Flashback Part: 10
The dance hall was on the second floor in the same block which had Music hall on ground floor. It was very large, but its size was that of half of the music hall.
"You think other participants might also use this hall?" Hilary asked,
"Might be, we will adjust the times," Ryan ignored the question and so did Hilary herself.
"So," She took a seat on the small podium and swayed her legs childishly, "How exactly are we gonna practice?"
Ryan softly scratched his hair before his analyzing eyes spotted the cable to which he could connect his phone for the songs or music to be played on the speakers on the walls.
"So, how are you at dance?"
"Mediocre," Hilary replied and took a jump from the podium and watching him connect his phone,
"Same here," He said, "So we will first try with something simple light music," He suggested,
"Boring," She dared to say, "Try some cute song, party type,"
Ryan sighed. He wondered if she wasn't nervous at all. "Okay,"
"Girls like you?" he asked,
"Perfect," She grinned and the music started. For the first few seconds, they hit each others hands and shoulders, as they couldn't hold it properly out of weirdness.
"Relax," Hilary smiled at him. "Who said I'm not?" he said,
"One second," He stopped at her words and even though they were bad at the accord with music but still they were trying. She softly held his hands, "Now let's start," she instructed. Finally, they got a hold. Ryan smiled lightly.
He tried a few moves and every time he felt that she was better than him. Hilary was patient because she got the idea that the guy was good at instrumentals and singing but probably he deterred in dance. Sometimes, they mistakenly bet each other or crashed stupidly.
Surely, occasionally, the blood rushed for the flush but they were still dealing and trying to be comfortable with each other, which was sometime going good or sometimes making it weird.
Here how it comes, a friendship starting with no distance at all.
They stopped and took a break, "I think, we should try light music," Hilary gave up.
"Yeah." He changed to some light music and that caused them to relax for a bit. Hilary eased and Ryan relaxed. They smiled at each other multiple times in the silent physical contact because there was nothing else they were gonna do and the moves came naturally, and it was less hectic and weird. Somehow, Hilary had gut feeling that she'd get a fever tonight but she ignored. Because these moments were so blissful, so protected, so full of only them, close, and together.
Beautiful.
"Hey, you love slow music?" She asked moving her hands in accord with his,
"Yeah, but I'm not a huge fan of it." He said.
"I'm addicted to music, a lot." She admitted.
"What type?" He asked,
"Anything unless its not heavy metal or hard," Hilary said.
"Yeah, even I prefer the same," Ryan said as he ushered her to turn and take a roll along his arm's length.
"Usually, I love listening it in long drives, before sleeping, listening with Delia," she smiled in joy.
"You and I are lot alike, in this regard," Ryan smirked,
"Hah," Hilary beamed.
Silence ensued once more. They were comfortable yet. It was a good time to appreciate their presence for each other.
"You think you'll miss this place if you leave?" Ryan asked,
"No, I won't miss it." Hilary said without thinking, "Seniors will be gone and so will be the huge syllabus!"
"Haha,"
"Will you miss it?" She asked,
"Of course, I can't even think of leaving this place. It's beautiful and I love people here. I know our seniors are annoying but I'm still willing to bear it all for staying here. I've got freedom and peace here. It's so give you that feeling of being alive."
Hilary frowned, "Don't you miss your family?" She asked.
Ryan twisted his lips comically, "I'm grateful to be away! I'm happy here." He smiled.
Hilary laughed. Their dance session ended.
They sighed, "It was good, for today," Hilary remarked,
"Can we spend a little more time tomorrow? We've to try on songs." Ryan asked.
"Yea sure, evening five would be good," Hilary said. Ryan nodded.
They headed out after taking their phones and closing the dance hall.
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It was beautiful evening. The winds were blowing fast, cold but heartfelt. Ryan had small speakers on, playing serene music as he did his chores of preparing light meals for dinner, cleaned his messed bed, took shower and got comfortable in night wear.
He was somehow feeling very calm and contended.
Same was in Hilary's room. She had played some sweet calm songs and continued with her usual chores.
She was contended and happy as well. She was smiling so fully all through the time even though Delia loaded her with more work and even though she didn't forget that Delia didn't press her clothes or locked her room in the late afternoon and it caused havoc of scene, she still didn't scold her.
