Burning Truths?

Chapter 1: The Unexpected Encounter

The pounding music vibrated through the walls of the fraternity house, making Sophie's head throb with every beat. People were everywhere—dancing, drinking, shouting over the blaring music. The stench of beer and sweat hung in the air, and Sophie wrinkled her nose as she followed Emma through the chaos.

"This is insane," Sophie muttered under her breath.

Emma, clearly in her element, turned to Sophie with a wide grin. "Come on, it'll be fun! Mason invited us, and it's not like you have to stay forever."

Sophie rolled her eyes. Fun was the last word she'd use to describe a fraternity party. She had no idea why Emma thought dragging her here would be a good idea. Sure, Emma had just started dating Mason, and he was nice enough, but parties like this? Not her scene.

As they pushed through the crowd, Sophie spotted the beer pong table, surrounded by drunk students shouting and cheering. Someone stumbled past her, spilling beer on the floor, and Sophie dodged to avoid getting splashed.

"This is exactly why I don't go to parties," she grumbled.

Emma shot her a look. "Just give it a chance. You might actually enjoy yourself."

"Unlikely," Sophie muttered, scanning the room for an escape route.

She didn't know many people here, but she knew exactly who Leo Parker was. Everyone did. The football star, campus heartthrob, and someone Sophie would rather avoid. She'd heard all about him—second-year, captain of the football team, and notorious for sleeping with half the school. Emma had mentioned that Leo was Mason's best friend, which meant Sophie would likely run into him tonight.

The thought made her stomach churn. Leo Parker was the type of guy who embodied everything she disliked about college—the superficial, the loud, the arrogant. Guys like him were nothing but trouble. She wasn't interested in finding out firsthand.

"I'm going to find somewhere quieter," Sophie said, raising her voice over the music.

"Don't disappear completely!" Emma called after her as Sophie slipped away.

––––––

Navigating through the crowd, Sophie kept her head down, avoiding eye contact with the rowdy students around her. She climbed the stairs, hoping to find a quieter space upstairs. The noise faded slightly as she reached the second floor, and she let out a relieved breath. It wasn't completely quiet, but at least it wasn't deafening.

Pushing open the first door she saw, Sophie quickly backed out when she realized it was occupied by a couple making out on the bed. "Sorry!" she squeaked, shutting the door as quickly as she could.

Her cheeks burning, she hurried down the hall and tried another door. This time, the room was empty. Sophie stepped inside, her eyes widening at the unexpected neatness. It was a stark contrast to the rest of the frat house—clean, with books lined perfectly on the shelves, drawings spread neatly across a desk.

She stepped closer, eyeing the sketches. They were good, surprisingly good. Whoever lived here clearly had talent. Sophie's gaze drifted over the room, taking in the football gear neatly piled in the corner. A row of medals hung proudly on the wall.

"Football," she muttered under her breath, rolling her eyes. Of course.

She made her way to the bed, sitting down on the edge. It was strange—this room was so orderly, almost too orderly for a typical frat boy. Her gaze drifted toward the small bathroom door, slightly ajar. A frat room with its own bathroom? How luxurious.

Before she could think much more about it, the toilet flushed. Sophie froze, her eyes fixed on the bathroom door as it slowly creaked open.

Out stepped a very naked, very wet Leo Parker.