Liam paced back and forth in his small room, holding his phone to his ear while Gary's voice exploded out of the speaker.
"You're going," Gary insisted. "You're not allowed to chicken out."
"I'm not chickening out," Liam said, even though he absolutely was. "I just… I don't know what to wear."
"Oh for heaven's sake, show me."
Liam sighed dramatically, switching to a video call. Gary's face appeared instantly, eyes wide, grin wicked.
"Show me the outfits!"
Liam held up the first option: a plain hoodie and jeans.
Gary shook his head so hard his hair flopped. "Absolutely not. You're going to a party, not a study group."
"What about this?" Liam held up a button-down shirt.
"Better," Gary said, squinting, "but tuck it in. You'll look like a cute little freshman snack."
"Gary!" Liam squeaked, but he tucked it in anyway.
They experimented with three more shirts, one that was too big, one too formal, one too tight. Finally, Gary clapped his hands.
"That one. The white fitted shirt, the black jeans, hair a little messy—trust me, you look adorable."
Liam stared at himself in the mirror. He did look… kind of good. Not Blake-level good, but still.
"Are you sure?" he asked nervously.
Gary smirked. "If Blake doesn't flirt with you tonight, he's legally blind."
Liam groaned. "Don't say that!"
"Go!" Gary said louder. "Before you change into a hoodie again!"
Liam ended the call, grabbed his student ID, and took one last deep breath before stepping into the hallway. His heart pounded all the way across campus as he walked toward the music and bright lights coming from the frat house.
The party was already in full swing—crowds laughing, bass vibrating through the walls, colorful lights flashing through the windows. Liam's stomach tightened as he stepped inside.
He scanned the room, eyes darting over unfamiliar faces—
Then he saw him.
Blake.
Leaning against a counter, drink in hand, surrounded by friends. When Blake spotted Liam, his smile widened instantly.
And then—before Liam could react—Blake walked straight over, took Liam's hand gently, and guided him through the crowd.
"You made it," Blake said, sounding genuinely happy.
Liam nodded, trying not to melt at the way Blake's thumb brushed over his knuckles before he let go.
"Come on," Blake said. "Let me show you around."
Liam followed him through the party—past the loud living room, the kitchen with drinks, the backyard full of laughing students. Everything felt huge and chaotic and too bright.
Blake opened a cooler and grabbed two beers.
"You drink?" Blake asked.
Liam hesitated, then nodded. "Yeah. Sure. I mean… I'll try."
He took a sip. Bitter. Strange. But he pretended it was fine.
Blake leaned against the counter beside him. "So, Liam… tell me something about you. Anything."
They started talking—about classes, home, music, why Liam chose Bangtan College, how Blake became an RA. Blake laughed easily, listened closely, and his warm attention made Liam forget the noisy world around them.
But the more Liam sipped from the bottle, the heavier his limbs felt.
The room tilted slightly. He blinked, trying to steady himself.
"Hey…" he muttered, putting a hand on the wall. "I feel a little… dizzy."
Blake noticed immediately and stepped closer. "Too loud? Too crowded?"
Liam nodded, embarrassed. "Can we… maybe go outside for a bit?"
"Of course," Blake said gently.
He guided Liam through the crowd and out onto the quieter back patio. The night air hit Liam's face, cool and sharp, but the dizziness didn't fade.
Liam rubbed his eyes. "I'm so tired all of a sudden. I don't know why."
Blake's expression softened with concern. "You probably haven't eaten enough today. Or it's the first-day stress catching up."
Liam swayed slightly, and Blake steadied him with a hand on his shoulder.
"You're exhausted," Blake murmured. "Come on. Let's get you back."
Liam nodded weakly.
Blake stayed close, supporting him as they walked across campus. Liam felt half-asleep by the time they reached Maple Hall.
When Blake opened Liam's door, he helped him inside and eased him onto the bed.
Liam's eyes fluttered shut. "Sorry," he mumbled. "I didn't expect to feel this…"
"It's okay," Blake whispered, brushing a stray hair from Liam's forehead. "Just sleep. I've got you."
Liam barely registered the words before he drifted off, comforted by the warmth of Blake's presence beside him.
His first college party didn't end how he imagined.
But somehow…
he didn't mind it at all.