Unspoken Desires | English bl | Completed

Chapter 4: First Touch

The library encounter left Aiden rattled. The way Aarav leaned in close, the teasing lilt in his voice---it was all too much to handle. But just as he convinced himself it was nothing more than another one of Aarav's games, the universe had other plans.

It was mid-afternoon and Aiden was heading to the washroom during a break between lectures. The hallway was quiet, the usual bustling chatter of students dulled to a distant hum. As Aiden pushed open the door to the empty washroom, he barely had time to react before a firm hand grabbed his wrist and pulled him inside.

"Aarav?" Aiden gasped, his heart pounding as he found himself concerned between the cool tile wall and Aarav's towering frame.

"Relax," Aarav said smoothly, his lips quirking into that maddening smirk. "I just wanted to talk."

"In a washroom?" Aiden retorted, his voice trembling slightly.

Aarav chuckled, his dark eyes glinting. "It's private, isn't it? No interruptions."

Aiden tried to sidestep him, but Aarav placed a hand on the wall, effectively caging him in. "Why are you doing this?" Aiden asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Aarav's gaze softened, his smirk fading as he studied Aiden's face. "Because I can't help it," he murmured.

Before Aiden could respond, Aarav's other hand reached out, brushing a strand of hair away from Aiden's forehead. The touch was surprisingly gentle, sending a shiver down Aiden's spine.

"Aarav---" Aiden started, but the words died on his lips as Aarav leaned closer, his breath warm against Aiden's skin.

"Just once," Aarav whispered, his voice low and husky. "Let me try something."

Aiden's heart was racing, his thoughts a chaotic mess. Before he could protest---or agree---Aarav closed the distance, pressing his lips against Aiden's in a kiss that was both firm and fleeting.

Aiden froze, his mind struggling to process what was happening. Aarav's hand moved to his waist, the touch light but enough to send sparks to confusion and... something else through Aiden's body.

When Aarav finally pulled back, his eyes searched Aiden's face for a reaction. "There," he said, his voice softer now. "Not so bad, was it?"

Aiden's cheeks burned, his fingers clutching the strap of his bag tightly. "Why... why did you do that?" he stammered.

Aarav titled his head, his smirk returning but with a hint of vulnerability. "I told you---I couldn't help it."

Without another word, Aarav stepped back, his hands slipping into his pockets as he walked out of the washroom, leaving Aiden alone and overwhelmed.

That evening, back at the Wijewardhane household, Ayaan sat in the living room, flipping through a book when Aarav strolled in. The elder brother's usual confidence seemed shaken, though he tried to mask it."

"You look like you've seen a ghost," Ayaan commented, setting the book aside.

Aarav snorted, dropping onto the couch. "More like I kissed one."

Ayaan's eyebrow shot up. "You what?"

"I kissed Aiden," Aarav admitted, his voice carrying a mix of pride and uncertainty.

Ayaan blinked, clearly caught off guard. "And you're telling me this because...?"

"Because you're the one who told me to stop playing games," Aarav replied, leaning his head back against the couch. "So, I took your advice. Kind of."

Ayaan sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I didn't mean for you to ambush him in a washroom, Aarav. What were you thinking?"

"I wasn't," Aarav confessed. "It just... happened. I saw an opening and I took it."

"Well, how did he react?" Ayaan asked, leaning forward.

Aarav shrugged, though his expression betrayed his uncertainty. "He didn't push me away, but he didn't exactly kiss me back, either."

Ayaan frowned, his protective instincts kicking in. "You need to be careful, Aarav. Aiden's not like the others you've flirted with. He's different."

"I know that," Aarav snapped, his tone defensive. "That's the problem. He's so... innocent. And it drives me crazy."

Ayaan shook his head. "You can't mess with him, Aarav. If you're serious about this, you need to stop treating him like a game."

Aarav was silent for a moment, his jaw tight. "I don't know how to be anything else, Ayaan. This is who I am."

"Then maybe you should figure out who you want to be," Ayaan said quietly.

The next day at university, Aiden tried to focus on his classes, but Aarav's kiss was all he could think about. His confusion deepened as he replayed the moment in his mind, the way Aarav's touch had simultaneously unnerved and intrigued him.

During lunch, Ayaan noticed Aiden's distracted demeanor. "Hey," he said, nudging his friend. "You okay? You've been zoning out all day."

Aiden hesitated, unsure whether to confide in Ayaan. Finally, he sighed. "It's... your brother."

Ayaan's expression tightened. "What did Aarav do now?"

"He kissed me," Aiden blurted out, his cheeks turning crimson.

Ayaan froze, trying to mask his surprise. "And how do you feel about that?"

"I don't know," Aiden admitted, running a hand through his hair. "It's confusing. One minute he's teasing me, the next he's... kissing me. I don't understand him."

Ayaan nodded slowly, choosing his words carefully. "Aarav's... complicated. He doesn't show his feelings easily, but I think he cares more than he lets on."

Aiden looked at Ayaan, his eyes filled with uncertainty. "Do you think he's serious? Or is this just another game to him?"

"I don't know," Ayaan said honestly. "But if you're unsure, maybe you should ask him. Don't let him control the narrative."

Aiden nodded, though he wasn't sure he was ready to confront Aarav just yet.

Meanwhile, Aarav watched them from a distance, his gaze lingering on Aiden. For the first time in his life, Aarav felt vulnerable---and he wasn't sure he liked it. But one think was certain: he couldn't stay away.