Pearl pushed open the library door like she owned the place—but inside, her stomach was doing something
She told herself she didn't care. That she was only showing up so Vansh wouldn't think she was scared of him. Because she wasn't. Obviously.
She spotted him in the back—leaned casually in his chair, one arm slung over the backrest like he had all the time in the world.
Typical.
He didn't even pretend to be surprised she showed.
Vansh (without looking up):"Took you long enough."
Pearl (dropping her bag on the table):"Wow, I forgot how annoying you sound without a screen in between."
He looked up then, meeting her glare with one of his own.But his eyes were glinting—something dark, amused.
Vansh:"And yet you're still here. Guess I'm doing something right."
Pearl (sweetly sarcastic):"I'm here for the grade. Don't flatter yourself."wandering soul
Vansh:"You say that, but your cheeks get red every time I talk."drama queen
Pearl blinked. Then narrowed her eyes.
Pearl:"You wish. You're not that charming."
Vansh (leaning in slightly):"No? Then why do you keep staring like you want to figure me out?"
Pearl (matching his energy):"Because I can't decide if I want to punch you or kiss you. Honestly, it's a toss-up."
That shut him up for half a second.....
Then he smirked. A slow, dangerous kind of smirk that made her skin heat up.
Vansh (low):"Guess we're both bad at hiding things."
The air between them shifted. Suddenly, the silence wasn't empty—it was thick. Tense. Electric....
Pearl:"Don't get cocky."
Vansh:"Too late. You bring it out in me."
She rolled her eyes, grabbing the project sheet just to put something between them.
But then he spoke again—quieter this time.
Vansh:"You still think I'm lying? About everything?"
Pearl (not looking up):"I think you play games. And I don't like being played."
Vansh (serious now):"I'm not playing with you. If I were, I wouldn't be here. I will tell you about @love_peace. when right time will come i will "my"drama queen"
That made her glance up. His expression had shifted.
Gone was the smug confidence. What was left behind was something raw.
Pearl:"Then what are you doing?"
He held her gaze for a moment, and when he answered, his voice was low, careful.
Vansh:"Trying not to screw this up."
Her breath hitched—just slightly.
Pearl:"This?"
Vansh:"You. Us. Whatever this is."
She blinked, caught completely off guard.
Then she laughed—short, sharp.
Pearl (teasing):"You act like we're in a romance novel. What, next you'll say you've been in love with me since the first insult?"
Vansh (grinning):"Since the second, actually. The first one just made me mad."
She snorted despite herself, and just like that, the fire between them was back—hotter than ever.
He leaned across the table a little closer, voice dipping again.
Vansh:"You want to hate me so bad. But you don't."
Pearl (quiet, defiant):"I'm still deciding."
Vansh (smirk widening):"Take your time. I'm not going anywhere."
And for the first time, Pearl didn't argue