Wish You'd Met Me First (boyxboy)

Chapter 26: On Fire

A/N: Here's another game day chapter, also someone paid Aiden a visit at the locker room.

After the strange encounter in the restroom, the rest of the evening at the diner feels like a blur. I sit back down with Brett, Blaine, and Leo, forcing myself to smile and engage in conversation. Brett is chatting about football practice and teasing Blaine about his nerdy interests. I nod along, but my mind is elsewhere, replaying the kiss and that hollow feeling I can't shake.

Days pass, and I can't seem to shake the memory of that kiss. I think about the dude and the way he leaned in, but every time I do, I feel that same emptiness wash over me. I never bothered to text him and it should stay like that.

I go through the motions of my daily routine. School feels monotonous, and practice is a blur of drills and plays. I'm there physically, but my mind drifts to thoughts of Brett. I can't help but wonder what it would be like to kiss him, to feel that connection I've been missing.

After that night, it becomes crystal clear to me: I'm only into Brett. The kiss with that guy only confirmed it. It was exciting and new, but it lacked the depth I wanted. It didn't spark anything inside me. It wasn't Brett.

Next day arrives like a snap and it's game day, the locker room buzzes with anticipation. The sound of teammates chatting and the clinking of gear fills the air. I sit on the bench by my locker, lacing up my cleats, trying to focus on the game ahead. The big game has everyone on edge, but I can't shake the feeling of unease that's settled in my chest.

As I finish tying my laces, I hear someone approach. I look up to see Blaine standing there, looking fidgety and uncomfortable. There's a flicker in his eyes, a mix of bravery and hesitation. My teammates glance at us, curious, probably wondering what the heck he's doing here. Perfect timing, too; the guys and Brett just went out to grab something, leaving me alone with some of my teammates.

"Hey, Aiden," Blaine greets, trying to sound casual.

"Hey, Blaine," I reply, forcing a smile. "What's up? How can I help you?"

He shifts on his feet, glancing around room before meeting my eyes. 

"I just... I wanted to talk to you about something."

I nod, feeling a knot form in my stomach. 

"Sure, what's on your mind?"

Blaine takes a deep breath, then plunges ahead. 

"You and Brett seem really close lately. And it's great that you guys are friends, but... I feel like we never have a proper date anymore. It's always with you or with the others."

His words hit me like a stab, a constant reminder that I'm just an outsider intruding on their relationship. I try to keep my expression neutral, but the guilt is already gnawing at me.

"I'm really sorry, Blaine," I say quietly. 

"I didn't mean to intrude or make you feel that way. I'll try to give you guys more space."

Blaine looks relieved, but there's still a hint of discomfort in his eyes. 

"Thank you. And I'm sorry if I seem like a jealous boyfriend. It's just... Brett means a lot to me."

"I get it," I reply, my voice steady despite the ache in my chest. 

"You don't have to apologize. I should have been more aware."

He nods, and for a moment, he stand there in an awkward silence, then speaks again.

"Anyway, Leo is asking if he could get your number?" He ask fidgeting.