The following Saturday, Mrs. Sharma walked into Room 17 carrying a small cardboard box.

The seven students exchanged curious glances.

"What now?" Ayaan whispered.

Mrs. Sharma smiled for the first time since detention had begun.

"Today, no assignments."

Ayaan dramatically looked at the ceiling.

"Thank you, universe!"

She ignored him and placed the box in the center of the circle.

"Inside this box are seven folded chits. Each chit has one question."

"You will pick one question and answer it honestly."

The room fell silent.

"No marks," she continued. "No right or wrong answers."

"Just honesty."

One by one, they picked their chits.

Ayaan unfolded his first.

'What is something you pretend doesn't hurt?'

His smile faded.

Vihaan's question read:

'What are you most afraid of losing?'

Akruti stared at hers for a long time.

'When was the last time someone truly understood you?'

Reyansh slowly unfolded his.

His fingers tightened around the paper.

'Who are you trying so hard to impress?'

For the first time...

No one was ready to answer.

And for the first time...

Detention wasn't testing their patience.

It was testing their hearts.