Shubman's POV

The plan was simple. Well, not that simple because I'd pulled a few strings and called in a favour to get the Crossword bookstore all to ourselves for the evening. A bookstore. Because if there's one thing I know about my girlfriend, it's that her idea of heaven is a quiet corner, stacks of books, and me next to her.

Okay, maybe the last part is wishful thinking, but still.

I smooth down my faded pink shirt—yes, pink is manly, shut up—and glance at my reflection in the mirror. Beige jeans, perfect fit. Hair? On point. Jawline? Sharper than a cover drive.

"You're irresistible," I murmur to myself, adjusting my collar. "This shirt screams thoughtful boyfriend material. She won't stand a chance."

Shobhana's POV

I'm waiting outside his room, fidgeting with the buttons of my maroon cardigan. Underneath, I've got on a black bralette paired with a mini skirt with a slit so tiny it's almost polite. And ankle boots, because comfort meets hot. I glance at my reflection in the glass of my phone screen.

"You're cool, Shobi," I whisper. "You're mysterious, alluring... and you definitely don't look like you just Googled 'casual yet sexy date outfit.'"

I knock on the door, and he opens it, his pink shirt glowing like some cosmic sign of a good day ahead. His sleeves are rolled up, veins popping on his forearms in the most unfairly attractive way possible. My brain short-circuits for a moment.

"Ready, gorgeous?" he says, his voice like honey drizzling over hot toast.

I clear my throat. "Yeah, let's go, Mr. Handsome."

When we pull up outside Crossword, the place looks deserted. My brows furrow in confusion. "Uh, Shubman, did they... close early?"

He grins, running a hand through his hair, the veins on his wrist catching my eye again. Stop it, Shobi. Focus.

"Nope," he says casually. "I booked it. For us."

I gape at him. "You what?"

"Surprise, baby," he smirks, taking my hand and pulling me toward the door. His hand is warm, his grip firm, and the moment his thumb brushes over mine, my brain starts composing love letters to his veins.

Inside, the entire store is empty except for a single table near the back with two cups of coffee waiting. I spin around, looking at the shelves.

"This is... insane!" I exclaim, my eyes wide.

He shrugs like it's no big deal. "I figured you'd want the whole place to yourself. And, you know, me."

"You're ridiculous," I say, shaking my head.

"Ridiculously charming, you mean," he replies, winking.

As I wander through the aisles, I pick up book after book, examining the covers and flipping through the pages. Shubman stays close, occasionally grabbing a book himself and pretending to read.

"Hmm, this one looks interesting," I say, holding up a novel.

"Then keep it," he says.

"I'll just browse and—"

"No," he interrupts. "You're not putting anything back. I'm buying everything you touch."

"What? That's absurd!"

"You're absurdly cute when you argue," he says, leaning on a nearby shelf.

I glare at him, but my heart does a cartwheel. "Shubman, this is too much!"

"It's not," he insists, stepping closer. "You love books, and I love you. Let me do this."

His words make my stomach flip. "Fine," I mumble, trying to hide my smile.

After piling the bookstore bags into the car—seriously, he bought me 23 books—we head to the beach. The setting sun casts a golden glow over the waves, and the air is crisp with a hint of salt. Shubman slips off his shoes, rolling up his beige jeans.

"Let's walk," he says, offering me his hand.

As we stroll along the shoreline, the hem of my mini skirt fluttering in the breeze, I sneak glances at him. The way his pink shirt clings to his frame, his forearms flexing as he gestures animatedly... it's honestly criminal.

"You keep staring, babe," he teases, catching me red-handed.

"Can't help it," I retort. "Your veins are distracting."

"Wow," he says, dramatically placing a hand over his heart. "I didn't know my vascular system had such an effect on you."

"Oh, shut up," I laugh, nudging him.

"Okay, you cook often?" I ask as we step into his room, a cozy kitchenette in the corner.

"Define 'often,'" he says, pulling open the fridge. He looks so domestic in that pink shirt, sleeves rolled up, collar slightly undone, and it's doing things to my brain.

We decide on pasta. Simple. Romantic. Foolproof. Except, Shubman has other plans.

"Babe, can you grab the pepper?" I ask, focused on chopping onions.

"Sure," he says, but instead of handing it to me, he slides behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist.

"Shub!" I exclaim, laughing.

"Just helping," he murmurs, his breath warm on my neck.

"You're not helping!" I protest, trying to concentrate.

"I'm motivating," he counters, and I feel his lips brush against my temple.

Eventually, after much chaos and multiple interruptions, we manage to finish the meal. We sit on the couch, plates balanced on our knees, laughing over pasta and wine.

When it's time for me to head back to my room, Shubman walks me to the door, his hand resting on the small of my back.

"I had a great time," I say, smiling up at him.

