Not In The Script...

Chapter- 17: I'm Not Hiding

The studio lights were soft, but still too bright for Yashasvi's liking.

He sat across from the anchor in a crisp navy shirt, sleeves rolled to his elbows, hair perfectly messy - the kind of accidental charm that made social media go feral.

"Let's talk about the last few weeks," the anchor smiled, her tone light, but fishing. "You've been in incredible form - on and off the field, I'd say."

Yash smiled back politely. He knew where this was going.

"I try to stay consistent," he said.

She leaned in slightly. "The internet's convinced that your chemistry with a certain Gujarat Titans captain is... let's say, not just professional. Any comment?"

The audience chuckled.

Yash tilted his head.

A beat.

Then-

"I think... some things are worth keeping private. But I've never been this happy. On or off the field."

A low, surprised murmur ran through the crowd.

The anchor blinked, caught off guard.

"That sounds almost like a confirmation."

Yash grinned, this time softer. "That sounds like someone who finally knows how to smile without faking it."

He didn't say more.

He didn't need to.

Shubman saw the clip by accident.

He hadn't been watching live. Ishan had sent him the link with a casual "Your boy just threw a very classy grenade."

And when Shubman tapped the video open, earbuds in, alone in his hotel room - he felt it in his chest.

Yash wasn't just being careful.

He was being brave.

And suddenly, Shubman wasn't just proud.

He was in awe.

Yash returned to the hotel that evening a little flushed from the attention. A few teammates teased him lightly in the lobby - nothing harsh, just the usual "You hiding a girlfriend?" or "Someone's glowing."

He handled it all with ease.

But when he reached their room, his confidence softened into nerves.

Shubman opened the door the second Yash knocked.

He didn't say anything.

Just reached forward, grabbed Yash's wrist gently, and pulled him into a hug that said more than applause ever could.

"You saw it," Yash mumbled into his chest.

"I saw you," Shubman whispered. "And I wanted to run to that studio and kiss you in front of everyone."

Yash smiled against his shoulder.

"I don't want to be someone you have to hide," he said quietly.

Shubman pulled back just enough to look at him. His hand cupped Yash's face.
J
"You're not," he said. "You're someone I want to protect. Until you're ready. Until we're ready."

Yash nodded. "I think I'm starting to be."

They spent the rest of the evening curled on the bed - limbs tangled, TV playing something neither of them were watching.

At one point, Yash tucked his face into the crook of Shubman's neck and whispered, "I didn't even panic today."

Shubman smiled. "You didn't."

"I just... felt like me."

"You're more than you've ever been."

Later that night, they went to a team dinner.

Public, loud, tables long and crowded.

They sat side by side - a coincidence, maybe. Or maybe not.

Ishan winked at them once. Didn't say a word.

Shubman didn't try to touch him.

Didn't lean in.

Didn't make a scene.

But under the table, his pinky brushed Yash's.

Once.

Then again.

Yash looked at him - just a glance.

Then laced their fingers together under the tablecloth, breath steady.

No one saw.

No one needed to.

For the first time, Yash wasn't hiding.

And neither was Shubman.
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[End of Chapter 17]