Vihaan's POV
Let me make one thing clear.
I have absolutely no interest in Kiara.
None.
Zero.
Negative numbers.
From day one, I decided — I will not talk to her. I will not get involved. I will not become one of those idiots orbiting around her like unpaid bodyguards.
I am Vihaan.
I have self-respect.
Also, I have better things to do. Like not caring.
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The Irritation Phase
It started annoying me when people wouldn't shut up about her.
"Kiara this."
"Kiara that."
"Kiara answered."
"Kiara sang."
Like bro, is she the school or what?
Abhishek nudged me one day.
"Why are you so grumpy?"
"I'm not."
"You are."
"I'm just tired of hearing the same name 200 times."
He smirked. "Jealous?"
I looked at him slowly.
"If you value your life, don't say that again."
He laughed. "Relax. You don't even talk to her."
Exactly.
And I plan to keep it that way.
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The Stage Disaster (For My Peace)
I was peacefully existing one week when suddenly —
"Kiara is participating in singing."
Fine. Good for her.
Then —
"She's in dance too."
Okay?
Then —
"She's doing anchoring."
Why?
And then skating competition.
Skating.
SKATING.
Who even skates in 11th grade voluntarily?
I was sitting with Abhishek when she performed at the practice.
Lights on her. Hair tied high. Confidence like she owned the stage.
And when she sang? Clear voice. Not loud. Not dramatic. Just… steady.
The whole auditorium clapped. Abhishek whistled. I didn't. I just crossed my arms.
"She's decent." I said flatly.
"Decent?" Abhishek looked at me like I committed a crime. "She's good."
I shrugged. "Overhyped."
But I didn't look away.
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The All-Rounder Problem
The thing about Kiara is — She doesn't act like she's better than everyone.
Which makes it worse.
If she was arrogant, I'd have a reason to dislike her properly.
But no.
She laughs with everyone. Helps people with doubts. Participates in competitions. And still scores good marks.
Who does that?
Choose a lane.
And my friends? Traitors. Absolute traitors.
One afternoon, I saw Dhruv explaining something to her. Siddharth was laughing with her. Even Mayank texting her nonstop.
Abhishek too friendly.
"Bro, why are you all suddenly besties with her?" I asked.
Abhishek grinned. "Why not?"
"You weren't this friendly before."
"She's chill."
"So are we."
"Yeah but she's less annoying than you."
I stared at him. He laughed harder.
I hate all of them.
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The Skating Incident
Sports day practice. I wasn't even interested. But then I saw her skating across the ground like she wasn't scared of falling.
She slipped slightly once. My body reacted before my brain did. I stood up. Then she balanced herself and continued. I sat back down immediately.
Relax.
She didn't even notice you.
Good.
Keep it that way.
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The Invisible Strategy
Here's the rule I made for myself: She hasn't noticed me. And I'm not going to change that.
No staring. No random conversations. No unnecessary involvement.
Because once you start? You become like Arjun.
And I refuse.
I don't do chasing.
I don't do soft looks.
I don't send reels.
I don't sit in the front row for someone.
I cause trouble.
I get detention.
I survive.
Simple.
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But Then…
One random day during practice, she was arguing with Abhishek again.
Hands moving. Eyes sharp. She was defending some junior about participation slots.
"Just because someone is new doesn't mean they don't deserve a chance," she said.
Abhishek rolled his eyes. "Why do you care so much?"
"Because it's unfair."
That word hit weirdly. Unfair. I don't know why.
She walked away after that. Didn't even look in my direction. Didn't even acknowledge I was standing there.
Good.
Perfect.
Exactly how it should be.
So why does it feel…
Annoying? So fucking annoying.
I don't like the attention she gets. I don't like that she's everywhere. I don't like that my friends talk about her. And I definitely don't like that I know the sound of her laugh now.
But it doesn't matter. She hasn't noticed me. And she won't. Because I don't plan to exist in her story. I'm just watching from the back row.
Arms crossed.
Unbothered.
Completely fine.
Absolutely not paying attention.
…
Shut up. 😒
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