I was in the middle of cutting tomatoes for dinner when I glanced at the clock it was already 6:30. Karan could be here any minute. My heart gave a little jolt as I realized I probably looked like a disaster. My hair was thrown into a messy bun, and I was wearing an old, loose frock with an apron tied over it, splattered with bits of food. Definitely not the look I wanted to greet him with. With a sigh, I wiped my hands on the apron, glancing around the kitchen. Dinner could wait a few minutes I needed to pull myself together before he showed up.

I quickly abandoned the half-cut tomatoes and was about to rush to the bedroom when the doorbell rang. I clenched my fists and groaned, "What timing, Karan!" I huffed in frustration, glancing at my reflection in the window- not how I wanted him to see me. With no time left, I braced myself and headed for the door, silently cursing my luck.

Taking a deep breath, I opened the door and was met with the sight of someone's chest. I had to look up to see Karan's tall 6'3" frame. He was dressed casually in a loose t-shirt and joggers, a relaxed smile on his face. His bangs fell lightly over his forehead, and his eyes had that sleepy look as if he had just woken up from a nap and taken a quick shower. He looked effortlessly refreshed, while I... well, I didn't.

"Hey there," he said, his smile widening as he noticed my flustered expression.

"Hi," I replied, trying to shake off the embarrassment as I tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear. "Sorry for the mess. I was just in the middle of dinner prep.

"Not a problem, you still look beautiful," he complimented, smiling warmly. I felt my cheeks flush as I bit my lip, stealing a glance at him.

"You seriously have a way with your words," I said, trying to hide my blush but failing miserably.

He chuckled softly, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "I'm just being honest. You always look good, even when you think you don't."

I waved my hands, playfully asking him to stop. "Okay, enough with the compliments! Just come inside," I said, chuckling as I stepped aside to let him enter the flat.

Suddenly, I felt myself being pulled back into a warm embrace. "Where's my greeting hug?" he said, pouting slightly.

I widened my eyes in surprise, quickly glancing down at my apron and messy hair. "Have you seen me? I don't want to get you dirty!" I protested, trying to wriggle free.

He laughed, holding me tighter. "I don't care! You could be covered in flour, and I'd still want a hug."

I was controlling the butterflies in my stomach when I turned around to see him smiling and opening his arms wide. Without thinking, I leaned into his embrace, my cheeks resting against his chest as he held me close.

"Ahh, you're so short in front of me! I could fold you up and use you as a handbag," he said, laughing heartily.

I pulled back slightly, feigning outrage while suppressing my laughter. "Hey! That's not nice!" I exclaimed, playfully pushing him away.

Karan chuckled, holding his hands up in mock surrender. "Okay, okay! I'm sorry! Just couldn't resist teasing you."

I rolled my eyes, unable to maintain my faux anger. "You're lucky you're cute," I said, crossing my arms and trying to look serious.

He stepped closer again, a playful glint in his eyes. "You think I'm cute, huh?"

I bit my lip, glancing everywhere but at him. "I mean, everyone at uni thinks you are... well, you know," I said, trailing off, unsure of how to finish the thought.

Karan raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile playing on his lips. "What? Adorable? Irresistible? A total catch?"

I laughed, finally meeting his gaze. "More like 'out of my league.' You're the one everyone talks about."

As I walked into the kitchen, my heart raced at the intensity of his gaze-it made me want to, you know, lean in closer, but I controlled myself. Karan followed me, looking shocked. "Wait, what do you even know? When you turn those gazes into books, what happens?"

I stopped chopping the tomatoes, looking at Karan with curiosity. I set the knife down and chuckled, "What happens, Karan?"

He leaned over the counter, maintaining a comfortable distance from my face, but his expression turned serious. There was something in his gaze that I struggled to decipher. "All the boys drool over Pashmina Kohli. Everyone wishes that girl in glasses would look at them,"

I couldn't help but laugh at his comment, rolling my eyes. "Oh please, that's just ridiculous! Why would somebody be interested in this boring Kohli?" I shrugged, trying to downplay it.

Karan shook his head, an adamant look crossing his face. "You're anything but boring, Pashmina. You're unique, and that's what draws people in."

I raised an eyebrow, still sceptical. "Really? I mean, I feel like I'm just blending into the background most of the time."

"Well," he said, a bit frustrated, "that's what you think. What if I told you your face was the first one I noticed when I entered the class? I didn't dare to sit next to you at first. You weren't the only one watching from afar."

His confession surprised me, and I felt my heart race. "Wait, seriously? You noticed me?"

And for the first time in months, I saw the 6'3" man with confidence turn into a complete marshmallow. "You see, it's not just because you're a Kohli sister. From the moment I caught a glimpse of you out of the corner of my eye, I was struck by the girl with the thick glasses. My world was shaken. I know it's probably too soon to say this, but confessing should never be too late."

I stared at him, my heart racing. "Wait, are you saying you've liked me since then?"

"Yeah," he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. "I know it sounds cliché, but you had this energy that drew me in. I was just too nervous to act on it."

I felt a rush of warmth spread through me. "I had no idea. I always thought you were out of my league, you know?"

"Maybe we were both just overthinking things," he said with a slight smile. "But I'm glad we're talking about it now. I enjoy being around you, Pashmina."

I took a deep breath, feeling bold. "I enjoy being around you too, Karan. You make it easy to feel comfortable."

"Good," he said, stepping a bit closer. "So, what do you say we stop dancing around our feelings and see where this goes?"

My heart fluttered at the thought. "I'd like that."

Karan smiled a genuine, warm smile that made me feel like everything was falling into place.

I held his t-shirt tight in my fist while his lips hovered just above mine. "Isn't it too quick?"

I could see his face shift to disappointment, but I quickly continued, "From what I've read, the kiss usually happens at the end of dinner during the movie," I said, giggling softly.

Karan rolled his eyes playfully, pulling me closer. "I swear, those sappy romance novels have gotten into your head."

"Maybe they have!" I admitted, laughing. "But they always make it sound so magical like everything falls into place perfectly."

He smiled, his gaze softening. "Well, maybe we can make our version of that magic."

As his lips brushed against mine, I felt a jolt of electricity surge through me. The moment felt both thrilling and surreal, and I knew that whatever happened next would change everything.