During practice that afternoon, the air was buzzing with energy. The Australian sun blazed down on the field as the team warmed up, but there was a sense of excitement and focus among the players. 

It was their first session in Australia, and the boys were ready to get back into the groove of things.

Naima was already on the field, stretching with the rest of the team when Shubman joined her. He gave her a small, knowing smile as he jogged over to the group, his mind still lingering on their breakfast earlier that morning. 

It was the same playful dynamic between them, but now there was something deeper beneath the surface—a connection he couldn't shake.

Virat, KL Rahul, and Hardik were chatting in a circle nearby, while Ishan and Jasprit were already tossing a ball back and forth. 

Everyone seemed relaxed, but ready to work. Practice, even on tour, was where they all felt at home.

"Alright, lads, let's get to it," Rohit shouted, clapping his hands to gather everyone's attention. 

"Naima, you're in nets first. Let's see how you're handling the Aussie bounce."

Naima cracked her knuckles with a grin, clearly ready for the challenge. She picked up her bat, shooting Shubman a quick glance before stepping into the nets. 

He gave her a supportive nod, trying to keep things casual, but his gaze lingered on her as she readied herself to face the bowlers.

Virat smirked from across the field, clearly having noticed the subtle exchange between Shubman and Naima. 

He nudged Hardik, muttering something under his breath that made the all-rounder chuckle. Shubman, pretending not to notice their teasing, focused on his stretches.

Naima faced the first delivery—a sharp, fastball from Jasprit. She met it with ease, driving the ball with such precision that even Jasprit raised an eyebrow.

"Nice one, Naima!" KL Rahul called out, clearly impressed. "Watch out, Gill. She's coming for your spot."

Shubman chuckled, shaking his head. "Nah, she's got her own spot to dominate. I'm just here for the show."

Naima smirked as she turned to face the next delivery. 

She knew how much Shubman respected her skill, but it was moments like these where the playful competitiveness between them showed. 

She wasn't going to let anyone go easy on her, least of all him.

As practice continued, Shubman found himself in the nets, finally getting his turn after watching Naima demolish the bowlers with her timing and technique. 

He was good, of course—but having her on the team had definitely lit a fire under him. The banter, the rivalry, and the unspoken connection made him push himself even harder.

After an intense session, the team took a break. Everyone was spread out, catching their breath and hydrating as the coach went over some notes. 

Shubman and Naima found themselves sitting near each other under the shade of a large tree. The mood was light, everyone laughing and chatting, but the tension between them simmered just beneath the surface.

Naima glanced over at him, catching his eye as she sipped her water. "Not bad in the nets today," she teased, her voice low enough that only he could hear. 

"Almost had me worried there for a second."

Shubman smirked, wiping sweat from his forehead. "Worried? Please. I'm just giving you a false sense of confidence before the real games."

She raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying their back-and-forth. 

"Right, because I'm the one who needs confidence."

Before he could reply, Virat, ever the instigator, called out from a few meters away. "Hey, Shubman, Naima—stop flirting and get back to work!" 

His voice was filled with laughter, but everyone on the team turned to look at them with knowing smiles.

Shubman rolled his eyes, but Naima didn't miss a beat. "Don't be jealous, Kohli," she shot back, making everyone around them laugh.

Virat clutched his chest dramatically. "Me? Jealous? Please, I have a century of admirers, but none with such terrible taste."

Hardik snorted, adding, "Yeah, Shubman, don't let Virat get in your head. He's just mad Naima's outclassing him."

"Hey!" Virat protested, laughing as he lobbed a stray ball at Hardik. "She hasn't outclassed me yet, but maybe after a few more years!"

The playful banter continued, and Naima leaned back on her hands, looking relaxed and at ease. Despite the constant teasing, she never seemed to let it get to her—if anything, it only fueled her determination.

Shubman, still feeling the warmth from Virat's comment, tried to play it cool. But even though they were surrounded by the team, the way Naima looked at him—confident, a little cheeky—made his heart race. 

