"So, your turn for truth now," Virat said, and Rohit nodded.
"What do you like most about me?" Rohit asked, curious to hear Virat's response.
"Your smile," Virat replied without hesitation. "The way you close your eyes and tilt your head back just a little when you laugh."
Rohit was taken aback by the depth and detail of Virat's answer. It moved him more than he expected.
"Do you still think Jaddu, Shikhar, and I are the same?" Virat asked hesitantly, trying to suppress his insecurities but failing as the question escaped him anyway.
Rohit immediately recalled the time when Virat had asked this before, and he'd mistakenly said there was no difference. He remembered how hurt Virat had been back then.
"No, Vi, you're not the same, you are special" Rohit said sincerely, locking eyes with him. He noticed how Virat's expression softened, a sense of calm washing over him.
"Do you really think I'd hug them the way I hug you? Or even imagine tracing patterns—" Rohit started teasing as he gently ran his leg over Virat's under the blanket, making Virat break into a shy smile, his cheeks tinged with warmth.
"Okay, stop! I don't want to imagine any more," Virat cut him off quickly, his voice filled with mock irritation, trying to hide the awkwardness.
Rohit couldn't help but laugh at the cute expression Virat was making.
"Alright, Vi, my turn to give you a dare now," Rohit said, his tone brimming with excitement.
Virat raised an eyebrow, feeling a bit hesitant seeing the excitement shining in Rohit's eyes. But today, he decided he wouldn't overthink it.
"So," Rohit began with a smirk, "you have to bottoms-up this full glass of scotch." He poured a generous amount into the glass and held it out to Virat.
Virat stared at the glass, slightly wide-eyed. "Ro, that's pretty strong, and it's supposed to be a punishment, not a dare," he pointed out, clearly unsure if he could handle it.
"I know, I took a big sip of it! And who said it can't be part of a dare?" Rohit teased, holding the glass out again. Virat still hesitated, his fingers twitching but not reaching for it.
"Are you scared?" Rohit asked, arching a brow and adding a playful challenge to his voice.
Of course, I'm scared. What if I say something stupid? Virat thought, his mind racing. But he couldn't let Rohit know that.
"No, I'm not," Virat replied defiantly, grabbing the glass from Rohit's hand. With one deep breath, he tipped it back, gulping down the scotch in one go.
He coughed as the strong drink burned down his throat, his eyes watering slightly. Rohit immediately leaned forward, gently rubbing his back to ease the discomfort.
"You okay?" Rohit asked softly, his concern evident. He waited until Virat gave a small nod before settling back in front of him, resuming his previous position.
Virat took a moment to catch his breath. "That was intense," he muttered, his voice hoarse but steady.
Virat smirked, feeling a bit more confident. "Alright, Ro. Same dare for you," he said, pointing to the glass. His plan was simple: If I end up saying something silly, at least it'll be both of us.
Rohit raised an eyebrow. "Oh, so we're playing fair now?"
"You started this game, Ro. Be a sport," Virat teased, leaning back with a grin.
"Fine, Vi. Challenge accepted," Rohit said, grabbing the glass. He poured himself a full serving and gulped it down in one go. He coughed a little but quickly shook it off.
