Chapter 39: ♡A CRUSH REWRITTEN ♡

This oneshot was requested by @TawanThitipoom20. Hope you'll like it!!!.

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Viratxshubman

Back in high school, Shubman was the kind of student who flew under the radar—smart, quiet, with a heart that spoke more in silences than words. But there was one thing—or rather, one person—who managed to stir storms inside his otherwise calm world.

Virat Kohli.

Two years older, charismatic, confident, with an easy smile and eyes that seemed to carry entire universes within them. He was the kind of senior people gravitated towards effortlessly.

But for Shubman, it wasn't just admiration. It was something softer, something warmer—a crush that carved itself quietly into the spaces between glances and stolen moments.

He never spoke to Virat. Not even once. He barely managed to hold his gaze for more than three seconds.

The only person who knew about this carefully guarded secret was Ishan Kishan, his best friend, and the embodiment of chaos.

"I swear, Shubman," Ishan would tease, throwing an arm around his shoulder, "one day you'll combust from all that bottled-up pining. Just go talk to him!"

"Easy for you to say," Shubman muttered, face buried in his hands. "You weren't born with a social anxiety gene."

When Virat graduated, taking his effortless charm with him, Shubman thought that would be the end of it. A crush left behind in the dusty corners of his teenage years.

But hearts have a funny way of holding on.

College had its own rhythm—faster, louder, and filled with new faces. Shubman had settled into his small circle: Ishan (still chaotic), Abhishek , and Mayank.

Life was simple. Until it wasn't.

Because there he was.

Virat Kohli.

Walking across the campus lawn, laughter spilling from his lips as he chatted with his friends, Rohit and Hardik. He looked the same yet different—more confident, if that was even possible, like he belonged in every space he stepped into.

Shubman froze mid-step, gripping Ishan's arm so hard it made Ishan yelp.

"Bro, ow! What—" Ishan followed his gaze. His eyes lit up like a Christmas tree. "Oh. OH. Is that—"

"Don't say it," Shubman hissed.

"Virat Kohli," Ishan whispered dramatically. "Back from the dead—or, you know, school. The love of your life has returned!"

Shubman groaned. "I will smother you in your sleep."

But it was too late. The damage was done. Ishan's teasing radar had been activated.

Over the next few days, Ishan became a menace.

"Shubman, look! There's your soulmate!"

"Wow, Virat walked past us again. Coincidence? I think not."

"Should I go ask him if he believes in love at first sight—or should you?"

Abhishek and Mayank grew suspicious.

"Why does Ishan keep whispering 'fate' and 'destiny' every time that senior walks by?" Abhishek squinted.

Mayank shrugged. "Knowing Ishan? Probably something dumb."

But the truth had a habit of slipping out, especially when Ishan was involved.

One afternoon, during an intense UNO game, Abhishek casually remarked, "You know, that senior Virat seems cool."

Ishan grinned like a shark. "Oh, he's more than cool to Shubman."

Silence.

Shubman froze, card halfway to the pile. "Ishan."

But Ishan was already spilling the tea. "Shubman's had a crush on him since school!"

Abhishek nearly dropped his cards. "WAIT, WHAT?!"

Mayank blinked. "Plot twist."

Shubman groaned into his hoodie as his friends erupted into laughter, teasing him relentlessly.

Meanwhile, Virat wasn't exactly oblivious.

He'd noticed Shubman the first week of college. The quiet guy with soft eyes and an air of mystery. Something about him felt familiar, like an old song he couldn't place.

And then it hit him—school.

Memories surfaced—glimpses of Shubman in the library, the shy glances exchanged in hallways. Back then, Virat had liked him too, but he never figured out how to approach him.

This time, he wasn't going to repeat that mistake.

It started small. A casual "Hey" in the hallway. Sitting closer during lectures they shared. Borrowing a pen he didn't really need.

Shubman's heart was a mess. His school crush was now his college senior, actively trying to befriend him.

Virat would lean in during group activities, his breath warm against Shubman's ear. "You're really good at this," he'd say, and Shubman would short-circuit.

Their friends didn't help.

"Did you hear that?" Ishan whispered once. "He complimented you. That's basically a marriage proposal."

"Shut up, Ishan!"