He didn't know how much longer he could keep pretending that what they had was just friendly competition.

That evening, after a long day of practice, Naima decided she needed some time to herself—a quiet stroll to unwind and maybe grab some food away from the hustle and noise of the hotel. 

The team had been buzzing with energy all day, and though she loved the camaraderie, she also craved moments of solitude.

Standing in front of the mirror, Naima pulled on her red crop corset top, a sleek sleeveless number that hugged her figure perfectly. 

The vibrant red contrasted against her skin, and paired with her fitted jeans, she looked effortlessly stunning. She ran her fingers through her hair, letting it fall loosely over her shoulders, the slight waves adding to her casual yet striking look. 

As she was adjusting the top, making sure everything was in place, she heard a soft knock at the door.

"Come in!" she called out, assuming it was one of the other girls on staff, but instead, the door creaked open, and Shubman stepped in. 

His timing couldn't have been more impeccable—or unfortunate, depending on how you looked at it.

Shubman froze in the doorway, his eyes instantly drawn to her. His breath caught in his throat as he took in her outfit, the way the red top fit snugly against her, showing off her toned shoulders and midriff, the jeans accentuating her legs. 

For a brief moment, he was utterly speechless, not knowing what to say or how to act.

Naima, noticing the silence, turned around to see him standing there, his expression a mix of surprise and something else—something that made her pulse quicken. 

She raised an eyebrow at him, her lips quirking up into a playful smirk. "You're staring, Gill," she said, her voice teasing but soft.

Shubman quickly blinked, trying to snap himself out of it, though the warmth in his cheeks was undeniable. 

"Uh—yeah. I mean—no, I wasn't," he stammered, scratching the back of his neck awkwardly as he stepped further into the room.

Naima laughed softly, shaking her head. "Right. Sure."

Shubman cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure. "I just—uh, wanted to see if you were up for grabbing dinner. The guys were talking about ordering in, but if you've got plans..."

She tilted her head, glancing at herself in the mirror one last time before grabbing her small purse. 

"Actually, I was about to head out for a walk. Grab some food on the way, clear my head a bit. You know, after all the chaos today."

Shubman's eyes flickered, intrigued. "Mind if I join you?"

Naima raised her eyebrow again, slightly amused. "Gill, I thought you'd be too tired after all that 'flirting' on the field," she said, quoting Virat's earlier jab with a smirk.

Shubman chuckled, shaking his head. "What can I say? I've got energy to spare."

"Alright then," she said, giving a small shrug as she stepped past him, the scent of her subtle perfume filling the air. "Let's go."

As they walked out of the room and into the cool evening, Shubman fell in step beside her. The city was buzzing with life, the streets illuminated by streetlights and the distant hum of cars and laughter. The air was a welcome break from the heat of the day, crisp and refreshing.

For a few minutes, they walked in comfortable silence, the occasional brush of their arms the only sound between them. 

Shubman couldn't help but glance at her from time to time, the way her hair moved in the evening breeze, the way her red top seemed to shimmer slightly under the streetlights. 

She was stunning, and the casual confidence with which she carried herself only made it more impossible for him to look away.

"Do you always look this good when you're just grabbing food?" Shubman blurted out suddenly, instantly regretting the words as they left his mouth. 

He winced internally, feeling the heat rise in his face again. 

Smooth, real smooth.

Naima glanced at him, one corner of her mouth lifting in a small, playful smile. "Is that your way of saying I look good, or are you just trying to flatter me so I won't leave you behind?"

Shubman laughed, relieved she didn't seem to take his awkward comment too seriously. "Both, maybe," he admitted, running a hand through his hair. 

"But seriously, you look great."

Naima smiled, her cheeks tinged with the slightest hint of pink. "Thanks. And don't worry, I won't leave you behind... yet."

They continued walking, falling back into that comfortable rhythm, but now there was something more between them—an awareness, a tension that lingered just beneath the surface. 

