He brushed Kavi's hair back gently. "I'm sorry you had to witness that," he whispered
Kavi didn't wake fully, but he shifted closer to Kiaan's hand, seeking comfort.
After a while, he became subconsciously aware of someone lying on the floor next to the couch he was resting on.
Kiaan had his head relaxed against the couch. His eyes were closed, but he wasn't asleep.
Kavi's mind raced. Wasn't he supposed to be with his so-called Abhishek? What is he doing here, on the floor? How did he get in?
"Kiaan?" he called softly.
At the sound, Kiaan's eyes opened immediately, locking onto his.
"Hey," Kiaan said gently, his voice thick with emotion.
"You're awake."
Kavi sat up a little, pulling the blanket tighter around himself
"What are you doing here?" he finally asked.
Kiaan shifted, turning to face him more fully
"I came to check on you," he said simply.
"And to tell you…" He hesitated, as if the words were too heavy.
"I'm sorry, Kavi. For tonight. For everything."
Kavi knew he had to play it cool. He doesn't have to be sorry, he told himself. It's not like we're a thing. Just bench buddies, nothing deep.
"Sorry? No, you don't have to be," he said, waving his hand in dismissal. "In fact, I'm really glad the love of your life is back. I'm so happy for you." He lied.
Kiaan let out a soft, humorless laugh.
"You're a terrible liar," he said gently.
Kavi bit his lip, struggling to keep his composure.
There was a long pause, then Kiaan reached out, hesitating for just a moment before placing his hand lightly over Kavi's.
Kavi's biggest fear was coming to pass. He felt a jolt of electricity where Kiaan touched him.
"Has his hand always been this soft?" he thought.
"I choose you, Kavi," Kiaan said quietly.
"Not him. Not the past. You. Always you."
Kavi's mouth parted slightly, stunned. A thousand questions rose inside him but in the end, all he could do was blink rapidly and nod once, helplessly.
Kiaan smiled and squeezed Kavi's hand, like a promise.
For a while, they just sat there, hands loosely tangled together, saying nothing.
The silence wasn't heavy anymore.
Kavi finally closed the tiny distance between them.
Their lips met in a soft caress, a gentle kiss that left them both yearning for more.
Kiaan inhaled sharply, like he couldn't believe it was happening.
"Why does kissing a guy feel this good?" Kavi wondered. "I don't want to stop. His lips are so soft. He's a good kisser." The kiss deepened.
Kavi pulled back first, his breath catching, eyes wide and terrified, but not from regret,from how right it had felt.
Kiaan smiled a slow, beautiful smile that crinkled the corners of his eyes.
"You have no idea how long I've wanted that," he whispered, voice raw with emotion.
Kavi gave a shaky, breathless laugh, still dazed.
"I don't even know what's happening to me," he admitted in a whisper. "But… I don't want to stop."
"You don't have to," Kiaan murmured as he caress his face.
And this time, when Kavi leaned in, Kiaan met him halfway, hands cradling his face tenderly as their mouths found each other again in a kiss that was deeper, sweeter, full of all the feelings and passion.
"What is Mr straight as hell doing ?"
After the kiss, Kavi felt a wave of embarrassment wash over him.
The clock was nearing midnight , was he really that much of a hopeless romantic? Maybe Abhi showing up had forced him to finally confront his feelings for Kiaan. But still… shouldn't he have played a little hard to get?
"Ugh, I'm such a cheapo, he thought, cringing internally.
Even though he was flustered, he managed to say, "It's late already. You should go home when the sun comes up."
Kiaan nodded, rising from where he was sitting, and started following Kavi toward the bedroom, but Kavi quickly turned, stopping him at the doorway.
"You're taking the couch," he said firmly.
Kiaan blinked in disbelief. "What are we, then? Aren't we… boyfriends already?"
"No. Quite the opposite," Kavi replied, crossing his arms. "We aren't. And you're still taking the couch. If you want me, move the sky for me. I'm not a cheap boy. A kiss doesn't mean I'm yours."
With that, he shut the bedroom door in Kiaan's face.
Kiaan let out a low chuckle and flopped down onto the couch, pulling a pillow under his head.
Inside the bedroom, Kavi was spiraling.
"Oh my God, am I gay?" he whispered, pacing in circles.
He slapped himself lightly. "Dumbass, is that even a question? You literally kissed a boy and got hard."
He collapsed onto the bed, groaning into the blanket. In all his panicking, he completely forgot what tomorrow was Saturday. The day the trio always showed up at his place uninvited.