What after That?

Ch 71.

The evening had settled in, casting an orange glow through the window of their dorm room.

Shubman was making the bed, smoothing out the sheets, while Ishan sat on the edge of the desk, arms crossed, a troubled expression on his face.

“I still can’t believe we were this close to getting caught,” Ishan huffed, running his fingers through his hair.

Shubman, without looking up, shrugged nonchalantly. “So what? I don’t mind revealing it.”

Ishan’s eyes widened, and he immediately sat up straighter. “You don’t mind? But your family will!”

That made Shubman pause.

His movements slowed as he folded the last corner of the bedsheet, his expression shifting from casual to serious.

Ishan sighed, seeing the subtle tension on Shubman’s face.

He got up, walked over, and held Shubman’s hand, gently pulling him to sit down beside him.

“Look, Shubii…” Ishan began, his voice softer now. “It’s just… I’m scared of how they’ll react.”

Shubman turned his gaze to him, his dark eyes searching Ishan’s. “But we’ll have to tell them someday anyway. So?”

Ishan’s lips pressed into a thin line. He took a deep breath, trying to gather his thoughts.

“Shubman… how do you think our parents will react when they see two guys… you know… kissing?” He hesitated, fidgeting with the hem of his shirt. “It’s not normal for them.”

Shubman’s jaw clenched slightly.

“That doesn’t mean we’re wrong.” His tone was firm.

Ishan looked away. He knew that. But knowing it didn’t make it any less terrifying.

“I’m just saying,” he muttered, “we should be careful.”

Shubman exhaled, rubbing his temples. “Careful? Or just afraid?”

Ishan’s eyes snapped back to him. “Don’t call me a coward.”

Shubman frowned. “Then don’t act like one.”

Ishan’s hands curled into fists.

“I’m not being a coward!” He stood up, frustration bubbling inside him. “I just don’t want to tell this to anyone!”

Shubman’s expression hardened.

“Now or ever?”

That made Ishan pause.

He didn’t answer immediately. Because he didn’t know.

Maybe he did want to keep it hidden. Maybe he never wanted to tell anyone. Maybe he just wanted to keep things between them—just theirs, private, untouched by the world’s judgment.

Shubman, however, took that silence as an answer.

His shoulders tensed.

His gaze lingered on Ishan for a long moment, as if waiting for him to say something—anything.

But Ishan didn’t.

Shubman’s face darkened.

And then, without another word, he got up and walked out of the room.

Ishan stood there, watching the door shut behind him.

His heart sank.

He knew that hurt Shubman. But what was he supposed to do?