Adam's heart races as he stands near the ticket counter, a bundle of nerves.
Ani is right in front of him, her silver hair cascading down her shoulders, with a slight gleam that catches the morning sunlight streaming through the station windows.
She's dressed in her academy uniform: a pink shirt with a structured collar, a neatly ironed green skirt, and a pair of black, low-heeled shoes. Her serene yet focused expression is one he's seen many times from afar in class, but now, up close, it's nearly overwhelming.
Ani glances at Adam, her eyes widening a little. "Wait… did you really read this book?" She gestures at the mystery novel titled Who's the culprit?, her voice tinged with genuine curiosity.
Adam, barely managing to look at her, nods, clutching the book he'd just picked up for her.
"Yes… I've read it," he replies, sounding far more confident than he feels.
Ani, surprised, raises an eyebrow. "I didn't know you took the train from this station too. I don't think I've ever seen you here before." Her gaze remains inquisitive, trying to recall any past encounter with him.
Adam scratches the back of his head, still avoiding eye contact. "Oh, no… I usually don't. I had some errands here, so I figured I'd catch the train from this station today." The lie feels awkward on his tongue, but he manages a polite smile, hoping she won't question it further.
Ani shrugs, casually slipping her phone into her pocket. "Ah, I see. That explains it," she says with a slight smile, a glint of interest in her expression.
As they wait for their train, the silence stretches between them.
Normally, Ani isn't one for idle chatter, especially with boys. But today, something about Adam, or maybe the shared interest in the book, makes her linger.
She feels a genuine curiosity to discuss the novel's twists and mysteries with someone who might understand.
Just then, Pratham's voice rings in Adam's earpiece. "My Lord, now's your chance! Ask her about the book," he urges, his tone light but insistent.
Adam's heart pounds even harder. His palms feel clammy, and he's still staring at the tiled floor of the station, too nervous to meet Ani's eyes.
Ever since they'd begun walking together, he hasn't looked directly at her face even once. With a deep breath, he pushes down his anxiety and says, "I… didn't know you liked this book."
Ani turns toward him, her face lighting up. "Yes! I'm really into mystery thrillers. Whenever I get some free time, I dive into these kinds of books. They're just… thrilling, you know?"
Adam nods along, even as his mind races. He's nervous beyond words but tries to play it cool.
Pratham's voice chimes in again, gentle yet persistent. "Tell her that you enjoy reading thrillers too, My Lord."
Without thinking too deeply, Adam blurts out, "I also love mystery thrillers. They're… amazing." He mentally kicks himself, knowing he's barely ever touched a mystery novel, but Ani's reaction eases his nerves.
She looks genuinely surprised, intrigued even. "Really? I had no idea someone in our class had the same interest as me!"
Adam chuckles awkwardly, feeling a blend of excitement and discomfort. "Yeah, neither did I," he manages, attempting to sound casual, though inside, he feels like he's one misstep away from losing his composure.
Ani, eyes bright with curiosity, adds, "I haven't finished this one yet, though. But I'm dying to know who the real culprit is."
Adam swallows, feeling his nerves spike once more. His thoughts swirl as Pratham's voice speaks in his ear. "Ask her if she'd like to know the ending, My Lord. You can tell her you already know who the culprit is."
A jolt of panic shoots through Adam. 'But I haven't read it!' he thinks, his mind racing. 'How am I supposed to know who the culprit is?'
But he takes a breath and trusts Pratham's guidance. He finally musters the courage to look directly at Ani—only to quickly divert his gaze to her nose, following Pratham's advice to avoid getting lost in her eyes. He gulps and asks, "So… do you want to know who the real culprit is?"
Ani's eyes sparkle with surprise, her lips parting in a slight gasp. "What? No, don't tell me!" she blurts out, holding up her hands, as if to shield herself from spoilers. "I want to finish it myself. I don't need you to ruin the ending."
Adam chuckles softly, trying to ignore the twisting nerves in his stomach. Ani's lively reaction brings a smile to his face.
For a second, he considers how his friends would react if he told them about her passionate reaction—they'd be overjoyed to see him actually having a conversation with her.
Just as he's about to respond, Pratham's voice nudges him once more. "My Lord, playfully insist that you'll spoil it for her. Tell her you enjoy spoiling mysteries just to see others' reactions."
Adam hesitates, uncertain. If I say that,' won't she be mad at me?' But trusting Pratham's advice, he takes a deep breath, gives her a mischievous smile, and says, "Well, I could tell you the ending… I kinda enjoy seeing people's reactions when I spoil things for them."
Ani immediately covers her ears, shaking her head vigorously. "No! Don't you dare!" She turns away, half-joking yet genuinely concerned that he'll ruin the ending for her.
Adam's heart skips a beat at her lively reaction, and he can't help but laugh. He's savoring the moment, a rare glimpse of Ani's playful side, something he's never seen in class. Her genuine enthusiasm brings a warmth to his chest that he hadn't expected.
Just then, Pratham's voice breaks through his thoughts, more urgent this time. "My Lord, this is your chance! Reach out and gently stop her. Hold her hand and reassure her that you're just teasing."
Adam feels his heartbeat quicken. 'Hold her hand? ' He steels himself, summoning all the courage he has, and walks toward her. She's still playfully covering her ears, eyes squeezed shut to avoid any chance of lip-reading his "spoilers."
With a shaky hand, Adam reaches out and gently takes her hand. The contact makes Ani freeze. She turns back slowly, eyes widening as she looks at him, surprised by the boldness of his action.
Adam's voice catches in his throat, but he finally manages to say, "I was… just kidding. I wouldn't spoil it for you."
Ani's face softens, a small smile playing on her lips. She glances down at their joined hands, then back at him, a faint blush on her cheeks. Realizing what he's done, Adam quickly lets go, pulling his hand back awkwardly.
"S-sorry," he stammers, a deep red blush spreading across his face.
Ani smiles warmly, brushing off the moment with a lighthearted chuckle. "It's okay," she says softly, clutching her hand to her chest as if to hold onto the warmth of his touch.
For a moment, neither of them can meet the other's gaze, each looking away, lost in their own flustered thoughts.
The train finally arrives, its brakes hissing as it pulls into the station, and Ani clears her throat, adjusting her bag as if regaining her composure. "Shall we…?"
Adam nods, trying to hide the lingering smile on his face.