"Rohit, it's not a good idea for me to tag along. He's your friend!" Virat said as they entered their room to get ready for dinner.
Virat was so sure that this was going to be a disaster.
He was already having a hard time seeing Rohit with the Indian team members, and seeing him with Pollard would surely drive him crazy.
He might say something he shouldn't.
"Vi, please chal na. Waise bhi, you haven't had dinner. Toh kya farak padta hai? And he invited you as well. Acha nahi lagega if you don't come," Rohit said, trying to convince him.
"But Ro..." Virat tried again.
Rohit knew exactly what would convince him. He just said, "Mere liye, please Vi. Just for me," holding his hand.
Virat sighed, hearing the soft voice and seeing those eyes. "Okay," he agreed.
Rohit hugged him quickly. "You are the best!" he said, then moved to change.
"Vi, wear the black shirt. You look amazing in that," Rohit said.
Rohit said it so casually, but for Virat, it was so much more than that. "You look amazing." The words echoed in his head, making him smile. He could feel his lips curving upward.
They drove to the location. When they reached the table, Pollard was already there. He got up and hugged Rohit.
Virat just looked around, not able to watch how Rohit was in Pollard's arms. Rohit was literally squeezed into the hug. And to make it worse, Rohit was smiling and hugging him back.
"Hey, man," Pollard said to Virat, extending his hand.
Virat shook his hand, forcing a tight-lipped smile.
He sat down in front of both of them as Rohit took a seat beside Pollard. They had already started discussing their MI camp.
"You know, Virat, what Rohit did?"
"No, no! He can't know, please!" Rohit laughed, embarrassed.
Virat's fist curled in anger when Rohit said that. He doesn't want to share it with me? Virat thought.
Just then, drinks arrived. Virat gulped down the first glass. But then he stopped.
"No, I can't get drunk. What if I say something idiotic in front of Ro when I'm not even sure of myself? No, I need to stick to water," Virat thought to himself.
He kept sipping water, trying to calm himself down. He was trying hard not to get up and rip Pollard's hand off Rohit's shoulder. Why does Rohit let him do this? Ugh!
"I'll just be back in a minute or so," Virat said, and left before he did something he'd regret.
He reached the washroom, splashed water on his face, trying to calm himself down. "What is happening with me? Why am I behaving like this—possessive and jealous? Why don't I like anyone close to Rohit? Ugh!"
He was about to splash water again when his phone rang.
"Ha, Rohit?"
"Vi... where... are... you?" Rohit's slurry voice came through the line.
"Ro? Are you drunk?" Virat asked, only to hear Rohit's laughter on the other end.
"Shit," Virat cursed. Rohit and drinking were a horrible combination. He literally ran back to the table, only to find Rohit holding another glass.
"Ro, it's enough! Polly, are you mad? Why did you let him drink? He can't handle it!" Virat snapped, taking the glass from Rohit's hand.
"Chill, man. Take it easy," Pollard said, who was tipsy himself.
"I'm taking him back to the hotel. You can see yourself out," Virat said, not wanting to look at Pollard anymore.
Still, he waited for his positive response. "Don't drive. Take a cab," Virat added, knowing how dangerous it could be.
"Ro, come on," Virat made him stand. Rohit just hugged him.
"Vi... you... are the best," Rohit slurred, whispering in his ear, which made Virat feel even more conflicted.
"Okay, let's go." Virat dragged him to the car.
"I want... to... sit... with you... na," Rohit whined as Virat tried to make him sit in the passenger seat.
"You're with me. We're going in the same car," Virat tried to explain, but Rohit just looked at him with wide eyes.
Virat closed the door and sat in the driver's seat. He looked at Rohit, who was already staring at him.
"Ro, how many drinks did you have?" Virat asked before starting the car.
"What...? I didn't... had... one, two..." Rohit said, counting on his fingers.
"Ro, look at me! How many fingers are these?" Virat asked, holding up three fingers in front of him.
"Vi, your hands are so soft," Rohit said, holding Virat's hand.
Rohit's hold on Virat's hand tightened, his fingers tracing the back of his palm.
"Vi..." Rohit mumbled, leaning over closer to him. "You know, I like you... a lot."
Virat's eyes widened, but he didn't say anything.
"I don't... know what it is about you, but I feel safe, you know?" Rohit continued, his voice soft and vulnerable.
He rested his head against the headrest, still holding onto Virat's hand like it was his lifeline.
Virat felt a lump form in his throat, but he stayed silent, trying not to let his emotions get the better of him.
"Ro... You're drunk," Virat said softly, trying to keep his focus on driving.
"I'm not... I'm just... I just need you, Vi," Rohit said, now turning to face him completely. His eyes were half-closed, a tender look in them.
Virat couldn't help but glance at him. Rohit's expression was so raw, so soft. His usual playful nature was gone, replaced by something that made Virat's heart race.
"Don't look at me like that," Virat muttered under his breath, unable to fight the growing warmth in his chest.
"Like what?" Rohit asked, his voice laced with a drunk tease.
Virat froze for a moment, his heart hammering in his chest. He didn't know what to say.
"Vi..." Rohit whispered, leaning closer. His face was inches from Virat's, his breath warm against his skin.
"Ro, please. You're drunk. Let's just get home, okay?" Virat said, trying to sound firm, but his voice faltered as his pulse quickened.
Rohit's hand reached up, gently brushing Virat's cheek, his touch soft and lingering.
"Vi, you don't need to act all tough with me. I see right through you," Rohit said, his voice almost a whisper now.
Virat could feel his breath hitching. "Ro, stop," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
But Rohit just smiled, his eyes closing as he rested his head on Virat's shoulder.
"I'm sorry, Vi..." Rohit murmured. "I just need you."
Virat didn't know how to respond, his heart torn in two. As much as he wanted to pull away, he couldn't deny the pull he felt toward Rohit.
"Oh no, this is going to be a long ride," Virat thought, as Rohit didn't let go of his hand.
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