His Addictive ARCHNEMESIS ~ Ishman

Ch: 15 ~ Finding Solace

And as they sat there, side by side, a quiet but undeniable spark of understanding and compassion blossomed between them-a connection forged in shared pain and the hope for something better.

Cold wind gushed, rustling the tree leaves bringin it's own symphonic peace. As the silence stretched, Shubman whispered a question startling Ishan thoughts momentarily.

"Do you still love her?"

The questioned weighted much more than it was intended too. Ishan felt loose at words- not all questions came with an answer, does it? It's not always a mere Yes/No.

Some scare run too deep to be justified, you may not see it but could feel it deep down- etched with memories hard to deny.

Shubman didn't press much, he knew better when not to ruffle the scares. But a part of him wanted to know- know if there was still a space left for hope.

Sometimes all you want to take away the pain, not because you belong to them, but for some unknown reason that- you couldn't see the similar hurt, that resonates to the hurt inside you.

Ishan face was void of emotions, it was a hard earned trick Ishan thought himself- if you don't let it feel, it would stop hurting.

Shubman got up to leave when he was pulled back again, Ishan creased Shubman's face gently rubbing his thumb over it.

"I'll never hurt you the way I was hurt, I'm not capable of forever promises, but I can assure you all the sincerity of the moments we shared", Ishan replied with all the honesty.

The words pulled Shubman out of his thoughts, his gaze slowly lifting to meet Ishan's honey brown orbs staring him with a soft smile. The unspoken understanding between them hung in the air like a heavy mist.

In one slow, deliberate motion, Ishan leaned in, his hand still cradling Shubman's cheek as his lips brushed softly against his.

For the first time, the kiss was warm, gentle, as if Ishan was giving Shubman time to ease into it, a silent reassurance that he was there.

Shubman closed his eyes, his hands instinctively resting on Ishan's waist under his shirt, clutching him as if he were an anchor.

The kiss deepened, growing in intensity, each second pressing out the ache within them, like them pulling every bit of sorrow and turmoil out of each other.

Shubman kissed Ishan pulling him more close, slower, more deliberate, savoring the connection.

Everything that had weighed him down, all the insecurities, the doubts, the fear of being unworthy, seemed to evaporate in the heat of their kisses.

No matter what future their story hold, at this moment they don't needed answers, the touch made them feel more belonged, than words would do.

They were here, them- the togetherness felt real, and for the first time in so long, both felt at peace with themselves.

Ishan held him close standing on his toes, guiding him through the kiss with gentle but firm hands, giving him the space to be vulnerable.

In that moment, nothing mattered except the feeling of their lips together, the thrill of the unknown, and the undeniable bond that was forming between them.

For the first time, Shubman wasn't afraid, neither was Ishan, to let go. Shubman wasn't afraid of being too much or not enough. He was simply himself, with Ishan, and Ishan felt more calmed with Shubman, without pretending to be all strong.