When He Became Mine

Chapter 2 – Snowbound Together

The gala had barely ended, yet Aarush couldn’t shake the memory of Noah’s grin, or the way his voice had teased just enough to make Aarush’s carefully controlled composure wobble.

Normally, Aarush would’ve gone home, closed the door to the world, and drowned in case files or legal documents until the night was forgotten. But tonight, fate—or perhaps bad luck—had other plans.

The city had been hit by an unexpected snowstorm. Roads were blocked, flights canceled, and taxis were nowhere to be found. Aarush had originally planned a quick drive home. Now, stranded, he found himself pacing the empty streets outside the Ritz, cursing under his breath as the cold bit at his cheeks.

Then he saw him.

Noah.

Of course it had to be Noah. The young celebrity was leaning against a snow-dusted lamppost, phone pressed to his ear, exasperation flickering across his usually composed face.

Aarush hesitated, trying not to groan. Why is he always in my path?

Noah spotted him, waving, a mischievous smirk spreading across his lips. “Aarush! Fancy seeing you out here! What are the odds?”

Aarush wanted to snap back something sharp, but the cold stole his words. Instead, he muttered, “Apparently, very likely.”

“Snowstorm. Roads closed. Taxis… non-existent. Lucky, huh?” Noah said, putting away his phone. He looked at Aarush with those sparkling eyes that seemed to mock his carefully contained seriousness.

Aarush’s arms crossed automatically. “I wouldn’t call this lucky.”

“No? I’d call it… opportunity.” Noah tilted his head, eyebrow raised. “You and me, stuck together. Sounds like fate to me.”

Aarush ground his teeth. “I don’t believe in fate.”

“Good. Makes things more… fun.”

Before Aarush could respond, a car skidded on the ice, narrowly missing a snowbank. Noah jumped back instinctively. Aarush noticed, almost against his will, the reflexive concern he felt for him. Why do I care if he gets hit by a car?

“Noah, you’re reckless,” Aarush said, his tone sharper than intended.

“Reckless is my specialty,” Noah said, smirking again. “But I have a plan.”

Aarush raised an eyebrow. “And what would that be?”

Noah gestured toward the hotel shuttle. “We take the hotel’s staff car. They’ve offered to drive stranded guests. Only problem…” He glanced around with mock horror. “…it’s only got room for one person.”

Aarush blinked. “You’re joking.”

Noah’s grin widened. “Not at all. Looks like you and I are sharing a ride. Lucky you.”

Aarush groaned inwardly. Of course it’s not a simple snowstorm. He followed Noah to the small shuttle parked at the curb, the cold biting through his coat.

Inside the shuttle, heat enveloped him, but so did the awkward proximity to Noah. The young celebrity didn’t make it easier—he leaned back casually, one arm draped across the seat behind Aarush, eyes glittering with mischief.

“You’re tense,” Noah observed. “Relax. I won’t bite… unless you want me to.”

Aarush turned sharply, tone clipped. “I’m not tense.”

“No?” Noah’s grin widened, teasing. “Then why are you sitting like a statue? Frozen stiff. You’re like a marble sculpture in a tuxedo.”

Aarush clenched his jaw but didn’t move away. Part of him… didn’t want to.

The ride was silent for a moment, the only sounds being the wipers scraping against snow and tires crunching over icy streets. Aarush found himself stealing glances at Noah, noticing small details—the way the golden light from the streetlamps caught in his hair, the subtle curve of his smile when he hummed along to a song playing softly on the radio.

It was ridiculous. Aarush, disciplined and meticulous, was noticing everything about a celebrity he barely knew.

Noah, noticing Aarush’s gaze, leaned a little closer. “You’re staring again,” he said softly.

“I am not,” Aarush muttered, though his face betrayed him.

“Mhmm.” Noah’s tone was teasing but gentle. “You know, you could be honest. I don’t bite… much.”

Aarush’s stomach twisted, caught somewhere between irritation and something far more dangerous. He needed to remind himself of the rules: No distractions. No unnecessary emotional complications. And yet… he couldn’t.

By the time the shuttle arrived at a small, charming inn a few streets away, the snow had thickened. The hotel was fully booked, but the manager, recognizing Noah, had offered a suite with two beds—one for him and one for his… companion.

Noah glanced at Aarush with a raised brow. “Looks like we’re rooming together tonight. Fate really has a sense of humor, huh?”

Aarush froze. “Two beds?”

“Yes, but…” Noah tilted his head, a playful smirk on his lips. “…it might be cozier if we—”

“No!” Aarush cut him off, his voice sharper than intended. “We will stay in separate beds. I do not—”

“Relax, lawyer-boy. I’m joking.” Noah’s grin softened, just enough to make Aarush’s heart skip. “Well… sort of.”

They entered the suite, the warmth hitting Aarush immediately. The room smelled faintly of pine and something sweet—holiday decorations were scattered, giving it a cozy, festive feel. Snow lightly coated the balcony outside, reflecting golden city lights.

“Wow…” Noah whispered, eyes scanning the room. “This is… perfect. Just perfect for a snowstorm night.”

Aarush’s professional mind registered the comfort, the safety—but also the danger. Forced proximity with Noah meant: temptation, Distraction,.Emotional chaos.

“Stay focused,” Aarush reminded himself. “This is temporary. One night. Just survive it.”

Noah, on the other hand, leaned lazily against the balcony door, looking every bit like someone who belonged anywhere he wanted. “You’re awfully tense,” he said, eyes softening. “You need to loosen up, Aarush. Snow, warm room, candlelight… doesn’t that sound… nice?”

Aarush wanted to argue. Wanted to retreat. But even as he stood stiffly by the window, he felt the heat of Noah’s gaze, and an unfamiliar flutter in his chest.

Noah stepped closer, brushing a snowflake from Aarush’s shoulder. “See? Just a little snow. Just a little fun. I promise, you might even enjoy it.”

Aarush froze. Every rule he had ever followed shouted at him to resist. But part of him… wanted to stay. Just a little longer.

“Noah,” Aarush said softly, voice taut with restraint, “this is temporary. One night. Nothing more.”

“Temporary,” Noah repeated, leaning closer, voice teasing but low. “Sounds like a promise. But you know…” His eyes sparkled, mischievous, challenging. “Some promises are meant to be broken.”

And with that, the tension between them shifted—from playful to something more dangerous, something electric. Aarush’s carefully ordered world felt like it was unraveling, thread by thread, under the warmth of the snow, the room, and Noah’s relentless charm.

For the first time, Aarush wondered… maybe breaking the rules wasn’t so bad.