Movie night magic, shared popcorn and dreams
Butterfingers sticky, a connection it seems
Stolen glances, whispers in the dark
A spark ignites, leaving its mark
Is this just a friendship, or something more grand?
A silent understanding, written in the sand
Hearts beat a rhythm, a secret they keep
Is this a friendship, or promises deep?
~Something more
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Actually 'm going back to Italy this weekend."
"Really? What a coincidence! When are you leaving?"asked Shubman while widening his eyes.
"This Saturday."
"No way! Me too! What time is your flight?"
They exchange information, a jolt of electricity running through them as they realize they're on the same flight.
"Let's meet up for a coffee this Thursday and we can meet at the airport before we board!"
"Sounds perfect. See you then!"
After bidding farewell to Ishan outside the movie theater, Shubman made his way back home, his mind buzzing with the events of the evening. He couldn't shake the warmth he felt from their shared moments during the movie, each glance and touch leaving an indelible mark on his heart.
As he unlocked the door to his apartment, he was greeted by the savory aroma of Daksh's cooking wafting from the kitchen. Stepping inside, he found Daksh bustling about the stove, a culinary maestro in his element.
"Hey, chef!" Shubman called out, grinning as he dropped his keys on the countertop.
Daksh turned, a playful glint in his eyes. "Ah, you're back! Just in time for dinner. How was the movie?"
Shubman shrugged, trying to play it cool despite the fluttering in his chest. "It was good. Ishan seemed to enjoy it too."
Just then, Nishant emerged from the living room, controller in hand as he paused his game to greet Shubman. "Yo, welcome back! How was your date?"
Shubman rolled his eyes, though he couldn't suppress the smile tugging at his lips. "It wasn't a date, Nish. Just a movie with a friend."
Nishant waggled his eyebrows suggestively, teasingly. "Uh-huh, sure it wasn't. Well, Daksh here has whipped up something special for dinner to celebrate your newfound romance."
Daksh shot Nishant a warning look.
As the trio settled around the dining table, the remnants of Daksh's culinary masterpiece disappearing with every satisfied bite, Shubman found himself lost in a whirlwind of memories from his evening with Ishan. Each moment replayed in his mind like scenes from a cherished film, filling him with a warmth that he couldn't quite shake.
Caught in his reverie, Shubman absently stirred his food, a dreamy smile playing at the corners of his lips. His mind drifted back to the shared laughter, the stolen glances, and the gentle brush of their hands as they reached for the popcorn during the movie. It was a night he would cherish forever, a fleeting yet precious glimpse into the potential of something more.
Nishant nudged him playfully, breaking him out of his thoughts. "Earth to Shubman! You've been smiling like a lovesick fool ever since you got back. What's got you so giddy?"
Shubman's cheeks flushed slightly, though he couldn't suppress the grin that threatened to split his face in two. "Oh, it's nothing," he replied, his voice betraying his attempt at nonchalance. "Just had a good time at the movies, that's all."
Daksh arched an eyebrow, a knowing glint in his eyes. "Uh-huh, just a good time, huh? Is that why you've been staring off into space like you're in a trance?"
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.
But then again amidst the joy and anticipation, a nagging doubt lingered at the back of Ishan's mind. Was he reading too much into their interactions? Was Shubman simply being friendly, or was there a deeper connection waiting to be explored? The uncertainty gnawed at Ishan's insides, a constant reminder of the vulnerability that came with opening his heart to another.
*ring* *ring*
The train of his thoughts was disturbed by a call from his closest friend Sara.
"So, spill the tea, Ishan. How was your 'not-a-date' with Shubman?"
"Oh, you know, just your typical movie night. Popcorn, awkward hand brushes, the usual."
"And here I thought those things only happened in movies" *laughs* "But it sounds like you two had quite the romantic evening."
"Stop it, Sara. It was just a friendly hangout."
"Uh-huh, sure it was. I've seen the way you light up whenever you talk about him."
*blushes* "Okay, maybe I enjoyed it a little too much."
"That's the spirit! So, when's the next rendezvous? Another 'not-a-date' in the making?"
"Actually, we're having lunch on Thursday."
"Ooh la la! Looks like someone's moving up from movie nights to lunch dates. How romantic!"
*rolls eyes* "It's not like that, Sara. Shubman is probably just being friendly."
"Oh please, Ishan. I've known you long enough to see when you're catching feelings. Admit it, you've got a crush on him."
Ishan sighed "Maybe I do, but it's pointless.It's not like every man I like will turn out to be interested in men as well. Shubman is definitely into girls."
"Or maybe he's just waiting for the right guy to come along. Like you."
"Yeah, right. In my dreams, maybe."
"Well, who knows? Maybe this lunch date will be the start of something magical."
"Or maybe it'll just be two friends having lunch. Either way, I'm happy just to spend time with him. Btw, any updates from Rahul and Ivan? I miss those idiots."
"Not yet. They're still off the grid, lost in the wilderness or something."
"Typical. I bet Rahul is trying to convince everyone he's a survival expert while Ivan is probably just trying not to get eaten by a bear."
*laughs* "Knowing them, they're probably having the time of their lives. But yeah, I can't wait until they're back and we can all hang out again."
"Definitely. It's not the same without them. Do you think they'll make it back in time for Shubman and my flight?"
"Hmm, hard to say. Knowing those two, they'll probably get lost on their way back and end up in another state."
