Corbin House Chronicles: Brotherhood Unbound

Chapter 17: Double Date

The next day, Marc received a text from Connor, asking if he and Trey could help with groceries for the frat house. Marc didn't mind the errand—he was always happy to help, especially if it meant getting to know Cain better. Connor had been talking to him a lot more lately, and Marc was starting to pick up on the easy-going energy that made Cain so magnetic.

Trey, Connor, Marc, and Cain all piled into Connor's car and headed to the local supermarket. Once they arrived, they split up to tackle the list, with Connor and Trey heading toward the food section and Marc and Cain making their way to the aisle for drinks and snacks.

Connor and Trey moved through the food aisles, loading their cart with essentials. Every so often, Trey would crack a joke, making Connor laugh in a way that softened his usual reserved demeanor. They shared a comfortable banter as they debated which brands to pick.

"Alright, Trey, what do you think—these instant noodles or the fancy ones?" Connor held up two packages, his eyes gleaming with mischief.

Trey smirked. "Go with the fancy ones. Can't have our frat starving on basic noodles, right?" He nudged Connor playfully.

Connor chuckled, adding the fancier noodles to the cart. As they continued down the aisle, Trey couldn't help but admire Connor's confidence and ease. There was a sense of steadiness about him that Trey found comforting, even magnetic.

Connor noticed Trey looking at him and raised an eyebrow. "Something on your mind?"

"Just surprised that you're actually picky about noodles," Trey teased. "You seem like the kind of guy who'd just go for whatever's on sale."

Connor laughed, leaning a little closer. "Guess there's more to me than meets the eye."

They continued to share small moments, their playful teasing eventually turning into something more subtle—a quiet understanding, a growing connection.

In the drinks aisle, Marc and Cain were busy picking out soft drinks and deciding on a few bottles of alcohol for the upcoming weekend. Marc found himself getting caught up in Cain's easy laughter and the warmth that seemed to radiate from him.

"What about these?" Cain held up a pack of sparkling water, smirking. "Healthy option, right?"

Marc chuckled. "Yeah, I'm sure the guys will love that."

Cain shrugged, tossing the water into the cart anyway, and then added a couple of soda packs. He glanced over at Marc with a grin. "You know, I noticed you're more of the calm and collected type."

Marc blushed slightly, surprised that Cain had been paying attention. "Well, you seem like you're always having fun. It's hard not to want to loosen up around you."

Cain laughed, his gaze softening. "Stick with me, Marc. I might just get you to loosen up even more."

The casual flirting made Marc's pulse quicken, and he found himself glancing at Cain whenever he thought he wouldn't notice. They finished their part of the shopping, exchanging jokes and little touches that felt almost electric.

Once the shopping was done, they decided to leave the groceries in Connor's car and grab a quick bite at Burger King. Sitting in a booth, the four of them laughed and talked over burgers and fries, the atmosphere feeling more like a double date than just a casual lunch. Trey and Connor sat across from Marc and Cain, and each pair seemed wrapped up in their own conversation.

Trey nudged Connor's arm as they shared a large soda, leaning close as he told a story about a prank from the previous semester. Connor laughed, his hand brushing Trey's shoulder in a way that felt natural but intimate.