𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐎𝐟 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 ♡

Chapter 39 - A Birthday to Cherish ࣪˖ ִֶָ ᡣ𐭩

The schoolyard was a lively scene during the lunch break, scattered with groups of students, some engrossed in conversations, others playing games, and a few huddled in warm patches of sunlight to escape the bitter morning December chill. The air was thick with laughter and shouts, the kind of vibrancy that only school life held.

Lakhsya and his friends were playing an intense round of volleyball on one side of the field. The game was close, and the energy in the group was at its peak.

But as the opposing team lunged to spike the ball, it went flying of course, zooming past students who instinctively dodged out of its path.

The ball whizzed to the far corner of the schoolyard, where it collided with a tree before bouncing onto the ground.

Lakhsya's teammates groaned in unison, exchanging reluctant glances, hoping someone else would volunteer to fetch it. Finally, Lakhsya sighed, understanding he was the only one willing to go.

With a quick jog, he made his way to the tree, eyes focused on retrieving the ball and resuming the game. He bent down, grabbing it firmly, ready to rush back.

But then, a voice broke the silence.

"So, are you still pretending you didn't notice me, or are you just ignoring me, Lakhsya?"

Lakhsya stilled, his body tense as he registered the voice. He turned slowly, finding himself face-to-face with Veeranshu.

Veeranshu straightened, dusting his pants and meeting Lakhsya's gaze, a subtle smirk playing on his lips.

Lakhsya's jaw tightened, his grip on the volleyball unyielding. "Why would I ignore someone who's nobody to me?" His voice was cold, laced with an edge that betrayed the suppressed anger he held.

Veeranshu chuckled, unfazed. "Nobody to you, huh? Of course... You have so many friends here now. Everyone's favorite, aren't you? Why would you even remember me?" He paused, his expression softening in mock hurt. "But I thought maybe, just maybe, you'd talk to me. It's been three months since I came back, and you haven't even glanced my way."

Lakhsya's patience was wearing thin. His voice dropped to a near growl. "Listen, there's nothing left to say between us. Stay away from me, Veeranshu. Don't provoke me, or you'll regret it."

Veeranshu raised his hands in mock surrender, nodding with a smug smile. "Oh, look at you now-bold and confident. Not the quiet, insecure boy who needed someone to lean on anymore." His hand reached out, patting Lakhsya's shoulder. "I'm proud of you, really."

Lakhsya jerked away, brushing Veeranshu's hand off as if it burned him. "Don't touch me," he hissed, his eyes flashing with barely-contained rage. "I don't talk to people who are selfish and only care about themselves."

Veeranshu's smirk faltered for just a second before he collected himself, a bitter edge creeping into his tone. "Selfish? Everyone's selfish, Lakhsya. Even you. Always have been. That's why you were always jealous of me."