I hope you enjoy this chapter ❤️

Mary's POV~

"THIS IS OUR SECOND YEAR OF THE COURSE. Just one more year, and we’ll all be separated," I said, suddenly feeling emotional.

"I think your luteal phase has started, sweety," the boldest member of our group, Chandni, commented while eating her sandwich.

There are three of us—oh, by three, I mean myself, Chandni, and Gauri. We have been best friends since the start of our college year, and right now, we’re enjoying our food in the canteen.

"I guess you’re right," I sighed, feeling my energy levels dropping.

"Check your tracking app, then," Gauri, the smartest one among us, suggested. She’s consistently the topper in her field.

I looked at both of them and said, "You guys are giving off elder sister vibes."

"Happens when you’re close to menstruation," Chandni patted my back.

"Let’s go back to the hostel. I can’t handle any more classes today," I pleaded, showing my best puppy eyes.

They exchanged glances, shaking their heads before looking at me again.

"You both go ahead. I need to get some books from the library," Gauri said, standing up.

"Alright, let’s go," I said as Chandni and I walked out of the canteen towards our hostel.

"Hey, I’m really going to miss you after college," I said, holding her hand as we walked.

She sighed. "Why don’t we females have linear hormones throughout the month? I feel like I’m pampering a kid."

I laughed at her frustrated expression.

***

"Wake up, guys! We’re getting late for class!"

I opened my eyes to see Gauri sticking a bindi to her forehead while calling our names.

I yawned. How does she wake up so fast?

Soon, Chandni and I took turns showering, and after changing into fresh clothes, we headed toward the main building.

Horizon University—it’s massive, offering a variety of courses. But its biggest drawback? Most of the students here are either rich brats busy with hookups or showing off their money. Sure, the university enforces discipline, but who cares when you’re in the best phase of your life?

This is our final year—first semester—and this time, many students are serious because if they land a job at a top company, why would they bother pursuing an MBA?

After finishing our classes for the day, Chandni went to buy some short kurtis, Gauri headed to the library, and I walked straight to the hostel.

According to my tracker, I should be getting my period today.

I was looking down at my phone, simultaneously sipping my cold coffee, when I collided with something hard.

Oh, wait—it’s not a thing.

"What the fuck?" a deep voice exclaimed.

I looked up, following the source of the sound, and found myself staring at a young man with short hair, a trimmed beard, a sharp jawline, and deep brown eyes.

He was fucking handsome.

I gulped and looked down at his shirt—his now ruined white shirt, stained by my coffee.

I frowned. Oh no.

I looked up again. His face clearly showed anger and frustration.

"Done checking me out?" he asked, trying to control his irritation.

"Sorry," I whispered.

"Sorry? What should I do with your sorry? Will it remove the stains?" He pointed to his shirt before continuing, "Can’t you look straight while walki—"

He stopped mid-sentence when he looked into my eyes.

Tears pooled in them.

His anger faded instantly. "Why are you crying?"

"I’m sorry. I didn’t do it intentionally," I sniffled, rubbing my nose. "You can give me your shirt. I’ll wash it and return it."

I was sobbing in between words.

He looked shocked—probably wondering if I was mentally unstable.

But the truth? It wasn’t me. It was my hormones.

I was crying over his minor frustration.

He sighed, grabbed my hand, and led me to a secluded bench.

"Sit," he ordered before walking toward the canteen.

I sat there, still embarrassed. This is so bad.

Crying in front of a handsome stranger?

Why, God?

"Here."

I looked up to see him handing me another cup of cold coffee.

"Look, kid, I’m getting late. Take this and don’t cry," he said, his face void of emotion.

I took the coffee from his hand.

He stared at me one last time, as if memorizing my face, before walking toward another building.

Wait—I didn’t ask his name!

Oh no.

Now I feel like crying even more.

Dragging my low hormones and embarrassment along, I walked toward my hostel.

As soon as I entered my room, I headed straight to the bathroom.

I checked.

My tracker was absolutely right.

I had gotten my period.

After taking a shower and changing into stain-free clothes, I collapsed onto my bed and fell asleep instantly—like Nobita.

I woke up to the sound of a concerned conversation.

"I think she got her period."

"Yeah, she always gets a fever during her period."

I blinked my eyes open to see my friends talking about me.

"Good morning," they both greeted me with a smile.

"It’s not a good morning for me," I groaned. "I won’t be able to attend classes today or tomorrow. You guys go ahead."

Chandni nodded. "I brought your breakfast and medicines. Take them after eating."

I nodded at her instructions.

"Bye, take care," Gauri said, and I smiled, assuring them I’d be fine.

After they left, I completed my morning routine and ate my breakfast.

Once I took my medicine for the fever, I lay back down, ready to scroll through Wattpad.

But before I could open the app, my phone rang.

Aarav.

A smile spread across my face as I answered.

"Hello, didi!" came my younger brother’s voice from the other end.

"Hello, Aaru! How are you?"

"I’m good but I miss you a little bit."

I laughed. "How’s school going?"

"Preparing for my board exams," he replied.

Soon, he handed the phone to our parents, and I spoke to them for a while.

These moments—talking to my family—are the happiest in my life.

I have lived in Goa since childhood, but I moved to Bangalore for better career opportunities.

I cracked the university entrance exam and got admitted easily.

It has been two years since I started living in this hostel.

Even though I visit home during holidays, I still miss them a lot.

But living here with Chandni and Gauri is the best part of my hostel life.

To be continued....

Thank you for reading ❤️