The school café was louder than usual.
Students filled nearly every table, voices blending with music from the speakers and the sound of trays sliding across counters.
Jayden sat near the back with his two closest friends, Alvin and Brian.
Brian was talking nonstop while Alvin focused on his fries.
Jayden was barely listening because from where he sat— he could see Jarnell across the café near the windows talking with his own friends.
And somehow even while pretending to pay attention— Jayden noticed every tiny thing.
The way Jarnell leaned back in his chair.
The way sunlight hit his face. The way he tucked loose hair behind one ear.
Alvin followed Jayden's stare.
Then grinned. "Oh."
Jayden looked away immediately.
"What."
Brian turned too. Then saw Jarnell.
And laughed.
"Oh, this is serious."
Jayden rolled his eyes. "You two are dramatic."
Alvin leaned forward. "Then why have you been smiling at your phone all morning?"
Jayden opened his mouth.
Paused.
Then—
"…None of your business."
Brian pointed dramatically. "Confirmed."
Jayden threw a napkin at him.
Across the café—
Jarnell was having an equally impossible time. His friend Calvin had stopped mid-sentence and then looked from Jarnell to Jayden and then back again slowly.
A suspicious smile appearing. Jarnell immediately knew.
"No."
Calvin grinned wider. "I didn't say anything."
"You were about to."
"Jonas," another friend laughed, "every time he walks in your shoulders straighten."
"That means nothing."
"And why did he walk you out yesterday?"
Jarnell took a drink. Avoiding eye contact.
"He didn't."
Calvin raised an eyebrow. "He literally held your bag."
"…He was being helpful." "Mhmm."
Jarnell muttered under his breath.
"I need new friends."
They all laughed.
Then Calvin brightened suddenly.
"Oh! We're planning something tonight."
"What."
"Hotel trip."
Jarnell blinked.
"What?"
His grin widened.
"One of my friends' cousin works at a five-star hotel outside town. Pool, games, dinner, rooftop park nearby. We're going."
Jarnell hesitated. Then nodded.
"Fine."
Across the café— Alvin was saying—
"My aunt gave us access to the hotel for tonight. We're going."
Jayden looked up.
"The hotel?"
"Yep." Brian smirked.
"And before you ask—yes, you're coming."
Jayden sighed.
"Fine."
Alvin exchanged a look with Brian. Both smiling far too knowingly though neither said a word.
The hotel was stunning, tall windows, golden lights. A huge pool reflecting evening sky. And the moment Jarnell walked in—
he froze. Because Jayden stood near reception.
Already there. Alvin beside him. Brian laughing.
Jayden looked equally shocked. Then Alvin burst out laughing.
"No way."
Calvin stared.
"You know each other?" Brian nearly choked.
Jayden and Jarnell answered at the exact same time.
"Yes."
"No."
Everyone went silent. Then exploded laughing.
Jarnell wanted the floor to open.
Jayden looked like he wanted to disappear.
Then— a little girl suddenly launched herself at Jayden and he caught her instantly.
Laughing.
Another smaller boy grabbed his leg. Then two more kids ran toward him.
Calling his name. Jarnell stopped.
His stomach unexpectedly tightening.
Jayden looked…different.
Relaxed. Happy and natural with them.
The little girl kissed his cheek.
Another clung to his arm. And Jarnell immediately looked away.
His chest feeling strange.
Sharp.Uncomfortable.
Jonas noticed. His smile vanished.
Then— Jayden looked over.
Saw Jarnell and immediately came toward him. Still carrying one child.
"These are my nieces and nephews," he said quickly.
The little girl waved.
Jarnell blinked.
Then looked between them.
"…Oh."
Jayden lowered his voice.
"You thought—?"
"No."
"You did."
"No."
Jayden smiled. And somehow Jarnell hated how relieved he suddenly felt.The little girl whispered loudly—
"Is this him?"
Jayden nearly dropped her.
Jarnell's face turned bright red.
Brian laughed so hard he had to sit down.
Jayden coughed.
"We're leaving now." "Too late," Alvin said.
"Way too late," Calvin added.
Later—
they all ended up at the park outside.
Taking photos, eating snacks and laughter.
Jayden's nephew insisting everyone join races. Jarnell pretending not to enjoy himself.
Failing badly.
Jayden secretly taking pictures whenever Jarnell smiled. And Jarnell catching him doing it twice.
At sunset they returned. Then night brought games.
Far too many people. Far too much teasing.
Alvin grinned.
"Pass paper mouth-to-mouth."
Jarnell froze.
Jayden looked equally alarmed.
Everyone cheered.The tiny folded paper was handed over.
Jayden stepped close. Jarnell's breath caught. Closer and closer.
Their friends yelling dramatically.
And somehow— Jarnell almost forgot the room existed.
Until Brian shouted—
"THE PAPER!"
Both pulled back.
Everyone screamed laughing.
Jarnell wanted to vanish.
───
Much later—
when everyone was supposedly asleep—
Jarnell quietly slipped out. Pool lights shimmered blue. Night air cool.
Jayden was already there.
Waiting. Hands in pockets. Looking unfairly good.
"You knew I'd come."
Jayden smiled.
"I hoped."
Jarnell stepped into the water. Jayden followed. The pool was warm. Silent.
City lights reflecting around them.
Neither talked.
They simply moved closer.
Until Jayden's hand found his waist underwater.
And Jarnell rested his forehead against his.
Coming closer for a kiss and then another.
Water moving around them. Jarnell moving his hands right into Jayden's pants making him let out a soft moan while biting his lips to suppress it. Jarnell letting go after turning him on and refusing to continue unless if he allowed him to do whatever he wanted to do with him after finishing which he refused even after accepting.
Jayden smiling against his lips. Jarnell splashing him suddenly.
Jayden stared. Then retaliated. Soon both were laughing quietly.
Trying not to get caught. Sneaking photos.
Whispering. Moving around the pool like nobody existed.
Upstairs— behind the curtains— Alvin lowered his phone. Brian whispered—
"Told you."
Jonas smiled. "Should we interrupt?"
All four looked at the pool. At Jarnell laughing. At Jayden looking at him like the world had narrowed into one person.
Then Calvin shook his head.
"No."
Alvin smiled. "Let them have this."
And downstairs— completely unaware—Jarnell leaned in again. Jayden met him halfway. Pool lights glowing. Night deepening. Both thinking nobody knew.
While everybody already did.