Nothing In This World

|9| Melting Over Who?

Arya

The glow of fairy lights outside my window twinkled like the stars had descended upon my room, filling it with a warm, inviting light. I nestled into the corner of my favorite couch, my legs tucked beneath me, the familiar weight of my blanket draped over my lap. The scent of freshly baked cookies wafted through the air, a delicious reminder of the holiday spirit that danced around us. With a grin, I pressed the phone against my ear, the world outside fading as Ishaan's voice filled the space between us.

"Hey, Arya! You wouldn't believe the chaos in my class today. There's this new girl—total drama queen!" Ishaan's voice bubbled with laughter, the kind that made me feel like I was right there in the chaos with him.

"Drama queen, huh? What did she do?" I asked, leaning back, my curiosity piqued.

"Let's just say she made a scene during the math quiz because she didn't understand one question. I thought we were going to need a referee!" He chuckled, and I could practically see him shaking his head in disbelief.

I laughed, picturing his exasperation. "Sounds like you have your hands full. But at least you're not stuck in a boring class like mine. Everyone's on edge waiting for winter break!"

Ishaan's tone shifted playfully. "You know, I might be willing to trade places for a day just to get a glimpse of your classroom antics."

"Oh please," I said, waving my hand as if he could see me. "You'd be bored out of your mind. Not everyone can entertain themselves by staring at the back of someone's head during lectures."

"You'd be surprised," he shot back, feigning indignation. "Besides, I'm sure there are plenty of cute boys in your class to distract you from the boredom. What about that guy you hosted the event with? You know, the one in the black shirt?"

My heart skipped a beat at the mention of him, a wave of warmth flooding through me. "You mean the one who sang that beautiful love song?" I couldn't help but gush. "He was incredible, Ishaan! His voice was like velvet, and he had this... this way of making everything feel so magical."

"Oh really? Magical, huh?" Ishaan teased, clearly enjoying himself. "I see how it is. Are you sure you're not just infatuated with his shirt? It sounds like you're ready to write him a love song!"

I swatted the air, feeling my cheeks heat up. "Shut up! It's not just the shirt. He has this charm, this aura about him. It's like he stepped right out of a dream."

"Stepped out of a dream, huh? I'm starting to think I should step up my game," he laughed. "But I'm burning with jealousy here."

"Why?" I asked, genuinely surprised.

"I'm also a handsome boy, you know. But no one is gushing over me. You've known me for two years, and you just met this guy, but here you are, melting over him." He exaggerated a dramatic sigh. "I'm really jealous."

I giggled, unable to help myself. "You are literally melting for a guy! No one has ever made you feel that way before. I mean, I didn't even know you could melt."

"It's an impressive feat," he said, smirking through the phone. "You're literally melting for a guy and didn't do that for me."

I leaned back, the blanket slipping slightly off my shoulders. "Okay, maybe I haven't melted for you like this, but it's different with him! It's just—"

"Just what? Special?" he interrupted, and I could hear the teasing lilt in his voice.

"Exactly!" I said, a spark of excitement igniting my words. "He's special, and I want to meet him. Can you help me?"