Drawn to trouble. ( Ishman FF)

Chapter 31

Ishan stood near the railing, admiring the breathtaking scenery of the second location. The lush greenery mixed with the calm blue waters in the distance created a perfect postcard view. He rested his chin on his hand, but his mind wandered back to the embarrassing yet heart-fluttering moment from earlier that morning. His cheeks turned pink just at the memory of Shubman’s teasing and his impulsive kiss.

Lost in thought, Ishan didn’t notice when Shubman quietly approached and stood beside him. “Beautiful, isn’t it?” Shubman said softly, leaning casually on the railing, his eyes, however, focused more on Ishan than the view.

Startled, Ishan turned to face him. “Oh, you scared me!” he exclaimed, trying to mask his shyness.

Shubman chuckled, the warmth of his gaze making Ishan’s heart flutter even more. “Sorry, sir,” he said, not sounding sorry at all. “But the view seemed incomplete without you in it.”

Ishan blinked, his cheeks heating up again. “Stop saying such things,” he muttered, turning back toward the scenery to avoid looking at Shubman’s mischievous smile.

Shubman leaned in slightly, lowering his voice so only Ishan could hear. “Can’t help it, sir. You’re more captivating than anything out there.”

Ishan’s breath hitched. He glanced around to ensure no one was nearby and then lightly pushed Shubman’s shoulder. “Behave! The students are here.”

Shubman leaned closer, his voice low but teasing as he smirked at Ishan. “Don’t worry, sir. I’ll behave here in front of everyone. But once we’re back in the resort room...” He let the words hang, his grin widening as he watched Ishan’s cheeks flush bright red.

Ishan stammered, trying to find a response, but nothing coherent came out. “You—just—Shubman!” he managed, his flustered expression making Shubman chuckle.

Before Ishan could muster up a proper scolding, a group of students came over, grinning and calling out, “Ishan sir! Come on, let’s take some pictures together!”

Relieved for the distraction but still embarrassed, Ishan nodded quickly. “O-Okay, coming!” He glanced at Shubman briefly, who gave him an exaggerated wink, causing Ishan to shake his head in exasperation before walking off with the students.

Despite his teasing, Shubman’s heart swelled with pride and admiration for the man who managed to captivate him so completely.

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As they returned to their room after dinner, Ishan quietly went about preparing for bed, still slightly flustered from the day’s events. Shubman, trying to stifle his mischievous grin, casually dropped a bombshell. “By the way, sir, that whole ghost story from last night? Totally fake.”

Ishan froze mid-step, slowly turning to glare at Shubman, his cheeks turning pink. “You lied to me?!”

Shubman shrugged, looking guilty but unable to hide the amusement in his eyes. “It was just a joke, sir. You’re too cute when you’re scared.”

Ishan huffed in embarrassment, his glare intensifying as he climbed into bed, turning his back to Shubman. “I’m not talking to you. Goodnight.”

“Sir, come on,” Shubman pleaded from his bed. “I’m sorry, okay? It was just a harmless prank!”

But Ishan didn’t budge. Determined to make it up to him, Shubman got up and quietly walked over to Ishan’s bed. Sitting down beside him, Shubman gently poked his shoulder. “Ishan sir... I’m really sorry,” he said softly, his tone genuine.