"chapters of us "

The fresher's party wasn't just any party—it was themed "An Old English Ball." Grand chandeliers, golden candlelight, and elegant classical music would set the tone for the night. Naturally, Naina was beyond excited, and Hazel? She was being dragged into the fantasy against her will.

"You are not walking into an Old English Ball dressed like a librarian," Naina announced dramatically, tossing dresses onto the bed.

Hazel sighed. "I don't need to stand out."

"You're literally built for elegance," Naina argued. "And tonight, you're going to own it."

Before Hazel could protest, Naina had already decided—a breathtaking navy blue gown with delicate embroidery, flowing like something out of a Jane Austen novel. Hazel's hair was styled in soft waves, adding to the regal charm.

Naina, on the other hand, was a vision of confidence in a bold black gown with matching gloves, looking like a modern-day duchess ready to steal the show.

As Hazel twirled slightly in front of the mirror, she had to admit—she looked… different. Ethereal. Maybe even a little magical.

Naina grinned, pleased with her masterpiece. "See? You belong in a castle."

Hazel laughed. "This feels unreal."

"Good." Naina linked arms with her. "Because tonight is going to be unforgettable."

With the sound of a grand waltz playing in the background, they stepped into the night, unaware of the surprises waiting for them at the ball.

The ballroom floor filled with pairs as the soft waltz played, the flickering candlelight casting a golden glow over the dancers. Hazel barely had time to register what was happening when a firm, warm hand reached for hers.

She turned—and there he was.

The mysterious guy from the corridor, now standing in front of her, looking effortlessly handsome in a classic black suit. His brown eyes burned with intensity, his wavy hair slightly tousled, and the way he carried himself? Effortless. Magnetic. Unfairly attractive.

Before she could react, the music swept them into movement. His grip was steady, his steps precise, and Hazel—who never imagined herself waltzing at a grand ball—somehow found herself gliding across the floor in perfect sync with him.

The air between them crackled with something Hazel couldn't quite place. Heat? Tension? A challenge? All of the above.

She noticed the way his breathing deepened, the way his hold on her waist tightened just slightly. He looked like he was holding back something—something strong. His heart was pounding.

Hazel leaned in just a little, whispering, "Are you okay?"

His jaw clenched before he replied, his voice low, rough. "Yes, Miss Hazel."

Hazel's breath hitched. Miss Hazel?

That's when it hit her. He already knew her name.

She pulled back just enough to look into his eyes, a teasing smirk playing at her lips. "And how exactly do you know my name?"

He held her gaze, a slow, deliberate smirk forming. "Because no one stands out like you do in a room full of faces."

Her stomach did an unexpected flip. Damn.

Hazel arched a playful brow, deciding to match his energy. "Oh? Then tell me, mystery man… what's your name?"

The music swirled around them, the world outside their little bubble fading. He leaned in, his lips dangerously close to her ear, his voice sending shivers down her spine.

The music swirled around them, but Hazel barely heard it. Her focus was on him—the mysterious guy holding her in his arms as they moved across the ballroom floor.

She had asked him his name, expecting a simple answer.

He had leaned in, his lips just close enough to send a shiver down her spine.

"Why don't you guess?" he had murmured.

Hazel had let out a soft scoff. Oh, so he was one of those guys. Mysterious and annoyingly charming.

"Well, that's unfair," she had whispered back, tilting her head slightly. "You already know mine."

He had smirked, about to say something—maybe, finally, his name—when suddenly, their partners changed.

Hazel barely had time to process the shift before she was spun away, forced into the arms of another dancer. No. No. Not now!

But even as different hands guided her through the waltz, even as she spun in someone else's arms, their eye contact never broke.

It was magnetic—unshaken even by the swirling figures around them. His dark brown eyes burned into hers, an intensity that made her pulse quicken. It wasn't just a look; it was a challenge, a silent conversation neither of them was willing to end.

