Reyhan Malhotra hadn't planned on thinking that much that day.
Thinking wasn't his thing.
Acting was easier.
Smiling things away was easier.
But ever since people started watching him with Aira instead of just watching him… things felt heavier.
The looks weren't curious anymore.
They were judging.
And that wasn't new.
What was new was how much he cared.
He leaned against the railing outside the science block, jaw tight, hands shoved deep into his pockets.
A group of boys passed by.
One of them laughed.
"So what, Malhotra? Settling down now? Didn't think you were the serious type."
Reyhan didn't respond.
Another added, quieter but sharper,
"Don't mess it up like the last time."
That one landed.
Hard.
Reyhan's expression didn't change, but something inside him flinched.
Aira saw it from a distance.
She hadn't meant to eavesdrop.
She hadn't meant to notice.
But she did.
Because she always did.
She walked over slowly, not rushing, not confronting.
Just… arriving.
"Hey," she said softly.
Reyhan looked up, surprised for half a second before his face settled back into calm.
"Hey."
"You look like you're about to punch someone with your thoughts," she said lightly.
He exhaled. "Occupational hazard."
She didn't smile.
She tilted her head instead.
"Did they say something?"
He hesitated.
Then shrugged.
"Nothing important."
She studied him.
The way his shoulders were tense.
The way his eyes didn't quite meet hers.
"Reyhan," she said quietly, "you don't have to protect me from things I already feel."
That got his attention.
He met her eyes.
"…I'm not protecting you," he said slowly. "I'm protecting myself."
That honesty surprised them both.
Aira's voice softened.
"From what?"
Reyhan looked away toward the open courtyard.
"From being the same person everyone already decided I am."
Aira felt her chest tighten.
"They think you don't take anything seriously," she said.
He gave a dry laugh. "Because I don't let them see what I do take seriously."
She took a step closer — not invading, just present.
"And that bothers you?"
"It didn't," he admitted.
"Until you."
Her breath caught.
"Because now," he continued quietly, "if I mess up… it's not just me people will talk about."
Aira's heart twisted painfully.
She understood then.
This wasn't about reputation.
Or rumors.
This was about fear.
"I don't need you to be perfect," she said softly.
"I just need you to be real with me."
Reyhan turned back to her.
His voice dropped.
"I'm scared I'll disappoint you."
The words sat between them — raw and exposed.
Aira didn't hesitate.
She stepped closer.
Not touching.
Just close enough that he could feel her steadiness.
"You already haven't," she said firmly.
His eyes searched hers, like he was checking for pity.
He found none.
Only truth.
"I choose you," she added quietly.
"Not the version everyone talks about. You."
Reyhan's breath left him slowly.
"You don't have to say it like that," he murmured.
"It makes it hard to pretend I don't care."
Aira smiled faintly. "Good."
He laughed — soft, real.
The bell rang, sharp and sudden.
Reality came rushing back.
Reyhan straightened. "You should get to class."
She nodded.
Then paused.
And did something small… but brave.
She reached out and lightly hooked her finger around his sleeve.
Just for a second.
Not dramatic.
Not public.
But unmistakable.
"I'm not going anywhere," she said.
Reyhan looked down at her hand.
Then back at her.
Neither of them moved for a heartbeat.
"That," he said quietly, "means more than you know."
She let go first.
But neither of them felt abandoned.
They walked toward class together — not side by side this time.
But not apart either.
RULE #30: Don't ask Reyhan Malhotra to explain himself.
Because he's been carrying his truth alone…
and he only lets you see it when he's ready.