Corbin House Chronicles: Brotherhood Unbound

Chapter 26: Connor and Kennedy's Bathhouse Encounter

The summer break had arrived, and with it, a rare quietness settled over the frat house. Most of the guys had gone home, but Connor decided to stay behind, choosing to enjoy a peaceful break away from the usual hustle. It was the perfect opportunity to relax and unwind, so he made his way to the local bathhouse—a place he'd heard about from a few of his friends, known for its soothing atmosphere and calming ambiance.

Arriving at the bathhouse, Connor was eager for some alone time. He headed straight for the locker room, where the air was warm and steamy, carrying the faint scent of essential oils and eucalyptus. After securing a locker, Connor undressed, leaving his clothes behind and pulling a soft towel around his waist. He admired himself in the mirror for a moment, his reflection revealing a toned, athletic body sculpted from hours of working out. He had always been confident in his appearance, and it showed as he walked through the locker room, unaware of the lingering gazes from the other men who couldn't help but admire his chiseled form.

As he made his way toward the pool area, the buzz of the bathhouse seemed to fade. The low hum of conversation and the sound of water splashing blended into a soothing background noise. Connor slipped into the main pool area, his eyes already half-closed, savoring the peaceful ambiance. He stepped into the water with a slow, deliberate movement, letting the coolness of the pool embrace him. Without hesitation, he dropped his towel on the side, fully exposing his naked body to the quiet environment around him. The water rose to meet him, and he sank in with a deep, contented sigh.

The moment Connor settled in, he noticed a few guys lingering by the pool's edge, their eyes subtly darting in his direction, trying to catch a glimpse of his naked form. But Connor wasn't paying attention. He was too focused on the warmth of the water against his skin, the relaxation taking over him as he closed his eyes, letting the serenity of the moment wash over him.

It was only when a new presence entered the space that his peace was interrupted.

The door to the pool area swung open, and in walked Kennedy—tall, broad-shouldered, and with a familiar air that caught Connor's attention. He was a bit taken aback when he saw the man's face, but something about him looked vaguely familiar. Kennedy, noticing Connor in the water, froze for a moment, his eyes widening slightly as recognition flickered across his face. Connor's curiosity piqued, and he shifted slightly in the pool, the water rippling around him as he focused his gaze on Kennedy.

Connor raised a hand in a subtle invitation, signaling for Kennedy to come closer. Kennedy hesitated for a moment, looking uncomfortable, but then, after a beat, he stepped forward. His movements were unsure, but he made his way to the edge of the pool and paused, clearly still taking in the situation.

"Hey," Connor greeted him casually, his voice smooth and relaxed as he stretched his legs out in the water, trying to seem as nonchalant as possible.

Kennedy shuffled awkwardly, his eyes flicking to the water, then back to Connor. "Uh, hey," he responded, rubbing the back of his neck as if trying to ease his nerves. He stepped a little closer to the pool but still didn't quite enter it. "I didn't expect to see you here."

Connor raised an eyebrow, leaning back against the pool's edge, his curiosity growing. "You look familiar," he said, giving Kennedy a thoughtful look. "Have we met before?"

Kennedy's face tensed slightly, a nervous smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "I'm sure you don't remember," he began, trying to brush it off. "I was at that frat party a while back, with a friend." He seemed to deliberately avoid offering any more details, especially regarding the friend. His gaze darted briefly to the side, and Connor noticed the subtle shift in his demeanor, as if he was trying to hide something.

Connor smirked slightly, intrigued by the mystery surrounding Kennedy. "A frat party, huh? That doesn't narrow it down much. Which one?"

Kennedy swallowed, his hand running through his hair as he looked around, trying to avoid eye contact. "You know, one of those regular ones. Nothing special. Just... hanging out."