Unspoken Desires | English bl | Completed

Chapter 6: Secret Unravel

As Aarav pulled the car into the dorm parking lot, Aiden remained silent, his mind swirling with thoughts and emotions he couldn't untangle. He glanced at Aarav, who had a calm but unreadable expression, his hands gripping the steering wheel tightly. 

"Thanks for the ride," Aiden said softly, breaking the silence.

Aarav turned to him, his eyes locking onto Aiden's. "Anytime," he replied, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "But before you go..."

Aiden froze as Aarav leaned closer, his warm breath fanning against Aiden's cheek. Aarav reached out, brushing a stray strand of hair Aiden's forehead.

"You don't have to thank me, Aiden," Aarav murmured, his voice low and filled with something that made Aiden's heart skip a beat.

Aiden swallowed hard, his pulse racing as Aarav's gaze dropped to his lips. He knew what was coming, but instead of pulling away, he found himself leaning in ever so slightly.

Aarav's lips captured his in a kiss that was both gentle and possessive, as if Aarav was staking a claim he didn't want anyone else to have. Aiden's hands gripped the edge of his seat, torn between the overwhelming emotions coursing through him and the voice in his head telling him this was a bad idea.

When Aarav pulled back, he rested his forehead against Aiden's, his dark eyes searching Aiden's face. "You can lie to yourself, Aiden," Aarav whispered, "but don't lie to me. I see the way you look at me."

Aiden couldn't find the words to respond. Instead, he quickly unbuckled his seatbelt and grabbed his bag. "I---I have to go," he stammered, practically scrambling out of the car.

Back in his dorm room, Aiden sat on the edge of his bed, hi head in his hands. His lips still tingled from Aarav's kiss and the memory of it played on a loop in his mind.

"What's wrong with me?" he muttered to himself.

He though about Aarav---his confidence, his teasing, the way his presence made Aiden feel like he was standing on the edge of a cliff, both terrified and exhilarated.

But then he though about Ayaan, his best friend who had always been there for him. What would Ayaan think if he knew about the kiss? Would he be angry? Hurt?

Aiden sighed, raking a hand through his hair. He couldn't let Ayaan find out---not yet. He needed to sort out his feelings first.

The next morning, Aiden met Ayaan in the cafeteria for breakfast. Ayaan greeted him with his usual easy smile, but there was a hint of curiosity in his eyes.

"You look tired," Ayaan commented, taking a bite of his toast. "Didn't sleep well?"

Aiden forced a laugh. "Yeah, something like that."

Ayaan studied him for a moment before leaning back in his chair. "So... about Aarav," he began, his tone casual but probing.

Aiden stiffened. "What about him?"

"You've been spending a lot of time with him lately," Ayaan said, his gaze steady. "Is everything okay?"

Aiden's heart raced. Did Ayaan know? Could he see through him?

"We're not... sending time together," Aiden said quickly. "He just gave me a ride yesterday, that's all."

Ayaan raised an eyebrow but didn't press further. "Alright. Just... be careful around him, okay? Aarav has a way of getting under people's skin."

Aiden nodded, his chest tightening.

Later that evening, Aiden found himself alone in the library, attempting to focus on his assignments. He was so absorbed in his work that he didn't notice Aarav until he was standing right beside him.

"Hey, sunshine," Aarav said, his voice low and smooth.

Aiden jumped slightly, glaring at Aarav. "Can you not sneak up on me?"

Aarav chuckled, pulling out the chair next to Aiden and sitting down. "What are you working on?"

"Nothing you'd be interested in," Aiden muttered, closing his notebook.

Aarav leaned closer, his arm resting on the table. "Why are you avoiding me?"

"I'm not avoiding you," Aiden said defensively, avoiding  Aarav's gaze.

"Yes, you are," Aarav said, his tone teasing but with an edge of seriousness. "Is it because of the kiss?"

Aiden's cheeks flushed. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Aarav smirked. "Liar."

Before Aiden could respond, Aarav reached out and placed a hand on his, the warmth of his touch sending a shiver down Aiden's spine.

"You can keep running, Aiden," Aarav said softly, "but I'll always catch up to you."

Aiden's breath hitched as Aarav leaned in, his lips brushing against Aiden's in a fleeting kiss. It was brief, but it left Aiden's heart pounding.

As Aarav pulled back, he gave Aiden a knowing look. "Think about it," he said before standing and walking away, leaving Aiden alone with his racing thoughts.

Meanwhile, back at the room, Ayaan sat on his bed, deep in thought. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was going on between Aarav and Aiden. He didn't have proof, but the way they looked at each other, the tension between them---it was enough to make him suspicious.

"Aiden," Ayaan muttered to himself, "what are you hiding?"

As the night wore on, both Aarav and Aiden found themselves unable to sleep, their thoughts consumed by the growing connection between them. For Aiden, it was a whirlwind of confusion and emotions he wasn't ready to face. For Aarav, it was a dangerous game he couldn't stop playing.

But one thing was clear---secrets had a way of unraveling and it was only a matter of time before everything came to light.