I wasn't following Mehul.
That's what I told myself as I casually walked into the lounge, food tray in hand.
Totally normal. Just getting lunch. And yet, the moment I spotted Mehul sitting at his usual table—alone, as always—my steps slowed. Not because I was hesitating.
No.
I was assessing my options.
Option 1: Sit somewhere else. Act normal. Be a functioning human.
Option 2: Sit across from him like I totally wasn't making this a routine.
…Yeah, I was an idiot.
I took the seat across from him.
Mehul looked up. Blinked once. "Again?"
I grinned. "Maybe I like the ambiance."
He sighed, shaking his head just slightly.
I was getting predictable.
A few minutes into lunch, I felt a presence.
Then, an extremely annoying voice.
"Well, well, well," Arjun drawled, dropping into the seat next to me. "Look at you two. Practically married already."
I groaned. "Arjun."
Mehul? Didn't even blink.
Riya joined us, smirking as she placed her tray down. "Vihaan, be honest. If Mehul told you to sit somewhere else, would you?"
I scoffed. "Of course! I have self-respect."
Silence.
Three pairs of eyes stared at me.
I shifted uncomfortably. "Okay, wow. Rude."
Arjun leaned back, grinning. "We're just saying—you're basically a golden retriever waiting for approval at this point."
I rolled my eyes. "You guys need new hobbies."
"Watching your downfall is a hobby."
I grabbed a napkin and threw it at Riya's face.
She just laughed.
And Mehul?
Mehul didn't comment, didn't look entertained, didn't react.
But I swore, for just a second, I caught it—
A tiny exhale. Not quite a sigh. Not quite amusement.
And suddenly, my entire day was made….