We came out of the washroom together, our feet padding on the soft rug as we burst into our usual chaos.
"Brother!" we yelled in unison, like a choir of complaining sparrows.
Brother Zixianxia, who had just ended his call with Mrs. Ammu, groaned. "Aunty... ah, sorry... I've to go. These kids are about to eat my brain."
Mrs. Ammu chuckled on the other side. "Go. Handle your battalion. Seems like the morning battle has begun."
Brother ran to our room, his face already painted with a mixture of irritation and fondness. "What the hail happened to you three? Why are you yelling like a tsunami just walked in through the front door?"
Alisha pointed dramatically to the cupboard. "Where are our clothes?!"
"Inside the cupboard," Brother replied, nonchalantly.
Aryan joined in, opening the cupboard and groaning. "Still not ironed? Seriously?!"
Brother Zixianxia raised an eyebrow. "Ah, my little royal princesses and princes. Can't even iron your uniforms in middle school? What a tragedy. Do it yourselves and come down for breakfast."
As he turned to leave, we were already scrambling over the iron. The chaos multiplied tenfold.
He called out once more, smirking. "Did you forget about my little friends—cockroaches and mice? Should I send them to keep you company again?"
"You're the real disaster in our early mornings," I muttered under my breath.
"Shut up and iron your clothes," he called back from the hallway.
While Aryan and Alisha polished their shoes, I started working on the ironing. I asked them, "After I fainted, what exactly happened in school yesterday?"
Aryan looked surprised. "Senior sisters Abhilipsha and Akankshya didn't tell you?"
I shook my head. "I didn't get to speak to them."
Alisha sighed. "Alright, we'll tell you. After your fainting spell caused by those trash gossips from Senior Pritika and Swarupa, their so-called 'Best Couple Fan Club' crossed the line. Senior Brother Yizhenxia got furious. He filed a report against them in the university's head office. He accused them of defamation and violating student ethics. He even visited you in the hospital, but you were unconscious. After a brief conversation with Brother Zixianxia, he left."
I gasped, stunned. "All this happened and no one told me?! How can I face school today?"
Aryan chuckled. "Don't worry, I know a shortcut."
I frowned. "Anything else I missed?"
"Not much," Alisha replied, "but it does seem like Senior Yizhenxia is really invested in you. He's never been so protective of any other girl before."
"Is he... trying to see the future? Or... does he already know the past?" I wondered aloud.
"Don't overthink," Aryan said, placing a hand on my shoulder. "It's just nice someone else is there for you besides me and Brother Zixianxia."
We quickly dressed up and headed down for breakfast, fearing Brother Zixianxia might serve us cold milk with boiled oats if we were late again.
By 6:30 AM, we left the house. That day, instead of the bus, Brother Zixianxia personally dropped us at school. We reached at 6:54 AM sharp. As we waited by the gate for our friends, we discussed everything with him.
"From today," he declared, "I'll drop you off every day. You'll save time, and I can keep an eye on your safety."
We were genuinely happy. Having him around meant we'd get to solve problems quickly and feel a little more secure.
As we waited, Aryan leaned over. "C'mon, follow me. We'll get in through the back wall."
Alisha stayed behind to wait for Akankshya and Abhilipsha so she could explain everything. Aryan led me to the wall behind the school. It wasn't high, but it was narrow.
He climbed up and jumped down with ease. I followed, but just as I reached the top, I lost my balance. I tumbled down—straight onto someone.
A soft grunt, followed by a loud gasp.
I opened my eyes and saw... Senior Yizhenxia.
He looked stunned for a second, then his face twisted with anger. He pushed me gently but firmly away. "Don't try to act smart. I helped you once. Don't think I'm your personal guard."
"I didn't do it on purpose!" I snapped.
"I know girls like you," he said coldly.
My anger boiled. I stared into his eyes and muttered, "Don't stare at me like that. Who the hail do you think you are? Just because you saved me once doesn't mean I owe you."
He stepped closer. "You're just a bloody bitch. Stay away from me."
That was it. My hand moved before I could stop it.
SLAP!
His face froze. My heart thundered. "You're not a hero. I never asked for your help. Don't act like you're above everyone."
He turned his back to me, jaw clenched. "Fuck you. I don't want to see your face again."
"Go to hail, then," I spat, my voice trembling with fury.
Unbeknownst to us, some students from that ridiculous fan club had taken photos. Within minutes, they were posted with the caption:
"War Between Stars"
I checked my phone before class, saw the post, and shoved it into my locker with a sigh.
Inside the classroom, everyone stared. Whispers. Smirks. Raised eyebrows. But I pushed it aside and focused on my studies.
The first three periods went smoothly. Ankrit, that annoying worm, kept trying to provoke me.
During the fifteen-minute short break, we went to get hot water. I hesitated going toward the senior wing, so I waited near the stairs while Abhilipsha fetched water.
The lawn looked heavenly. Rain scattered like dew on every petal, every blade of grass. Hanging baskets with flowers like Fuchsia, Lantana, Lobelia, Portulaca, and Sweet Alyssum looked like nature's jewelry. Butterflies danced, bees hummed—a tranquil orchestra.
Suddenly, a shove.
THUD! I crashed down from the fourth step, my knees and palms scraped.
It was Senior Pritika.
"Couldn't you see I was standing here?!"
She smiled wickedly. "Sorry, I left my eyes in class."
"Oh really? Then how did you know I was here?"
"You reek. Your smell can kill."
"Good. Keep smelling me and die. I hope you RIHT—Rest in Hail Terribly!"
Laughter erupted. Her face turned crimson.
"You're my rival now," she hissed.
Far off, I saw Senior Yizhenxia and Senior Siddhartha watching everything.
"Interesting," Siddhartha said. "She slapped the Head Girl. She's bold. Who is she?"
Yizhenxia, lips tight, replied, "Spy on her. Find everything about her. I already know. But now it's your turn."
He was trying to protect me. Again.
Whether I liked it or not, our stories were being woven together by invisible threads of fate, conflict, and... something deeper.
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