"What's up Hils?" Delia nudged.
"Keep quiet. Let me enjoy the music," Hilary said,
They rolled their eyes but continued noticing her.
Once the song ended, they caught her and they all plumped onto bed.
"Now, tell us what is it?" Margot asked,
"I and Ryan are participating in couple's dance competition on Freshers!" Hilary smiled and no one could deny the unbounded happiness on her features.
"Wow! That's awesome." Delia smiled brightly.
"So, you went for practice today, with him?" They asked,
"Yea..."
"Aww!" Delia playfully nudged Hilary.
The girls were quiet noticing how she was almost bursting in happiness, "You know even Ryan love songs, he listen them often like I do. He even said that we are alike," Hilary grinned.
"Damn girl! Are you in love with him or what!" Margot squealed,
Hilary frowned and thought, "Actually, I think yes," She winked at Margot.
"Woo!" The girls gave an ear piercing squeal. Hilary almost shuddered. Delia fiercely hugged her.
"When are you going to say him?" Delia asked,
Hilary sighed, "Not so soon. I don't think that's gonna happen anytime soon but..." Hilary thought, "I'm fine with him with little friendship. I'm grateful, for having him." She said.
"That's wise you know, I'm happy for ya," Margot said.
"We are gonna spend time together, at least no one will interfere us as long as Rafael is there," Hilary chuckled,
"Aha, you got a good bf," they bursted in laughter.
"You know..." Hilary said in reverence, "
"He never gets angry, he's always calm." Hilary gazed in the space, "Today, he literally got angry at Daniel... he was protective of me," Hilary said,
"That's nice..." they smiled,
"And this is more than enough for me," Hilary got up.
"Hey, where are you going?" Delia yawned,
"Say us your tales more," Margot grinned,
"Enough for today, girls!" Hilary changed into comfortable nightwear, a reverie of Ryan hitting her.
"I'll sleep for now." She cleaned her bed and lied down.
Within few minutes, the lights were shut off and the darkness took over. The moonshine reflected on her side of wall.
Very casually, she opened her phone and messaged Ryan, seeing he was online.
'Didn't sleep yet?'
'Was just about to. Wbu?'
'Same, ;)'
'Hey, can we go out this weekend out? Just fooling Rafael like we're on date?'
'Yea sure,'
'Sure?'
'Sure, Hils,'
'Let's go to park with roller coasters then!'
'As you say, :)'
'Hey... next year, even when Rafael won't be there and we don't have to play couple act, we still can go out, can't we?'
'?'
'Yea we can go out. Give your joys a little rest. :)'
'Okay xD. Gn!'
'Goodnight, sweetheart, ;P'
She blushed at the word 'sweetheart'. She kept her phone aside and fell asleep.
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The next day, most of the day went fast seeing that Dr. Evyan did the dissection of throat very fast and explained them and left, and the biochemistry lecture went pretty smooth. Rest of the labs were cancelled seeing that the peers needed time for preparation of the event.
The whole college was agog with excitement. Ragging happened daily but it wasn't severe like it was in starting days.
Even seniors were kind and didn't annoy much.
"Hey, you're Ryan, right?" Annie asked as the guy was in hurry to head to Dance hall.
"Um yeah, ma'am," he said timidly. They were in the open expanse like ground.
"Where's Hilary?" Annie asked,
"I was going to her actually," Ryan said frankly.
"Oh," Annie smirked, "So you guys are dating, I heard that..." Annie took a seat on the small elevated parapet portion in-front of the plants,
"Hm," Ryan nodded, wishing if he'd go fast away from here,
"Have a seat, I haven't interacted with you," Annie said, and called Kitty who was her classmate to join,
Ryan obeyed and sat with them.
"So, are you participating in couple's dance?" Kitty asked,
"Yeah, I was going for the practice actually," Ryan fidgeted,
"Give us some time, we'll leave you soon," Kitty rolled her eyes,
"You and Hilary look cute together." Annie remarked,
"Thanks," Ryan said without any expression.
"What were you doing in her room yesterday?" Kitty asked with a daring frown,
"I heard it too from Daniel," Kitty said,
Ryan got slightly angry and he rose up, "I was doing nothing there and I please don't want to talk about it," he scowled.
