7 Minutes • Jachary

One • Jack Avery

Why do I even come to these things?

I sit awkwardly on the couch, watching people around me easily mingle, looking like they are having the time of their lives.

I hate parties - okay, hate is a strong word - but honestly what do I even do? Talk to the same kids at school that I already see five days a week? Hook up?

But then my gaze falls on Zach Herron, and now I know exactly the reason I went. I swear that boy really does something to me. But of course I can't admit my feelings, because we're friends and obviously I will screw that up with romantic intentions.

The thing is, Zach is actually gay. While that may sound like I have a higher chance, sadly it doesn't work like that. I don't think I'm his type, because all he's dated is that baseball jock Jonah Marais, then it was the dude that he supposedly couldn't stand until I once found them making out in the locker room.

It seems like he prefers taller, muscled guys. While I have been working out, and confident enough to take off my shirt in the locker rooms, I can't compete with people like that. All I do have is pale skin that doesn't like the sun, permed hair that occasionally gets out of hand, oh and I'm also short.

The hopeful part of me thinks that Zach will come around, magically thinking, Oh, Jack's cute. But even bros have the code. He probably thinks of me nothing but the best friend; a sibling.

There's also the fact that I never told him I'm bisexual... when he came out to me in freshman year saying that he was gay, I didn't want to sound like I was copying or something. Anyways, ever since I dated Gabbie Gonzalez in eighth grade, he still thinks to this day I'm heartbroken so that's why I haven't been dating. Honestly it's been four years ago. I'm over it.

"Guys! Are y'all ready?" A voice calls.

I look up to see the host of the party, Corbyn Besson. The dude is dressed in khakis and a plaid shirt with the buttons open, revealing his toned chest. With sunglasses on, he truly looks like a wild partier.

"I want everyone to go in the living room, no exceptions! We're playing... seven minutes in heaven!" He announces dramatically.

There are cheers, and I shake my head, watching fellow teenagers stumbling into the living room. One couple is making out while walking, and I seriously feel like barfing.

A tiny part of me is jealous, and I reluctantly lean back on the couch, figuring the game will be entertaining enough. I haven't kissed anyone in awhile, I probably need to get myself back in the game. Pining after Zach won't - oh shit, Zach looks so damn good in those jeans. I wonder what he'll look like with them off.

I discreetly take my jacket off and place it on my lap. Fuck I can't fantasize right now. But Lord knows how much I've been thinking about getting into those... ahem.

"Okay, everyone knows the rules, right? First person, flip the bottle, go in the closet with who it lands on." Corbyn rubs his hands together, blue eyes glinting mischievously. "I'll go first." He spins the bottle, and it finally rests on, of all people, Christina Harris.

I prop my chin in the palm of my hand. Everyone knows that Corbyn has a massive crush on her. The two bound into the closet, and Christina's friend, starts giggling knowingly.

"Are we just gonna wait?" One girl asks, smearing excessive lipgloss over her mouth while puckering.

"We could spy," the boy beside her suggests, eyebrows wagging.

"Ew! Pervert," another girl squeals.

I hope that Zach doesn't get chosen this night, and I wonder when the party's going to be over. I've heard that it can go on until the morning, but I guess it's okay, since tomorrow's Saturday.