Drawn to trouble. ( Ishman FF)

Chapter 40

The four of them entered the mall, the vibrant energy of the place buzzing with activity. After exploring a bit, they decided to start their outing by grabbing a bite to eat at a cozy café near the entrance.

At the café, the ambiance was cozy, filled with the aroma of fresh coffee and baked goods. As Abhishek and Mayank made their way to the counter to place the orders, Shubman and Ishan found themselves sitting alone at the table.

Shubman leaned back in his chair, his eyes fixed on Ishan, who was scrolling through his phone to distract himself. After a moment, Shubman spoke, his voice low and teasing. "You know, Ishu sir, you look extra cute today. That shirt suits you perfectly."

Ishan glanced up, his cheeks already starting to tint pink. "Shubman, stop it. We're in public," he muttered, trying to focus back on his phone.

Shubman smirked, unfazed. "What’s wrong with a boyfriend appreciating how sexy and adorable his partner looks? It's just the truth." His voice was dripping with playful sincerity, and his intense gaze made Ishan even more flustered.

Unable to meet Shubman’s eyes, Ishan cleared his throat and tried to change the subject, but Shubman wasn’t letting it go. He leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand. "I mean it, Ishu. You’re stunning. I feel lucky just sitting here with you."

Ishan’s blush deepened, and he fidgeted with the edge of his shirt. "Y-you’re impossible, Shubman," he stammered, though his lips curved into a shy smile.

Just then, Abhishek and Mayank returned with their orders, placing the trays on the table. Abhishek immediately noticed Ishan’s flushed face and raised an eyebrow at Shubman. "What did you say this time, lover boy?"

Shubman shrugged, his expression innocent but his smirk betraying him. "Nothing much, just the truth."

Mayank laughed as he took a seat. "Well, whatever it is, save it for later. The food’s here!"

They all began digging into their meals, but Shubman kept sneaking glances at Ishan, clearly pleased with how flustered he had made him. Ishan, on the other hand, tried his best to focus on his food, though the faint blush lingered on his cheeks, much to Shubman’s amusement.

After finishing their meal, the group wandered through the mall, exploring the various attractions. When they came across the haunted house, Shubman’s eyes immediately lit up.

“Let’s do this!” he exclaimed, his excitement evident.

Ishan’s face fell, and he instinctively grabbed Shubman’s arm. “Do we have to?” he asked, his voice tinged with apprehension.

“Come on, Ishu, it’ll be fun!” Shubman said, his grin widening.

Mayank also hesitated, glancing at Abhishek. “I don’t know... Haunted houses can be really creepy.”

Abhishek smirked. “What’s the worst that could happen? It’s all fake anyway.”

Reluctantly, Ishan and Mayank agreed, and soon, the four of them were entering the dimly lit, eerie corridors of the haunted house. The sound of creaking doors, ghostly wails, and sudden bursts of air created an atmosphere that had Ishan and Mayank on edge from the very beginning.

Not even two steps in, a mechanical skeleton dropped from the ceiling, and Ishan let out a yelp, immediately clinging to Shubman’s arm. “Why did I agree to this?” he muttered, burying his face in Shubman’s shoulder.

Meanwhile, Mayank jumped at every shadow and grabbed onto Abhishek’s arm. “I swear, if something jumps out at me, I’m going to punch it!”

Abhishek laughed, clearly enjoying how terrified Mayank was. “Relax Mayu, it’s just a bunch of animatronics and sound effects.”