There were certain people in school who didn’t need to try.
Aditya was one of them.
He didn’t enter corridors loudly or announce himself with jokes or arrogance. He simply walked in—tall, straight-backed, composed. His presence wasn’t demanding, yet it was impossible to ignore. The uniform sat perfectly on him, not because he obsessed over appearances, but because discipline came naturally to him.
Fit, athletic, controlled.
He didn’t apologise much. Not because he lacked manners, but because he rarely made careless mistakes. He thought before he spoke, acted only when he meant it, and stood by his choices. If something went wrong, he fixed it—quietly. No unnecessary explanations. No hollow sorries.
Teachers trusted him without question. Seniors respected him. Juniors watched him with admiration they’d never admit out loud. And the girls—almost the entire school—noticed him.
Not because he flirted. He didn’t.
Aditya treated everyone with respect, but never submission. He held doors open, listened when spoken to, and drew clear boundaries without raising his voice. He didn’t charm for attention or soften himself to be liked. That restraint was exactly what made him dangerous.
He had one ex. No dramatic fallout. No rumours worth remembering. Things ended when they needed to—clean, dignified, final.
In class, he sat by the window, sunlight brushing the side of his face as he stared outside, lost in thought. Conversations slowed around him. Glances followed him. He noticed them all—and ignored every single one.
“Bro,” a voice whispered beside him, nudging his elbow. “If staring were marks-based, half this class would be topping.”
Aditya smirked without turning. “You counting again?”
Obviously,” Krish said. “For research purposes.”
Aditya shook his head. “Radha’s going to hear about this.”
Krish immediately raised both hands in surrender. “Hey, loyalty first. Always.” He pulled out his phone, checking the time like it mattered more than the lecture. “Besides, I only have eyes for her.”
That was true. Everyone knew it.
The bell rang. Chairs scraped, voices rose, and the corridor filled with noise. As Aditya walked out beside Krish, eyes followed him—curious, hopeful, frustrated
19Please respect copyright.PENANAHhPe9bQl24


