Setting: Evening. Aahi's house is glowing with soft lights. Her mother is seated in the drawing room, discussing papers and contracts with Red's parents. Aahi is in the garden again, sitting quietly on a swing, watching the koi fish in the pond. That's when he walks in… again.
Red leaned against the pillar like he owned it — same red rose, same lazy grin.
> "What is it with you and corners?" he asked, tossing the rose lightly in the air before catching it again.
"You always find the quietest spots."
> "Maybe I like peace," Aahi replied calmly.
"It helps me think."
He stepped forward, spinning the rose between his fingers.
> "Well, enjoy it while it lasts. College starts soon, doesn't it?"
She nodded.
> "Yeah… I'm a little nervous, honestly. New place. New people."
Red's smile faded into something slower… almost thoughtful. Then — he leaned in, his voice lower now.
> "I shouldn't tell you this," he said, glancing toward the house like he was hiding a secret,
"but since I like you, here's a warning…"
Aahi turned to look at him, slightly alarmed.
> "The students at that college? Not the greatest bunch."
"Boys are fake, girls are worse. Drama, gossip, attitude — it's all poison."
Her heart sank a little.
> "W-what? Seriously?"
"But… I thought it was a good college—"
> "Academically? Maybe. But socially?"
He shook his head, slipping the rose behind her ear.
"Just keep your distance. Especially from the guys. All of them pretend to care, but trust me — it's a show."
His words sank deeper than he realized.
Aahi suddenly felt small. The excitement she had carried… dimmed a little.
> "Why are you telling me this?" she asked, voice softer now.
Red shrugged.
> "Because I don't want you to waste time with people who don't deserve your light."
Then, with a smirk, he walked off — as casually as he had come.
Aahi sat frozen, her fingers gently brushing the rose now tucked behind her ear.
> Maybe he was joking.
Maybe he was exaggerating.
But the doubt?
It had already rooted itself in her mind.
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