Boy Trouble GT

Chapter 45

[KYE]

The dorm felt still, the kind of late-evening hush where even the overhead lights seemed dimmer. Kye, fresh from a quick shower, padded out of the bathroom wearing a loose t-shirt and a pair of sweats that rode low on his hips. Droplets of water clung to the ends of his bleached hair, still half-damp, and he let out a long exhale as he stepped into the living room.

Mason was sprawled on the couch, fiddling with something on his phone—maybe a social media feed or a message from the track team. When he spotted Kye, he glanced up with a casual grin. "Feel better?" he asked, eyes flicking down to the small puddles forming beneath Kye's bare feet.

Kye gave a short nod, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah," he mumbled, still a bit shy after everything that had transpired. The memory of that kiss—a kiss that forced him to practically fold himself in half just to reach Mason's lips—sent warmth curling through his chest. "Much better."

They ended up whipping together a light dinner—leftover pasta, reheated in the giant-sized microwave that Kye had to bend down to reach, with Mason offering directions from below. Conversation was subdued but companionable, each of them looking at the other from time to time, as though silently confirming: Yes, this is real.

Evening deepened across the dorm, the overhead lights turned low and the hum of air vents the only background noise. Kye was already in his bedroom—the giant-sized one that spanned half the apartment—folding back a portion of his oversized comforter. He tried to ignore the subtle flutter in his stomach. They had shared moments like this before, but it never stopped feeling new.

He was about to slip under the covers when he heard the faintest knock at his door. A soft rap, barely audible. Turning, he caught sight of Mason in the doorway, wearing a loose T-shirt that draped around his smaller frame, almost like a nightgown.

"You're still up?" Mason asked, stepping in. His own bedroom was down the hall—a room scaled for humans—but he hovered here, obviously hesitant.

Kye swallowed, brushing the back of his neck. "Yeah," he said, voice quieter than usual. "Are you okay?"

Mason smiled, just a small quirk of his lips. "I, um... wanted to know if it's okay if I crash with you again tonight." He hesitated, glancing at the massive expanse of Kye's bed. "I mean, if that's not weird. I just—, I like it better in here."

Warmth flickered through Kye's chest. It wasn't the first time Mason had come in like this, but it never failed to stir a gentle rush of fondness—and nerves—within him. He nodded, gesturing at the bed. "Yeah. Of course."

Mason padded closer, feet silent on the plush carpet. He reached the edge of the mattress, and as always, the size difference was apparent. Standing at only knee-height to Kye, Mason couldn't easily climb up on his own.

Wordlessly, Kye leant forward, bracing a hand on the side of the bed. "Let me help," he murmured, cheeks warming slightly. He slipped his arms around Mason's waist, lifting him like he weighed no more than a small child. Mason let out a soft laugh, arms lightly gripping Kye's shoulders for balance.

In a careful motion, Kye placed Mason onto the mattress. Mason shuffled around, making space, the plush bedding nearly engulfing him. The difference in height remained comical, yet somehow comforting. Mason scooted toward the middle, patting the space beside him.

They arranged themselves in a hush, the thick comforter half-draped over them both. Kye lay on his side, facing Mason, while Mason sat cross-legged for a moment. The glow of the bedside lamp illuminated their features: Kye's large frame, the arcs of his bleached hair still slightly damp, and Mason's smaller figure, dwarfed by the giant pillow at his back.

For a moment, neither spoke. Then Mason exhaled softly. "Thanks," he said, voice low and sincere. "Didn't really feel like sleeping alone."

Kye offered a small smile, eyes meeting Mason's. "S'okay. I... don't mind."

Mason sank down, legs stretching out as he nestled under the covers. He ended up close enough for Kye to feel the gentle warmth of his body. "You don't mind?" he teased, a playful glint in his eye.

Kye let out a soft, breathy chuckle. "I don't," he repeated. Carefully, he lifted an arm, inviting Mason to move closer. Mason obliged, shifting so he could lean against Kye's chest.

Once settled, Kye's arm curled around Mason's back, and he felt the smaller man relax into the contact. The dorm felt calmer than ever, the day's events—and any awkwardness—seeming far away in the hush of the night.

Mason yawned, pressing his cheek to Kye's hoodie. "Good night," he murmured

Kye's chest fluttered at the closeness, but he managed to keep his nerves in check. He gave a tiny nod, voice hushed. "Night, Mase."

In the soft glow of the bedside lamp, they watched each other through half-lidded eyes, the day's tension melting away. Slowly, Mason's breathing settled into a drowsy rhythm, and Kye's eyelids grew heavy as well. Even the mismatch in size—the giant next to the human—became insignificant under the blanket of shared warmth and the gentle rise and fall of two chests breathing in tandem.

No words needed to be spoken. They had found a fragile new closeness, built on stolen kisses and unspoken trust, and as the light clicked off, the bed became their quiet universe, where everything made sense in the hush of the night.