The morning sunlight spilled through the wide windows of the dorm's practice hall, casting a warm glow across the polished floor. The team had gathered early, stretching and warming up, but the atmosphere felt… different. There was a subtle electricity in the air, a quiet tension that only Haniya and Aarav seemed aware of.
Haniya entered first, carrying her water bottle and clipboard, trying to look casual. Her hair was tied neatly, her expression calm, but Aarav's eyes immediately found her. He leaned casually against the wall, pretending to check his watch, but the faint smirk tugging at his lips betrayed his focus.
Vivaan nudged Harsh, whispering,
"Bro… did you see her? Her whole aura just changed!"
Harsh smirked knowingly.
"And he's grinning like a villain. Something definitely happened last night."
Haniya shot them a glare as she passed, which only made them grin wider. Aarav caught her glance, and the teasing spark in his eyes grew stronger.
---
The Teasing Begins
As the team started their warm-up drills, Aarav casually sidled up to Haniya.
"Morning, sunshine," he said softly, "you look… suspiciously cheerful today."
Haniya's lips twitched into a small smile despite herself.
"Maybe I just had a good night's sleep," she replied, trying to sound nonchalant.
He leaned slightly closer, voice dropping to a whisper.
"Or maybe someone made your night… interesting," he teased, his breath brushing her ear.
Haniya stiffened, heat rising to her cheeks.
"You… are unbelievable," she muttered, but there was a hint of a smile hidden behind her words.
Vivaan and Harsh, who were stretching nearby, exchanged mischievous glances.
"Finally! The ice is melting," Vivaan whispered.
"Antarctica officially over," Harsh added, chuckling quietly.
Haniya's eyes flicked toward them, giving them a deadly glare, while Aarav's amused smirk only widened.
---
Practice Starts
Coach Mehra clapped his hands, calling everyone to attention.
"All right, team. Today, we'll focus on coordinated attacks and defense drills. Keep your eyes open and work closely with your partners."
Haniya and Aarav ended up paired together as usual. But today, every brush of their hands passing the ball, every slight collision, sent shivers down Haniya's spine. Aarav noticed every reaction, a playful glint in his eyes.
During a fast-paced drill, Haniya stumbled slightly while turning. Aarav was immediately at her side, steadying her.
"Careful," he said softly, "or I might have to… teach you a lesson."
Haniya's cheeks burned, but she tried to stay focused.
"I can manage," she replied, trying to sound confident.
He leaned closer, voice teasing.
"Are you sure? Because I think you're secretly enjoying the attention."
She rolled her eyes, though her lips betrayed her amusement.
"You're impossible."
Aarav's smirk deepened.
"And you… secretly love it."
---
Romantic Tension
As the practice continued, Aarav guided her through the drills, staying just close enough to make her pulse race. He whispered corrections near her ear, his voice low, warm, and teasing.
"Shift your weight here… yes, that's perfect. But careful… don't forget whose hands are guiding you," he said playfully.
Haniya shivered slightly, pretending to concentrate.
"You're really testing my patience," she murmured, biting back a smile.
Aarav's eyes softened as he looked at her.
"Or maybe I'm testing your heart," he said quietly.
Her cheeks warmed, and she quickly looked away, adjusting her stance. The tension between them was electric—unspoken, intimate, and teasing.
---
Vivaan and Harsh Join the Fun
Meanwhile, Vivaan and Harsh were having their own private commentary.
"Bro… he's literally all over her today," Vivaan whispered.
"Yep. And she's blushing like a tomato," Harsh replied, smirking.
Haniya caught them whispering and shot them a glance that could have frozen fire. Vivaan chuckled quietly.
"Hey, we're just… appreciating art," he said innocently.
Aarav, noticing Haniya's flushed face, leaned closer and whispered teasingly,
"See? They admire our… chemistry."
Haniya groaned, tugging at her ponytail.
"You're impossible."
---
The Stolen Kiss
As practice was winding down, Aarav and Haniya paused near the sidelines to review a drill. Haniya bent down to pick up a stray ball, and before she could straighten up, Aarav leaned forward and pressed a soft, teasing kiss to her lips.
Haniya froze, eyes wide, as her heart jumped.
"What…?" she whispered, breathless.
Aarav pulled back just slightly, smirking.
"Practicing… team bonding," he said innocently, though his eyes sparkled with mischief.
Vivaan, passing by with Harsh, whispered,
"Team bonding? Sure… that's normal, right?"
Harsh chuckled, shaking his head.
"Yep… absolutely. Nothing suspicious here."
Haniya's cheeks burned, but a small, reluctant smile tugged at her lips. Aarav winked, clearly pleased with himself.
---
Wrapping Up Practice
Coach Mehra clapped his hands.
"Great work today. Everyone, hydrate and stretch properly."
Haniya and Aarav walked back together, shoulders brushing occasionally. Every touch lingered a little longer than necessary, every glance carrying a weight of unspoken feelings.
Haniya glanced at him, her mind replaying the stolen kiss.
"You're unbelievable," she muttered.
Aarav smirked, nudging her gently with his shoulder.
"And you… secretly loved it," he whispered, just loud enough for her to hear.
She rolled her eyes, but the warmth spreading in her chest betrayed her words.
Vivaan and Harsh, walking a few steps behind, exchanged triumphant smiles.
"Mission accomplished," Vivaan whispered.
"Yep… and the target is completely flustered," Harsh replied, shaking his head.
Haniya shot them a glare but couldn't help the small smile forming on her lips. Aarav noticed immediately and grinned.
"Come on," he said, taking her hand lightly as they headed to the dorm. "Let's see if the rest of the day can handle our… chemistry."
Haniya laughed softly, intertwining her fingers with his.
"Good luck," she teased.