The guys were having a great time at the bar, drinking, laughing, and swapping stories from past semesters. Lost in their conversation, they didn't even notice how quickly the hours slipped away. Suddenly, the bell above the door chimed, and a familiar figure walked through the dim, neon-lit room.
Willy's glass paused halfway to his lips. "Tim? What on earth is he doing here?" He blinked, genuinely surprised.
Ethan smirked, taking a sip of his own drink. "I texted him to come over."
Tim caught sight of their booth and navigated through the crowded tables toward them.
"How are you guys doing?" Tim asked, sliding his hands into his pockets as he arrived.
"Excellent," Al beamed, gesturing around.
"Yeah, I can tell," Tim noted dryly, his eyes sweeping over the half-empty bottles cluttering the wood table.
Logan offered an apologetic smile. "Sorry, man. We really should've texted you earlier to join us from the start."
"It's fine," Tim shrugged smoothly. "I don't really drink anyway, and you know I'm not a fan of big crowds."
Ethan patted the empty seat right next to him. "Look, I'm sorry for dragging you out, but we actually need your help tonight. I didn't want to call anyone else to bail us out later. Just stay with us for a bit before we all head home."
Tim looked at Ethan's pleading expression and realized he had no choice. He couldn't just turn around and abandon them again. He quietly took the seat.
A few minutes later, a waiter approached their table, carrying a heavy crystal glass filled with premium amber liquid. He placed it down right in front of Tim.
Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Wait, who's that for?"
"For him," the waiter replied politely, gesturing toward Tim.
Tim frowned, looking at the untouched drink. "But I didn't order anything."
"Someone across the room sent it over to you, sir," the waiter explained before bowing and slipping back into the crowd.
Tim didn't even touch the glass. He didn't care who had sent it, nor was he interested in looking around to find out. Willy, however, kept his eyes locked on the exchange first staring intensely at the golden liquor, then shifting his sharp gaze directly to Tim.
Sensing the heavy atmosphere, Tim pushed the glass toward the center of the table. "If anyone wants it, feel free to drink it. I'm not have any."
Without a word, Willy reached out, snatched the glass, and downed the strong whiskey in one aggressive gulp. His jaw was tightly set as he swirled the empty glass in his hand, a dark look in his eyes. Tim caught the display, and a knowing, amused smile crept onto his lips.
Before anyone could comment on Willy's sudden thirst, a tall man in a sharp black suit approached their booth.
"Hello," the stranger said, his voice low and professional. He looked only at Tim, completely ignoring the rest of the group as if they didn't even exist. "My boss would like to have a word with you. He's waiting upstairs in the private lounge on the second floor."
Tim tilted his head, his posture instantly turning guarded. "And who exactly is your boss?"
He wasn't about to meet just anyone, especially an unnamed stranger in a place like this. The man, clearly a private security guard, quietly slipped a high-end business card onto the table. Tim glanced down at the embossed name, and his expression shifted. He immediately stood up.
"I'll be back soon," Tim told the table calmly. Without another word, he turned and disappeared up the stairs, flanked by the guards.
Willy's grip tightened around his empty glass. He tried to act as if nothing had happened, but inside, curiosity and a strange, burning frustration were eating him alive. He needed to know who Tim was meeting.
Ethan broke the silence, leaning back. "See? I told you he's popular wherever he goes. People are just drawn to him."
Willy couldn't deny it, even if he wanted to. Even though Tim carefully projected a mysterious, intimidating, and aloof persona, the tryouts and his willingness to step in for Seb proved he was deeply caring underneath it all.
"I'm going to step out for a bit," Willy suddenly announced, sliding out of the booth.
Seb looked up, surprised. "Are you okay, man?"
"Yeah. Just need some fresh air," Willy muttered.
He stepped toward the exit but stopped near the base of the stairs, casting a sharp glance up toward the second floor. Nothing was visible. The heavy velvet curtains of the VIP rooms were drawn completely shut, blocking any view from the main floor. Frustrated, Willy walked back and sat down, though his eyes kept involuntarily flicking toward the staircase every few seconds.
Al nudged him, a playful smirk on his face. "Don't worry, Romeo. He'll be back soon."
