Ananya needed to know.
Karthik was acting way too suspicious.
The way he panicked.
The way he blushed.
The way he ran away like a total idiot.
Something had changed.
And if she was right—if he really had feelings for her—
She was going to make him admit it.
---
Step 1: The Casual Touch Test
The next day, Ananya sat next to Karthik in class.
He visibly stiffened.
She smirked. "Relax, I'm not going to bite."
"Who said I was tense?" Karthik muttered, eyes locked on his notebook.
Ananya leaned closer and casually brushed her arm against his.
Karthik flinched.
"..."
Bingo.
Ananya pretended not to notice.
"Hey, can I borrow your pen?"
Karthik wordlessly handed it to her.
But when their fingers touched for half a second, his ears turned bright red.
Ananya bit her lip to hide her smile.
Oh, this was fun.
---
Step 2: The Compliment Trap
During lunch, she decided to take things up a notch.
Vikram and Shruthi were watching in amusement.
"This is evil," Shruthi whispered.
"It's beautiful," Vikram whispered back.
Ananya ignored them and turned to Karthik with the sweetest smile.
"You know, Karthik…" she said casually. "You actually look kinda cute today."
Karthik choked on his food.
Shruthi facepalmed. "Oh my god."
Vikram was dying of laughter. "HE CAN'T HANDLE IT!"
Karthik coughed violently before managing to stammer, "W-What did you just say?!"
Ananya tilted her head innocently. "I said you look cute. Why? You don't believe me?"
Karthik looked like his soul had left his body.
"I—uh—t-thanks?"
"You're welcome~" Ananya grinned, enjoying every second of his suffering.
---
Step 3: The Ultimate Test
By the end of the day, Ananya was 95% sure Karthik had feelings for her.
But she needed one final test.
As they walked home together, she casually said, "So… do you like anyone?"
Karthik froze.
He looked like a deer caught in headlights.
Bingo.
"Wh-Why are you asking?" he muttered.
Ananya shrugged. "Just curious."
Karthik swallowed hard. "Uh… n-no one."
Lie.
She narrowed her eyes. "Hmm… really?"
Karthik nodded so fast it looked painful. "Y-Yeah! No one!"
Liar, liar, pants on fire.
Ananya smirked. "Okay, if you say so."
But deep inside, she knew the truth.
He liked her.
And now, she just had to wait for him to admit it.
---
End of Chapter 27