Four guys connected by family.
Four girls connected by friendship.
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"Dont give me that look." I say, trying to break the eye contact.
"Like what?" He steps closer.
"Like if I ask you to burn this world, you...
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Song: Ik Mulaqat🎶
Somewhere in the universe, someone was laughing at me.
There was no other explanation for why I was sitting alone in the dimly lit university library, drowning in unfinished architectural blueprints, while the rest of the world lived normal, happy lives. My laptop screen glowed accusingly, filled with lines, measurements, and floor plans that refused to cooperate.
I groaned, rubbing my eyes. Five hours. I had been here for five hours.
My phone vibrated against the wooden desk.
Haiza: You better not still be in the library. Mahi: Loser. Amira: Want us to wait for you?
I sighed.
Me: Go home. I'll leave in ten.
Haiza responded with a string of heart emojis, Mahi sent a thumbs-down, and Amira, ever the mother of the group, replied with: Be safe. Don't get kidnapped.
I snorted. As if anyone would willingly abduct a sleep-deprived architecture student.
Shoving my sketches into my bag, I stood up, stretching my aching back. The library was almost too quiet now, the once-crowded tables completely deserted. Even the air felt different-thicker, heavier, eerie.
I should've left earlier.
Brushing off the weird feeling crawling up my spine, I made my way toward the main doors. I pushed-
And walked straight into something solid.
Not something.
Someone.
A deep chuckle rumbled in front of me, too familiar, too smooth, too painfully annoying.
"In a hurry, jaan?"
My stomach plummeted.
No. No, no, no.
I knew that voice.
Peeling my eyes open, I took one look at the tall, ridiculously good-looking problem in front of me and immediately regretted my life choices.
Saif Amari.
International pop sensation. Heartthrob to millions. Full-time pain in my existence.
He stood there, hands tucked casually in his pockets, like he hadn't just materialized out of thin air to ruin my night.
His crisp white shirt was slightly unbuttoned at the collar, and his usual infuriating smirk played on his lips.
I blinked. "You have got to be kidding me."
"Missed me?"
"No. What are you even doing here?"
He shrugged, stepping aside like he was granting me passage-as if I needed his permission.
