"Ro, ek min, leave my hand. I have to drive. We have to go back to the hotel, na? Please," Virat requested Rohit, who was still busy counting Virat's fingers.
Virat was struggling to control his emotions as Rohit's hand remained in his, constantly touching it. It was just so difficult for Virat to stay calm.
"Okay, Vi... as you say," Rohit mumbled, finally letting go of his hand.
"Good. You keep drinking water, Ro. Hold this, and also this! Keep having that," Virat said, handing him a lemon slice he had taken from the restaurant and a bottle of water.
"Ro, seat belt," Virat instructed, but Rohit seemed completely engrossed in the lemon slice, as if it were the most interesting thing in the world.
Virat sighed, moved to buckle the seat belt for Rohit, and couldn't help but glance at him.
"He's so cute," Virat thought absently, watching Rohit's lips form a pout as he tasted the sourness of the lemon, his eyes scrunched up in confusion.
Rohit was still staring at the lemon when Virat gently took his hand, held the lemon, and put it in Rohit's mouth to help him sober up quickly.
Virat started driving towards the hotel, checking on Rohit every so often.
"It's very... khatta... Mai... nahi kha raha yeh," Rohit said, throwing the lemon out of the window.
"Ro, don't!" Virat said, but Rohit just grinned at him.
Rohit grabbed Virat's hand again, his head spinning, using it as support to steady himself.
"Ro, leave my hand, please," Virat said softly.
"But my head is aching..." Rohit whined.
"Who told you to drink so much? Is it really necessary to listen to what Pollard says every single time?" Virat snapped, his frustration bubbling over.
Rohit looked hurt by Virat's words, letting go of his hand with a sad look on his face.
Rohit curled his legs up on the seat and cuddled to himself, staring out the window.
Virat sighed, feeling guilty. It was hard for him to control his feelings now. He stopped the car on the side of the road, unable to concentrate while knowing he'd yelled at Rohit when he wasn't sober.
"Ro... listen," Virat said, trying to talk, but Rohit just turned his face away and muttered, "You scolded me..."
"Look, I'm sorry, Ro. I was just worried about you!" Virat said softly, his voice full of regret, which made Rohit turn his face toward him.
"You... were worried... about me?" Rohit asked, his eyes half-closing from the alcohol, giving him a sweet, sleepy smile. "You are so sweet, Vi."
Virat couldn't help but smile at that, feeling his heart soften.
"Now let's get back to the hotel, okay? You need sleep," Virat said, trying to steer the conversation.
"Umm... my head..." Rohit murmured, closing his eyes, still looking very much out of it.
Virat reached over and gently placed his hand on Rohit's head, massaging it softly, trying to ease his pain.
They reached the hotel, thankfully, no one was around.
"Let's go, Ro," Virat said, supporting him as they walked toward the entrance. Rohit leaned heavily on him.
"Vi, my head... is aching," Rohit whispered, burying his face in Virat's neck.
Fuck — Virat thought as he felt Rohit's warm breath on his neck, sending shivers down his spine. His body reacted automatically, heart racing, trying to keep his composure.
