When love lasts - Still with you (Shubman × Ishan)

12. TANGLED HEARTS

Shubman chuckled sheepishly, feeling the weight of his friends' teasing gaze. "I... enjoyed the company," he admitted, his words laced with a hint of vulnerability.

Nishant's grin widened, mischief dancing in his eyes. "Enjoyed the company, eh?"

Shubman groaned, burying his face in his hands as laughter bubbled up from deep within him. There was no doubt that Ishan had managed to capture his heart in a way that no one else ever had but Shubman wasn't sure if it was really a crush or he was just worked up cause Ishan was first friend he made in last twenty years except the two idiots lurking around in his apartment like it belonged to them.

After a delicious meal prepared by Daksh, the trio settled into the living room, enjoying each other's company late into the night. As they chatted and laughed, Shubman felt a sense of contentment wash over him, grateful for the bond he shared with his two best friends.
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After bidding Shubman goodbye outside the Italian restaurant, Ishan couldn't shake the lingering warmth that enveloped him. The evening had been nothing short of magical, filled with laughter, good food, and effortless conversation. As he made his way back home, Ishan found himself lost in a whirlwind of emotions, each one more potent than the last.

Settling into the comfort of his room, Ishan reflected on the moments he had shared with Shubman. From their easy banter over plates of pasta to the stolen glances that spoke volumes without a single word, every interaction left an indelible mark on his heart. He couldn't deny the flutter of excitement that danced in his chest at the mere thought of Shubman, his smile etched into Ishan's memory like a vivid painting.

As Ishan sat by the window,staring out into the twinkling city lights, lost in thoughts, waves of memories washed over him, each one carrying the weight of the past month's events. It had been a whirlwind of emotions, a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows that had left him reeling yet somehow more alive than ever before.

No matter how good he was at pretending he was okay and strong but deep down it still hurted. It hurted like hell. He lost his best friend as well as boyfriend and he didn't even get a clear explanation about the break up.

'Is he missing me just the way I am missing him?'

Three years together, five years as best friends before that – their bond had been deep and profound, but somewhere along the way, they had lost sight of what truly mattered.

'I guess those eight years didn't matter to him at all'

It tinged with sadness and regret, but also with a newfound sense of freedom and liberation.

Coming out to his father had been another defining moment in Ishan's journey towards self-acceptance. His father's promise to try to understand and accept him for who he was had filled Ishan with both hope and trepidation. It was a conversation filled with raw emotion and vulnerability, one that had brought them closer together in ways Ishan had never imagined possible.

And then there was Shubman – a ray of light amidst the darkness, a beacon of hope in the midst of uncertainty. Their chance meeting at the reception party had sparked something within Ishan, a flicker of curiosity and intrigue that had only grown stronger with each passing day. Their subsequent meetups had been nothing short of magical, each one a testament to the undeniable connection that existed between them.

As Ishan reflected on all these moments, he couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude wash over him. Despite the challenges and obstacles he had faced, he was filled with an overwhelming sense of optimism for the future. With Shubman by his side, he knew that anything was possible – love, happiness, and a lifetime of shared memories yet to be made. And as he looked towards the horizon, Ishan felt a renewed sense of purpose and determination coursing through his veins, ready to embrace whatever the future held with open arms.