"Me too," he replies, leaning down to kiss me softly. It's a kiss that promises more, but for now, it's enough.

"Goodnight, love," he whispers, his voice low and warm.

"Goodnight, Shub," I reply, my cheeks still flushed as I walk away, already counting the minutes until I see him again.

Shubman's POV

As soon as I step back into my hotel room, I pull out my phone. My mind's still buzzing from our amazing date, and I can't help but smile. 

I've got a million things I want to post, but for now, I decide to keep it casual. I flip the camera on and snap a quick mirror selfie in my date outfit—faded pink shirt, beige jeans, no big deal, just your average professional cricketer who also happens to look way too good in pink.

I upload it to my story with a simple caption 

A couple of minutes pass, and as I scroll through my phone, an idea hits me. Why not post a sneak peek of Shobhana? 

After all, she looked unreal tonight—slightly messy hair, eyes shining, looking effortlessly stunning in that black mini skirt and maroon cardigan combo.

I'd caught her in a moment earlier, standing in front of me in the hotel room, one hand on her hip, her gaze lifted, and a soft smile playing at the corner of her lips.

It was a candid shot, but I knew it was the kind of picture that perfectly captured her grace. The moment was pure magic.

I quickly upload it to my story, making sure her face is only partially visible, just enough to keep it mysterious but still totally adorable.  

As soon as it's up, my phone blows up.

Ishan: Bro, are you seriously posting her on your story now? You can't be this bold 😂🔥
Ishan: Wait, you've been holding out on me! You've been keeping her in your back pocket this whole time? SUS 🧐
Ishan: Also, those veins though?  Shubman, I see you flexing 🔥💪

Abhishek: Bro, you didn't tell me you were pulling that move tonight 😏🔥
Abhishek: Hold up, that's her in the pic?? No way. She's way too fine for you, my dude 😜
Abhishek: But seriously, the fact that you've gone public? The confidence is unreal. Big mood, bro 💯😂

Virat: Shubman! Did I just see you post her on your story? 🤨 Man's is out here with zero chill 🤣
Virat: Respect the game though, I see what you're doing 👏🔥
Virat: By the way, do you need any tips on how to date a celeb or are you gonna keep it on the low low? Let me know 😂💥

Nagarkoti: Bhai, you're the one doing it like this? 😲🔥
Nagarkoti: She's fire, bro 
Nagarkoti: You gotta let me know your secret, because the mood is unreal 😂

Russell: Man, you're playing it smooth. Posting her like that, I see you. 💯
Russell: What's the secret to landing someone this amazing? Teach me your ways, bro 😎
Russell: Also, that pink shirt on you? 1000%🔥👀

Dinesh:  Shubman, I thought we were friends? You seriously posted her already? 😂🔥
Dinesh:  But tbh, you two look like GOALS. I'm lowkey jealous, my guy 🙌
Dinesh:  I'mma have to hit you up for some date tips soon. This vibe you got? Big energy 💥🔥

Ishan: Okay, but for real though, Shubman. You got all of us shook with that post 😭
Virat: Man's out here acting like a pro off the field too 😂🔥
Abhishek: Who needs dating apps when you're Shubman Gill, right? 💯😂
KL Nagarkoti: I'm waiting for the official announcement now. Don't leave us hanging 🙏💥
Russell: Bro's got the confidence of a man who's got it ALL. Respect 🙌
Dinesh: No, but for real. If Shubman posted her, then I need to see more of her. What a vibe! 🔥👀
Ishan: We need the next pic. Full-face shot. C'mon, Shubman. Don't hold back.
Abhishek: Bet we'll be seeing her at the next match, huh?

I'm dying laughing as the texts roll in. I've got my head resting back against the chair, staring at my phone screen.

Okay, I think to myself, I guess it's official now.

I type a reply:

Shubman: You guys are ridiculous. But yeah, she's amazing. Just wait for the next post. 😉🔥

I send it off, a smug grin on my face.

Shobhana's POV

I'm sitting in my room scrolling through my phone when I see the notification: Shubman posted on his story. I tap it and my face goes hot.

I can see the first photo—his mirror selfie. I smirk. Classic Shubman move. And then... I scroll to the next one. It's a picture of me. Wait—what?

My face is partially hidden, but I can see the soft lighting and the way I'm looking up at something—totally unaware he's snapping this shot of me. My lips curve into a smile, my heart doing some weird gymnastics in my chest. I didn't even know he took that picture.

I quickly type a message to him:

Shobhana: I saw that pic of me, Shubman!! You sneaky photographer! 📸

Seconds later, I get a reply.

Shubman: You look perfect. Had to share it 😉🔥

I roll my eyes and laugh, but I can't hide the butterflies in my stomach. Damn, he's good at this.