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Malini couldn't believe she was actually meeting Shubman. After class, she'd rushed home to change, ditching her paint-stained shirt for something a little more put together.
As she walked down the street to their meeting spot, she checked her reflection in a shop window, smoothing her hair.
"Get it together, Malini," she whispered to herself, clutching her phone. "It's just... Shubman Gill, that's all."
A few steps ahead, she spotted him leaning against the side of his car, looking up from his phone. He flashed her an easy grin that immediately set her nerves on fire.
"Hey, MJ," he greeted, that nickname rolling off his tongue with a playful smirk. "You look... stunning."
"Thanks, Shub," she replied, her cheeks flushing as she looked up at him. "Not so bad yourself."
"Let's not kid ourselves. I just threw on a hoodie and hoped for the best," he laughed, pulling the car door open for her.
"You ready?"
"Yeah," she nodded, sliding into the passenger seat, breathing in the subtle cologne clinging to the interior. "So, where are we going?"
"Thought I'd take you to this small spot by the lake. It's usually quiet this time of night—a good place to just chill, you know?" he said as he slipped into the driver's seat and started the car.
As they drove, the casual vibe set her at ease. Shubman asked her about her art, his curiosity genuine. "So, painting, huh? How'd you get into it?"
"Well," she shrugged, "I always liked art. Painting's my escape, you know? It's a way to get lost in something other than reality. Professors think I'm alright at it too, so that's a plus."
"More than alright, I bet," he replied, casting her a sideways glance. "You're probably amazing at it. Let me guess—hidden masterpieces stacked under your bed?"
She laughed. "Hidden disasters, more like. You'd probably think I was deranged if you saw my work. It's a mess of colours and nonsense half the time."
"Hey, I'm used to a mess. Have you seen the state of a locker room after a game? Or my place when I forget to clean up?" he teased.
