I started feeling suffocated and really felt helpless as my every effort to get Axel off my back proved useless.

More than myself, I was worried about what Tejas would think about the situation I was in. I had just told him I would take care of myself, and here I was, trapped under a giant blue-eyed monster.

"Oh my god, Bhoomi, are you okay?" Taylor's assistant, Jen, asked after arriving.

With her, there were two boys, who picked up Axel, and by the way they were talking to each other, I deduced they were close to him.

After they took Axel out of my room, Jen assisted me to get up; I felt like my waist was dislocated.

"I am sorry for what happened," Jen apologized. "Are you really okay? What happened before we came?"

I sat down on the bed slowly and told her how Axel had crashed into me after arriving drunk at my door. Jen was not happy to hear that and assured me that she would report it to Taylor. Such incident would not happen again. I thanked her, and when she left, I picked up my phone to call Tejas, but he called me first instead.

"You okay, Bhoomi?" he asked.

I took a deep breath. "Yes, I am fine. It was just a small accident."

"I saw what happened. Please go and get a check-up done. Was it really Axel who fainted on you?"

"Yup, and I am not that hurt. I will feel better once I get a good sleep."

"First have dinner. I still can't believe Axel would do such a thing. Please lock your door whenever you are alone."

"Sure, I will," I assured. "But how do you know Axel?"

I was surprised that Tejas had been to Taylor's academy when he was just fifteen years old. He wasn't here for a long time but his experience here was good. He and Axel were familiar with each other, and Tejas had good impression of Axel, so he was worried about his recent behaviour.

"You met him four years ago, Tejas," I said. "My friends here told me that he has been in a sour mood for last six months. Also, when he talked to me today, I didn't like his attitude. And now, he even fell on me!"

Tejas laughed. "Your life is very happening, Hamster. As for Axel, there could be some personal issue for his current behaviour, so don't bother much, okay?"

"You are right. I am hungry, so I will go and see what's for dinner. You must be busy too. I took a lot of your time."

"I won't complain if you took all of my time," he said.

I laughed like a donkey when as soon as he said that, I heard his mother call him. Soon, I heard Hriaan's voice, and he was shouting at Tejas to stop flirting with me and get his ass in the car. They were getting late for a competition.

"Let's try to talk when we get time, okay?" I suggested. "Now go and supervise your juniors, or Hriaan will blame me again."

"Love you, Hamster. Take care. I will call you soon," Tejas said.

"I love you too," I said.

We both didn't want to hang up the call, but we had to. Tejas had to leave to handle his Captain duties, while I had to satisfy my stomach.

I struggled to get up from the bed, cursing Axel under my breath.

How is he so heavy when he looks so slim? Why did he have to arrive on my door? My bad luck!

I slowly left my room and remembered to lock it. I was leaving for cafeteria when I noticed the earlier two boys leaving the room adjacent to mine. They stopped and looked at me seriously.

"Did Axel say anything to you?" one of the boys with dark hair and freckles asked me.

"Are you his friends?" I asked before answering.

When they nodded, I told them that Axel was mumbling something in his drunken state, but I wasn't able to understand. They seemed relieved to hear that, and when I learned that Axel's room was right next to mine, I went back to check if I had properly locked my room or not.

"Don't worry, he won't repeat it again," the second boy with blonde hair said.

"Who knows?" I mumbled.

The guys told me to relax and assured that Axel would formally apologize to me once he was sober. I actually didn't believe them, but to end the conversation, I agreed and left.

Once I reached the cafeteria, I grumbled when I saw the dishes. There was hardly anything spicy and tangy. I knew we had to monitor our health, but I was craving the food back home.

"I wish there was a kitchen here, so I could cook for myself," I mumbled.

"There is," a guy behind me in the queue answered.

He was Axel's friend that I had just met. He swiped his blonde hair back and grinned.

"Okay, thank you for the information," I replied.

