Heart's In Bloom

Chapter-7 "Sparks of Desires"

**Kiara’s POV**

Maya and I found ourselves at the volleyball match between H4 and another hostel, hearts racing with excitement. Anni and Derek were both playing, and the atmosphere was electrifying. Acid, Sexa, and Mummy were with us, their enthusiasm adding to the charged energy in the air. As the match commenced, Acid shouted his iconic slogan, "Akad bakad, khich ke pakad, hai ya pakad, saale ko hai ya, chadh saale pe hai ya, thok saale ko, charsi saala!" His words ignited the crowd, and the entire audience roared with high spirits.

The game was intense, every point fiercely contested. Derek and Anni moved with precision and determination, showcasing their exceptional skills. We cheered at every point, our voices hoarse but our spirits unyielding. H4 fought valiantly and emerged victorious. The stadium erupted with jubilation. Amidst the chaos, Derek and I locked eyes. I nodded at him, my heart swelling with pride, and he smiled back, his expression a mixture of triumph and warmth.

As the celebration continued, we gathered around Derek and Anni, hugging and congratulating each other. When it was my turn to hug Derek, we both hesitated for a moment. The hesitation melted away as I stepped into his arms, and he wrapped his arms around me. The hug was warm, his body strong and reassuring against mine. I whispered, "Congrats," close to his ear, my breath warm against his skin. He replied softly, "Thanks," his voice carrying a depth that sent shivers down my spine. As we broke the hug, I noticed everyone else was looking elsewhere. Seizing the moment, I leaned in and quickly kissed Derek on the cheek, then stepped back.

Derek looked stunned, his eyes wide with surprise. Anni, noticing his friend’s daze, gave him a little shake, snapping him out of it. Derek glanced at me, a mixture of shock and something deeper in his eyes. I smirked playfully, trying to hide my racing heartbeat. Derek's lips curled into a smirk as well, and he and Anni headed off to change.

**Author’s POV**

After changing, the group made their way to the canteen, settling into their usual spot. Kiara found herself sitting beside Derek, their closeness creating an undercurrent of tension. She was shaking her legs, a nervous habit, and Derek noticed. He gently placed his hand on her knee, his touch warm and steady. "Don't shake your legs," he said softly, "It's a bad habit." Kiara nodded, but the contact sent a wave of heat through her body. Derek, sensing her reaction, gave her thigh a gentle squeeze, his smirk hinting at his amusement.

Kiara's breath hitched, but she wasn't one to shy away. With a mischievous glint in her eye, she placed her hand on Derek's thigh. His eyes widened in surprise as she began to massage his thigh, her touch firm and deliberate. Slowly, her hand moved upward, stopping just near his member. Derek's body tensed, his breath growing shallow. He placed his hand over hers, signaling her to stop, but his eyes betrayed his desire.

Kiara smirked, leaning close to whisper, "Just giving you back what you did." She excused herself, standing up with a playful glance back at Derek, and stepped outside. Unable to resist, Derek followed her.

Outside, the night air was cool against their heated skin. Derek caught up with Kiara, and with a swift movement, he caged her between his arms against the wall. His eyes burned with intensity as he asked, "What was that?" Kiara, feigning innocence, replied, "What?"

"Don't act," Derek's voice was low, almost a growl.

Kiara smiled, leaning in closer, "Just giving you back what you did."

Derek's smirk grew wider. "Then if I kiss you, you'll give it back?" His voice was a challenge, filled with an unspoken promise.

Kiara's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Try me," she whispered.

Derek leaned in, his breath warm against her lips, the world narrowing down to just the two of them. But just as their lips were about to meet, a voice called out, breaking the moment. They both cursed under their breath, reluctantly pulling apart. They headed back to their hostels, the tension between them palpable.

That night, lying in bed, Derek and Kiara couldn't stop thinking about each other. The kiss that almost happened, the touch that lingered, the electricity that crackled in the air between them. The moment replayed in their minds, each detail vivid and tantalizing, promising more to come.

---

END OF THE CHAPTER