Mint Cafe

The next day as Rian was walking toward his next class when he saw Isha waving to him. He waved back and made his way toward her.

"OH, MY GOD! What happened to your face? Did you get in any fight?!" She exclaimed concern evident in her voice.

"Yeah. I got my ass kicked haha. Don't worry about it. It was just a misunderstanding."

"Who the hell was the psychopath who beat you soo much for just a misunderstanding?! And you look so fit, why didn't you fight back?" Isha was visibly angry. Over the past weeks, they had gotten closer and were good friends now.

"It was nothing. Leave it, please. Let's go to our next class." Rian gave a strained smile.

"I think it just got canceled. The professor is on leave." Isha spoke still eyeing one of his injuries.

Rian's left eye was blacked, his lips had several cuts and were still a little swollen and his cheeks were bruised. Most of the swelling had subsided but some were still visible. Varun was around five inches shorter than Rian but he was also fit. And he put all his power when he punched Rian. When Rian ran into him earlier this morning he had punched him again making the injury worse. That's why there was still a little swelling.

"What should we do now?" Rian looked at her and smiled to ease the atmosphere. Isha's eyes hardened.

"Do you want me to contact our dorm's president or warden?" She spoke.

"No no, it's alright. Don't. Come On, let's go to the Mint Cafe."

"Okay.."

Mint Cafe was very popular among first-year students. It was near Pearl Dorms and was the biggest cafe in comparison to others. The coffee and sandwiches were really popular there. The first and second floors were for anyone who wanted to eat there. The third floor was for couples. It was an unspoken rule there. And any single guy or girl would feel really uncomfortable if they eat alone. The fourth floor was the most expensive one. The interior was completely different from the other three floors and the prices were five times more expensive making it impossible for any student to dine there. A sandwich which was 100rs on the first three floors cost 500rs there.

When Rian and Isha got closer to Mint Cafe, they noticed the students flooded there despite their classes.

"Shit, will we even get a place?" Isha looked at Rian.

"Let's check out till the 3rd floor."

"But isn't the third floor for couples?"

"To be honest I don't really care. I just want to eat. If that's fine with you of course."

"Yeah no no, I am okay with it. I thought you might be uncomfortable." Isha laughed and took the lead.

As they passed the first and second floors, all the tables were completely occupied by students. Rian received many stares. The third floor was filled with couples and the atmosphere turned suddenly heavy. All of them were holding hands and sitting really close. Some were making out, some were feeding each other and the room was filled with soft murmurs.

"Hah hah" Isha awkwardly smiled and looked at Rian

"Let's go to the fourth floor." Rian sighed and Isha immediately nodded.

As they were climbing the stairs Isha suddenly realized something. "Isn't the fourth floor extremely expensive?"

"Don't worry about the money, let it be my treat."

"No, I cannot do that." Isha stopped midway.

"Jesus relax, I actually wanted to taste how the food taste here and what's so special about this fourth floor. And I planned on coming here either way." Rian smiled.

"But next time I will pay okay?" Isha pouted as she followed Rian.

"Sure."

The fourth floor of Mint Cafe emanated an aura of pure luxury. The mesmerizing chandeliers suspended from the ceiling cast an exotic glow, enhancing its opulent ambiance. The walls were adorned with peculiar yet expensive-looking paintings, adding to the air of sophistication. There was a rule stating that you cannot hang out on the fourth floor, it was compulsory to order every 30 mins. The floor was cooler than the rest and the faint smell of vanilla mixed with the aroma of the dishes made the environment very pleasing.

"Wow," Isha breathed as they both reached the fourth floor. The floor was completely empty except for one table with three girls. Kavya, Sitara and Nysa were sitting on the royal couch comfortably, they seemed to be talking but as soon as Isha and Rian walked up their eyes turned.

As Rian and Isha walked past them Rian heard someone gasp and he made eye contact with Nysa who was looking at his injuries. Rian ignored the three and picked the table in the corner. He sat opposite to Isha and leaned back on the couch, Nysa was clearly visible from where he was seated. At first, all the three girls looked at him but then Kavya and Sitara turned their heads as it was getting weirder.

Isha browsed through the menu and looked at Rian with a troubled expression. Rian laughed and picked the two different sandwiches and coffee. Rian gestured for the waiter who was watching them.

Rian gave their orders and looked at the waiter, "Don't overload the sandwiches with blue cheese, just one slice is fine."

The waiter smiled and nodded with a familiar expression and took their order. Isha looked at the table that they passed earlier. "Do you know who they are?"

"Aren't they the most popular first-years in our college?"

"Yeah! They are really wealthy and I heard that they usually hang out here. That was also one of the reasons I wanted to come here. I don't understand what's so special about them. All they have is money." Isha spoke, envy clear in her voice.

"I know right." Rian nodded.

Isha took out her phone and started texting her friends through common messenger. Rian broke his gaze from her and looked at the table. His eyes met Nysa's. Rian tilted his head but didn't break the eye contact.

Nysa pointed her thin finger to her eye, indicating Rian's black eye. Rian had a blank face and didn't make any gestures. After what felt like an eternity, Rian smiled and broke his gaze, and looked at Isha who seemed to be saying something.

"Yeah?" Rian looked at Isha.

"Ummm, Samira is also coming. Is that okay with you?"

"Yeah, sure. Call her."

"Ohh.. Siya is also with her..." Isha laughed while looking at Rian.

"Sure."

"We will contribute. Seriously."

"Alright"

Isha squealed a little as she started texting back. Rian eyes went back to Nysa, she seemed to be talking with Kavya. Rian observed that Nysa appeared slightly thinner than before. As if sensing something Nysa looked back at Rian and their eyes met again. Kavya turned and cursed something and turned back to Nysa. Sitara also turned because of their commotion and Rian slowly smiled. Sitara shook his head and gestured for him to join them.

Rian looked at Isha who was engrossed in her phone and looked back to her and shook his head no. Nysa took out her phone and gestured to Rian to check his phone.