Chapter 3: 𝓐 𝓓𝓮𝓪𝓵 𝓞𝓯 𝓗𝓮𝓪𝓻𝓽𝓼

Oneshots- ICTWords: 7070

This story is dedicated to @itsmecupicake ,who requested this story. Hope you Enjoy!!

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Abhishek×mayank

Abhishek Sharma walked into the conference room, his usual lively demeanor setting the tone for the day.

The meeting with Mayank Markande was crucial-this project was going to change everything for both of their businesses.

But Abhishek had another agenda. He was tired of Mayank's cool, distant demeanor and was determined to crack through that icy exterior, even if it took a little bit of flirting and fun along the way.

Mayank was already seated at the conference table, flipping through some papers, completely absorbed in the numbers.

He looked as composed as ever-serious, methodical, and focused.

Abhishek couldn't help but admire how professional Mayank was, but it made him want to tease him even more.

"Hey, Markande," Abhishek said as he slid into the seat across from Mayank, flashing him a grin. "You ever take a break from all that genius-level thinking and actually relax?"

Mayank didn't even look up. "I'm fine," he replied, his voice calm. "Just going over some numbers. You should do the same."

Abhishek leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand, a playful smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. "Come on, Mayank, I know you're all business, but you can't be serious all the time. I mean, look at me-I'm basically the life of the party. Don't you want to experience some of that fun?"

Mayank raised an eyebrow, finally glancing at Abhishek. "You're not all fun, Abhishek. You're also a bit of a distraction."

Abhishek chuckled. "A distraction? I thought I was more of a... refreshing change of pace."

Mayank only shook his head, but there was a small smile tugging at his lips. Abhishek noticed it, of course. He was always looking for those little cracks in Mayank's composed exterior.

The meeting began, and the two of them dove into the project details. The numbers, the proposals, the timelines-they worked seamlessly together, each balancing the other out.

Abhishek was all about the big picture, the bold ideas, and the grand gestures, while Mayank was methodical, making sure every detail was perfect.

But the chemistry between them? That was undeniable.

Abhishek would catch Mayank's eye every now and then, offering a grin or a flirty comment, and while Mayank never gave him a full response, Abhishek could see the flicker of amusement in his eyes.

It wasn't much, but it was a start.

Later that evening, as they wrapped up for the day, Abhishek couldn't resist pushing a little further.

The office was quiet, the lights dimming, and the only sound between them was the rustling of papers.

"You know," Abhishek said casually, stretching as he stood up from the table, "we make a pretty great team, don't we?"

Mayank didn't look up from the screen. "Of course we do. We're professionals."

Abhishek walked over to him, leaning against the desk, his presence almost crowding Mayank's space. "Oh, I know we're professionals. But let's face it, I'm more than just a colleague to you, aren't I?" He let the words hang in the air, watching Mayank's eyes flicker with uncertainty.

Mayank glanced up, his gaze sharp. "What are you getting at?"

Abhishek grinned, his eyes mischievous. "Oh, nothing. Just wondering if maybe you've noticed how much fun we've been having together. How much better this whole project is going because of... well, me."

Mayank rolled his eyes but couldn't suppress a small chuckle. "You never stop, do you?"

Abhishek shrugged. "Someone's got to keep things interesting around here."

There was a moment of silence, and then Mayank, in his usual understated way, said, "You're annoying."

Abhishek leaned in closer, lowering his voice. "I can be a lot of things, Mayu. Annoying, yes. But also... charming. Funny. And let's not forget, incredibly good-looking."

Mayank looked at him, unblinking. "You're unbelievable."

"But you like it," Abhishek said, his voice smooth with confidence.

Mayank finally broke, his lips twitching into a smile that was just for Abhishek.

It wasn't a full smile, but it was something-something that made Abhishek's heart race. It was progress.

"Don't get too cocky," Mayank muttered, but there was a warmth in his tone that wasn't there before.

Abhishek stood up straighter, unable to help himself. "I can't help it. It's in my nature." He stepped back a little, suddenly feeling bolder. "You know, if you want, we could grab a drink sometime. Talk about this project... or talk about us." He winked.

Mayank's eyes narrowed, but there was something different in the way he was looking at Abhishek now. "I don't mix business with pleasure," he said slowly.[ "Don't mix business with pleasure" is actually a ongoing bl manhwa😁😅. So far the story is good. Do anyone else here read manhwa??.]

Abhishek smirked, leaning in just a little closer. "Who says we can't mix both? You and me, over drinks? Could be fun. Or are you too afraid I'll distract you from the project?"

Mayank paused for a long moment, his gaze fixed on Abhishek. There was a flicker of hesitation before he spoke. "Fine. One drink. But no distractions."

Abhishek's grin widened. "Deal."

As they stepped out of the office and into the cool night air, the tension between them was palpable.

They walked side by side, the city lights casting long shadows. The flirtation that had started as playful banter now felt different-more real, more significant.

At the bar, they found a quiet corner, away from the crowd. Abhishek leaned in, a little closer than before, and their conversation flowed effortlessly.

The business talk gave way to more personal topics, each moment drawing them closer.

Abhishek learned more about Mayank than he ever expected, and with each passing minute, the walls Mayank had built around himself seemed to crumble just a little more.

"See?" Abhishek said softly, his voice low, "I told you. There's more to life than just business, right?"

Mayank met his gaze, his expression softened, but still guarded. "Maybe."

Abhishek wasn't about to let him get away with just a 'maybe.' He reached out, placing a hand gently on Mayank's, his thumb brushing over his skin. "I'm not giving up on you, you know."

Mayank looked down at their hands, then back up at Abhishek. "You really don't give up, do you?"

"Nope," Abhishek said with a grin. "Not when I know I'm right."

Mayank didn't pull away. Instead, he gave a small smile, one that was almost shy, but so genuine.

"Okay, Sharma," Mayank said, his voice quieter now. "Maybe you're not so bad after all."

Abhishek's grin was full of triumph as he leaned in just enough to whisper, "I knew you'd come around."

As they sat there, the night deepening around them, Abhishek realized that they were no longer just business partners.

They were something more. Something real. And maybe, just maybe, they'd get to explore it.

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