My Straight Boyfriend

Chapter 5

As Shubman walked into class, he found Ishan already there, sitting in what was supposed to be their shared seat. Ishan was chatting casually with Yash, the new boy. He made his way to the seat, feeling irritated at the sight of Ishan. 

"Thanks Ishan for helping me yesterday. That was really cool of you and I've never seen anyone fight like that before" Yash said in a excited tone.

"Oh, um, thank you" Ishan replied in soft voice.

"Ummm....I-I heard some students say you're, uh....g-gay. Is that true?" 

"Yes, it's true, I am gay" Ishan replied calmly.

"Oh, okay. That's...amazing" Yash said, clearly surprised but not judgmental.

"Really?" Ishan chuckled.

"Y-You're...umm...gay, and you know Thai boxing....How did you get into that? I-I mean how you, being g-gay, would be interested in something like Muay Thai" Yash asked with little hesitation.

"I-I didn't mean anything bad by it. I was just curious, you know? I'm sorry if I offended you...Um, actually, you don't have to answer that. I'm sorry if I said something wrong" Yash said apologetically.

Ishan laughed at Yash's trembling voice, "Areee-it's ok Yash. I understand, you're wondering how being gay and being interested in Muay Thai fit together, right?"

Yash nodded while scratching his ears nervously. Ishan gently reached out and pulled down his hands, making him stop. 

Ishan then spoke in a reassuring tone, "Well, I don't see how being gay has anything to do with my interest in martial arts. I enjoy it because I love it and for physical fitness obviously" he smiled at Yash

"Oh okay" Yash nodded and smiled back.

"Ahem-Ahem" Shubman said, clearing his throat to get their attention.

The sound of Shubman clearing his throat interrupted the conversation. Yash turned to see Shubman standing there. Ishan also looked over Yash's shoulder to see.

Yash gulped, "H-Hey Shubman" he awkwardly greeted Shubman and rushed off.

Ishan who was keep looking at Shubman, quickly glanced down and seated himself. 

Shubman, still standing nearby said, "Oye gay boy! You're on my side. Move over here" he said gesturing towards the other side.

Ishan sighed and quietly moved to the other side of the seat, still avoiding direct eye contact with Shubman.

Ishan glanced back at his best friend, who was seated with Abhishek a few seats behind, Mayank flashed a supportive thumbs-up and mouthed the word "good luck" Ishan let out a small chuckle.

Shubman still standing, annoyed by the fact that Ishan had obeyed his request without any resistance. He wants to irritate Ishan also, looked around and spotted a bag of another student behind their seats. He quickly grabbed the bag and began to clean the seat where Ishan had been sitting earlier.

"Gotta get his gay germs off...Can't believe we have to share this. Ugh..." Shubman said loud enough to make sure Ishan heard.

Ishan looked at Shubman's direction with slightly opened mouth, "Oh really? My apologies for polluting your precious space. Maybe you should disinfect the entire college, just to be safe" Ishan replied with a smile.

"Ishan you-" just as Shubman was about to retort, teacher entered the classroom. 

"Alright class, settle down"

"Ishan and Shubman, I trust you both are sitting together as per the principal's order?" the teacher inquired, glancing in their direction.

Ishan and Shubman exchanged a brief glance, Shubman rolled his eyes and said, "Yes ma'am, We are sitting together" he replied lazily.

"Great, let's start" teacher nodded.

While the teacher was busy writing on the board, students were engaged in hushed whispers discussing yesterday's event, where Ishan stood up for Yash against the bullies.

"Hey! Did you see Ishan's video of yesterday?"

"Ishan was insane yesterday, did you see how he punched Chirag and Kabir? It was crazy"

"Yeah bro, he totally owned them! And like, in Muay Thai style! Seriously man!"

"And his punches were sick"

"Hell yeah, he was like a total beast!"

"He was looking too hot"

"Sexy huh!"

"Dude! I noticed that Ishan almost kicked Shubman yesterday. But then he stopped himself, even though he was really pissed......What's up with that?"

"Yeah, I was expecting him to give Shubman a solid kick. Why'd he hold back?"

"Maybe he held back because he didn't wanna escalate things too far, you know?"

Shubman had also been wondering about the same question ever since the incident happened. Since yesterday, images of Ishan's actions continued to replay in Shubman's mind. He found himself constantly recalling the moment when Ishan had the opportunity to kick him but had chosen not to. Shubman lost in his thoughts, completely zoning out.

Ishan, noticed that his book was on Shubman's side of the table he leaned forward to took it. As he moved towards the table. Shubman, whose mind was preoccupied with Ishan's actions, was suddenly jolted from his thoughts.

And in a reflexive reaction, he came into defence position, raising his arms in a protection, almost as if expecting that Ishan was about to strike him.

Ishan paused for a moment, he observed Shubman's reaction with a surprised expression, his eyebrows raising slightly. Then he bite his lip, trying to hold back the laughter as he saw Shubman's defensive pose.

"What's with the pose, huh? You thought I'm gonna hit you? Main toh book le raha tha" Ishan said in a teasing manner.

Shubman, feeling embarrassed quickly regained his composure and straightened up, "I-I-I just....uh, just take your book and move" he said in a firm tone.

Ishan couldn't help but let out a chuckle to Shubman's response. Shubman cleared his throat attempting to compose himself, like nothing happened and focus on the teacher, trying to appear as if he was paying full attention to the class.

As the class came to a close and the bell rang, Shubman took a deep breath and said loudly, "Finally, it's over" then quickly grabbed his bag, flung it over his shoulder, and rushed out of the room.

Mayank approached Ishan and asked, "You good? Did he say anything?" Mayank inquired.

"Nahh, all good" Ishan answered, he grabbed Mayank's shoulder and guided him out of the classroom.

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Really busy in college stuffs, projects and assignment, also exams are around the corner. 

But I hope you like the chapter and please do comments, it will help me to improve my writing.

Enjoy ❤️