"You can't do that," Annie said calmly.
"Look Ryan," Kitty said patiently, "I'm not here to give remarks. I'm just warning you. There are many couples here in the college and there's nothing wrong with it, but its all restricted to out of the hostel. You meet up a guy or girl frequently inside hostel in their room, you'll be reproached and disgraced."
"So what about Daniel who came there for Delia?" Ryan retorted, "No one reproached him," he asked. Kitty was about to say something harsh, like about Daniel, feeling bad that her friend was flirting with a junior girl.
"I will reproach him." A bold voice said.
The duo and Ryan stood up as their senior Nainika showed up.
"Good evening, ma'am," Kitty, Annie and Ryan wished her.
"You both, leave," She said to her junior girls and they left. Her voice was strong and they dare not disrespect her,
"I'll inquire Daniel, but first you say me, what you were doing there?" She asked and sat near the plants,
"I did nothing wrong. I just protected Hilary and I went there actually to tell her about the dance practice," Ryan said submissively.
"Hmm," Nainika knew that he wasn't lying.
"Be careful, Ryan. No one's gonna talk about you and her from this moment on wards," Nainika said confidently. Ryan bought her words.
"Ma'am, I've a request," Ryan said cautiously,
"I said already that I'll handle that jerk," Nainika strode away. Nainika was indeed going to teach Daniel a good lesson and knock some sense about an already precious friend he had and he was ignoring, that is, Kitty.
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Ryan was pretty convinced that there will be no more inquiries and questions about him and Hilary. He rushed to the M-hall and Hilary was already waiting for him, staring at the inverted cone shaped ceiling and large banners on the walls,
"Sorry, I'm late!"
Hilary smiled at him, got up and helped him remove his bag and took his phone and connected to the cable. She was dressed in a perfect black tracks and fine fitting top, a perfect dance practice suit.
"Hey, you look cool," Ryan remarked as he quickly removed his jacket,
Hilary cheered.
"Let's start then,"
It was better than yesterday, at least they held each other properly, unlike yesterday where it felt like they were gonna grab and have a fight.
His tiredness shoved away as Hilary's warm smiles kept him intrigued more. Their dance went better, calm and improving.
For Hilary, it was the most awaited time of the day and she wasted no time in leaving him anytime. It was almost like she tired him but he held back from complaining because of her zest. She overpowered him at times and he'd to remind her to slow down. She'd clutch him so passionately sometimes that he would feel his heart flutter. She'd make him feel so many things and he'd have do to keep all in his power to stay calm.
By the end, he'd prove to her that he'd done fine.
"So, are you going to the room?" Hilary asked,
"Yeah, I'm tired. I'll have shower," he said.
"Hey, you did well. We'll win this competition," she tried to appease him.
He nodded ignorantly.
She stared at him sadly as he felt dissatisfied with the practice, he picked up his bag and hung it on the shoulder,
"We should leave now," Ryan said,
Hilary held his wrist, as she slightly bent, and she frowned at her own actions with a weird expression.
He laughed at her face barely. "What is it?" He asked nonetheless,
"Hey," she said tersely, "Stop worrying too much. Don't think I don't see that on your face," she pouted.
"What do you see on my face?" He asked calmly in amusement.
"That you're worried?" Hilary left his wrist and asked,
"I'm not. We'll win this, I know." Ryan lied badly.
"Hope so." Hilary sighed loudly and lifted her bag, much to her surprise, Ryan patted on her head like she was a small girl.
"Bo! Stop treating me like a kid," Hilary whined slightly.
"I'm not," he smiled and they walked out.
"Hey I'd some money saved, you think you can give some time for a date?" She asked joyously.
Ryan sighed shamelessly loud, "No dates till we are perfect with dance," he commanded,
Hilary whined, "Unfair!"
"Only after we are done enough with practice, I'll take you out," he exhaled a sharp breath.
"That will not happen till Freshers," Hilary eyed him lazily.
"I don't care," Ryan smiled sarcastically, "Also, I'll teach you instrumentals after the Freshers," he smirked. She blanched. "What!?" She looked at him suspiciously,
"Of course, at least you'd learn piano for being my girlfriend. I'll take the courtesy to teach you alone." he smirked fully, being in an absolute mood of teasing her, "Look at Simra, even she learned piano by Rafael,"
"So?" She raised an eyebrow,
"I'll tutor you, I'll punish you, it'd be fun," he smiled so sarcastically and deviously that Hilary almost said ouch.
