I hope you enjoy this chapter ❤️

Mary’s POV~

Wow. I can't believe we had such a nice conversation.

He was so soft and genuine with me.

And his smile… uff.

He should smile more often—the dimple on his left cheek made him even more attractive.

I never knew that just a small talk with him could uplift my mood this much.

"Secrets I have held in my heart are harder to hide than I thought," I hummed a random song as I entered my room.

"Hello, Miss Mary. How was your date?" Chandni teased, not looking up from her phone.

"Was it a date?" I laughed, feeling a sudden burst of happiness.

"Your smile is making you look lovesick," Gauri added while making her bed.

I chuckled.

I took out my journal and sat on my bed, eager to record this beautiful day.

Today is one of the best days of my life. Why are grumpy guys so attractive? Is it because they have this mysterious aura that pulls girls in? Whatever it is, I can’t deny my attraction to him. The way he talked to me today—he felt like a completely different person. Sitting on the grass in the garden never felt this peaceful before. Growing up, I was always told to stay away from strangers, but this stranger is making me feel every beat of my heart. I don’t know whether my affection for him is right or wrong, but following my intuition makes me feel happy and excited.

As I finished writing, I realized my cheeks hurt from all the blushing.

I pressed my palms against my face, trying to cool them down.

"Sleep now, sweety," Chandni said, turning off the lights.

I looked outside the window. It was raining.

Hmm. Everything feels so fresh and romantic today.

"Good night," I whispered to my friends before lying down on my bed.

***

We walked side by side toward my hostel.

I happily ate my ice cream—which he finally bought for me after my many, many requests.

"Chocolate flavor is the best," I said, enjoying every bite.

He was just staring at me.

"There’s too much sugar," he muttered.

I stopped and looked at him as if he was an alien.

"Seriously? If you think so much about sugar and calories, you’ll never enjoy your food!"

He blinked at me, and I got an idea.

"Do you want to try?" I offered him my ice cream.

He nodded.

I was about to turn back and walk toward the ice cream parlor to get him his own when—

He held my arm.

I looked at him, confused.

But then—

My confusion turned into shock.

He leaned in.

His gaze locked onto mine.

And then—

He closed his eyes and put his tongue inside my mouth, taking the ice cream from me.

I froze.

He straightened up, licking his lips.

"Hmm. Not bad. From now on, I’ll have it too," he said casually before continuing toward the hostel.

I stood there, stunned.

Did he just… steal my ice cream?

And that too from my mouth?!

Theft in broad daylight!

Didn't he feel disgusted?

Wait. Wait. Wait.

That means he just indirectly kissed me.

Goosebumps covered my skin.

"Do you want me to taste it again?"

I snapped out of my thoughts when I heard his voice.

He had come back toward me when he realized I wasn’t moving.

"You’re a jerk!" I pouted.

"Oh really?" He raised an eyebrow.

"Yes!" I said confidently, looking straight into his eyes.

And before I could process it—

He came really close.

"I know that, Mary."

I gulped.

Hearing my name from his lips for the first time sent a shiver down my spine.

Before I could take a step back, he held my waist and sighed.

"Don’t go away from me," he whispered, his eyes closing for a moment.

I stared at his face.

He wasn’t joking.

There was no teasing in his voice.

Just raw honesty.

"Or else… I might taste the ice cream again the same way I did before."

His eyes opened.

It took me a moment to realize what he was implying.

I gasped. "Jerk!" I said again before walking away while eating my ice cream.

I could hear his small laugh behind me.

It’s insane how comfortable I’ve become with him in just a few days.

If someone who had seen his cold personality before saw him now, they wouldn’t believe it.

"Tomorrow's my birthday," he suddenly said.

I froze.

Of course, I remember.

I even prepared his gift secretly.

I turned to him.

He stood in front of me, looking serious.

"I want to take you somewhere tomorrow," he said.

I smiled. "Isn’t that something I should be saying? It’s your birthday, after all."

"That’s okay. Just invest your time."

I nodded.

"Can you sneak out of your hostel tomorrow morning at 5:30 AM?" he asked, running his fingers through his hair.

It looked like he wasn’t sure whether I’d agree or not.

"5:30 AM?! Where do you want to go so early in the morning?" I asked, surprised.

"I’ll tell you tomorrow. Just be there on time. I’ll be waiting for you."

I looked around and realized we were close to my hostel.

But… how am I going to wake up so early?!

I sighed.

"Fine. I’ll come here in the morning," I said anyway.

His lips curled into a smile.

"I should leave now. Good night," he said.

He nodded and stood there, watching me until I reached the hostel gate.

I turned back.

He was still standing there.

I waved.

He waved back.

Rich people usually celebrate birthdays with luxurious dinners, expensive gifts, and fancy parties.

And here he is—asking for something so simple.

I walked toward my room.

As soon as I entered, I said the only thing that could make our morning meeting possible:

"Gauri, I need your help!"

---

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