. "What did you girls talk about? Any secrets revealed?"
Sophia smirked, exchanging a knowing glance with Olivia. "Oh, we talked about all kinds of things," she teased. "But you wouldn't understand. It's a girl thing."
Lucas raised an eyebrow, looking directly at Sarah. "Come on, Sarah, you're the honest one. Tell us the truth—what did you all do?"
Sarah tried to suppress a smile. "Honest doesn't mean I'm going to spill secrets," she replied, her tone playful but firm.
"You're being suspiciously quiet," Oliver said, narrowing his eyes. "That only makes us want to know more."
Olivia laughed. "Well, good luck with that. Because what happened last night... stays between us."
John groaned, throwing his hands in the air. "This is unfair. We share everything, but you three decide to keep us in the dark?"
"It's not like we're hiding anything important," Sarah said, her voice softening as she glanced at Lucas. "Some things are just... personal."
Lucas nodded, his expression shifting slightly. "Fair enough. But don't think we'll stop trying to figure it out."
So John said it's okay if you don't want to spill the secret but I will spill my secret so should I ?
Sophia replied, "Since when you started taking permissions? Spit it out !!
John responded, " So the secret is that I have a crush on you Sophia and it's been a year and I want to take a step forward with you".
Sophia's eyes widened as John's words sank in. "You... what?" she stammered, her cheeks flushing red.
John shrugged, trying to play it cool despite his own nerves. "I said what I said. I have a crush on you Sophia".
The group erupted into laughter and teasing remarks.
"Wow, John, you really know how to keep things spicy!" Oliver teased, nudging him.
"Alright, alright, let's leave them alone for their personal talk," Lucas said, waving the others away with a grin.
Sophia turned to John, her expression a mix of shock and frustration. "How dare you confess in front of everyone? That's so embarrassing!"
John gave her a smile. "I thought it was better to just say it. You always say I'm too much of a coward."
"Not like this!" Anyways I think I need some time to think about it.
Now they all went to attend their lectures and their focus was now shifted to studies and the mood was changed.
After three hours of study they decided to take a break and eat something in canteen. They left for canteen. Meanwhile William also came to canteen and he found a corner spot so that he can eat in peace.
Soon Selena appeared beside him, her voice dripping with sweetness. "Hey, William. Alone today? That's rare."
William didn't bother looking up, his expression blank. "Not in the mood for company."
But Selena wasn't one to give up easily. She leaned closer, trying to hold his gaze. "Come on, we haven't talked in so long. How about—"
Before she could finish, William abruptly stood up, taking his tray with him. "I'd rather sit somewhere quieter," he muttered, walking away.
Selena's smile faltered, her eyes narrowing as she watched him leave. Scanning the canteen, William spotted an empty seat near Sarah and her friends. Without hesitation, he walked over.
"Mind if I sit here?" he asked, setting his tray down before they could answer. "I'm getting irritated over there."
Sarah glanced at him, surprised. Seeing Selena fuming in the distance, a small smile crept onto her lips. "Of course," she said, gesturing for him to sit.
Olivia raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk on her lips. "Looks like someone finally found better company."
William completely ignored what Olivia said and focused on eating his food.
After finishing his food William said,"Thanks for letting me sit here".
Sarah shrugged, her voice calm. "The seat was empty. Anyone could've sat there, so no need for thanks."
William smirked faintly, nodding as if her response was exactly what he expected.
From across the table, Lucas watched the interaction closely and he started feeling insecure after seeing them that close so Lucas finally decided...