"No need, Simra ma'am will teach me piano," Hilary said with a victorious look,
"I doubt if she can," Ryan gave a nervous chuckle,
They walked inside the hostel building,
"Goodbye then. Good luck with showering," she said, trying to joke. Ryan giggled softly and trotted upstairs. Hilary lazily walked upstairs and unlocked the door to find Margot telling about auditions.
"Bhavya and Ezabella were awesome. I think either of them will get selected,"
Hilary was vaguely listening them and she changed and had her late lunch.
"Don't worry, Mar, you did your best," Hilary said.
"Hm, how was your practice?" Delia asked,
"Better, we're improving," Hilary said,
She lied on her bed and tried to sleep but somehow she was worried about competition. She didn't want them to loose. She sighed. Flipping sides, she tried to sleep but no avail. Eventually she got up and headed to kitchen to try some snacks.
"What are you doing?"
"I'm making potato chips," Hilary said,
"B-But, can't we just buy them?" Margot asked,
"I'm passing time," Hilary said.
After an hour of efforts she managed to prepare nice flakes of chips with salt and black pepper on it.
"Wanna try?" She asked.
They attacked the chips until no bit of it remained.
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Ryan dried his hair and wore a loose grey track and loose sky blue T shirt and checked his phone. He walked out of his room to meet Rolly, whose room was a minute away. He froze suddenly when he saw Daniel having a black eye and a solemnly defeated face.
"Wow, who gave you that?" Daniel didn't miss the venom in Ryan's voice which came because of yesterday's scene at Hils's room.
"Nainika ma'am," he muttered.
"For what?" Ryan asked as they eventually stood in front of each other,
"As if you don't know. Leave it, I'll say sorry to both Hilary and Delia." Daniel sighed. Ryan was surprised.
"Good, you should- you know, but not at girl's floor; tomorrow at college," Ryan patted him and headed to Rolly's room, "Actually, I was myself gonna come and teach you a lesson to stay away from my girlfriend and her friends, but I'm grateful to Nainika ma'am that she explained you much better," Ryan said clearly. Daniel ignored.
"Hey, what did you say to Kitty?" Daniel asked,
"Nothing," Ryan shrugged.
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"You keep on flirting with juniors or others and you expect me to be your dance partner?" Kitty asked, "You're so selfish, Daniel. I almost got scolded by Nainika ma'am today,"
"She gave me a black eye, is that the reason you're refusing?" Daniel asked with a frown.
"Are you kidding?" Kitty said boredly, "I'm not a jerk, Daniel," Kitty said in a low voice.
"I'm sorry, Kitty. I know I haven't been best with you and I was a huge idiot these days." He admitted,
"Do you realize that?" Kitty smirked bitterly.
"I do, I'll apologize Hilary and Delia tomorrow." Daniel sighed,
"Whatever, but I'm refusing you," She turned to walk away, he brashly held her wrist, pulling her abruptly close,
"Would you just give your anger a rest?" Daniel asked frustatedly.
"Would you just give your insolent flirting a rest?" She mimicked his tone in the same second,
"I said I'm sorry," he said cautiously. He just wanted to shut her up and kiss her badly and tell her to stop yelling at him and he was done with everyone and tired of waiting for her and pretending, but he just held those feelings down, because he knew her. She would slap him for that, or probably give an another black eye?
"What do you consider me? A classmate? A friend or someone who's there for you to forgive you all the time!" She yelled the last part.
"Calm down, Kit!" Daniel held her shoulders, "This is girl's floor; won't be good if they hear us!"
She escaped his grasp and stood away, "You want me to forgive? Then go away and don't talk to me. I'll talk to you when I feel so," She said boldly,
"Hey!"
"You want me to forgive or not?" She asked finally and curtly.
"Fine!" He gave her one deep stare and then left her room.
Kitty smiled sadly...
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The next day, Daniel was quiet for most of the time and his friends were a little surprised. Usually he'd crack jokes or flirt randomly with someone.
Kitty gulped at his change of behavior.