It wasn't heavy or uncomfortable, but it was there, unmistakable. Every now and then, their eyes would meet, and Shubman would feel that familiar pull toward her, the one he kept trying to ignore.

"So," Naima said, breaking the silence as they approached a street lined with small cafes and restaurants. 

"What are you in the mood for? Something light or are we going all out?"

Shubman shrugged, his hands stuffed into his pockets as he glanced around. "I'm good with whatever you're craving. Just no seafood. You know how Jasprit is with seafood—he'll be throwing up halfway through the match tomorrow."

Naima laughed, shaking her head. "Yeah, good point. Let's avoid that disaster."

They eventually found a small, cozy diner in a quiet corner, with dim lighting and an inviting warmth that beckoned them inside. 

They took a seat by the window, where the sounds of the city faded into the background, leaving just the two of them and the soft murmur of conversation around them.

As they settled in, Shubman leaned back in his chair, watching as Naima flipped through the menu, her brow furrowed in concentration. He smiled to himself, feeling that familiar warmth spread through his chest.

"So," Naima said, looking up from the menu and catching his eye, "tell me—how much of that flirting on the field was actually real?"

Shubman raised his eyebrows, caught off guard but grinning nonetheless. "What do you mean? I'm always real."

She leaned forward slightly, her eyes glinting mischievously. "Oh, come on, Gill. You've been dodging around it all day. The teasing, the stares, the 'innocent' comments. You're not fooling anyone."

Shubman leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table, his gaze locking with hers. "Maybe I'm not trying to fool anyone."

There was a beat of silence as the weight of his words hung in the air between them, the playful banter turning into something else, something deeper.

Naima tilted her head, her smile softening but still full of that signature teasing glint. "Good," she said, her voice quieter now, but filled with a challenge. 

"Because I like it when people are real with me."

Shubman's heart thudded in his chest, his eyes not leaving hers. This—whatever was happening between them—was real. But how far was he willing to take it?

As they finished their meal, Shubman felt a sudden burst of spontaneity surge through him. Watching Naima smile and laugh was infectious, and he wanted to do something special for her—something that would not only surprise her but also lighten the mood and make the evening memorable.

"Hey," he said, an idea forming in his mind. "How about we stop by that little florist down the street before we head back?"

Naima looked up from her plate, her eyebrows knitting together in confusion. "A florist? What for?"

Shubman grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "You'll see. Trust me."

With a playful roll of her eyes, she pushed back her chair, following him out of the diner. The night air was crisp and refreshing, and the gentle sounds of the city filled the atmosphere around them. 

Shubman could sense her curiosity as they strolled along the sidewalk, glancing around to see what he was up to.

As they approached the florist, a quaint little shop with twinkling lights and colourful arrangements spilling out onto the sidewalk, Shubman turned to Naima, a cheeky smile spreading across his face. 

"Alright, wait here. I'll be right back."

Before she could protest, he ducked into the shop, leaving Naima standing outside, her expression a mix of amusement and intrigue. 

She couldn't help but chuckle, wondering what he was plotting. A few moments later, Shubman reemerged, a stunning bouquet of white flowers in one hand and a few delicate red roses tucked into the mix.

"Ta-da!" he exclaimed, presenting the bouquet to her like a magician revealing his final trick.

Naima's eyes widened in surprise, her lips parting in disbelief. "You bought me flowers? For what?"

Shubman shrugged, trying to play it cool but failing miserably. "I don't know. Just felt like you deserved something nice for being awesome today," he said, a hint of bashfulness creeping into his voice.

Her heart fluttered at the gesture, and she took the bouquet from him, inhaling the sweet, floral scent. 

"Wow, Gill, this is... really sweet of you," she said, her tone softening. "But seriously, why flowers?"

"Because," he started, leaning casually against the wall beside her, "I thought it might make you smile. And let's be real—who doesn't like flowers?"

