Boy Trouble GT

Chapter 17

[MASON]

The dorm was quiet except for the occasional burst of laughter and the slap of cards hitting the oversized coffee table. Mason was sprawled on the lounge, leaning back comfortably against a pile of cushions. The warm night air wrapped around them, and the windows were cracked open just enough to let a faint breeze drift in. Still, it was too warm for much clothing, and Mason had opted for just his boxers, his bare chest catching the dim light from the lamp nearby. Across from him sat Kye, his lanky frame folded awkwardly onto the couch, a loose singlet clinging to his pale skin and long basketball shorts hanging low on his hips.

The two of them were in the middle of an intense game of Snap, the giant-sized cards spread out between them. The deck was ridiculously oversized for Mason, each card almost the size of his torso, while they fit snugly in Kye's long hands. Mason didn't care, though. He was competitive and determined to win, regardless of the ridiculous size disparity.

"Come on, Mase," Kye teased, his lips curling into a faint smirk as he slapped another card onto the pile. "You're moving so slow. Are those little hands holding you back?"

Mason narrowed his green eyes playfully, looking up at Kye from his much lower vantage point. "Little hands, huh? You're just mad I'm smarter and faster," he shot back, placing his next card down with deliberate confidence.

Kye rolled his eyes but couldn't help the faint chuckle that escaped. The way his pale hair framed his face and the easy smile tugging at his lips made Mason pause for half a second. He'd been noticing moments like this more often—little things about Kye that caught his attention for reasons he couldn't quite name. The way Kye's sharp features softened when he laughed. The way his gray eyes lit up with something almost childlike when he got competitive. It made Mason's chest feel... weird. Tight. In a way he didn't entirely understand.

"Your turn," Kye said, snapping Mason out of his thoughts. He was looking at him now, expectantly, one eyebrow raised.

Mason blinked and quickly placed his next card down. "Focus, Mase," he muttered to himself under his breath, though he could feel Kye's amused gaze lingering on him.

The game continued, their teasing and laughter filling the room. Every time their hands slapped down at the same time, they'd argue over who was faster, the playful bickering only adding to the energy of the game. Kye's large hands were clearly at an advantage, but Mason was quick, nimble, and determined not to let Kye's size be the deciding factor.

And then it happened. A perfect Snap! moment.

"SNAP!" Mason shouted, slamming his much smaller hand down onto the pile before Kye could react. He grinned triumphantly, snatching the cards and holding them up like a trophy. "I WIN! Victory is mine!"

Kye groaned, leaning back against the couch with an exaggerated sigh. "You're such a sore winner," he muttered, though there was no hiding the amused smile tugging at his lips.

Mason, however, wasn't done celebrating. He launched himself off the lounge and onto Kye, his much smaller frame clambering onto the giant's lap with surprising energy. "I told you I was faster!" Mason said, laughing as he playfully shoved Kye's shoulder with both hands. "Say it! Say I'm the best!"

Kye laughed, his long arms instinctively coming up to steady Mason as the smaller man clambered over him. "Okay, okay! You're the best," he said, his voice dripping with mock defeat.

Mason's grin widened as he settled on Kye's lap, his small hands braced on Kye's broad shoulders. The size difference was absurdly stark. Mason's legs barely reached halfway across Kye's thighs, and his hands looked comically tiny against the giant's pale skin. Yet somehow, the closeness felt natural, easy, even as Mason's heart gave an unexpected flutter.