I thought he would have the same bad attitude like his drunk friend, but he seemed friendly. He sensed that I was on edge with him, so he told me that I didn't need to be on my guards. I smiled at him, and after grabbing the dinner, I went to sit at the table I had used in the morning.

Unlike afternoon, there were very few people in the cafeteria. I was munching on the porridge when I noticed Axel arrive, wobbling on his feet.

How the hell is he up so soon? Whatever, I don't want to deal with him. My back still remembers the trauma it suffered because of him.

Axel's black-haired friend was with him, and the blonde haired one approached them as soon as he noticed them.

I didn't bother and kept eating. I was alone, so to pass time, I watched some videos on my phone.

What is this weird feeling on the back of my head? I don't like it.

I looked back to see why I suddenly felt strange and noticed Axel staring in my direction. I didn't think much of it, but when I glanced at him again to confirm my doubt, I pursed my lips.

Why is he staring at me like a serial killer? I hope his friends stay true to their promise.

I decided to ignore him and finished my dinner. I got up to place my empty plate in the washer when my path got blocked by the pale Titan.

"Are you stalking me?" Axel asked seriously.

Is he sober or still drunk? I can't tell properly. And who is he calling a stalker?!

"Excuse me, Mister Furn, but I think you are still drunk. I hope you first remember what you did before questioning me," I said sternly.

His friends arrived and scolded him for leaving their table. He ignored them, and I rolled my eyes when he again accused me of stalking him because I was staying in the room adjacent to his.

I am just wasting my time. I have to wake up early from tomorrow. Tejas took so much efforts to help me in making the time-table; I need to stick to it.

"Is your tongue not working? Why aren't you replying? Oh, you are ashamed, aren't you?" Axel said.

I looked at his friends. "Please stop him, or I will seriously hit him."

His friends were shocked at first, but they held Axel back when he moved forward. His already red eyes were redder now, and I excused myself from there.

I left for my room and locked my door once I was inside. Since my stomach was full and I had talked to Tejas, I had no worries that would have stopped me from sleeping.

I closed my eyes and was enjoying a nice dream when I heard a loud knock on my door. I didn't want to wake up, but when the noise became unbearable, I cursed and went to my door.

I was about to open it but stopped. I doubted if it was Axel again. I checked the time and whined when I saw the hour hand gliding on 5 am.

When there was another knock, I asked who it was. Fortunately, it was Faith. I opened the door, and she first apologized for disturbing me and then told me that we had no morning classes today. She had forgotten to inform me about it and forgot to add me in our batch's WhatsApp group.

I felt better after talking to her, and after she was done telling me the important stuff, she pointed at my neighbour's door.

"Is it true that Axel is back here?" she asked me.

I nodded, and she expressed how Claire would be so jealous to know that.

"Faith, why do you all like him so much? He has such a nasty attitude," I said.

Faith scrunched her nose, a mischievous smile on her face.

"I know he has been a bit off recently, but he isn't a bad guy. Moreover, he is so pretty! Have you seen his eyes...?" Faith said.

"It is too early in the morning to daydream about a guy, Faith," I joked.

She laughed and reminded about the afternoon classes. I thanked her and was about to go back in my room to get some extra sleep when I noticed Axel peeking out from his room.

Is he a ghost?!

"Were you gossiping about me again?" he asked me.

I banged my door close. I laid back on my bed and slept for one more hour. It was enough to recharge me and since I had late classes, I used that time to study.

Since there was a kitchen in the dorms, I decided to buy ingredients to cook for myself. I wasn't aware of the shops around the academy, so I went to Taylor for help.

He told me about the nearest supermarket and how to go there. I listened to the directions, but there was a problem. I didn't have much money with me and was concerned about the prices here. I didn't want to waste even a single penny.

"Are you worried about spending your money?" Taylor asked me when he saw me stuck on my spot.

I nodded, and he smiled. He reminded me that all of my expenditures were his responsibility, so I didn't need to think so much.

"Also, Bhoomi, about what happened yesterday, I apologize for my brother's behaviour," Taylor said sincerely. "I promised Sarthak that I will take care of you, so rest assured. I will reprimand Axel."

