Aayan and Rudra now were in their tight embrace, breathing softly, enjoying it. Rudra was about to say something...maybe a quite 'thank you' ,when suddenly rudra's phone broke the soft silence.
Rudra looked at his phone and his face looked almost hesitate. Aayan looked at him and asked carefully "Family?" Rudra nodded, reluctant, his chest tightening. "…Yes."
Ayaan gently pressed his forehead against Rudra's shoulder. "It's okay," he murmured. "You should take it. I'll… wait right here."
Rudra exhaled slowly, then carefully disentangled himself from Ayaan's embrace. He felt the heat from the hug linger on his body, the warmth that made him almost forget the cold, harsh world outside this café.
He picked up his phone. The screen read Father.
Rudra's hand trembled slightly—just a little—and he answered with a clipped, controlled tone. "yes?"
On the other end, his father's voice was firm but not unkind. "Rudra, I heard you've been working late again. You should visit home soon. We haven't seen you in a while."
Rudra straightened, voice measured but still distant, walls firmly in place. "I will, sir," he replied, keeping his usual calm tone.
For a moment silence was there like his father wanted to say something. Then
"....Good," his father said, then paused. "Don't forget to take care of yourself."
Rudra nodded, silent for a fraction longer than usual. "…I will... sir."
The line went quiet for a moment. Rudra hung up—but this time, he didn't cut the call abruptly. He simply placed the phone down, eyes lingering on the screen, a faint shadow of thought behind his calm exterior.
Ayaan, watching quietly from the corner, noticed the subtle shift in his posture. He didn't press, didn't comment. Instead, he stepped closer and brushed a reassuring hand along Rudra's arm.
Rudra, for once, let himself simply stand there, letting the memory of Ayaan's hug mingle with the fatherly words. He wasn't ready to speak, but he didn't pull away either.
And in the soft, empty café, the quiet warmth lingered—intact, comforting, and wholly theirs.
Rudra placed his phone down, still feeling the faint echo of his father's words. The calm exterior he worked so hard to maintain was already loosening—thanks, in no small part, to Ayaan's quiet presence.
Before Rudra could even think of moving, Ayaan stepped closer and wrapped his arms around him again. This time, the hug was firmer, warmer, almost playful.
"Hey… don't just stand there," Ayaan murmured, nuzzling lightly against Rudra's shoulder. "You're too stiff. Let me help you relax."
Rudra froze. His mind screamed, Control… dignity… CEO! but his body betrayed him completely. The warmth, the pressure, the gentle teasing closeness—it made his chest ache and his face heat up instantly.
Ayaan's embrace tightened slightly, playful yet comforting, as if claiming that Rudra couldn't escape this moment. "There," he whispered softly, almost smugly. "Much better."
Rudra swallowed hard. "…Better?" he managed, voice low, almost strangled by the unfamiliar rush of feeling.
"Mm-hm," Ayaan replied, tilting his head just enough to press his cheek against Rudra's upper arm. "You look like you need it more than anyone else."
Rudra's jaw tightened, trying to maintain composure. His usually commanding posture faltered, and he felt the heat of a blush creeping up his neck and onto his face. How can he be this… soft… this teasing…?
Ayaan chuckled quietly, as if sensing Rudra's inner turmoil. "Relax, Rudra. You don't always have to be so serious," he whispered, squeezing a little tighter before pulling back just slightly—enough to look up at Rudra, his playful grin softening into something warmer.
Rudra's lips parted slightly, uncharacteristically at a loss for words. His hands twitched at his sides, unsure whether to hug back, pull away, or simply melt.
Ayaan's eyes sparkled with gentle mischief. "You like this, don't you?" he teased softly, almost whispering, letting his warmth linger.
Rudra's face burned hotter. "…I… maybe…" he stammered, voice catching. He quickly averted his eyes, fighting the blush that betrayed him completely.
Ayaan leaned closer again, playful but tender, whispering, "Good. Because I'm not letting go anytime soon."
Rudra's heart hammered in his chest. For the first time in his life, the CEO felt utterly, deliciously… powerless.
And yet, he didn't move away. Not now. Not from Ayaan.