The villa buzzed with energy. It was one of those rare evenings when the entire gang was off-duty, with no practice sessions or media commitments looming. Snacks were spread across the table, and laughter filled the room as jokes flew back and forth.
Rishabh and Siraj led the chaos, as always, their antics keeping everyone entertained.
"Ishu, how much will you eat?" Siraj drawled, watching Ishan grab another handful of chips. "You've been stuffing your face, then sneaking around like you're on a secret mission. What's the deal?"
Ishan shot him a glare, his mouth full. "Mind your own business, Miya."
"No chance," Rishabh grinned, leaning over the couch. "We live for this."
Ishan's phone buzzed. His eyes flicked to the screen, and a blush spread across his cheeks. A text from Shubman: Balcony. Now.
"I'll be right back," Ishan mumbled, standing up abruptly.
"Where are you going?" Hardik asked, raising a brow.
"Bathroom," Ishan said quickly.
"You just came back from the bathroom," Rahul pointed out, amused.
"I have a small bladder," Ishan muttered before rushing out.
Siraj narrowed his eyes. "He's definitely hiding something."
Meanwhile, on the balcony, Shubman leaned against the railing, his eyes softening as Ishan stepped outside.
"You're late," Shubman teased.
"Do you know how hard it is to sneak away from them without being interrogated?" Ishan whispered, shutting the door behind him.
"Worth it," Shubman said, pulling Ishan into his arms. "You're terrible at sneaking, though."
Ishan scowled. "And you're terrible at sending discreet texts."
Shubman smirked and kissed him, slow and deliberate. Ishan melted into it, his heart racing as their lips moved in perfect rhythm.
Time seemed to stand still untilâ
A loud thud broke their trance.
They turned to find Mayank standing in the doorway, his eyes wide. He opened his mouth, then closed it. "I... I didn't see anything. Nope. Carry on."
Ishan groaned. "This is a disaster."
"Relax," Shubman whispered. "He won't tellâ," but before he could say more.
"GUYS!" Mayank shouted as he ran back inside. "ISHAN AND SHUBMAN ARE MAKING OUT ON THE BALCONY!"
The room exploded with laughter.
Rishabh collapsed onto the floor, clutching his stomach. "I knew it! I knew it!"
Siraj threw his arms into the air. "Finally! And they thought they could hide it from us! Amateurs!"
Virat crossed his arms, a smug grin on his face. "Balcony romance, huh? Classy."
"Was hiding it really necessary?" Rohit added, shaking his head.
"Guys, it's not what it looks like!" Ishan stammered.
"Oh, it's exactly what it looks like," Rahul said, grinning. "And you two were terrible at hiding it. Honestly, I'm a little hurt you thought we wouldn't notice."
Hardik smirked. "The late-night walks, the hallway giggles, the so-called 'bathroom breaks.' Even Yash figured it out."
Yash nodded, proud. "It was obvious."
Shubman sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Alright, fine. We're together. Happy now?"
"Very," Rishabh said between laughs. "No more pretending we don't see you sneaking glances at each other."
Ishan threw his hands up. "Is nothing sacred?"
"Not with us around," Siraj said smugly. "Now kiss him again. We missed the first part."
"Shut up, Miya," Shubman muttered, half-smiling as he pulled Ishan closer.
Ishan, blushing furiously but grinning, whispered, "We're never going to live this down."
Shubman kissed his temple. "Worth it."
The end.
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Hey guys!! How are you doing??