She laughed, shaking her head in disbelief. "I can't believe you actually went and did this. You're full of surprises, aren't you?"

"Only for special occasions," he replied with a wink, leaning closer. "And this definitely qualifies as one."

Naima smiled, a warm flush creeping up her cheeks as she admired the bouquet. The white flowers were a delicate mix of daisies and lilies, their bright petals standing out beautifully against the deep red roses. 

"They're beautiful. Thank you, Shubman," she said sincerely.

Shubman felt a sense of pride wash over him. "I'm glad you like them. But you know what? They don't hold a candle to how stunning you look tonight."

She rolled her eyes, but a playful smile lingered on her lips. "You're just saying that because you want to get in my good books for the matches."

He laughed, leaning a little closer, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Guilty as charged. But really, it's true. You light up the whole place."

With the bouquet in hand, they strolled back toward the hotel, their conversation flowing easily, filled with laughter and lighthearted banter. 

Shubman couldn't shake the feeling that this was one of those moments he'd always remember—the simple joy of being with her, sharing the streets of a new city, and enjoying each other's company.

As they neared the hotel, Naima glanced down at the bouquet, her fingers brushing over the delicate petals. 

"You know," she said thoughtfully, "this is actually one of the sweetest things anyone has done for me in a long time."

Shubman shrugged nonchalantly, though his heart swelled at her words. "Well, I aim to please. Just don't expect me to make a habit of it; I'm not made of flowers."

Naima laughed, shaking her head in disbelief. "Right. I won't hold my breath."

As they reached the hotel lobby, the buzz of the team's chatter filled the air. A few teammates were gathered, already discussing plans for the next day's practice. 

Shubman felt a mixture of excitement and nerves; he wanted to keep this connection with Naima going, but he also knew the dynamics of the team were complex.

"Let's head up before they notice we're missing," Naima suggested, a playful glint in her eye. She glanced at the bouquet one last time before handing it back to Shubman. 

"You should keep these in your room side. I'm sure they'll brighten up your side of the room."

He took the bouquet from her, feeling a warm rush of affection. "Nah, you should keep them. They're for you, after all."

"Fine, but only because I don't want you to feel left out," she replied, taking the bouquet back with a smile.

As they entered the hotel, Shubman couldn't help but feel hopeful. 

The chemistry between them was undeniable, and while they were still just friends, he had a feeling that this was just the beginning of something much more exciting.

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Meanwhile, in Virat and Rohit's shared room, the atmosphere was relaxed yet charged with playful banter. The boys were sprawled on the beds, half-heartedly watching a match replay on the TV while snacks littered the table. 

Ishan and Hardik were arguing over the best fast-food joints in Australia, while KL and Shreyas debated the merits of various cricketing strategies. Laughter filled the air, creating an infectious energy that made the late hour feel alive.

Suddenly, Ishan's phone buzzed loudly on the table, catching everyone's attention. "Dude, look at this!" he exclaimed, picking it up and scrolling through Instagram.

"What is it?" Rohit asked, leaning closer, his interest piqued.

"Check this out!" Ishan turned the screen towards the group. There it was—a photo that made everyone stop and stare. 

It was Shubman's latest post, featuring Naima laughing, her hand playfully covering her mouth while she held a bouquet of flowers. The joy in her eyes was contagious, and the way she lit up the frame made her look even more radiant.

The caption read, "She got so happy."

"Damn, look at that smile!" Hardik exclaimed, sitting up straighter. "Shubman actually posted about her?"

"No way!" Virat laughed, glancing at Rohit, who was already shaking his head, a grin spreading across his face. "Looks like someone's got it bad."

"Bad? More like obsessed," Ishan snickered. "Look at the way she's holding those flowers. You'd think she just won the lottery."

"Or maybe she did—thanks to Gill," KL added, smirking as he leaned back against the wall, arms crossed. 

"What do you think? Should we be concerned about this new love story brewing?"

