A Chance at Love

The morning air carried a crisp, refreshing scent as I walked down the sunlit corridor, my bag slung lazily over one shoulder. The distant chatter of students filled the space, mingling with the occasional laughter and hurried footsteps. Just as I was about to turn towards my classroom, a familiar voice called out from behind.

"Hey, Harsh!"

I turned around, and there she was—Shreya Yadav—running towards me with an effortless grace. Her long, jet-black hair swayed with every step, catching the golden sunlight streaming through the windows. She had always been beautiful, but lately, I had started noticing things about her I never did before—the way her deep brown eyes sparkled when she laughed, the way her presence alone made the world seem a little brighter.

"Morning, Shreya," I greeted, forcing a casual smile.

She came to a stop beside me, catching her breath before scrutinizing my face with a playful smirk. "Well, well, looks like someone didn't sleep well last night. You've got bags under your eyes."

I chuckled awkwardly. "Oh, I was up all night playing games."

Shreya gasped dramatically, her eyes widening in mock betrayal. "What the heck! Why didn't you invite me? We could have played together online!"

I scratched the back of my head, laughing. "Hahaha, my fault. I'll invite you next time for sure."

That, of course, was a lie. I hadn't been playing games all night. The truth was, I couldn't sleep at all. My mind had been consumed by thoughts of her—of us.

Shreya and I had known each other since childhood. We had shared laughter, secrets, and countless memories. She had always been my best friend. But for the past six months, something inside me had shifted. I had started seeing her as more than just a friend. Every little thing about her—her voice, her smile, the way she tilted her head when she was deep in thought—made my heart race in ways I couldn't explain.

But I was afraid. Afraid that if I confessed, everything would change. What if she didn't feel the same way? What if I lost her friendship forever?

Yet, time was slipping through my fingers. We only had one year left before we graduated from junior college. If I didn't make a move now, I might regret it forever. And worst of all, Shreya was popular. Too popular. The guys in our class were always talking about her, stealing glances, trying to catch her attention. If I kept hesitating, someone else might take her away.

I had to do it. Today.

Taking a deep breath, I turned to her. "Hey, Shreya… do you have time after college today?"

She blinked at me, surprised. "Sorry, I have plans today."

My heart sank for a moment, but I refused to back down. "That's fine. How about tomorrow? Or the day after? I'll be at the botanical garden."

Shreya arched an eyebrow, a teasing smile playing on her lips. "The botanical garden? Am I getting confessed to?" She laughed, nudging my arm playfully.

Heat rushed to my face, and I quickly averted my gaze. "I… I'll talk to you there."

Without waiting for her reply, I hurried off towards my classroom. My heart pounded against my ribs, my palms slightly clammy.

This was it. No turning back now.