The bass pounded through the walls of the dimly lit underground bar—Prestige University's unofficial den of secrets, sins, and status. The Vipers were hosting their signature welcome-back bash. Inside, the crowd glittered with designer brands and trust funds. Everyone who was anyone was there.
At the heart of it all stood the Vipers—the ruling gods of this kingdom. Ishaan, leaning casually against the bar, flirted with a girl whose giggle had already echoed too many times that night. Beside him, Naina swirled her drink and rolled her eyes, but played along, flirtatiously brushing her hair back and tossing compliments like darts.
On the other side, Ria and Niall were in the middle of one of their infamous arguments.
"Ria, that's your third shot. Enough," Niall said sternly, reaching for her glass.
Ria jerked it away. "I can handle myself, Niall. You're not my father."
"No, but I'm your brother. And I know what happens when you drink too much. You spiral."
Her laugh was bitter. "Of course, I spiral. I'm always spiraling, remember?"
Ishaan noticed the tension and excused himself from the girl. He walked over, placed a calm hand on Ria's shoulder. "Come. Let's get some air."
Outside, the night breeze cut through the alcohol and emotions.
"You know he's just looking out for you, right?" Ishaan said, as Ria stood quietly, arms crossed.
"I hate being looked at like I'm fragile," she muttered.
"You're not. But maybe... just maybe, it's okay to let someone care," he said, gently. "Especially when that someone would fight the world for you."
She didn't reply, but the tightness in her jaw softened.
Back inside, the music mellowed and a circle began to form. Time for Truth or Dare—tradition among the Vipers.
Bunny took the first spin. The bottle whirled, landed on Ishaan.
"Pick one, Ishaan. Truth or dare?" Bunny smirked, his cocktail swaying in his hand.
"You know me," Ishaan said with a cocky grin. "I always go with dare."
Bunny raised a brow. "Alright then. I dare you... to kiss a random guy."
Ishaan's eyes widened, mock offense flooding his expression. "Bunny! How dare you?"
Everyone laughed. Bunny held up his hands. "Kidding! Okay okay. Real dare—kiss a girl. Any girl. But for two full minutes."
Without hesitation, Ishaan walked over to the same girl he'd been flirting with earlier, cupped her face, and completed the dare with his usual flair. Laughter and cheers erupted.
This time, Ishaan spun the bottle. It pointed to Niall.
"Mr. Racer," Ishaan said, grinning. "Truth or dare?"
"Truth," Niall replied coolly.
"Do you have someone you like?" Ishaan asked, voice playful but curious.
Niall shrugged. "No. I'm focused on racing. Career first. Emotions later."
Across the circle, Naina's smile faltered. She sipped her drink slowly, eyes distant. Nobody noticed—except Ria, who gave her friend a side glance but said nothing.
After a few more rounds, the game fizzled out. The Vipers stepped outside, the cool night air wrapping around them.
As they made their way to the parking lot, Bunny threw a question toward Ishaan. "Hey, Ishaan. Are you really that immune to love? Still all in for no-strings-attached?"
Ishaan didn't pause as he unlocked his Ferrari. "Love's a myth, Bunny. This generation doesn't have the patience for it. I'm loyal, yes—but that doesn't mean I'll pretend forever exists."
Bunny chuckled. "Damn. That's poetic for someone who doesn't believe in love."
They revved up their beasts—engines roaring to life. Ishaan in his Ferrari, Niall in a fire-red McLaren, Bunny behind the wheel of his slick S-Class Mercedes. Ria slid into her ice-blue BMW M8 coupe, while Naina zipped up in full leather and mounted her Ducati Panigale.
The drag race was quick, violent, and beautiful—how all their lives seemed to be.
Surprisingly, Naina emerged the winner.
As they cooled off at the hilltop, parked beneath the stars, laughter echoed again. But the conversation shifted.
"Guys," Ria said, staring at the sky. "What are we doing about these scholarship kids?"
Niall scoffed. "I emailed Ajwin sir. Tried to stop the intake. Half the board voted against me."
"They've already admitted them," Naina said coldly. "We can't change that."
"So what now?" Bunny asked.
"I don't want to start a war," Ishaan said, voice low. "Not loud, at least. I want to play this smart. Controlled. Precise. Silent but meaningful aggression."
Ria nodded thoughtfully. "Make them feel like they don't belong. Without even saying a word."
The group went silent for a moment, the stars shimmering above like diamonds scattered on black velvet.
Eventually, they made their way to Ishaan's private villa nearby. The rooftop was their sanctuary—a place where masks fell and truths flickered quietly in the starlight.
They laid back, heads close but minds racing in different directions.
Some thought about power. Some about love.
And one, in particular, about a girl he hadn't met yet—one who would soon change everything he believed in.