The sound of a spoon clicking against the plate is the only sound that occupies the silent room. As I sat along with Sonia and Maya on a low table set in my room. The room was literally in warm lights yet my heart felt cold.

Everyone was having their dinner downstairs but I couldn't make myself join them. It was petty of me, maybe.

When Lucas helped me out of the maze, I was relieved thinking I was safe and my paranoid thoughts didn't come true. However, by the time we came out, everyone was already waiting. Especially Kavya who showed her annoyance openly.

‘Itni deer kardi Jasmine? Kab se intezar kar rahe the hum’

[Translation - Why so slow, Jasmine? We have been waiting for so long]

‘Tujhe itna sa bhi raasta yaad nahi raha kya?’

[Translation - You can't even remember a small way out?]

I brushed those comments off, understanding that she was waiting for a long time and the frustration would increase. I apologized to her and everyone else too. I felt even more bad after that.

But the breaking point was when Kavya commented that I faked getting lost so Lucas would come to save me? I didn't understand where she got that. How could she even think like that about me?

It felt like daggers coming from the girl I spent my whole childhood with. We were in each other's new experiences, bad or good. Yet those words.

I ended up deciding to have dinner alone. I didn't wanna see her face. I was holding grudges again even though I shouldn't be, this was one of the reasons why I started to dislike Lucas. I jumped to conclusions without knowing the whole context.

I should talk to her first instead of escalating the matter.

Maya and Sonia followed me up in silent support. We all served the food on our plates and brought it here. I finish my plate and keep it on the table, before leaning back to rest myself against the bed frame.

“You okay?” Maya finally asks, breaking the quiet atmosphere.

I nod in response “Yeah, just needed a moment”

“Kavya di always says stupid stuff” She adds, “She said I wouldn't score well in boards but I did. She doesn't think before speaking”

I smile at her words “I know, it's just weird. I feel like I am over assuming things. Am I being sensitive?”

Maya reaches out for my arm, giving it a gentle squeeze “It wasn't your fault. You got lost and luckily Lucas found you. Her comments weren't right and feeling sensitive isn't bad or a weakness. You can feel that way”

“Yeah, everyone has their weakness” Sonia adds quickly “It's not bad. Kavya di should also apologise to you!”

“Don't feel like it's your fault, Jasmine. You already apologised and we all knew you were conflicted to go but we pressured you” Maya assures

I hum and nod. My mind is still filled with multiple thoughts. I am grateful for them trying to comfort me, it pulls off some weight from my shoulders “I just need some rest. I will be refreshed then. Thank you both”

“Also” Sonia starts, her tone too casual “Lucas bhaiya looked so ready to fight Kavya di”

I blink in surprise at her words. Looking at my shocked expressions, Maya nods “Yeah, Sonia was translating and explaining each word kavya said”

Oh no

He understood everything.

“You shouldn't have. I don't want to drag him into this drama”

Sonia pouts slightly, “I didn't do it intentionally, he asked me to ask because he saw the discomfort on your face!”

That made my heart beat faster. Of course he would’ve noticed. Lucas had this annoying, wonderful habit of noticing the things I tried not to show.

I let out a soft sigh, I should have known better “Yeah, I am sorry”

“Alright, you should rest” Maya smiles while collecting the plates. Sonia leans towards me and hugs me tightly “Have a good night, Di”

I crawled up to my bed and curled up hugging the snorlax plushie that Lucas brought me for our flight on the way here — I was able to bring it here from the jet.

Though resting, I couldn't fall completely asleep. I grab the remote from the nightstand and turn on the tv — playing beauty and the beast for the night until I fall asleep.

I rest my head on the plushie while draping my leg over it too, getting comfortable.

As I was switching off the lights, a soft knock makes me stop

I was about to move when I realised it's not from the main door but from the balcony.

Then the handle turns and the door slides open revealing Lucas.

My eyes widens, I quickly sit up and fix my t-shirt. I get off the bed and step towards him. He is dressed in a simple white t-shirt and navy joggers.

“Why are you coming in from there again?”

He sighs, shaking his head “Your grandmother is taking a night walk while exploring the palace, that's why” He replies, having no other choice to sneak from here.

He glances at the screen before looking at me “You alright?” He asks, his voice calm yet concerned. Then, with the gentlest touch he caressed my cheek, his hand covering my skin while his thumb brushed across my cheekbone.

“Yeah, almost”

He pulled me closer, not forcefully but securely. Arms around my waist while his chin rested on my head.

