Mansi, Aditya, K.C., and Daksh had always been inseparable. Their friendship had weathered school exams, ridiculous dares, and countless late-night talks about life, dreams, and everything in between. But sometimes, in the midst of laughter and chaos, love finds its way quietly, unnoticed until it becomes impossible to ignore.

One warm summer evening, they planned a trip to the hillside just outside their town - a place famous for its spectacular view of the stars. The air was crisp, the scent of wildflowers drifting on the breeze, and the sound of crickets filled the silence between their conversations.

Daksh spread out a blanket, sitting back confidently. "Alright, let's see if I can finally figure out some constellations," he said.

Aditya smirked. "Don't worry, I'll teach you, Captain Lost-in-the-Sky."

Mansi chuckled as she settled beside Aditya, watching the sky turn darker, the stars blinking into existence one by one. K.C. took a seat next to Daksh, crossing her legs and looking at him sideways.

"You ever think about love?" she asked casually.

Daksh raised an eyebrow at her. "What, you planning to propose?"

K.C. rolled her eyes, but deep down, her heart pounded. She had admired Daksh for years - his confidence, his fearlessness, the way he always stood by his friends without hesitation. She had kept those feelings locked away, convinced they would never amount to anything. But lately, every glance, every small touch, every moment spent with him made it harder to pretend.

Meanwhile, Aditya was tracing constellations with his finger, his voice softer than usual. "See that one?" he whispered to Mansi.

She tilted her head. "The one that looks like a crooked spoon?"

Aditya chuckled, shaking his head. "No, the one next to it - bright, beautiful. Just like you."

Mansi's breath hitched. The teasing had faded, replaced with something real, something sincere. The warmth that spread through her had nothing to do with the summer air. For months, she had felt something shift between them - longer glances, secret smiles - but she had never dared to hope. Until now.

The stars were glowing, but in that moment, they weren't the only ones.

K.C., still playing it cool, leaned back on her elbows. "Say we WERE dating," she said, testing the waters. "Who would've confessed first?"

Daksh laughed, shaking his head. "Easy. You."

K.C. lifted a daring brow. "Guess what? You're right."

Daksh blinked. "Wait. That was a hypothetical, right?"

She smiled - the kind of smile that made his stomach flip unexpectedly. "Nope."

Daksh opened his mouth, but no words came out. Then, as realization settled in, a slow grin spread across his face. "Well. I would've hated waiting."

Aditya, oblivious to the moment happening beside them, reached for Mansi's hand hesitantly. The second she intertwined her fingers with his, his smile widened. "I think I've been in love with you for a long time," he admitted softly.

Mansi squeezed his hand. "I know."

The night carried on, the stars twinkling like they had always done. But for the four of them, everything felt different.

Love had bloomed - quiet, effortless, undeniable. They had come as friends, but they left with hearts full of something more.