"What's wrong with him?" Annie asked Kitty.
"Leave that guy, he's fine." Kitty ignored.
By the end of the day, their Microbiology lecture was over and everyone were bitterly tired after that 2 hours lecture. They started packing bags and leaving. Daniel leaned on his bench and stared in the space. He'd apologized his juniors in the lunch break and also he was quiet and kind throughout the day. It wasn't difficult for him, but he felt heavy at heart.
"Aren't you gonna leave?" Kitty asked,
He looked at her in surprise. He didn't expect her to talk so soon, "I'll leave soon," he said dimly.
"Daniel, stop sitting there, lazy boy!" Kitty scowled at him, "Meet me in the dance room, we've got to go for practice," she said with a better expression, her anger not there.
"Really?" Daniel stood up excitedly, almost about to run and catch her,
"Yep," she was at the door and he was in the last corner row, so she flew without escorting him.
Daniel smiled peacefully.
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"Why aren't you participating in couple dance competition?" Dev asked, as she kept a brief eye contact at Vincent sulking reluctantly in the front of Hostel,
"I'm not interested," Vri replied, the duo was standing in the expanse of open ground,
"Not interested or you want a partner?" Dev asked,
"The former," Vri sighed,
"Well... I suggest you speak to Vincent once," Dev suggested. Vincent was second cousin of Dev and she noticed that her cousin was interested in the competition given that Vri was his partner.
Vincent was fidgeting visibly and ignoring the duo his best.
"Vince! Come here," Dev called,
The guy hunched in an attempt to hide somewhere, but another loud call lead him walking towards his cousin,
"Yes, sis?" Vincent was nervous, "Ask the girl already," she rolled her eyes,
"Um?" Vri gulped in. She didn't notice Vincent before. The guy has curly brown hair and hazel green deep eyes.
"I'd rather have some talk and friendship before dance practice?" Vri said boldly but calmly.
"Sure!" Vincent blissfully took her hand and shook it. Vri nervously laughed and Dev chuckled.
"I was really looking forward to talk to you," Vincent sounded so desperate and happy.
"Oh," Vri smiled.
"You guys, have some time and just participate in that competition. You've no idea how beautiful it looks when all the couples dance." Dev smiled.
"Aren't you participating?" Vri asked,
"I'd have, but Dylon isn't here. He's at Austin..." Dev said with a blush.
"Who's he?" Vri asked,
"They are engaged," Vincent said.
"Aww, Dev ma'am, I didn't know that. Congrats!" Vri smiled and almost hugged her.
"Thanks," Dev smiled,
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-Where are you? At room?
-Yes,
The texts of Ryan and Hilary started. Hilary wondered why he was asking,
Hilary started first,
-It's almost nine. Had your dinner?
-Yep. What about you?
- Just had with Rafael and Rolly at La Cruzada. I actually took Rolly for giving the treat, but later i had Rafael joined as well :)
- Wow! Are you at the restaurant now?
- No, we returned few minutes back.
- Hmm, :)
- I missed you. :'l
Hilary paused, blushing unbelievably.
- Its okay...
- Can you come at the dance hall? Shall we practice once more?
- Now? O.o
- Yep.
- Um.. okay. I'm coming in ten minutes.
Ryan waited for her in the hall which was hauntingly silent. The lights were on. He went in the deep corner of the hall and attempted to open the air conditioner. He didn't notice that Hilary was just about to get in and the moment she did,
"Ah!" He flinched at the ear piercing squeal she gave. The lights suddenly went off and his heart jolted at her screams.
"Hilary, quiet! I'm here," he shouted and the lights came back suddenly. She was pale and she wrapped her arms around herself.
"Damn, you look like a nervous wreck," Ryan said in amazement,
"I was scared! You realize that?" Hilary said in utter disbelief. He walked towards her.
"Okay, now forget it." Ryan patted her on head,
"Whatever," She sighed in hidden fear. Ryan rolled his eyes and once again, he didn't even blink properly, the lights shut off. Hilary squealed even with higher pitch and crushed him in a fierce hug, almost strangling him. Ryan gasped. He was frozen.