"Love story? You're reaching, bro," Shreyas replied with a chuckle. "They're just friends... for now."

"Right, just friends," Virat chimed in, sarcasm dripping from his voice. "Friends who are sharing a room and holding hands every time they walk down the street."

Rohit shook his head, laughing. "What if she starts calling him 'Gill' in the same way I call you 'Virat'? This is definitely one for the history books!"

"Wait until they both deny it," Hardik added, rolling his eyes. "You know that's how this works. They'll be all shy about it until the media gets wind of it."

"Speaking of media, Shubman might just be the next headline," Ishan said, scrolling through the comments on the post. 

"Look! Everyone's going crazy over this pic. #CoupleGoals is trending already."

"Let's not jump to conclusions," Rohit said, trying to rein in the excitement. 

"But honestly, can you blame him? Naima is amazing—strong, talented, and ridiculously good-looking. It's only natural for him to crush on her."

Virat nodded, a thoughtful look crossing his face. "True, but I think he's also worried about how this might affect the team. Relationships can complicate things, especially with the media watching."

"Dude, we're all adults here," Ishan replied, waving his hands dismissively. 

"Let them have their fun. If anything, it might bring the team closer together. Who knows?"

"Or it could lead to drama," Shreyas said, smirking. "We all know how that goes—love triangles, misunderstandings. This could turn into a soap opera real quick!"

"I'm here for it," Hardik said, grinning. "I want front-row seats to the Shubman-Naima saga. I'll even take notes!"

Just then, a loud knock interrupted their laughter, and the door swung open. It was Shubman, still riding high from his earlier outing with Naima. 

He paused, noticing the smirks on the faces of his teammates and the way they were huddled around Ishan's phone.

"What's going on?" he asked, trying to keep his voice casual but already sensing that they had seen his post.

"Just admiring your latest masterpiece," Virat teased, waving his phone in the air. "How does it feel to be an Instagram star now, huh?"

Shubman's heart raced as he walked into the room, instantly on the defensive. "What do you mean?"

"Oh, you know, just a little photo of Naima looking like a goddess while holding flowers. 'She got so happy,' huh? Care to explain?" Ishan teased, barely containing his laughter.

Shubman felt his face heat up as he tried to formulate a reply. "It's just a friendly post! I thought she looked amazing, alright?"

"Yeah, yeah, keep telling yourself that," Rohit said, rolling his eyes with a knowing smile. "We all know what 'just friends' looks like, and this isn't it."

"Seriously, Shubman, you're lucky you're not getting flamed by the fans," Hardik added. "They're already plotting your wedding date in the comments section."

"What? No way!" Shubman exclaimed, genuinely shocked. 

He grabbed Ishan's phone to scroll through the comments himself, only to find an array of heart emojis and comments like "OMG, they're perfect!" and "When's the engagement?!"

"See? You're in too deep now!" Virat said, laughter in his eyes. "Just remember, once you put it out there, there's no going back."

Shubman sighed, trying to suppress a smile. "I didn't plan for any of this. I just thought she deserved something nice after everything."

"Right," KL said, smirking knowingly. "Keep playing it cool, Gill. Just don't come crying to us when you have to start fending off all the fans and paparazzi who want a piece of that action."

The banter continued, but inside, Shubman felt a mix of excitement and anxiety. He liked Naima—like, really liked her. 

But with all this attention, he couldn't shake the feeling that things were about to get a lot more complicated. 

Would it ruin their friendship? Or was this just the beginning of something incredible?

As he stood there, surrounded by his teammates' laughter and playful jabs, he knew one thing for sure: there was no way he could back down now. Not when it felt this good to be around her. 

welcome to the fifth chapter of "The Man"!

i love them sm, like lord, and also are you all ready for a sad chapter?

what are your thoughts about the next chapter?

anyway, hope y'all enjoyed this chapter! make sure to comment on what you liked!

until then yours truly,

soup 🫶