"It is okay, Sir," I said. "I appreciate your concern."

I began leaving when his office door opened. Axel ambled inside, looking in a better state than morning.

"Hey, Taylor, lend me your car tonight," Axel said.

Taylor looked at his brother flatly. "Will you please drop the act already? It doesn't suit you. And, have you apologized to Bhoomi?"

Axel raised an eyebrow. "For what?"

"You don't remember?"

Axel glanced at me and shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know what you are talking about. Actually, I should be the one asking questions. Why is she staying right next to me? Didn't I say that I don't want anyone near me? Why do you always ignore what I want?"

Taylor glared at Axel. "Keep your voice in check, Axel. I don't think I need to remind you that we are not in our home right now. It was your decision to stay in the dorms, so don't whine now. As for Bhoomi, you came drunk yesterday and fainted on her. Why are you hellbent on ruining your reputation?"

Axel's eyes widened. "I fainted on her?!" he asked while pointing at me.

When Taylor nodded, Axel's face became red like a tomato. He mumbled something under his breath before turning towards me.

"I am sorry for my behaviour yesterday," he said. "I promise I won't repeat it."

"You also called me a stalker in case you forgot that," I reminded him.

He fisted his hands and avoided his brother's blazing gaze.

"I apologize for that too. I am sorry for my misbehaviour," he said.

I knew he was afraid of Taylor, but his apology felt genuine. I told him that it was okay, but I expected him to remember his words. With that, I left the brothers alone and went to ask Faith if she was free to accompany me for shopping.

"Hey, Bhoomi!"

I turned around on hearing my name and saw Axel jogging towards me.

"Taylor told me to go with you to the supermarket," Axel said.

I shook my head. "You don't need to. I will go with Faith or by myself."

He sighed. "Taylor has ordered me to assist you, so can you please accept the offer?"

I realised that Taylor wasn't going to go easy on Axel if I didn't let him come with me, so I let him help me. We left the academy and reached the supermarket. Axel told me to buy whatever I wanted, while he waited at the cash counter.

I took a trolley, and since it was my first time seeing unfamiliar brands, it took me extra time to find the spices and other ingredients. Once I was done, I went to the cash counter, and Axel paid the bill. We were getting the shopping bags when his phone rang up. I guessed it was important because he instantly excused himself.

I took all the bags one by one and got out of the supermarket. I thought Axel would be nearby, but he was nowhere in sight. I didn't even have his number. I didn't want to get lost, so I stayed in one place. I was sure Axel would return, but even after half an hour, there was no sign of him.

Then, I spotted him across the street. I waved at him and yelled his name, but he was in a rush. He moved like he was being chased by someone, and just like he had appeared, he vanished from my sight.

Did he purposely leave me alone here? Is he taking revenge for apologizing to me? I know he doesn't like me, but how can he abandon me like this?

I called Taylor's assistant, Jen, and she got frustrated after learning about what had happened. She quickly sent someone, and when I saw Axel's friends arrive for my help, I wondered what was going on exactly.

"Axel is being a pain in the ass, man," the blonde hair guy said.

"Let's not talk about it, Matt," the black-haired guy said and picked my shopping bags.

"Are you guys Axel's guardian angels?" I asked them.

Both guys' faces fell. It looked like I touched upon a sensitive topic. As much as I was mad at Axel for leaving me alone, I was glad that his friends came to help me.

Once I was safely back in the dorms, I thanked the boys and went to cook something delicious for me. As for where Axel was, I didn't care.

I was drooling before my dish was even prepared. The moment I was done cooking, I got reminded of my homeland. I clicked some pics and sent it to my sister and boyfriend. I ate satisfactorily and happily went to my afternoon classes.

"You look in a very good mood, Bhoomi," Claire commented. "Is it because you are staying next to Axel?"

My mood dropped down. "Please don't mention that cranky giraffe."