"Quiet!" He almost shouted at her, "I'm here, just calm down," he said her and rubbed his hand on her back,
Her head was about to dug on his shoulder and Ryan almost held the bare pain. A thunder bolted out and it was again a huge sound. Hilary freaking squealed in fright again. Ryan's ears bombed. His ears felt excruciating, especially now that she was clutching him so close. The thunder came again. Ryan swerved almost, he clasped her cheeks and moved her face back and placed a hard, intense kiss on her lips. Well, that caused the horrendous screams to halt, at least. It was soothing. Now it was her turn to froze, and get stupefied.
His hold on her cheeks was so tight in that utter fear that she'd squeal again. Hilary's heart got punched in that moment.
He moved away slowly when she moaned audibly.
They stared at each other with equally horrified gasps, for breath and shock.
She bit her inner lip terribly and incredulously.
"I'm sorry!" He said with brows puckered tensely.
"What was that?" She asked with a sharp inhale,
"That was intuitive, you damned my ears with the squeals, Hils," Ryan said,
"Was it really that?" Hilary's gasp blasted, "Was I that terrible?"
Ryan was thankful that she was thinking about the squeal and not the tryst, "Yeah, I'm thankful that my ears are alive," The lights came. She noticed that she didn't squeal after he kissed her. The brief reverie made her blush uncontrollably and Ryan clearly noticed. She didn't want to talk about what happened just now. He still held her shoulders, he softly left her.
"I'm sorry, I kinda freaked you. After all we aren't a couple," Ryan said scratching his head and looking down.
Hilary was quiet and she didn't know what to say, she closed her mouth audibly.
"Its okay," She weirdly tried to resist blood rush.
"I think I'm a terrible friend," Ryan grinned nervously, "I scared you so many times, but I never intended to,"
Hilary knew of all those times, "Just don't hurt me in this friendship, that's more than enough," she said without even thinking. Ryan's eyes widened at those words, he looked in inquisitiveness, "I mean, s-sometimes people just l-leave you, or say, your own, just leave you because of your decisions in life, because of their egos. That just hurts." Hilary admitted.
Surprisedly, Ryan wasn't even shocked. He just smiled at her sadly as she still stared the floor. "And to replace, them, you get better people in life." His words jolted her nerves and she stared at him in so much respect and regard. He was so right, "Just like me," he smiled warmly at her. A tear slipped through her cheek and she hastily hugged him, without a second thought, causing more tears to flow, burying her face against his chest.
Ryan smiled and consolingly rubbed his hands gently on her head.
After a minute, he pulled her and examined her face, looking her gently, "Hey, don't cry. You know, you've got me," he softly wiped her tears, and Hilary felt a pang of both relief and regret. Relief that they had a strong bond, and regret that she would never be able to confess him.
'WHY can't I say him?' She just couldn't and a weird and mysterious fear held her back. What if she got rejected? What if he left her like Kai?
"You're not a terrible friend. You're the best thing that have happened to me in this city," she laughed through the tears,
He tightened his grasp on her shoulders and lifted her chin so that she gazed him, "I'll not leave you, like other people," he smiled. Hilary looked in his eyes, they didn't lie at all. "I think this grown up friendship of us will help us a lot in winning the competition," Hilary said. Ryan left her as he realized that that they were here originally for practice, all thanks to the stupid power cut, they wasted time.
"Ah, its 9.39," Hilary said, "Shall we start? Or are you sleepy?" She asked,
"We'll start," He plugged the phone with some soft music,
"Ryan..." she sighed, "Let's try on some song. We don't have much time," She suggested,
Ryan knew she was right, "Okay," he played Need your love by Gryffin. "Aww, such a sad song," Hilary blew the air,
"Whatever, I just found it," He headed to her and stood before her, staring her deeply. She gulped and held his hands, "Let's start,"
The dance went without much of mistakes and they felt that they were improving. So they practiced with the same song with selected steps and rhythms for multiple times, hoping they can do it at faster pace. And within next half an hour, they had far improved.
"Just one more time," Ryan hesitated. Though Hilary didn't felt it was needed, she agreed. After the final practice, they changed the song. "Try something cool," she chuckled,
"You say?" Ryan smirked
"Taki Taki?" Hilary winked.
