Trouble in a Blazer
Shadowcage
A tall guy stepped forward, dressed in a deep green button-up shirt that hugged his frame just right, subtly hinting at his athletic build. Black baggy pants hung loosely around his legs, and a sleek black blazer completed his look. Glasses perched neatly on the bridge of his nose, adding a scholarly edge. His dark blue, wavy and messy hair fell gracefully around his forehead, framing ocean-deep blue eyesâeyes that held both quiet intensity and gentle mischief. Despite his sharp attire, he manages to look cute.
The guy â âExcuse me, sir? Iâd like to say something.â
Mr. Axel looked up, already half-smiling.
Mr. Axel â âOf course. Ohâwait a second. Do you two know each other?â
Jiya blinked, slightly caught off guard.
Jiya â âNo, sir. I donât really recall seeing him around.â
Mr. Axel â âHmm. But Jiya, you know most of the council members, donât you?â
Jiya â [Nodding] âYes, sir. Weâve celebrated nearly every event together. Iâve met most of them over time.â
Mr. Axel â âWell then, allow me to give you a proper introduction. Jiya, this is our Vice PresidentâRudra Pratap Singh.â
Rudra offered a small, lopsided smile, effortless and cool.
Rudra â [Playfully] âCome on, sir. How could someone as noticeable and well-regarded as Jiya Malhotra possibly remember someone like me?â
His words hung between them, playful yet layered with meaning. His gaze finally met hers. Blue locked with brown. For a split second, time seemed to stutter.
A light flush rose on Jiyaâs cheeks, subtle but undeniable.
Jiya (to herself) â How does he manage to look hot and cute at the same time? I need to stay alert⦠focus, Jiya.
Jiya â âActually, youâve never shown up in front of me before.â
Rudra â [With a light shrug] âYouâre right. I havenât had much time to meet everyone yet.â
Jiya â [Raising a brow with a smirk] âAre you being rude with that cute face of yours?â
Rudraâs lips curled into a smug grin, one that could stir trouble.
Mr. Axel â âAlright, letâs not hold things up. Jiya, werenât you heading to class?â
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Jiya â âThank you, sir, for reminding me. Iâll take my leave now.â
With a quick nod, she turned and walked off, the click of her shoes echoing as she exited the room.
Later, after class...
Students were filing out, chatter and footsteps filling the hallway. Suddenly, a loud thud echoedâright in front of Jiya and Riya. Rudra was sprawled on the floor, looking slightly disoriented.
A wave of muffled laughter rippled through the corridor.
Without hesitation, Jiya extended her hand.
Jiya â âYou okay?â
Rudra glanced up, his pride a little bruised, but he took her hand.
Rudra â [Chuckling] âI know. That was... really embarrassing.â
Jiya â âDonât worry. Happens to the best of us.â
Riya, standing beside them, eyed their still-linked hands.
Riya â [Dryly] âGentleman and lady, will we be witnessing a full-length romcom hand-holding moment?â
Both snapped back to reality and quickly let go.
Riya â âRight then, Iâm off. Iâve got another friend to tormentâoops, I mean catch up with.â
Jiya â [Calling after her] âYouâre such a terrible friend!â
Riya (grinning over her shoulder) â âAnd yet you still love me.â
Rudra glanced around, shifting awkwardly as a few students still stared from afar.
Rudra â âShould we maybe⦠go somewhere else? People are still watching.â
Jiya let out a soft chuckle.
Jiya â âAgreed. The canteen sounds like a safe zone.â
Rudra â âSo⦠whatâs the plan for now?â
Jiya â [Yawning slightly] âHonestly? I just want to sleep.â
Rudra grinned, playful spark in his eyes.
Rudra â âSleep? In the canteen? Now thatâs a statement. Want me to bring you a pillow too?â
They shared a laugh as they approached the escalator. Rudra stepped on first, Jiya following right behind. Their conversation shifted toward their council roles, light and casualâuntil chaos struck.
A rowdy group of boys raced past them, shoving Rudra off balance. In a flash, he stumbled backwardâstraight into Jiya.
Losing balance, he tumbled backwardâstraight into Jiyaâsending both of them rolling down the steps. He quickly tried to check her shoulder for any injury, but the thick blazer she wore made it difficult. His fingers hesitated, hovering awkwardly, and in the flustered moment, he ended up embarrassing himself. Rudra found himself lying on top of her. Their eyes lockedâfor a split second, time seemed to freeze. But Jiyaâs glare could've frozen hell.
She shoved him off and stood up in one swift, furious motion.
Jiya (fuming) â âDonât you even know how to protect a girl? You justâlanded on me like Iâm your mattress!â
Rudra scrambled to his feet, brushing dust from his coat. His ears burned red, from both shame and the verbal assault.
Rudra (stammering) â âIâI swear I didnât mean to! They pushed meâI tried to stopââ
Jiya crossed her arms, eyes sharp, voice sharper.
Jiya â âSo now Iâm the designated crash pad? Excellent work, Mr. Vice President.â
A few students nearby giggled, whispering and sneaking glances. Rudraâs gaze flickered between them and Jiya, whose face was flushedânot just with anger, but perhaps⦠embarrassment?
Rudra (quietly) â âJiya, please⦠donât make it a scene. Iâm really sorry. It was a mistake.â
Jiya (scowling) â âDonât start with the excuses. I know it was an accident, but what were you even doing trying to check my shoulder like that? Whatâs next? Undressing me to âassess the damageâ?â
Rudra froze. Her words slapped the air out of him. His mouth opened to protestâbut nothing came out.