School has been tiring today. Back in India, the first days were never this stressful. Homework stacks up like a mountain—I feel like crying.
Wait, why is Nin waving at me? Let me go speak to him.
"How are you getting home?" he asks.
"Walking. Why?"
"You want a ride? I'm free today."
"I'm good."
"Come on, hop in," he says, ignoring me and already heading toward the parking lot.
I'm tired, so why not? Let him drop me home today. I wonder what car this trillionaire owns. Wow! Is that a Bugatti Chiron?
"That's... expensive," I say.
Nin smiles. "Yeah, I don't exactly drive a scooter."
It's my first time in a Bugatti Chiron. It just glides on the road.
"So, you came here for... unfinished business?" he asks.
Why does he have to bring up that topic again? Anyhow, I answer, "Something like that."
"I get it. People rarely come here to get a diploma."
"Why are you even talking to me? You don't talk to anyone else like this."
He smirks. "Most people here just want to be seen with me or use me. But you... You seem different."
There's a pause.
"My friends and I sometimes mention people who keep it real behind the scenes. You're one of those, aren't you?"
I smirk. "That sounds mysterious."
"Maybe. Or maybe I'm just curious," he says, eyes on the road ahead.
I glance at Nin, curious how much he knows.
"So... what makes you think I'm one of 'those' people?" I ask, trying to keep my tone light.
He chuckles softly. "Let's just say I've got friends in interesting places. People who keep tabs on things most wouldn't notice."
I raise an eyebrow. "Like spies?"
He grins. "Something like that. Not spies exactly, but folks who know how to handle themselves when things get messy."
I nod slowly, playing along. "So you're saying someone mentioned me?"
"Yeah. Not in the usual school gossip kind of way," he says, voice low like it's a secret. "More like... someone who knows you're not just any ordinary student."
I shift in my seat, feeling a bit exposed but also relieved. It's nice knowing someone sees me for who I am, even if only a little.
Nin looks at me, serious but kind. "Look, I'm not here to pry or make things harder. Just thought you should know—if you ever need backup, or someone who won't ask a million questions... I'm around."
I study his face. No judgment, no curiosity like a trap. Just... understanding.
"Thanks," I say quietly. "That means a lot."
He smiles, glancing out the window. "No problem. And hey, if you want to talk about that unfinished business someday, I'm all ears. Or if you want to just chill and forget about it for a while, I'm good with that too."
I chuckle. "You're full of surprises, Nin."
He shrugs, grinning. "What can I say? I'm not your typical trillionaire."
My phone rings. I wonder who it is.
"Pick up your phone. I'll wait," Nin says.
Holy shit! Why is Ren calling now?
"Charvi, important news! Report right now at our lair." Ren says and cuts the call.
"Sorry, Nin, change of plans. I have to go somewhere else, not home. You can drop me here. I'll walk from here."
"Tell me where, I'll drop you," he says, stopping the car on the side of the road.
How can I explain where our lair is, since it's underground? I share a nearby location instead.
"Umm… will you feel awkward if I ask you more about what you told me before? About people who are secret spies?" I'm shivering because I'm not supposed to show my true self. But he seems to know the truth about me.
"Why act like you don't know? I know the truth, Charvi. You don't need to hide it."
"I want to verify if you really know."
Nin's smile fades a bit. "Enough to know you're not just any student. But some things are better left unsaid for now."
I don't know if I should feel relieved or suspicious.
"The location is showing here" He told me.
Finally, I'm here. I should be grateful, but I feel exposed—he knows more than I want him to. Still, I feel a little relief after getting out of the car.