Senior's Secret Crush♡

CHAPTER 13:The Competing Interests

# Chapter 13: The Competing Interests

Kaviya woke to the vibrant rays of the sun filtering through her window, the day promising the usual hustle and bustle of college life. But today felt different. The air was charged with a mix of excitement and anxiety, and she couldn’t shake the thought of Aryan, the new student who had captivated her attention. He had arrived at college just a few weeks ago, quickly establishing himself as the charismatic newcomer. Kaviya’s friends couldn’t stop talking about him, and she found herself both intrigued and conflicted.

As she prepared for the day, Kaviya’s mind wandered to her last interaction with Aryan. His easy laughter and effortless charm were intoxicating, but a voice in her head reminded her of Arjun—the steady presence in her life who had been there through thick and thin. With a deep breath, she pushed those thoughts aside, reminding herself that she had a right to explore her options.

At breakfast, Kaviya met with her friends Maya, Priya, and Ravi, who were already deep in conversation about Aryan. The café was bustling with students, the aroma of coffee mingling with the chatter around them.

“Kaviya! Did you see Aryan in the library yesterday? He was helping a group of first-years with their project,” Maya exclaimed, her eyes wide with excitement. “He’s like a campus celebrity now!”

“I know, right? And did you hear he’s organizing a music night next week?” Priya chimed in, clearly smitten by the idea. “I bet it’ll be amazing!”

Ravi leaned back in his chair, smirking. “Looks like someone’s got competition, Kaviya. You better watch out before he sweeps you off your feet!”

Kaviya rolled her eyes, but her heart raced at the thought. “Come on, guys! I’m just trying to focus on my studies.”

“But Kaviya, he’s charming and talented!” Maya insisted. “Why wouldn’t you want to get to know him better?”

Kaviya felt her cheeks flush. “It’s not like that! I have Arjun. He’s been really supportive.”

“Supportive, yes, but you’re not dating him, right?” Priya nudged playfully. “You’re free to explore.”

As the conversation continued, Kaviya couldn’t help but feel torn. She valued her friendship with Arjun, but Aryan’s magnetic personality was hard to ignore. After breakfast, she headed to class, her mind swirling with conflicting thoughts.

In class, Kaviya sat next to Arjun, who was deeply engrossed in a discussion about their upcoming project. His focus and dedication always impressed her. But today, she felt a distance between them, one that hadn’t been there before. Was it her imagination, or was he acting a bit more reserved?

“Hey, Kaviya,” Arjun said, breaking her out of her thoughts. “You seem a bit distracted today. Everything okay?”

“Yeah, just… thinking about the project,” she replied, trying to sound casual. “What about you?”

“Same here. I just want to make sure we do a great job,” he said, his eyes earnest. “I know we can if we work together.”

Kaviya smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her. “Of course! I’m all in.”

After class, they walked together, discussing their plans. But Kaviya couldn’t shake the feeling of uncertainty gnawing at her. Would she be able to maintain her close bond with Arjun while exploring her feelings for Aryan?

Later that afternoon, Kaviya was surprised to receive a message from Aryan. “Hey, Kaviya! Are you free to hang out later? I’d love to show you some cool spots around campus.”