Kiara's POV
At this point, the entire class had one hobby.
Not studies.
Not sports.
Me.
Apparently.
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1) The Collective Teasing Era
It started small.
A look here.
A "oooooo" there.
Then one random day during attendance, Siddharth randomly said, "Ma'am, Arjun is absent mentally." Whole class erupted in laughter. Ma'am asked "Why?" clearly confused.
Abhishek (loudly): "Because Kiara is here."
The whole class went: "OOOOOOOOOOOOO."
I closed my eyes.
Why.
Why is my life a cheap reality show.
I said calmly, "You all need hobbies."
Arjun didn't laugh.
He just looked down, pretending to write.
Mayank?
He was watching.
Not laughing either.
Just observing.
So deep.
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It happened on a Wednesday.
I was sitting with Mayank during a free period because he had a physics doubt. He leaned slightly closer to show me something in the notebook. Our shoulders touched.
Normal.
Human.
Legal.
But from the back row?
Nuclear explosion.
Abhishek whispered dramatically, "Arjun bro… live telecast."
I didn't hear that.But I did feel something. A stare.
When I turned slightly, Arjun was looking.
Not smiling.
Not joking.
Just staring.
Mayank said softly, "You're distracted."
"I'm not."
"You are."
I looked back at the notebook.
But my brain was like —
Why is Arjun looking like that? Bro you like Tanya. Calm down. So annoying!
Later that day, Arjun suddenly became very social with Tanya. Laughing louder than usual.Talking more than usual.
And I hate how I noticed that.
Why am I noticing this?
I'm here for maths integration, not emotional integration.
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It was after school.
I was packing my bag when I saw Arjun and Tanya near the window. She laughed at something he said. He leaned closer.
I felt this weird pinch in my chest.
Not pain.
Just… irritation.
Why?
He likes her. He literally liked her during lockdown. It makes sense.
So why does it feel like someone stole my last french fry without asking? So disrespectful !
I looked away quickly.
Focus. Studies. Marks. Future. Food. Peace.
Repeat.
Oh and sleep.
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Abhishek crossed a line the next day. I just hate this guy with my complete heart and soul.
He kept saying,
"Kiara has options. Premium subscription. One average scorer, one emotional poet."
I glared at him. "Shut up."
He smirked. "Truth hurts?"
"It's not truth. It's your delusion."
"Arjun sends you reels. Mayank sends you goodnight texts. Should we print wedding cards now?"
The class laughed.
I stood up.
"Can you shut the fuck up for once?"
Silence.
Abhishek blinked. "Oho."
"I'm here to study. Not to entertain your bored brain."
He stood up too. "You think we care that much?"
"Then stop talking about me."
Sasha, who was sitting beside me, snapped,
"Abhishek just stop. It's not funny anymore."
He turned to her instantly.
"Oh hello. Why are you so hyper? Kunal didn't text you today?"
The class: "OOOOOOOOOOO."
Sasha went red. "Shut up."
"Or what? You'll complain?"
She threw a notebook at him.
And before Abhishek could say something worse—
Arjun stood up.
"Enough."
It wasn't loud.
But it was sharp.
"Enough I said."
Abhishek rolled his eyes. "Why? You're enjoying the attention."
Arjun stepped closer. "When I tell you to stop, you stop."
Something in his tone changed the room.
Even I felt it.
Abhishek muttered, "Fine. Drama king." But he sat down.
And for the first time, I didn't feel irritated. I felt… protected.
Which is dangerous.
Very dangerous.
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That night, Mayank texted:
"Rough day?"
"Yeah."
"You handled it well."
"Did I?"
"Yeah. You don't need anyone to defend you."
That line hit differently.
Was that shade? At Arjun?
Or am I overthinking like an unpaid detective?
So confusing.
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Why is my life like this?
I came to school for marks.
Now I have:
• One dramatic average scorer staring at me.
• One calm best friend texting me.
• One clown named Abhishek who needs a factory reset.
• Whole class doing commentary.
And me? I just want good grades and good samosas.
But…
Slowly…
I started liking school. The chaos.The teasing.The noise.
Even the stupid backbench arguments.
It didn't feel scary anymore. It felt… alive.
And I hate that I'm smiling while thinking all this.
So annoying.
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