The frustrated groan that rumbled from Neel's chest was music to Malang's ears. He'd been subtly batting his eyelashes, tracing idle patterns on Neel's arm, and humming a particularly annoying tune for the past ten minutes, all with the sole purpose of flustering Neel.
Mission accomplished.
Neel slammed his textbook shut, the sound echoing through the silent library. "Malang," he growled, his voice laced with a dangerous edge, "care to explain what you're doing?"
Malang feigned innocence, his eyes wide and doe-like. "What do you mean, Neel? Just trying to focus on this incredibly fascinating dance theory."
Neel wasn't buying it. He knew that mischievous glint in Malang's eyes all too well. "Focus, huh?" He leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a low murmur. "Is that why you keep brushing against me and humming that infernal tune?"
Malang's playful smile faltered slightly under Neel's intense gaze. He opened his mouth to retort, but Neel cut him off.
"Look," Neel said, his tone firm but laced with a hint of something else, "you started this little game. Now, you get to see how it ends."
Before Malang could react, Neel reached out and scooped him up, depositing him effortlessly onto his lap. Malang yelped in surprise, his breath catching in his throat. He was completely at Neel's mercy, a small, submissive figure dwarfed by Neel's broad frame.
Neel trailed a finger down Malang's cheek, sending shivers down his spine. "Playing with fire, aren't we, Malang?" he murmured, his voice husky with unspoken desire.
Malang swallowed hard, his bravado melting away. "N-Neel," he stammered, his voice barely a whisper.
Neel ignored his plea, his gaze fixed on Malang's lips. The playful glint in Malang's eyes had been replaced by a flicker of something more vulnerable, something that ignited a possessive fire within Neel.
He leaned in slowly, savoring the anticipation building between them. Just as their lips were about to meet, Neel stopped, a mischievous glint returning to his eyes.
"Maybe," he drawled, his breath hot against Malang's ear, "you should've focused on your studies instead of teasing me."
Malang whimpered, his body trembling slightly. He knew Neel was right, and a surge of regret washed over him. But before he could apologize, Neel chuckled, a deep, rumbling sound that sent shivers down his spine.
"Don't worry, Malang," Neel said, his voice softer now. "You'll get your reward. But first, you owe me a proper apology."
Malang nodded eagerly, relief flooding his features. "Anything," he breathed, his voice laced with a hint of desperation.
Neel smirked, the playful glint back in his eyes. "Anything, huh? Interesting. Then tell me, how does 'obedient little brat' sound?"
Malang flushed a deep crimson, but a small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "Yes, Neel," he mumbled, leaning into Neel's touch, the playful tension replaced by a new kind of understanding.
The playful banter had taken a sharp turn, and the air crackled with unspoken desire. Neel leaned in, his lips hovering a breath away from Malang's. Malang closed his eyes, his heart pounding in his chest, anticipation humming through him.
Their lips met in a searing kiss, a collision of heat and longing. Neel took control, his kiss demanding and possessive. He explored Malang's mouth with a hungry fervor, his tongue tracing every sensitive corner. Malang moaned softly, his hands instinctively wrapping around Neel's neck, pulling him closer.
They were lost in their own world, a world fueled by stolen moments and unspoken desires. Neel's hand roamed down Malang's back, sending shivers down his spine. He felt a surge of possessiveness, a need to claim Malang for himself in that very moment.
Just as things were about to get heated, a shrill ring shattered the peaceful silence. Neel cursed under his breath, the unwelcome sound pulling him away from the intoxicating kiss. He ignored it at first, hoping it would stop, but the insistent ringing continued.
"Neel?" Malang mumbled against his lips, his eyes fluttering open.
Neel reluctantly pulled away, his gaze filled with frustration and a hint of apology. He reached for his phone, the screen flashing his mother's name.
"It's Mom," he sighed, his voice laced with disappointment.
Malang pouted, a playful glint still lingering in his eyes. "Must be important," he said, trying to sound nonchalant, but the disappointment in his voice was clear.
Neel answered the call, his voice strained. "Hello, Mom?"
There was a frantic urgency in his mother's voice as she spoke in rapid Hindi. Neel listened intently, his frown deepening with each word.
"Okay, Mom," he finally said. "I'll be there in fifteen minutes."
He hung up the phone, his face etched with concern.
"What's wrong?" Malang asked, his voice laced with worry.
"There's been an issue at the company," Neel explained. "Mom needs me there urgently."
Malang's playful demeanor vanished, replaced by understanding. "Oh," he said softly. "Go then. It must be serious."
Neel cupped Malang's cheeks, his thumb brushing away a stray tear that had escaped down his cheek. "I'm so sorry, Malang. This wasn't how I wanted this to end."
Malang forced a smile. "It's okay, Neel. Family comes first. Go handle it."
Neel leaned in and gave him one last lingering kiss, a silent promise hanging in the air. "I promise," he murmured, his voice husky with desire, "I'll make it up to you for this. Later."
Malang nodded, a hint of a blush creeping up his neck. "Later," he echoed, a playful pout still gracing his lips.
Neel watched as Malang straightened his clothes, a flicker of disappointment battling with the lingering afterglow of their stolen kiss. With a final apologetic glance, Neel turned and hurried out of the library, leaving Malang pouting adorably, his heart filled with a bittersweet mixture of frustration and anticipation.
