Drawn to trouble. ( Ishman FF)

Chapter 20

When they reached Ishan's apartment, Ishan got down from the bike, still shy and avoiding Shubman’s teasing gaze. Shubman, on the other hand, was absolutely elated, unable to hide his excitement.

As Ishan adjusted his bag nervously, Shubman leaned on his bike casually and said, “So, sir, since it’s Saturday and we’ve got the whole day off tomorrow, why don’t we go on an official date as boyfriends?”

Ishan froze for a moment, his cheeks turning a deep shade of pink. “A...date?” he stammered, looking down to hide his embarrassment.

“Of course, a date,” Shubman said with a sly grin. “You know, like how couples do. Or did you think our little hangout at the amusement park counted as one? If so, sir, I’m flattered!”

Ishan’s eyes widened as he looked up at Shubman, flustered beyond belief. “That wasn’t a date!” he protested, shaking his head. “It was just—just—”

Shubman laughed, thoroughly enjoying Ishan’s reaction. “Relax, sir. I’m just messing with you,” he said, his tone playful. “But tomorrow, it’s going to be the real deal. I’ll even pick the place—it’ll be a surprise.”

Ishan hesitated but eventually nodded, his blush still evident. “Alright,” he said softly, avoiding Shubman’s gaze.

As Shubman got ready to leave, he paused and turned back to Ishan with a mischievous glint in his eye. “Before I go, sir...how about a goodbye kiss?” he asked, his voice teasing.

Ishan’s eyes widened, and he looked down at the ground, his face practically on fire. Shubman burst out laughing at his adorable reaction. “Relax, sir,” he said between chuckles. “I was just teasing—”

Before he could finish, Ishan suddenly leaned in, pecked Shubman’s lips quickly, and stepped back just as fast, avoiding eye contact. “Goodbye!” he said in a hurried tone before turning and rushing toward his building, leaving Shubman frozen in place.

For a moment, Shubman just stood there, completely taken aback. He touched his lips and blinked, the memory of the brief kiss replaying in his mind. Slowly, a wide grin spread across his face as he got back on his bike.

“Didn’t see that coming,” he murmured to himself, still grinning like a fool as he rode home. The day had ended far better than he could’ve ever imagined, and he couldn’t wait for tomorrow.

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As Ishan stepped into his apartment, he closed the door behind him and leaned against it, trying to steady his rapidly beating heart. His mind replayed the events of the day, especially the moment he kissed Shubman. His cheeks warmed at the memory, and he covered his face with his hands in embarrassment.

This was all new to him—dating someone, and not just anyone but someone as magnetic as Shubman. He couldn’t help but admire how effortlessly charming Shubman was, from his looks to his confidence and even his teasing nature.

The thought of their upcoming date brought a mix of excitement and anxiety. This was going to be his first official date, and he wanted everything to be perfect. For a brief moment, a silly thought crossed his mind—What if I was also a student? Maybe things would feel less complicated. He shook his head at his own imagination, his face flushing at the thought.

Realizing how late it was, Ishan reminded himself that he needed to look fresh tomorrow. “No dark circles,” he mumbled to himself, as if it were a command.

He quickly wrapped up the rest of his work, had a light dinner, and prepared for bed. As he lay down, he couldn’t help but smile, his excitement bubbling under the surface.