I find myself hugging him back, snuggling into his embrace.

He didn't ask

I didn't need to explain

He understood without words and comforted with actions

And it was everything to me

When I finally pulled back, he didn’t let go completely. Just loosened the grip to look at me. His thumb brushed under my lashes “You wanna talk about it?”

I nod “I think I felt small again. Like when I was nine and got lost in a mirror maze. Bumping into those harsh glass. It was stuck there for so long, many people just came, enjoying themselves and ignoring a crying child. Those memories came back, that's why I messed up”

He frowned “That's understandable to feel. You didn't do it intentionally” He reminds me, I know he is indirectly referring to Kavya's words. “This time, you didn't freeze, sit down while crying and waiting. You called out, you ran and tried to find your way too. It's a progress”

“Still, it wasn't until you found me”

“I couldn't have found you if it wasn't for your anklets. Most importantly the noise increased only when you ran” He replies softly

I look at him “How do you always know what to say?”

“I don't” He shrugs “I am trying to understand how you feel and carry some of it too”

He leans closer, kissing my forehead. His lips lingering like he was pressing a promise into my skin “You don't have to carry everything on your own, Jasmine”

I couldn't help but smile, my fingers curling on the fabric of his shirt. “I wanna tell you the same”

His raises his eyebrows at my implications, his expressions slowly soften as he nods “I will”

I smile “Wanna watch a movie together?”

The room was dark except for the light coming from the tv screen. I was curled up on the bed, a blanket pulled over me while the AC was in full cooling mode.

Meanwhile, Lucas was sitting on a chair beside the bed. I didn't even ask him to do that but he did it respectfully.

Neither of us talked, we both were watching the movie but for some reason I know our minds weren't on the Disney romance anymore.

This kind of quiet was awkward but full. A silence with unspoken understanding

As the movie continued, something tugged gently in my heart.

Lucas was right by me but I wanted him closer.

He wasn't far technically but still? I couldn't put the right words for this distance.

I wanted him closer

I peeked at him, he was relaxed. His elbow rested on the chair’s arm while his hand supported his head. He would strain his neck in that position. His eyes were focused on the movie but I did catch him stealing glances at me.

I take a deep breath, mentally preparing myself for the next words “Lucas?”

He immediately looks at me “Yeah?”

I hesitate, my hand tightens around the blanket “Um…can you sit beside me? if you want to. If you aren't comfortable then it's alright…” I trail off, already regretting how much I fumbled on my words

His expressions remained calm, yet I notice how his hand curls into a fist before relaxing “Sure”

He stood up and moved forward towards the bed and sat beside me. He was so careful at first, looking unsure what to do next.

I shift back slightly, making more space for him and lift my blanket in a gesture.

He slowly slipped beside me under the blanket, the smell of his cologne filled my stomach with a tickling feeling. His hand hovered over my waist. “Can I?” He asks, his voice a low whisper.

I nod silent

His arm snaked around my waist, pulling me against his chest. I snuck in my breath, goosebumps crawling across my skin.

“You alright?” He asks, rubbing my back.

I nod

I am lying

I am not alright at all

I have never ever cuddled a guy!

What am I supposed to do now?

He chuckles, almost like he read my mind “I never cuddled a girl” He says casually, my eyes widens. That's what I was thinking?

Is this couple's telepathy?

“Or a guy” He adds, shrugging his shoulders. I look at him and giggle “What about plushies?” I question, slowly feeling my shoulders relax and skin go back to normal

He shakes his head “Not a cuddling person”

“But you are cuddling me”

His lips twitched slightly, trying to suppress a smile “You are an exception”

I find myself leaning into him, my cheek brushing against his chest and then without thinking hard — I rest my head.

He didn't move, just exhaled this soft breath of relief as if he was waiting too

The movie was forgotten.

I could feel the warmth of his arms as it brushed against my back. I tilted my head up “Can you stay with me tonight? Please” I ask, my voice was nearly getting caught in my throat. “If you want to”

“I wasn't sure if you wanted space, if they go past your boundaries?” He replies

I nod “They don't. I like it” I mumble

A smile tugged on the corner of his lips, his grip tightened around me “I would love to”

We stayed like that, barely moving. The soft glow of the movie reflects on our face. The slow rise and fall of his chest while I hear the rhythm of his heart beating.

If after every hard day, I would end up in his arms

Life doesn't feel so hard with him anymore.

“Milaya?”

“Yes, Lucas?”

