In a Split Second || BOYxBOYxBOY ✔️

10

Alex splashed some cold water on his face, trying to steady himself as the small student bathroom spun slightly from the drinks he had consumed. He wiped down his face with the back of his hand, glancing at his reflection. His mind felt hazy, and Ethan's lurking presence made him feel uneasy. But for now, Alex was still in control.

Taking a deep breath, he opened the bathroom door and stepped out, blinking in surprise when he noticed Luke sitting on the edge of the bed, head down, elbows resting on his knees. The sight makes Alex pause.

Luke had waited for him.

There's something melancholy about the way Luke was sat, with his shoulders slightly hunched as if burdened by an invisible weight. The soft glow of a desk lamp lights the room, casting warm shadows over the space. It's clear when Luke looked up and their eyes met that he didn't plan on rushing back to the party. He was taking his time.

Not knowing what to say, Alex drifted further into the room, his steps slow and deliberate as he took it all in. Luke's room had an unexpected rustic charm. The walls were adorned with framed posters of old movies and photographs that seem personal, capturing candid moments with friends. There was a wooden bookshelf in the corner, filled with a mix of textbooks, worn novels, and a few vinyl records. A small record player sat atop it, its needle resting gently on the edge of a vinyl, as if Luke had paused it right before the party started.

The room smelt faintly of cedar and the lingering scent of cologne, warm and inviting. There was a patterned, woolen blanket thrown carelessly over the bed, the earthy colors blending well with the vibe of the room. A small potted plant sat on the windowsill, its leaves drooping slightly, probably from lack of care. The entire space felt lived in, like it was a perfect reflection of Luke, comfortable yet edgy.

Alex hesitated as his eyes landed on the bed where Luke was sat, the space next to him open. His heart raced as he wondered what to do next. His fingers brushed nervously against the fabric of his black cargos as he contemplated sitting down next to the boy, the tension in the room thickening with each passing second.

Finally, Alex made up his mind.

Without a word, he stepped forward and lowered himself onto the bed. His body betrayed him though, as he ended up sitting a little too close to Luke, their legs and arms brushing lightly against each other. The contact sent a jolt through Alex, who quickly glanced at Luke, but Luke didn't seem to mind, or at least he doesn't say anything. A soft smile played at his lips.

The silence stretched on between them, but it wasn't uncomfortable. Alex could feel the weight of Luke's presence beside him, and he wondered what had made Luke stay behind, waiting for him. He felt his own heart pounding louder, the proximity between them suddenly suffocating in the most confusing way.

They sat there for a moment longer, the muffled sounds of the party still faintly audible from down the hall, but in this room, it's just the two of them, the air thick with unspoken thoughts and feelings. Alex's mind raced, but for now, neither of them say a word.

Just as the silence between them was beginning to feel heavy, a loud crash echoed from outside the room, followed by a burst of laughter.

Alex jumped where he sat, his body instinctively tensing as his heart raced from the sudden noise. He glanced toward the door, wide-eyed, his mind briefly darting to thoughts of danger.

Luke, however, remained calm, barely reacting to the sound. "It's fine," he said softly, offering a small, reassuring smile. "Probably just a drunk student knocking something over."

Alex exhaled slowly, the tension in his shoulders easing a little. He nodded, trusting Luke's explanation. "Right, of course. Happens all the time," he murmured, forcing a chuckle as he rubbed the back of his neck.