**SEASON 2 — EPISODE 5: "THE HALLWAY COLLISION"**
The next two days pass strangely for Bhanu.
Classes feel longer.
Lunch feels quieter.
And every time she sees Yashwin, her heart… reacts.
She hates that it does.
Not because she dislikes him — but because she can't understand him.
Sometimes he's teasing.
Sometimes he's distant.
Sometimes… he looks at her like he's memorizing her.
And she doesn't know what any of it means.
---
## 💗 **THE MORNING THAT CHANGES EVERYTHING**
Bhanu walks into school early.
The corridors are empty — except for Yashwin, leaning against her classroom door.
He stands with his hands in his pockets, hair falling slightly over his forehead, a soft smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
As soon as he sees her, he straightens.
"Good morning," he says—gentle, almost warm.
Bhanu stops walking.
He never says good morning like *that*.
She clutches her books nervously.
"G-Good morning…"
Yashwin takes a step closer.
"Why do you look like you're scared of me?"
"I'm not," she replies instantly, even though her voice betrays her.
He chuckles—low, amused.
Her heart jumps.
"Then why do you avoid my eyes every time I talk to you?"
Bhanu immediately looks down.
And Yashwin tilts his head, watching her with a soft intensity.
"See?" he whispers. "You're doing it again."
---
## 💗 **THE ACCIDENTAL HUG — BUT THIS TIME, DIFFERENT**
Bhanu takes a step to move past him.
Her foot slips on the just-mopped floor.
She gasps—
Her books tumble—
And she falls forward—
Right into Yashwin.
He reacts in a split second.
His arms wrap tightly around her waist.
Her hands land on his chest for balance.
Their faces are **inches apart**.
Bhanu's breath catches.
Yashwin doesn't let go immediately.
He looks down at her—eyes flicking from her eyes… to her lips… then back.
"Careful," he murmurs, voice low and husky.
"Why do you always fall into me?"
Bhanu's cheeks go up in flames.
"I-I didn't do it on purpose…"
"I know," he whispers.
But he still isn't letting her go.
His hand stays at the small of her back, steady, warm, firm.
"Are you hurt?" he asks softly.
"N-No…"
"Then why is your heart beating so fast?"
Bhanu jerks back instantly, face burning red.
Yashwin's smile widens slightly — a secret victory.
---
## 💗 **ARJUN SEES EVERYTHING**
Just then, someone behind them speaks.
"Bhanu…?"
Bhanu turns.
It's **Arjun**.
His expression is unreadable—
but his eyes…
they're full of quiet pain.
He looks at the space between her and Yashwin.
At the books scattered on the floor.
At her flushed cheeks.
Yashwin lifts an eyebrow slightly, as if he doesn't care who saw.
Bhanu rushes to pick up her books.
But Arjun crouches down and helps her.
He doesn't speak.
He doesn't smile.
He just picks them quietly and hands them to her.
"Be careful," he says softly.
It hurts more because his voice is so gentle.
Bhanu nods, unable to meet his eyes.
Arjun walks away slowly, shoulders slightly tense.
And for the first time, Bhanu realizes:
Her closeness with Yashwin…
might be breaking someone else.
She clutches her books tighter.
---
## 💗 **THE QUESTION THAT SHOULD NOT BE ASKED**
When Arjun leaves, Yashwin leans closer again.
"Why do you look so guilty?"
"I'm not," Bhanu whispers, but even she doesn't believe it.
Yashwin studies her face.
Then he asks:
"Do you like him?"
Bhanu freezes.
Her throat closes.
"I… I don't know."
Yashwin's jaw tenses.
He steps closer — just barely — his voice softer, but edged with something sharper.
"Then what about me…?"
Bhanu's eyes widen.
She takes a step back.
Yashwin doesn't touch her — but the air between them grows heavier.
"What do I mean to you?" he asks quietly.
She can't answer.
She *can't*.
Because her heart is a mess.
Because she doesn't understand her own feelings.
Because Yashwin's closeness confuses her.
Because Arjun's kindness feels like home.
She shakes her head and whispers:
"I don't know…"
Yashwin smiles — but not his usual teasing smile.
It's softer.
Almost sad.
"That's fine," he says gently.
"You'll figure it out."
He turns to leave.
Then pauses.
Looks over his shoulder.
And says—
"But Bhanu… whatever you decide, I won't let you run away from me."
Her breath catches.
He walks away.
Leaving her heart pounding, her mind spinning, her world turning.
---
## 🌸 **END OF SEASON 2 — EPISODE 5**