---
The team returned to the hotel after the tense incident with the opposing player. Everyone was exhausted — emotionally and physically. One by one, they drifted into their rooms, shutting their doors for the night.
Haniya changed into comfortable clothes, tied her hair loosely, and sat on the edge of her bed. She tried closing her eyes, but her mind was still restless. Sleep refused to come. The air in her room felt suffocating.
So she stepped outside.
The hallway was dim and silent, lit only by warm night lamps.
But someone else was awake.
Aarav.
He stood leaning against the wall near the staircase, one hand in his pocket, the other holding his head. His hair was slightly messy, and his eyes looked distant — deep in thoughts that clearly weren't letting him rest.
Haniya walked closer and lightly touched his shoulder.
Aarav immediately closed his eyes.
He didn't need to turn.
He knew exactly who it was.
Slowly, he faced her.
"Aarav…" she whispered, "why are you drunk?"
He gave a half-smile, tired and fragile.
"Nothing. Just celebrating with the team manager and coach."
His voice was low, softer than usual.
He looked different — not confident, not composed… but vulnerable.
Haniya crossed her arms gently.
"That doesn't explain why you're standing here alone like this."
Aarav looked at her for a long second.
"I was thinking."
"About what?"
He hesitated, then leaned slightly closer.
"You," he answered quietly.
The answer struck her deeper than she expected.
She blinked at him, her heartbeat skipping.
"Why… me?"
Aarav chuckled under his breath — not the playful one, but a sad, tired one.
"Because every time something happens, you push people away," he murmured. "But you never push me. And that scares me."
She looked away.
"That doesn't mean you should drink."
"Maybe not." He sighed. "But tonight… too much happened."
Haniya softened.
She had never seen him this exposed, this raw.
"Aarav… come on," she whispered. "Let me take you to your room."
He didn't argue.
He just followed her quietly.
She held his wrist gently and guided him through the hallway.
He didn't stumble, but his steps were slow and heavy.
When they reached his room, she helped him sit on the bed and leaned him back against the pillows.
"You're drunk," she said with a mix of annoyance and worry.
"You won't remember anything in the morning."
Aarav looked at her through half-open eyes.
"What… are you doing with me, Haniya?"
She smiled softly and sat beside him.
"Taking care of you. Obviously."
He watched her for a moment — really watched her, like he was memorizing her.
Then, suddenly, he leaned closer.
"Haniya," he whispered, "will you fulfill my one wish?"
She raised an eyebrow.
"Which wish?"
"No," he murmured stubbornly.
"First promise me."
She rolled her eyes, but warmth spread in her chest.
"Fine. I promise. Now tell me."
Aarav inhaled deeply, his voice trembling just slightly.
"I want to kiss you."
Haniya froze.
"Aarav…" her voice broke softly. "You're drunk."
He didn't argue.
Didn't push.
He just looked at her — painfully honest.
"You really want to?" she asked.
He nodded slowly.
Something inside her gave in.
She cupped his cheek gently… and kissed him.
His breath caught.
He kissed her back softly, almost afraid to move.
She pulled away — but he leaned forward instinctively — and she kissed him again.
Then once more.
Her breathing turned uneven.
Her heart raced violently.
His fingers brushed her arm lightly — trembling, gentle, respectful.
And that only made everything worse… because it made her feel safe.
Too safe.
Reality hit her like a cold wave.
She pulled back, breathing hard.
"Aarav…" she whispered shakily, "you should sleep now."
He blinked up at her, confused and needy.
"Haniya… wait—"
"I'm going," she said quickly, standing up before she lost control again.
His voice softened.
"Haniya…"
She turned away.
"Goodnight, Aarav."
And before he could say anything else — she slipped out of his room and closed the door.
---
Back in her room, Haniya pressed her back against the door, chest rising and falling.
She touched her lips.
The warmth was still there.
The memory burned.
She slid onto the floor, whispering to herself,
"What did I just do…?"
Her heart wouldn't slow down.
Sleep refused to come.
Every second replayed the kiss again and again.
And in the room down the hall…
Aarav slept peacefully —
Still smiling faintly in his dreams.
---