Willy shot Al a terrifying glare that instantly silenced him. Normally, they'd joke through it, but Willy's current mood was dangerously volatile. He looked... undeniably jealous.
The group didn't have to wait long. True to his word, Tim descended the stairs about ten minutes later, looking entirely unfazed.
"Everything okay?" Ethan asked.
"Yeah," Tim nodded, slinging his jacket over his shoulder. "Sorry for keeping you guys waiting. We can head out now if you're ready."
As they walked out into the cool night air, Seb stretched. "So, how are we splitting up to get home?"
"My boyfriend, Miles, is picking me up," Logan answered, checking his phone.
Al hopped over. "Perfect. I'll hitch a ride with you guys then. We live in the exact same direction."
Ethan turned to the remaining group. "Then the rest of us will go with Tim."
Willy snapped his head toward them. "Why? I'll just ride with my brother and Logan."
Tim's eyes flickered with a brief flash of disappointment. He had clearly wanted Willy to come with him.
"Miles is actually staying over at my place tonight, Willy," Logan interjected, rubbing the back of his neck. "And your apartment is on the complete opposite side of town. It doesn't make sense."
Willy groaned, realizing he was trapped. "Fine. I'll leave you two lovebirds alone. I don't want to be a third wheel anyway."
"Then we'll head out first," Ethan smiled.
Tim, Willy, Seb, and Ethan walked to Tim's car, leaving Logan and Al waiting on the curb for Miles.
The drive was quiet until Seb cleared his throat from the backseat. "Hey, Tim? Can you drop me off at the twenty-four-hour pharmacy just up ahead?"
Ethan frowned, turning around. "Are you feeling sick, Seb?"
"Nothing serious," Seb reassured him, waving a hand. "An old shoulder injury from training just acts up when the weather changes. I want to grab some prescription painkillers before tomorrow."
Tim glanced at him through the rearview mirror. "Don't jump straight to the pills, Seb. If it's throbbing, just keep a warm compress on it tonight."
Seb laughed. "As you say, doctor. I'll save the meds for tomorrow morning then, since I won't have time to buy them before practice."
"I'll step out and go in with him," Ethan suddenly volunteered as the car pulled up to the pharmacy curb.
Tim smirked quietly to himself. He knew exactly what those two were plotting. They were deliberately manufacturing an excuse to leave him and Willy completely alone.
"Take care of yourselves," Tim said as they unbuckled. "Call me if you guys need anything."
"Will do. Night!" Ethan called out, slamming the door.
And just like that, the car went dead silent. Only Tim and Willy remained.
Tim shifted the car back into drive. "Willy, give me your address."
Willy leaned his head against the cool glass of the passenger window, his eyes half-closed. "I forgot it."
"If you don't remember your own home, I'm putting this car in reverse and calling Seb," Tim threatened playfully, pulling out his phone.
In a flash, Willy reached over and snatched the phone right out of Tim's hand. "No need. Let's just go to your place. I'm exhausted, and I have an incredibly early start tomorrow."
Tim pulled over safely, looking at him with concern. "No, Willy. You're drunk."
"So what?" Willy countered, his voice dropping into a stubborn, low register. "Either we go to your apartment, or I'm getting out of this car and sleeping right here on the sidewalk." He reached for the door handle.
Tim quickly reached across, his hand catching Willy's arm to stop him. He stared at Willy's stubborn expression for a moment before sighing softly. "As you wish, Captain." He didn't want to argue. Now definitely wasn't the time or place.
A short drive later, they arrived at Tim's apartment complex. Tim parked the car in the underground garage, walked around to the passenger side, and gently helped a stumbling Willy out of the seat. They took the elevator up to the third floor, and Tim unlocked his front door.
He stepped aside to let Willy slide in first, closing and locking the door behind them. The apartment was pitched in total darkness, hiding the layout. Tim reached out and flipped on the main light switch, illuminating a minimalist, immaculate living space.
Willy looked around, blinking against the light. "I didn't think your place would be this clean."
Tim smiled faintly, taking Willy's jacket. "Because I live alone?"
Willy didn't answer, just kept his eyes on him.
"I've lived entirely on my own for years," Tim explained softly, walking into the kitchen to grab a glass of water. "So, I'm the only one here to take care of me."
