Don't forget to follow, vote and comment ✨
The evening breeze was crisp as Vikram stood on the rooftop, his hands clenched into fists. The sun had just begun to set, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink.
His heart pounded against his ribs, louder than the rustling leaves and the distant chatter of students below.
Anika stood before him, her soft brown eyes watching him with quiet curiosity.
She had always been quiet, the kind of girl who preferred the solace of a book over a crowded conversation.
And tonight, she was even quieter, sensing that something was different about Vikram.
For years, they had shared silent glances across classrooms, exchanged knowing looks whenever Vikrant would do something reckless.
Anika had always been close to Vikrant, his best friend since childhood.
Vikram? He was always therewatching from a distance, a part of their trio but never really in the center.
He never minded. Because Anika understood him in a way no one else did.
And tonight, he was finally going to tell her.
Taking a deep breath, Vikram finally spoke, his voice steady but low.
"Anika..." He hesitated for a second, searching for words.
Anika tilted her head, waiting, her hands tucked into the pockets of her cardigan.
"I like you."
She blinked, her lips parting slightly. The breeze lifted a few strands of her hair, but she remained still, processing his words.
Vikram swallowed hard, then continued, his voice firmer.
"I’ve liked you for a long time. Since school. Since forever, maybe. I don’t know when it started, but I know it’s always been you."
He let out a breath and looked at her.
"You don’t have to say anything. Just… just know that I mean it."
Silence stretched between them, comfortable and suffocating at the same time.
Then, Anika stepped closer, her gaze never leaving his.
"I know."
Two words. Just two words, but they felt heavier than anything Vikram had ever heard.
Then, slowly, she reached out, hesitating for a second before placing a soft hand on his wrist.
"I like you too."
A sharp inhale left his lips, his chest tightening.
"Are you sure?" he asked, almost afraid of the answer.
Anika nodded. "Yes. I just… I never thought you’d say it first."
A rare smile tugged at Vikram’s lips, small but real. "I wouldn’t have, but I was scared someone else might take my place."
Anika let out a soft laugh, barely above a whisper. "No one else could."
And in that quiet rooftop, with nothing but the wind and the city lights around them, Vikram gently lifted his hand and brushed a stray strand of hair behind her ear.
"Thank you," he murmured.
For understanding.
For waiting.
For choosing him.
For always knowing.
