The House

✨ Chapter Two | ​Unrequited

Liam sat on a warped plastic patio chair by the pool, rocking it back and forth with a slow creak to quiet the jealous knot twisting in his stomach.

It didn't help.

From his spot, he had a perfect view of Morgan slow dancing with Aiden in the middle of the backyard.

Who the hell put a slow song on this playlist?

Aiden was Morgan's latest boyfriend, and he'd already been around for three weeks. A record, as far as Liam could tell. That could only mean one thing: Morgan really liked him.

Liam's gaze drifted over Aiden. Chestnut brown hair, annoyingly perfect green eyes, and everything else about him that screamed Abercrombie & Fitch. He looked like the kind of guy who didn't know what it felt like to be awkward or alone. The sight made the jealousy burn hotter in Liam's chest.

He ran a hand through his hair and forced himself to look away. He didn't need to see Morgan swaying under the twinkle lights, laughing softly at whatever stupid thing Aiden had just whispered.

A minute ago, everything had been fine. They were all dancing, messing around, having fun like always.

Then someone had to go and ruin it with a slow song.

Now Liam felt like a third wheel. Or maybe a fifth. He was always the odd one out, stuck on the sidelines, watching Ethan and Julian wrapped up in their perfect couple bubble, and Morgan... well, Morgan with whoever he was into that week.

These were the moments Liam hated. The only downside to being around the people he loved. When Morgan was single, things felt balanced. Natural. But as soon as he started dating someone, it shifted the whole dynamic. It was like a spotlight turned on, highlighting just how alone Liam always was.

He drained the rest of his drink, whatever was left in his red cup. The cheap liquor burned going down, but it didn't stop the sting behind his eyes.

Watching Morgan like this, so close, so tender with someone else, was torture.

Liam suddenly realized how weird he must look. Just sitting there. Staring. Like some lovesick stalker. If anyone noticed...

He stood up fast, the plastic chair creaking beneath him as it rocked back into place. He made his way toward the house, breath tight, jaw clenched. He wasn't jealous of Aiden. Not really.

Aiden wasn't the first. And he wouldn't be the last.

But Liam was drunk again. And when he was drunk, he always got jealous.

Because those soft, private moments Morgan shared with boyfriends? They were never with him.

They would never be with him.

That's what made it hurt. That aching, hollow truth. No matter how much Liam wanted it, Morgan would never see him that way. To Morgan, Liam was a joke. A cute little friend to tease and toss into pools.

Liam needed air.

He slipped inside, leaving the party noise behind. The house was empty and quiet. Everyone else was outside, caught in the blur of music and laughter.

His guitar was still leaning against the couch where he'd left it.

He picked it up without thinking.

Sinking into the cushions, he let the neck of the guitar rest in his lap, his fingers ghosting over the strings. He wasn't a "real" guitar player, not in the way people usually meant. He couldn't sing while playing. Hell, he could barely play when someone else was watching.