Unspoken Desires | English bl | Completed

Chapter 5: The Car Ride

Aiden stood outside the university gates, waiting for the bus. It was late in the afternoon and the sun as beginning to set, casting a golden hue over the campus. He shifted his bag on his shoulder, lost in though, when the sound of a car engine drew his attention.

A sleek black car pulled up beside him and the driver's window rolled down to reveal Aarav, wearing his signature smirk.

"Need a ride, sunshine?" Aarav asked, his tone teasing but with a hint of something more.

Aiden hesitated. "I'm fine. The bus will be here soon."

Aarav tilted his head, his dark eyes gleaming. "The bus? Really? Come on, get in. Unless you're scared of being alone with me?"

"I'm note scared," Aiden retorted, though his voice wavered slightly. Against his better judgement, he opened the door and slid into the passenger seat.

The car smelled faintly of leather and Aarav's cologne---a combination that made Aiden's heart race. Aarav revved the engine and pulled onto the road, his eyes flicking toward Aiden briefly before focusing ahead.

"So," Aarav began, his voice casual, "how's the whole 'freshman life' treating you?"

"It's fine," Aiden replied, trying to sound indifferent.

"Fine?" Aarav repeated, his lips quirking. "You've got me as your unofficial guide to this place and all you can say is 'fine'? Harsh."

Aiden rolled his eyes. "You're hardly a guide, Aarav. More like a... disruptor."

Aarav laughed, the sound rich and carefree. "Disruptor, huh? I like that. But admit it---you'd be bored without me."

Aiden didn't respond, choosing instead to look out the window as they city blurred past. The atmosphere in the car was charged, the silence filled with unspoken tension.

As they approached a quieter stretch of road, Aarav suddenly slowed down and pulled into an empty parking lot.

"What are we doing here?" Aiden asked, glancing around.

Aarav shifted into park and turned to face him, his expression unreadable. "I wanted to talk. Without any interruption."

Aiden frowned. "Talk about what?"

Aarav leaned closer, his voice dropping to a low murmur. "You, Aiden. You're all I can think about and it's driving me insane."

Aiden's breath hitched, his pulse quickening as Aarav's intense gaze locked onto his. "Aarav, I..."

Before he could finish, Aarav reached out, his fingers brushing lightly against Aiden's cheek. "You don't have to say anything," he whispered. "Just... let me try something."

Aiden's heart pounded as Aarav closed the distance between them, his lips capturing Aiden's in a kiss that was slow and deliberate. This time, it wasn't playful or teasing---it was filled with emotion and Aiden felt his resolve weakening.

Aarav's hand slid to the back of Aiden's neck, pulling him closer as the kiss deepened. Aiden's hands instinctively griped the edge of his seat, torn between hesitation and the undeniable pull he felt toward Aarav.

When Aarav finally pulled back, his forehead rested against Aiden's, their breaths mingling in the confined space of the car. "See?" Aarav said softly. "It doesn't have to be so complicated."

Aiden stared at him, his cheeks flushed. "This... this isn't normal, Aarav. You're my senior. And..."

"And you heart's racing just as fast as mine," Aarav interrupted, his voice laced with confidence.

Before Aiden could respond, Aarav's phone buzzed, breaking the moment. With a groan, Aarav pulled it out of his pocket and answered without looking at the screen.

"What?" Aarav snapped.

"Relax, it's me," can Ayaan's voice on the other end. "I just wanted to check where you are. Or more specially, who you're with."

Aarav stiffened, his jaw tightening. "I'm out. Why?"

"Because I saw you leave with Aiden," Ayaan said, his tone light but laced with meaning. "Be careful, Aarav. You're playing a dangerous game."

"I know what I'm going, Ayaan," Aarav replied curtly, his grip tightening on the steering wheel.

"Do you?" Ayaan countered. "Because from where I'm standing, it looks like you're getting in over your head."

Aarav ended the call abruptly, tossing the phone onto the dashboard. Aiden watched him cautiously, unsure of what had just transpired.

"What did he want?" Aiden asked tentatively.

"Nothing important," Aarav muttered, his frustration evident. He turned to Aiden, his expression softening. "I'm sorry about that. Let's just... focus on us."

Aiden bit his lip, his mind racing. "Aarav, I don't know if I can handle this. You're intense and I'm... not used to it."

Aarav reached out, taking Aiden's hand in his. "I know I'm a lot," he admitted. "But I'll never hurt you, Aiden. I promise."

The sincerity in Aarav's voice made Aiden's chest ache. Despite his confusion and reservations, he couldn't deny the magnetic pull he felt toward Aarav.

As Aarav started the car and drove them back to the dorm, Aiden couldn't shake the feeling that he was stepping into something far more complicated then he was ready for. One thing, however, was certain---his life would never be the same.