Abhishek chimed in, "At this point, Virat's doing everything except holding up a neon sign saying 'DATE ME.'"

The evening had settled into a soft rhythm, with raindrops tapping gently against the pavement. Shubman stood by the library steps, his gaze lost in the quiet beauty of the night.

The world felt distant, just him and the gentle sound of the rain filling the air.

"Hey."

Virat's voice cut through the quiet, and Shubman turned to see him standing there, just a few feet away. The same confident presence, but now with something else—an openness that Shubman couldn't quite place.

"Hey," Shubman replied, his voice barely above a whisper. The tension between them seemed to thicken with every passing second.

They stood there for a moment, the rain forming small pools around their feet. The usual teasing spark in Virat's eyes was gone, replaced by something softer, something more serious.

Finally, Virat spoke, his voice uncharacteristically gentle. "I need to tell you something."

Shubman's heart skipped a beat. "What is it?"

Virat took a deep breath, stepping closer. "I used to notice you in school," he said quietly, his gaze fixed on Shubman's eyes. "I thought about you a lot, but I never really knew how to talk to you."

Shubman felt his pulse quicken. Virat... noticed me?

Virat took another step forward, his hand reaching up to lightly touch Shubman's arm, grounding them in the moment. "And now, I can't stop thinking about you. I didn't want to leave things unsaid this time."

Shubman's breath caught in his throat as he processed the words. Had he heard that right?

Virat's voice softened further, and his eyes softened with a vulnerable sincerity. "I... I like you, Shubman." He paused, looking flustered. "No. Scratch that. I love you, Shubman. I really, really love you."

The words hung in the air, and Shubman's heart pounded as the world seemed to tilt. His breath caught, his eyes wide as he tried to process everything.

Virat let out a nervous laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. "I know, I probably sound insane, but I needed to say it. I love you."

Shubman's pulse raced, his mind swirling. All the feelings he had kept buried for so long—the crush that he never told anyone, the quiet longing—suddenly surged to the surface.

He took a deep breath, his voice barely a whisper. "I love you too, Virat. I always have."

Virat's eyes softened, a relieved, genuine smile spreading across his face. "You have no idea how long I've wanted to hear that."

Shubman chuckled softly, his own smile spreading across his face. "Seems like we both wasted time."

Virat laughed, the tension between them finally breaking. He gently cupped Shubman's face, his thumb brushing over his cheek as he leaned in closer. "I'm not letting you go this time. I promise."

Shubman's heart swelled as their faces drew nearer. He nodded, his voice soft but steady. "I'm not going anywhere."

Virat's smile softened even further, his eyes searching Shubman's for confirmation. He hesitated for a moment, as if uncertain, but his voice was filled with hope. "Can I... can I kiss you?"

Shubman's heart fluttered, his breath catching in his throat. The world seemed to pause for a brief, electric moment. He smiled, his voice barely more than a whisper, "Please."

The world seemed to pause, the rain falling softer somehow, as if the universe itself was holding its breath.

Virat leaned in, his forehead resting against Shubman's for a fleeting second—a delicate touch, as if grounding himself before taking the leap.

Then their lips met.

It wasn't rushed. It wasn't perfect. But it was theirs.

Soft and slow, like the unfolding of a secret long held. Virat's lips were warm, tasting faintly of rain and something sweeter—something like home.

Shubman's hands found Virat's jacket, gripping it gently, as if afraid he'd disappear. But Virat wasn't going anywhere. His thumb brushed against Shubman's cheek, anchoring them in the moment.

It was a kiss filled with unspoken words, missed chances, and the quiet ache of finally.

"In the spaces where words falter, hearts speak the loudest."

When they pulled back, breathless and smiling, Virat whispered, "Took us long enough, huh?"

Shubman laughed softly, his heart lighter than it had ever been. "Yeah. But it was worth the wait."

And as the rain continued to fall around them, it felt like the world had finally set itself right.

The End.

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Heyy guyss!!   I've noticed my stories are getting views, but not many votes or comments. If you're enjoying them, it would mean a lot if you could leave a vote or comment when you have a moment. Your support really motivates me to keep going. Thank you!!! 😊

Also i hope you liked this🖤

Sorry for the delay in getting this to you @TawanThitipoom20, thanks so much for your patience!!