The whispers started the moment they stopped hiding.

It was a busy Monday morning in the main courtyard during peak hour. Students rushed between lecture halls, chai stalls buzzed with gossip, and the air smelled of fried samosas and fresh rain from the previous night. Mia walked out of the journalism block flanked protectively by the three seniors: Alex on her left with his arm wrapped possessively around her waist, Jake on her right with their fingers laced together, and Ryan a step behind, close enough that his broad chest brushed against her back with every stride. She wore one of Alex’s oversized hoodies over her simple kurti — the sleeves rolled up, the fabric still carrying his distinct cologne — and when they reached the open courtyard, she rose on her toes without hesitation and kissed Alex first.