Rhythms of the Heart ✅

14

Neel, shirtless and seemingly surprised to see Malang and Sam at his door, raised an eyebrow. Sam, unabashed, greeted him with a cheerful smile, "Hey, Neel! We thought we'd drop by. Hope we're not interrupting anything."

Malang, standing beside Sam, observed Neel's expression carefully, trying to gauge his  mood. Neel, though caught off guard, managed a casual response, "No worries. What brings you guys here?"

Malang hesitated for a moment before speaking, "We were a bit concerned. You've been absent from college, and no one seems to know why. Are you okay?"

Neel's eyes flickered, revealing a mix of emotions, but he quickly masked it with a nonchalant demeanor. "Just needed some time off. Nothing to worry about," he replied dismissively.

Sam, sensing the underlying tension, tried to lighten the atmosphere, "Well, we thought we could hang out. Maybe cheer you up a bit?"

Neel glanced at Sam, then at Malang, and finally, he sighed, relenting a bit. "Sure, why not? Come on in."

As they entered Neel's dorm, the atmosphere remained awkward. Sam, oblivious to the underlying currents, began chatting about random topics, attempting to diffuse the tension. Malang, however, couldn't shake off the feeling that something significant was troubling Neel, something he wasn't willing to share.

The room, usually vibrant with Neel's lively presence, now felt subdued. Neel, still shirtless, went to grab a shirt, giving Malang and Sam a chance to exchange a quick, concerned glance. The puzzle of Neel's behavior was becoming more intricate by the minute.

As Sam and Neel engaged in a lively discussion about their upcoming dance performance, exchanging ideas and brainstorming,

Sam: Neel, I was thinking, our performance needs an element that sets it apart. Something unforgettable.

Neel: Absolutely, Sam. We want to make an impact. What do you have in mind?

Sam: How about incorporating a lift or a unique partnering move? It would make our routine stand out.

Neel: (smiles) Interesting. It could add that wow factor. Let's explore some options and see what feels right.

While Sam and Neel engrossed themselves in the conversation, Malang observed from the sidelines. His thoughts swirled with a mix of admiration for Neel's creative input and a subtle longing to be an integral part of their discussions.
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As Sam and Neel exchanged ideas for their dance performance, Malang couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy. Memories of times when he and Neel were a duo in the library, sharing moments of academic triumphs, replayed in his mind. The camaraderie they once shared, the moments of gentle encouragement, the reassuring pats on the head – all seemed like fragments of a distant past.

Now, watching Neel engage so intimately with Sam, Malang felt like a bystander, a third wheel in their world of creativity. He longed for the times when his sparkly eyes would catch Neel's attention, when their synergy extended beyond the dance floor. The library sessions felt like a distant dream, replaced by a reality where he no longer held Neel's undivided attention.

In the silent recesses of his heart, Malang acknowledged the growing distance, realizing that he might have to redefine his relationship with Neel – one that wasn't as exclusive and shared as before. The pang of jealousy lingered, overshadowing his once-unspoken desires.

Malang found himself gradually feeling left out. His fatigue from the day's events started to take its toll, and before he realized it, he had dozed off on Neel's dormitory couch.
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Unbeknownst to Malang, the weather outside had taken a turn, with distant growls of thunder hinting at an impending storm. The conversations in the room blended with the rhythmic hum of the rain.

Suddenly, a louder growl from the clouds echoed, startling Malang awake. His eyes flickered with a mix of fear and confusion. Neel, noticing Malang's distress, gently placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder, "Hey, it's just thunder. Don't worry."

Malang, still adjusting to the abrupt awakening, muttered a shaky acknowledgment. However, as the thunder growled once more, louder this time, Malang's anxiety heightened. Neel, understanding Malang's unease, offered comfort, "Come on, it's just a storm. You're safe here."

Despite Neel's words, the next thunderclap hit with such force that it made Malang jump. Instinctively seeking solace, Malang hugged Neel tightly. Neel, surprised at first, quickly adapted and reciprocated the embrace. Sam, who had been engrossed in the discussion, looked up, noticing the unexpected scene before her.

Malang, finding reassurance in Neel's presence, mumbled, "Sorry, it just scared me."

Neel chuckled softly, "No need to apologize. Storms can be intimidating. You're safe here; it's just rain and thunder."

Sam, with a teasing smile, added, "Looks like we have an unexpected guest for the night. Couch too uncomfortable, Malang?"

Malang blushed, realizing the situation, and released his grip on Neel, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to intrude."

Neel, dismissing the concern, said, "No intrusion at all. If you're uncomfortable on the couch, you can take the bed. Sam and I can continue planning elsewhere."

As the trio rearranged themselves, the storm outside continued its symphony, and the dynamics in Neel's dormitory shifted, paving the way for an unusual yet memorable night.
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In the dimly lit room, the rhythmic symphony of raindrops on the windowpane mingled with the distant thunder, creating an ambiance of both comfort and unease. As Sam settled into the spare room, Malang hesitated at the prospect of taking the bedroom, given his apparent unease with the thunderous storm outside.

Sam, understanding Malang's discomfort, insisted, "Malang, you should take the bedroom. The sound won't be as loud in there. Neel and I can manage out here."

Neel, overhearing the conversation, chimed in, "She's right. Don't worry about it."

Malang hesitated for a moment but eventually accepted Sam's suggestion, acknowledging, "Thank you."

As Sam made herself comfortable in the spare room, Neel set up the couch for the night. However, observing Malang's unease with the thunder, concern began to shadow Neel's features. Unable to shake off the worry, he decided to check on Malang.

Peeking into the bedroom, Neel saw Malang sitting on the edge of the bed, his hands clamped over his ears, eyes squeezed shut. It was evident that the storm had unsettled him. Without a second thought, Neel entered the room and gently closed the door behind him.

Seeing Malang in distress, Neel approached him and whispered soothingly, "Hey, it's okay. I'm here now." He sat beside Malang and, without any reservations, pulled him into a warm and protective embrace.

Malang, overwhelmed by both fear and gratitude, didn't resist. Tears streamed down his face, and his body trembled with each resounding clap of thunder. Neel, holding him securely, murmured comforting words, "You're safe, Malang. I won't let anything happen to you. Just breathe. I'm here."

As Neel continued to console Malang, the room gradually filled with a tranquil hush. The rhythmic sound of raindrops against the windowpane formed a calming backdrop. Eventually, Malang, finding solace in Neel's embrace, began to relax. Neel whispered reassurances until Malang's grip on reality softened into the embrace of sleep.

Without breaking the embrace, Neel carefully maneuvered Malang into a more comfortable position on the bed. Malang, still holding on to Neel as if clinging to a lifeline, slept peacefully in the newfound security. Neel, unwilling to disturb the tranquility of the moment, decided to stay with Malang throughout the night, ensuring that the storm outside couldn't breach the cocoon of safety they had created together.

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