All you need is love

chapter 9

As weeks passed, Shubman and Ishan found themselves drawn to each other, yet neither fully understood the depth of their growing attachment. They continued to label their connection as friendship, yet their actions spoke louder than words. Stolen glances lingered a moment longer, conversations grew more intimate, and touches, though innocently unintentional, held a longing that neither dare acknowledge. In the shadows of their unspoken emotions, Shubman and Ishan navigated the blurred lines between friendship and desire, each silently yearning for something more without daring to utter a confession.

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Ishan stood outside Shubman's house, his heart skipping a beat as he steeled himself to ring the doorbell. He exhaled, trying to steady his nerves, and reached out to press the bell. The sound of the chime echoed through the house, signaling Ishan's presence at the doorstep.

Shubman's eyes widened as he opened the door and saw Ishan standing there. A wave of surprise and excitement washed over him, and he suddenly remembered their plan to spend the afternoon playing video games.

"Ohh, Ishan, you're here," Shubman muttered in a groggy voice, his mind still fuzzy from sleep. He stepped aside to let Ishan enter, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. The sight of Ishan at his doorstep brought a hint of shock, and Shubman ran a hand through his disheveled hair, trying to wake himself up further.

As Ishan took off his shoes and stepped into Shubman's house, he couldn't help but admire the well-decorated ambiance. The slightly dark theme of the interior caught his attention. Upon entering Shubman's room, Ishan noticed a vast collection of crime novels and detective story books lining the shelves.

"Wow, your house is fantastic," ishan complimented, sincerely impressed. His gaze then drifted towards the unmade bed
"Wait a minute," Ishan added with a chuckle,  "Looks like I just caught you in the middle of your beauty sleep, didn't I, sleepyhead?"

"Hmm," Shubman hummed in response, his voice laced with lingering sleepiness. He flopped onto the bed.

Ishan gently sat beside Shubman, half-leaning  on the bed. With a curious expression, he asked the question, "So, why do you live alone in this big house? Isn't it a bit lonely?"

"Then you start to live with me" 

Ishan's breath caught in his throat as Shubman's husky, sleepy voice echoed through the room. As the words left Shubman's lips, Ishan couldn't help but scoff at the suggestion. His heart skipped a beat, caught off guard.

"I didn't mean that," Ishan rolled his eyes, adding with a soft giggle, "But the idea isn't bad, though."

As he spoke, Shubman suddenly moved, wrapping his arms around Ishan's waist and resting his head on Ishan's stomach.
In response, Ishan began gently running his fingers through Shubman's hair.

"Why didn't you sleep all night huh? "

"I was thinking of someone special" shubman said.

"Oh, really?" Ishan asked, playfully trying to mask the hint of jealousy in his voice. He continued caressing Shubman's hair, feeling a stab of possessiveness at the mention of someone special. "And who could that be, huh?"

Shubman looked up at him, a small smile playing on his lips. "Can't you guess?" he teased, his eyes glinting mischievously

"Umm Is this the new teacher from our university?" Ishan asked teasingly, pretending to be clueless.

"Whattt! No way! I have someone much closer, much cuter, and much more special in mind." Shubman laughed at the absurdity of the suggestion.

Ishan's heart skipped a beat at Shubman's words, his expression a mix of curiosity and hope. "Oh really? Do tell," he said with a smile, secretly hoping that he was the one special someone on Shubman's mind.