The assignment ended, but no one rushed to leave their seats.

For the first time, conversations continued even after the work was over.

Vihaan was trying to convince Akruti to join the school's art competition.

"My drawings aren't good enough," she murmured.

"They're better than good," Vihaan replied. "You just don't believe it yet."

Across the room, Aashi sat beside Yash.

"You've barely spoken since we met," she said gently.

Yash smiled awkwardly.

"I don't really know what to say."

"You don't have to say something impressive."

He looked at her.

"Just... say anything."

After a long pause, Yash quietly asked,

"How's your new school?"

Aashi smiled.

"Honestly? It doesn't feel like mine yet."

Yash nodded.

"I know that feeling."

For the first time since joining the school, Aashi felt like someone understood her.

At the other desk, Ayaan noticed Reyansh staring absent-mindedly out of the window.

"You know," he said, "you're allowed to laugh once in a while."

Reyansh let out a small chuckle.

"That counts."

It wasn't loud.

It wasn't perfect.

But it was real.

And somehow, the old room felt a little less like detention than it had the week before.