"True. Well, let's hope they find their way back soon. I miss having them around."
"Agreed. But until then, we'll just have to entertain ourselves with our own adventures."
Ishan made a silent promise to himself. He would embrace whatever the future held with an open heart and an open mind, ready to seize the opportunity for love and connection in whatever form it may take. For now, he would cherish the memories of their time together, eagerly awaiting the next chapter in their unfolding story.
Before lunch at the Italian restaurant on Thursday, Ishan found himself grappling with a whirlwind of emotions. As he got ready, his mind raced with anticipation, replaying every moment he had shared with Shubman over the past few weeks. There was a nervous flutter in his stomach, a mixture of excitement and uncertainty as he wondered what the day would bring.
Arriving at the restaurant, Ishan's heart skipped a beat as he caught sight of Shubman waiting for him. A smile lit up his face as he approached the table, the familiar warmth of Shubman's presence washing over him like a comforting embrace. As they settled into their seats, Ishan couldn't help but feel a sense of ease settle over him, a feeling of being exactly where he was meant to be.
Throughout the meal, Ishan found himself lost in conversation with Shubman, their words flowing effortlessly as they shared stories, laughter, and intimate moments of connection. There was a spark between them, a palpable chemistry that seemed to ignite with every glance and every touch.
As the lunch drew to a close, Ishan felt a pang of sadness at the thought of saying goodbye. But as he looked into Shubman's eyes, he knew that this was only the beginning of their journey together. With a sense of hope and anticipation, Ishan said his farewells, his heart filled with the promise of what the future held for him and Shubman.
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On Thursday evening, Shubman met Ishan at the Italian restaurant they had agreed upon earlier. The cozy ambiance and the tantalizing aroma of freshly cooked pasta set the stage for a memorable evening.
As Ishan arrived, Shubman felt a rush of excitement course through him, his heart skipping a beat at the sight of his friend. They exchanged warm greetings, their smiles mirroring the anticipation bubbling within them.
Seated at a private table by the window, Shubman and Ishan delved into conversation, their voices mingling with the soft strains of Italian music in the background. They talked about everything and nothing, their laughter filling the air as they savored each moment together.
Over plates of delectable pasta and glasses of fine wine, Shubman and Ishan forged a deeper connection, their friendship blossoming into something more profound with each passing minute.
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Ishan and Shubman arrived at the airport two hours before their boarding time, eager to begin their journey together. They decided to grab some coffee at a nearby cafe to pass the time before their flight.
As they sipped their coffee and chatted, Shubman couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled in the pit of his stomach. He tried to brush it off, attributing it to pre-flight nerves, but there was something nagging at the back of his mind.
The flight itself was uneventful, with the usual in-flight entertainment and occasional turbulence. Shubman tried to distract himself by watching a movie, but he found it hard to focus. His thoughts kept drifting back to Ishan and the unsettling feeling that had been gnawing at him since the airport.
When they finally landed and made their way to the arrivals area, Ishan's phone rang. Shubman's ears pricked up at the sound, and he couldn't help but listen in on the conversation. The person on the other end of the line addressed Ishan affectionately, calling him "his love." Shubman's heart skipped a beat at the words, and a surge of jealousy swept over him.
"Why are you calling me now? I thought we were over this?"
Shubman's heart sank as he overheard Ishan's conversation, the pieces of the puzzle starting to fall into place. So, Ishan had recently broken up with his long-term partner, and the person on the other end of the line was likely his ex-boyfriend. The realization hit Shubman like a ton of bricks, stirring up a whirlwind of conflicting emotions within him.
He couldn't deny the pang of jealousy that twisted in his gut at the thought of Ishan being on the phone with his ex. The idea of Ishan returning to his former partner, of rekindling their romance and leaving Shubman behind, sent a surge of panic coursing through him.
But why did he care so much? They were just friends, after all. Shubman tried to rationalize his feelings, to convince himself that it was none of his business what Ishan did in his personal life. And yet, he couldn't shake the nagging sense of unease that lingered in the back of his mind.
As Ishan ended the call and turned back to him, Shubman forced a smile onto his face, trying to push aside the whirlwind of emotions that threatened to overwhelm him. But deep down, he knew that his newfound feelings for Ishan were far more complicated than he had initially thought.
He tried to push down the rising tide of emotions, but it was impossible to ignore the sinking feeling in his chest. What was wrong with him? He barely knew Ishan, and yet he couldn't shake the irrational jealousy that consumed him at the thought of someone else laying claim to Ishan's affection.
Why was he suddenly feeling so possessive? It wasn't like him to be jealous, especially over someone he wasn't even dating. But as he watched Ishan on the phone, a sinking realization began to dawn on him – maybe he wasn't as immune to Ishan's charms as he had thought.
"Someone's here to pick me up!" Said Ishan irritatedly and started walking towards the exit.
"And who is that someone?" Shubman couldn't stop himself to ask and walked beside Ishan.
"His first love. aka me." Someone replied to Shubman.
"Heyyy love!"
"How was your trip to India"
"Hope you didn't miss me much!"
The same person said to Ishan and pulled him for a hug.
To be continued......
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Question of the day
*Your first crush from the BL world
~Mine is Mark Pakin kunaanuvit
I fell for him the moment I saw him in bad buddy and damn I'm still admiring him. It's been like….2.5 years or so…
I mean who wouldn't fall for this cutie. Anyways comment down yours;)
Please don't forget to vote.