The music played, partners switched again, and again—but Hazel was no longer present in the dance. She was still with him.

Then, the final note played. The dance ended.

And he was gone.

Hazel's breath caught as she scanned the room, her heart still racing. Where did he go?

She turned in circles, searching for a glimpse of wavy hair, a tailored suit, anything—but it was as if he had never been there in the first place.

Her fingers curled into fists. Unbelievable.

Shaking off the distraction, she finally spotted Naina near the bar, laughing with some guy, her black gloves wrapped elegantly around a drink.

Hazel exhaled, rolling her shoulders back. Maybe she was overthinking it. Maybe this whole night was just meant to be one big mystery.

Still, as she walked toward Naina, she couldn't shake the feeling.

This wasn't the last time she'd see him.

And next time?

She wouldn't let him disappear so easily.

Hazel noticed Naina deep in conversation with the guy she'd met earlier, completely engrossed in their chat. Hazel decided to give them space and not interrupt their fun. She'd catch up with Naina later.

As she walked around the ballroom, her attention shifted to Meera, who was heading toward the exit. I should go talk to her, Hazel thought, deciding to follow her out.

She wasn't trying to sneak around—just wanted to check in with Meera.

But as she reached the parking lot, her steps slowed. Standing by a sleek black car was the mysterious guy. To Hazel's surprise, Meera walked toward him, smiling. They exchanged a few words before Meera got into the car, and the guy slid into the driver's seat. Hazel stood still for a moment, her mind racing. How does Meera know him?

She felt a surge of curiosity, but before she could gather her thoughts, the car drove off, leaving her with even more questions.

Just then, Hazel heard footsteps behind her. Naina came down the stairs, laughing with the guy she'd been chatting with all night. Hazel smiled, but her mind was still caught up in the scene she had just witnessed.

"Ready to call it a night?" Naina asked, looping her arm through Hazel's.

"Yeah, let's go," Hazel replied, her voice distracted.

As they walked to the car, Naina leaned in. "So, how was your night? You seemed a bit... distant on the dance floor. You okay?"

Hazel hesitated, then shrugged. "I'm fine. Just... thinking about stuff."

Naina raised an eyebrow. "Stuff? Like what?"

Hazel bit her lip, trying to keep her tone casual. "Just... you know, Meera. She seems... different tonight."

"Oh? Different how?" Naina asked, pulling open the car door.

Hazel slid into the passenger seat, her mind still racing. "I don't know. I saw her talking to that guy by the car... the one from earlier. I didn't realize they knew each other."

Naina raised her eyebrows, clearly intrigued. "Wait, what? Meera and that guy? Are they...?"

Hazel shook her head. "I don't know. I just... don't get it."

Naina laughed lightly, starting the car. "You're overthinking it. It's a party. People talk, people meet. Maybe they're just friends."

Hazel wasn't so sure, but she didn't press the issue. As Naina drove them home, Hazel stared out the window, lost in her thoughts. The questions kept spinning around in her head, but she kept quiet, not wanting to make the night about the mysterious guy again.

But deep down, she couldn't help but wonder—what was going on between Meera and him?

After getting home, Hazel changed into her pajamas and slipped under the covers, but sleep refused to come. She stared at the ceiling, her mind tangled in everything that had happened tonight—the way her mysterious dance partner had looked at her, the way he had almost told her his name before their partners switched, and the way he had disappeared without a trace.

She had never felt like this before—this strange pull, this restless curiosity. What is happening to me?

Hazel had never been in love, never even had a boyfriend. Not because she wasn't interested, but because she had never let herself get distracted. Love had always seemed like something that happened to other people, something that could shift focus from what truly mattered. But tonight… tonight felt different.

And then there was Meera. How does she know him? Hazel turned on her side, groaning. The mystery of it all was driving her crazy.

She closed her eyes, forcing herself to stop thinking. It was just one dance. One night.

But as much as she tried, her mind kept circling back to him.