---
Haniya woke up early, sunlight brushing against her face.
The moment she opened her eyes, a soft smile appeared—she remembered last night… Aarav holding her hand, encouraging her, telling her she could do it.
But the smile faded quickly as reality hit her.
"Today… is the first match of the championship," she whispered to herself, nerves rushing in.
She jumped off the bed, showered, and wore the RANGERS team uniform, her hands slightly shaking.
When she walked into the dining room, everyone was already seated and waiting for her.
Vivaan whispered to Harsh,
"Look who finally decided to join us."
But before anyone could joke more, Anamika entered again.
Vivaan whispered,
"Oh great… she came AGAIN."
Anamika smiled too sweetly.
"I came to cheer for the team today."
She had clearly tried to look more beautiful than Haniya, but it still failed—Haniya's natural glow overshadowed everything.
They ate breakfast together and headed to the bus.
Anamika tried to sit beside Aarav…
but Aarav quietly took a single seat behind the team manager.
Anamika was left alone, trying hard to catch his attention—but he didn't look at her even once.
At the stadium, Anamika entered through the VIP main gate, while the team went through the back gate where fans cheered loudly for them.
---
Scene 2 – Before the Stage
The championship manager assigned them a resting room.
Haniya couldn't sit still—her anxiety was visible.
A little later, the team manager entered.
"Team, get ready. It's time."
They walked to the entrance tunnel, the roar of fans echoing like thunder.
Haniya's nerves spiked.
"I can't… I can't do this," she whispered shakily.
"I'll spoil everything."
Before Aarav could reply, the announcer called:
"Presenting… RANGERS!"
Haniya froze.
Aarav stepped close, held her hand firmly.
"I'm here. You're not alone."
She looked at him—with trembling eyes—and let him lead her to the stage.
The bright stage lights hit them.
Fans screamed their names.
They bowed and took their seats.
---
Scene 3 – The Match Begins
Haniya sat next to Aarav.
She looked at him nervously.
Aarav smiled softly.
"You can do it, Haniya."
She whispered,
"Promise me… if I mess up, you'll protect me?"
He leaned a little closer.
"Of course. Who else will do it?"
They laughed softly, forgetting the crowd.
Fans gasped.
"Are they dating?"
"Look at their chemistry!"
Round 1 started.
Caster:
"RANGERS' jungler Haniya taking fast control of the map!"
"Aarav's EXP lane pressure is perfect for her rotations!"
"What a synergy—RANGERS dominating early!"
They played flawlessly.
RANGERS won Round 1.
Round 2 began.
Vivaan's roaming, Harsh's gold lane, Kashvi's mid lane—all were perfect.
Haniya secured kills with fast assassin moves.
Aarav protected every fight like a wall.
RANGERS WIN 2–0!
The crowd roared.
Without thinking, Haniya hugged Aarav tightly.
Aarav smiled, whispering,
"Told you… you can do it."
A staff member approached.
"Haniya, you're the MVP. Please come for the interview."
Haniya breathed out.
"This… I can do."
She gave a confident, proud MVP interview.
Then they headed out of the building—fans cheering loudly.
Anamika tried to reach them…
but the staff didn't allow her into the players' path.
---
Scene 4 – At the Dorm
When the team reached home, exhaustion hit instantly.
They entered the living room and collapsed on the couches like lifeless bodies.
Vivaan: "My soul has left Earth."
Harsh: "I can't feel my legs."
Kashvi: "I can't feel my hands."
Haniya sank into the corner sofa, messy hair, glowing cheeks, tired smile.
Vivaan pointed dramatically.
"And LOOK at our MVP… any victory speech?"
Haniya muttered,
"Yes. I'm exhausted."
Everyone laughed.
Aarav leaned back, eyes half closed.
"You played really well today."
She looked down shyly.
"You too."
Vivaan and Harsh whispered loudly,
"They're flirting again."
"Should we book the wedding hall?"
Kashvi threw a pillow at them.
"Both of you shut up."
The room felt warm—like a family celebrating together.
But suddenly…
Anamika entered.
Her forced smile was obvious.
"Congratulations, everyone," she said brightly.
She congratulated every member…
except Haniya.
Haniya noticed, but didn't react.
Then—
Haniya's phone rang.
A special ringtone.
She checked the screen, and immediately her eyes sparkled.
A soft, unreadable smile appeared—something different than usual.
Vivaan whispered,
"Who's that? She looks… happy."
Harsh: "Too happy."
Aarav subtly leaned forward, trying to read the caller ID…
but Haniya quickly turned the phone away.
"Guys," she said gently, "I'll be in my room. Call me when dinner's ready."
She left the room with that mysterious smile still on her lips.
Aarav watched her walk away—and for the first time,
he felt something heavy in his chest.
He wished the reason behind that smile…
was him.
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