Willy followed him, his heavy gaze never leaving Tim's face.
Tim turned around, holding the glass. "You don't know much about me yet, Willy... but we've got plenty of time to change that." He paused, noticing the sheer intensity in the other boy's eyes. "Why are you looking at me like that?"
Willy didn't answer with words. Instead, he took a slow step forward, closing the distance between them until he was standing right in front of Tim. He slowly raised his right hand, his warm fingers wrapping gently around the side of Tim's neck. Tim's breath hitched as he realized Willy wasn't looking at his eyes anymore, he was staring intently at his lips.
"I want to kiss you," Willy whispered, his voice thick and honest.
The confession sent a jolt through Tim's chest, but before Willy could lean in, Tim quickly raised his left hand, covering Willy's mouth with his palm, gently stopping him.
"Me too," Tim breathed against his own hand, his eyes wide. "But not tonight."
Willy froze, confusion flickering through his alcohol-hazed eyes. He knew Tim had feelings for him so he couldn't understand why he was being pushed away.
Tim slowly lowered his hand from Willy's lips but kept his touch lingering on Willy's chest. "You're drunk, Willy. You'll wake up in the morning and regret it. Maybe a random kiss doesn't mean much to you... but it means everything to me." Tim looked down, his voice dropping to a vulnerable whisper. "Because this would be my first kiss. And I want you to actually remember it."
Willy stepped back, the shock instantly clearing some of the fog in his brain. "First kiss?" he repeated, incredulous. "You've... you've never been in a relationship before?"
"That's right," Tim said, offering a small, fragile smile. "Let's talk about all of this tomorrow. You can ask me absolutely anything, and I promise I'll answer you honestly. But if I told you my story tonight, you probably wouldn't remember a word of it by morning."
Willy stood there, those two words first kiss ringing repeatedly in his head. A profound wave of protectiveness hit him as he realized just how little he truly knew about the boy standing in front of him.
Tim cleared his throat, trying to lighten the heavy mood. "Anyway, you can sleep in my bedroom. I'll take the couch out here."
"No," Willy immediately countered, shaking his head. "That would be awkward. Ethan told me you don't sleep well at night. Sleep next to me. I'm sure if you're there, you'll finally be able to rest peacefully."
Tim let out a soft chuckle, a bit of his usual playful edge returning. "I highly doubt that, Captain. Because if I'm sleeping right next to you, I'll be thinking about you all night."
Willy looked at him, his expression turning surprisingly soft, almost pleading. "Don't make me feel guilty for taking your bed. Please, just accept."
Tim stared into Willy's eyes for a long moment before nodding slowly. "Alright. But on one condition."
"Whatever it is, I agree," Willy said instantly.
Tim reached up and playfully patted Willy on the head, a bright glint returning to his eyes. "You agreed without even asking what I wanted first? Why are you being so cute tonight? My condition is simple... just hold my hand until I fall asleep, okay?"
His eyes sparkled with genuine innocence. Willy couldn't help but let out a soft, breathless laugh.
"You're such a kid sometimes, Tim," Willy murmured affectionately. "What next? Should I read you a bedtime fairy tale too?"
Tim grinned, leading the way into the bedroom. "Actually, that's a fantastic idea. And don't forget to kiss me on the forehead before turn-out."
Willy sighed, shaking his head with a small, permanent smile fixed on his face. Tim always had to have the final word, he never lost that game.
"Time for bed," Tim said, pulling back the covers. "You have to wake up early tomorrow."
True to his word, Willy slid into the bed and reached out, his large hand firmly wrapping around Tim's smaller one. Surprisingly, the crushing weight of Tim's usual insomnia didn't show up. Protected by Willy's warmth, Tim fell asleep almost instantly.
Willy stayed awake for a little longer, watching Tim's chest rise and fall in a peaceful, undisturbed rhythm. He smiled, gently pulling Tim a bit closer into a soft embrace, and leaned down to press a quiet, lingering kiss onto his forehead.
For the first time since his childhood, Tim slept through the night feeling completely safe. And Willy, holding him close, felt an unfamiliar, deep calm settle over his soul, knowing that Tim was finally in safe hands.