Ayaan stepped back slightly, still flushed from the kiss, and his hands fidgeted nervously at his sides. He swallowed hard, eyes darting to Rudra's, then down at his own feet.
"So…" he began, voice trembling, soft as winter air. "…are we… officially… boyfriends?"
The words hit Rudra like a physical blow. His chest tightened, his mind went blank, and for the first time in anyone's memory, Rudra Malhotra—the untouchable, feared CEO—had no clue what to say.
He opened his mouth. Closed it. Opened it again. "…I…" His voice cracked slightly, betraying him.
Ayaan's lips trembled into a small, hopeful smile, still flushed red, gaze wide and vulnerable. The question wasn't just a question—it was an offering. A heart on the line.
Rudra's jaw tightened, then his lips twitched—whether from habit or the faintest, shy smile forming, even he wasn't sure.
"I suppose…" he said, finally, voice low, rough, hesitant… "…yes. We are."
Ayaan's eyes lit up. He let out a soft, almost inaudible squeak of joy. His hands flew up to cover his mouth as his cheeks burned brighter, nearly matching the fiery warmth Rudra felt creeping across his own.
Rudra blinked, still trying to compose himself—but his heart was racing, his ears burning, and the memory of Ayaan's lips against his cheek still set him on fire.
"So…" Ayaan whispered again, quieter this time, as if speaking too loudly might shatter the moment. "…we're… officially… together."
Rudra's lips twitched again, and before he could stop himself, he leaned down slightly, brushing a soft, ghostly kiss across Ayaan's forehead.
Ayaan froze. "R-Rudra…" he whispered, heart pounding, body trembling with giddy, flustered happiness.
Rudra simply straightened, hiding the blush that refused to leave his face. "…Yes. Together," he said, voice low, still rough but filled with something he'd never let anyone else see: quiet, unshakable… affection.
And just like that, the kitchen—once a place of solitude, order, and control—was filled with warmth, laughter, and the thrilling chaos of two hearts finally… official.
To be continued....