Since then, Rehaan doubted if Aryan was interested in men. The way he behaved was too feminine. And his reaction to seeing Rehaan shirtless plus the blush said a lot. The question was why did Rehaan not find it uncomfortable?

He's had gay friends before and one time of of his friends behaved all shy and blushing around him and it made him too uncomfortable. Why did he not feel so with Aryan?

It was just after their classes were over. For the first time since he moved here, Aryan is alone, feeling a rare moment of freedom, so he decides to take a nap.

He'd just relaxed himself to get ready and lay down when the door swings open, and Rehaan rushes in, breathless.

"Aryan, you gotta see this—"

He stops mid-sentence as he catches Aryan hastily pulling up his hoodie over his head. Aryan looks nervous and mentally prays that Rehaan didn't notice anything. Luck seemed to be on his side because Rehaan seems oblivious.

"There's a crazy match happening on the field! Are you coming?"

Aryan forces a smile.

"Uh, yeah, just give me a minute."

As Rehaan exits, Aryan breathes a sigh of relief, he quickly corrects his appearance and makes a mental note to be more cautious. He couldn't disclose the truth just yet. He and Rehaan were still not that close to sharing such deep secrets.

The internal exams were near and everyone was busy making notes and studying. The college library is quiet and serene. Rehaan and Aryan are studying together at a corner table. Both of them are very seriously engrossed in their books.

Rehaan stretches, looking bored.

"Man, this stuff is dense. I need a break. Going to get some coffee for myself. You want some?"

Aryan, engrossed in his notes, nods absentmindedly. As Rehaan steps away to get a coffee, he accidentally drops Aryan's notebook. As he bends to pick it up, he notices the name "Arya" written on one of the back pages and raises an eyebrow.

"Hey Aryan? Who's Arya?"

Aryan looks at Rehaan wide eyed and stutters.

"Wh-where did you read the name?"

"Here! It's written in your notebook."

Aryan's heart skips a beat, but he quickly recovers.

"Oh, yeah. That's my sister's name. She has a habit of doodling her name anywhere."

One of their friends sitting nearby, who happened to be eavesdropping on their conversation asks mischievously.

"Is she hot? Your sister?"

Aryan makes a face and rolls his eyes.

"Why do you want to know that?"

"Setting krwa de."

The boy begged and Aryan chuckled.

"Sorry bhai! No chance! She's 6."

"Damn! Sorry! I'm not a pedophile."

Aryan and Rehaan chuckled and he finally left to get their coffee. Aryan lets out a silent sigh of relief when the Arya topic gets over and Rehaan returns with two cups of coffee. He hands one to Aryan with a grin.

"Here, brain fuel. Let's ace this together."

It was just after their internal exams were over and Rehaan and Aryan were in their room. It was after dinner and they were preparing for bed. Rehaan looked thoughtful and turned to Aryan.

"You know, Aryan, you're different from most people here. It's a good thing. And I never asked but why'd you choose to come here?"

Aryan hesitates, looking up at the stars. He knows she can't reveal the whole truth but decides to share a piece of it.

"Honestly, I needed to prove something to someone. To tell them that I am no less than anyone else."

Rehaan nods, respecting the answer. Although he feels that there's a lot to the story, he doesn't force Aryan.

"Well, I think you're doing great. Whatever brought you here, I'm glad it did."

Aryan smiles, feeling a mix of gratitude and guilt. He realizes just how much he values Rehaan's friendship and silently vows to keep his secret safe for as long as he can. A part of him always told him that Rehaan would understand even if he told him the entire truth but he didn't want to risk anything. Just an year more and I'll come clean. He reminded himself.

It was late afternoon, just after their classes were over. Rehaan and Aryan were in the college library, sitting close together, working on a project. The atmosphere was quiet and focused.

Rehaan reaches over to grab a book, and his hand accidentally brushes against Aryan's. They both freeze for a moment, feeling an unexpected spark. Aryan quickly pulls his hand away, his heart racing.

Rehaan looks at him, a curious expression on his face.

"Kya hua? All okay?"

Aryan forces a smile, trying to hide his flustered state.

"Y-yeah! All good. Just nervous about the presentation."

They continue working, but the air between them feels charged with unspoken tension. Rehaan can't shake the feeling that there's something more to Aryan than meets the eye. Maybe his guess about Aryan being gay was correct.

The surprising thing was that Rehaan felt that spark too. The tingles in his hands when his fingers brushed past Aryan's. He felt that too. And it was strangely addicting. Like he wanted to do it again. And again.

Rehaan and Aryan were in the college campus, there was a sudden downpour which had the students running for cover. Rehaan and Aryan are caught in the rain, laughing as they dash towards the nearest shelter.

They find refuge under a large tree, both drenched and breathless. Rehaan shakes his head, water droplets flying everywhere.

"Well, that was unexpected!"

Aryan laughs, his hair plastered to his face.

"Yeah, but kind of fun, right?"

Rehaan looks at him, his smile softening.

"You know, Aryan, there's something different about you. In a good way."

Aryan's heart skips a beat. There was something in Rehaan's gaze which made him feel tingles in his belly.

"What do you mean?"

Rehaan shrugs, still smiling.

"I don't know. Just... different. Special."

They share a lingering look, the rain creating a cocoon of intimacy around them. Aryan feels a mix of fear and excitement, wondering if Rehaan is starting to see through him and his secrets.

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