“What do you think about my name?” He asks suddenly. I frown at his question but continue to rest my head against his chest “I like it” I confess “Lucas Eilas Williams. Sounds so dreamy and classy”

He hums, his chest rumbling with the sound “How about just Lucas?”

“I like it, Lucas. I like saying it, especially when I know you are mine” I look at him, grinning from ear to ear. It was a teasing remark but not a lie.

He chuckles, nuzzling his face against my neck “Yeah, I am”

A soft giggle escapes my lips at his actions, his nose brushing against the hollow of my neck making my heart race.

He slowly pulls back, looking at me with and unreadable expressions. I place my hand on his cheek, caressing his skin “What happened?”

He takes my hand, kissing my inner wrist as always.

“I wanted to tell a part of the incident”

The incident

I feel my breath hitch at his words.

A part of the incident. The one I buried so deep I stopped expecting answers. The one I whispered questions about into my mind. Why he turned his back and walked away.

From the past two years, we have come so far. We have grown, understood each other, forgiven too. Built something raw, emotional and most importantly real.

I told myself I let it go.

That I didn’t need an answer.

But hearing him bring it up now voluntarily, I wanna hear it.

He looks at me, eyes unsure but open.

“Lucas Elias Williams” He begins, his voice quiet "Elias,it’s my uncle’s name.”

I blink. Uncle? Who?

“My dad's older brother” He adds, his fingers interteining with mine, like he needs them to continue. “He supported my dad alot. That's why dad gave me his name. To honour him” There was something bitter when he says it

“My uncle doesn't like me though” He exhales, glancing at our hands “He has a reason, a very valid reason. I don't blame him, I accepted it when he would treat Liam and Mia with so much love while I got politeness. Distance”

I study at his expressions while he tires to smile through the pain but his eyes are expressive enough for me to see right through the facade. I my hand squeezes his gently in support.

“Though after dad passed away, he stopped visiting. He would send gifts and call frequently to check up on everyone. It was fine, I was living my life. I was fine, until” His throat wobbles as he swallows hardly.

“Until he showed up to the University unannounced. The same day when Iris pushed you”

My breath stills

“It's not even the fact he showed up. It was because he came with someone I despise, a person from the past whom I wanna forget, who haunts my dreams into nightmares. Yet, he came with them and tried to act like he always cared for me. Tried to justify their behaviour, saying I should forgive them!” His breathing heavies with each word. His tone trembled, rising higher.

My eyes widens at the revelation. The questions and a feeling of anger growing inside me, not for Lucas but for his uncle and that person.

But who is that?

“I couldn't handle it. It triggered me into a panick attack. I was searching for my medicines which was in my locker. I couldn't think straight, my hands were shaking, my vision going black. That's when I saw you” He finally looks at me

“I saw you on the ground. I wanted help.Gish, Jasmine, I really wanted to help. But I wasn't in the right state, I couldn't even stand straight. So I ran until I found my meds. I somehow pulled myself enough to call June so she could reach out to you”

I could barely breath now

“And at the finals? When I had a panick attack? I saw him again, with the same person. He was trying again and again, breaking me in the process”

He looks at me, his eyes filled with guilt and fear “I didn't mean to, Jasmine. I never meant to be that way. I never wanted to hurt you” He whispers, his hand slipping away from mine.

“I am so sorry” He says, his tone pleading.

Before he can fold further into himself, I reach forward and wrap my arms around him. Running my hand through his hair while the other day rubs circles on his back

“It’s okay” I murmur against his ear. “You don’t need to explain more. You don’t need to force it for me”

He holds me tighter, like he’s afraid I’ll slip away.

“You have told me enough, okay?” I whisper. “I trust you, Lucas. You hear me? I trust you”

He nods into my shoulder, and I feel the way his breath shudder against my skin. “You deserve to know every part of me” He mutters, his voice filled with guilt and regret “Even the ugly ones. The ones I’m scared of.”

“I do, but only when you are ready. When the time is right, till then we wait”

He doesn’t respond. He just holds me. His grip tightens, arms like iron and his face buries deeper into my neck

“I love you,” he breathes out in a shaky voice “I love you so much that it terrifies me. When the full truth comes out, I don’t know how I will face you”

I pull him even closer, pressing my head against his “When the truth comes out, we will face it together. That’s how love works, Lucas”

Love?

Something that felt so dreamy. Never thought someone so different would be in love with me.

Never thought that I would understand that love isn't just about omance or feeling. It's about a deeper connection that goes beyond intimacy.

And maybe

I am falling in love with him too.