Ryan's expression turned paler, "Are you serious? I'll cringe, honestly," Ryan said,
"Sorry. Try Magnetic Love," She suggested,
Ryan played the song, "This sounds refreshing," he smiled barely and brashly took her hold,
Hilary had the upper hand because of the feminine tone. But the steps needed and became faster, a lot.
"I think, we have done good, we are on line." Hilary said, loosening her grip on his backside of neck.
"Sure," Ryan loosened his grip on her waist.
"Let's try once more," Hilary suggested and he replayed the song. This time, it was even faster than needed with fewer mistakes.
"Ryan, turn now," she said when he was about to pull a wrong step.
Nonetheless, he avoided the mistake.
"I'm damned, you tire me," He laughed at the end, still holding her with both his hands around her waist,
"You think I can defeat you in an arm wrestling match?" She smirked with hopes,
"You're not that strong, for that," he smirked, and just to prove his point, his grip on her back tightened.
"Fine," she sniggered, "No more arguments,"
A moment of quietude gradually followed, freezing them.
"Hey," Ryan smiled, "I think. . . I like your eyes. They are so red wine," he said. She blushed with a chuckle,
"I like your sharp nose, wish I had it," she said. Ryan bought that and he remembered Simra jabbing his nose cutely.
"Might be," he laughed,
Not even bothering it was past ten thirty of night, they kept on talking standing like that for much time, joking, flirting decently, smiling, staring occasionally, and it ended when Hilary's phone rang followed by Ryan yawning.
"We should leave now," Hilary said. He left her and they walked to the hostel building, chilled at the cold breeze and dead silence that was there.
He offered her his jacket during their little walk, but she denied. He himself placed the jacket on her, "You need it. I can't afford catching you cold," he remarked,
"Is it care or competition?" She mumbled,
"Care, stupid," Ryan scowled.
She sneezed, "Its allergy, not cold,"
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Hilary headed to her room with bundle of questions shooting her,
"Where were you?" Margot asked suddenly,
"Calm down. I was at dance hall. For practice," Hilary was nervous,
"You saw the time?" Margot asked angrily. Delia was scared.
"I'm sorry, we just got engrossed in the practice," Hilary said,
"No!" Margot accused, "This is not the right time. Make sure you have your whatsoever practices before seven from tomorrow. I'm not repeating it."
"I got it, I got it! Chill now," Hilary appeased her, "Now, we'll sleep,"
"Whatever," Margot got to her bed after switching off the lights.
Hilary didn't want to see an angry Margot ever again.
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Quite of couples have been made for the competition, Ryan and Hilary, Vincent and Vri, Annie and Sarthak, Kitty and Daniel, even Dev and Dylan. Apart from that, Shav and Oli also participated with their classmates.
Rumors spread that Nainika would be the ultimate judge of Couple's dance and much to Daniel's displeasure. Because she's given him a good solid black eye.
Days passed and practiced were in full swing. The last of cricket matches were going on and it was finally first years VS second years which was held just two days before Freshers.
"C'mon Rolly!" Ezabella, Vri cheered and the match was almost ending.
"You can do it Daniel!" Kitty hooted,
"Do it, Sar!" Annie yelled enthusiastically.
"And the match is going to finish soon!" Rafael did the commentary shortly, "Daniel is loosing his concentration, Kitty please back down.. And and! Here it comes - Rolly, the great hits the ball so bad, ouch, it's going!"
With one last strong kick, the first years won the match, "And there's no shame for 2nd years, that's our beloved Daniel with no offense at all! Thanks to lovely Kitty! First years win! Everyone clap later, first strangle that guy with congratulations!" Rafael's commentary was going smooth. Rolly paled at that and he practically ran at the speed of bolt out of the ground.
"Hey Rolly wait!" Delia yelled and others cried,
"Vincent! Where are you going!" Vri screamed. Ron also got in the fright and swayed away. The girls huffed and started giggling and passing comments. The ground was cold, slightly wet. Daniel smiled at Kitty and she congratulated him and gave him a small cosmos which grew in the garden; she just wanted to congratulate him for playing good even though 2nd Years lost. He was so excited that he didn't mind that they lost.