Claire started giggling, and I let her enjoy her fangirling. Our next class was going to begin after an hour, so all of us relaxed and chatted till then. I excused myself for a loo break, and while I was on my way to the washroom, I noticed some girls and guys gathered outside a practice room.

It must be Axel. So, he is finally back, huh?

When I returned from the washroom, the crowd outside his practice room had gotten bigger. I even spotted my friends there.

I was going to ignore and carry on but I stopped when my peripheral vision noticed a spectacular image. I looked through the glass window, and my eyes widened when I saw Axel dancing.

Wow, he is amazing...

I went forward and observed him closely. He didn't look like the same person I had encountered since I arrived here. Axel was moving effortlessly to the rhythm, his body creating impressive silhouettes. His landing, jumps, transitions, isolations - everything was near perfection.

Now I get why he has the title of the academy's top dancer. He is really impressive. But why does he look like he is in a trance? Is he okay?

"He is going at it non-stop," one of the dancers said. "I am worried for him."

Claire agreed. "Yeah, he doesn't look okay to me. See? He has begun another choreography. Why is he tiring himself out like this?"

I was confused, and when I looked back at Axel again, he had increased his dance's intensity.

I remembered Tejas complimenting Axel's skills, so I was curious to see how further Axel was going to push his limits. I estimated that he would be exhausted after ten minutes, but when he took extra four minutes, I clapped for him in my mind.

That was such an inspiring thing to witness. Though I wonder why he was dancing like his life depended on it. Come to think of it, did he directly start dancing after leaving me behind at the supermarket? He is actually weird.

I went to my next class, but I couldn't get Axel's recent rehearsal out of my mind. His performance was bothering me.

His skill level is high - very high! Can I do the same choreography and match his level?

I asked my friends to be the judge, and in our break, I tried to dance the same routine Axel had done. Faith and Claire encouraged me, but when I checked my recording, I wasn't satisfied.

I tried again, but something was missing. Fortunately, Claire had recorded Axel when he was practicing, so I borrowed her phone and observed the parts I needed to improve. After getting some doubts cleared, I started again.

"You think you can copy me?" Axel's taunting voice landed in my ears.

"So you finally remembered me?" I taunted back.

He huffed. "Are you going to complain to Taylor again? Are you a child?"

"No, I am not, but you surely behave like one."

My friends looked worried for me, but I wasn't going to let Axel misbehave with me again.

Axel fisted his hands. "Taylor has a lot of praises for you, but here you are, copying me. I wonder how long you will last here."

I smiled at him. "I am sure I will last longer than your sense of responsibility, Mr. Furn."

He smirked. "Fine then. Let me also see what my brother saw in you. Don't cry if you get left alone again."

I knew it. Axel didn't deem me worthy of being here, but I was going to prove him wrong.

"I hope you don't end up crying like you were doing yesterday," I provoked.

He narrowed his eyes. "I never cried."

"So you lied about not remembering anything?" I asked seriously.

"Are you trying to pick a fight with me?"

"You started it," I challenged. "May I ask why? Are you jealous of me?"

Axel tilted his head. "Jealous? Me? That too of you? Are you high or what?"

"If not, then why do you look so concerned about me trying to practice your choreography? Are you afraid that I can do it better than you?"

Faith and Claire grabbed my wrists and whispered to me to not stretch the matter. I also didn't want to bother with Axel, but I didn't like his behaviour towards me. I wasn't going to back down so easily.

"You have a lot of overconfidence, Small Bean, and I will love to break that," Axel said. "Your four months here won't be that long. Pack your bags tonight only."

With that, he left, and my friend's faces lost their colors.

"Bhoomi, why did you fight with him?" Claire asked in concern.

"Relax," I told her. "Without challenges, there is no progress."

Faith shook her head. "What will happen tomorrow? I am really worried for you, Bhoomi."

I am not. Whatever it is, I will face it head on. I have promised Tejas that I will handle every situation myself and won't leave any opportunity to grow.

Axel Furn, I will make you pack my bags when the time comes. I am ready for the challenge.