Later that night, the girls threw a surprise party at their official lecture hall and decorated it with banners, balloons, steamers and colorful flashlights. After Delia convinced Daniel to send a private message to 1st year boys at boys' group to meet him at their lecture hall which was closed and dark as for then. The boys crowd of 1st Years of fifty simply obeyed and they made a herd and walked to the lecture hall at eight in night after being unable to understand Daniel's motives.
Vincent was the first one to open the door of lecture hall and as they were about to blink an eye, the glittering lights flashed crazily bright with loud bursting of balloons and whistling,
"Well done boys!" Girls shouted, mainly including Vri, Delia, Margot, Ezabella, Bhavya. It followed by ear piercing applaud,
Hilary was a little late and she was walking vastly towards the 1st year's block now.
The boys were very much startled and joyous. Ryan, though wasn't a participant of cricket match, was there amongst the boys. He was surprised. The boys were excited, nervous and incredibly elated. They looked at the efforts the girls had made in decorating the lecture hall and surprising them. That moment, every guy there had developed respect and admiration for all the girls present there. Ryan was bewitched at the astounding decor. He looked with a small smile at everyone as the girls and guys interacted happily and everyone congratulated,
"Congratulations guys, you all rock. Just great!" Ezabella announced audibly. Everyone cheered,
"Just keep on winning like this!" Vri smiled gleefully.
"Sure!" Vincent winked. The little party was going smooth and soft. Rolly was given lilies and cosmos which they had collected from garden. Ron received all coloured roses. Vincent got cute bouquet. Everyone continued talking and nothing much was there to eat except cola.
Suddenly the door opened and a nervous panting Hilary showed up. Ryan turned to look at the sudden silence that has ensued. He stared at Hilary.
"Get it in!" She scowled at someone. The young man behind her dragged a large heavy box with help of Hilary inside the hall and immediately left.
"Guys," she chuckled utterly nervous. Everyone looked her in interrogation.
"Sorry, I was late. These are pizzas for everyone." She grinned. The huge silence followed for another second which made her slightly edgy, but it was nonetheless followed by a huge ear defeaning squeal of enjoyment and excitement, "Wooooo!"
Delia and Vri joined Hilary and help her open the box. The boys hungrily stared at the box containing ten large sized pizzas she'd ordered. Ron helped them to serve to everyone and they ate finely.
"Ahmn, this is just my contribution in the celebration. I heartily congratulate you guys!" Hilary said heartily with a petite smile.
Everyone cheered and Ryan smiled surreptitiously at her. Ryan was intuitively searched by certain ruby eyes, until she found him,
"Sorry, I couldn't come to practice today," she said with an apologetic pout,
"No issues. We'll have it after this," Ryan offered her cola.
"Uhm, no... actually, " Hilary didn't forget Margot's warning. Ryan frowned,
"I'm tired. We'll do it tomorrow at four till seven, promise," Hilary pleaded. Ryan looked at her in curiosity, unaware of the reason of her refusal.
"You don't look much tired." He said honestly. Hilary couldn't deny him.
"I'd have come but.." she stared at his collar,
"What is it?" He asked in a low voice,
"Hilary! Join us!" Ezabella dragged her away, and Ryan was pulled by Ron and others, "Give yourself a rest from your cute gf." Rolly remarked. Everyone guffawed.
The party lasted for half an hour more and everyone slowly started leaving. Hilary was not tired, but she couldn't go for practice either, so she subtly left with Delia early along with Margot before Ryan would notice.
A/N: Hello everyone! Thanks for reading this long chapter! XD I hope this chapter didn't had much of cringy romance and was fine? The texts part was my fav. Lol, tell me what do you think.
Dear Kitty and Nain, good job for teaching Daniel a good lesson. ;)
Dear Vri, good luck with Vincent and practices! ;)
And Congrats again to Rolly and Ron for winning the football match! XD.
Reply to guest11: thanks for reading and reviewing!^-^
Ahmn, so this chapter was of 6k words, that's why it was so large, the next chapter is light with preparations and all of 5k words. Then after that, the next chapter is completely dedicated to Freshers party which is of...8kplus words XP. I could have split that chapter but I think that would take again a more week, plus, I think the flow would be disturbed for the party. Anyway, it's entirely about the party, so I'm guessing there are little chances of you guys yawning in the while and getting bored. Maybe. Well, that's just me! I was planning to update the next chapter by 15th. Is that okay? :)