One

CHAPTER ONE

The announcement came just before noon, posted on the school’s digital board and immediately sent into a frenzy of group chats, Instagram stories, and petty Twitter subtweets.

Semester Academic Ranking Results Top 10 Students

1. Teejay Monroe - 3.96 GPA

2. Vaughn Kelley - 3.93 GPA

3. Nia Daniels - 3.56 GPA

Vaughn stared at the screen of his phone for a full ten seconds before scoffing under his breath. Again. Again

He sat at his usual table in the campus café, iced coffee untouched, textbook open but ignored. His jaw clenched slightly as he re-read the same line:

1. Teejay Monroe.

“Still mad he beat you by point-zero-three?” Nia teased, sliding into the seat across from him with her tray of fries and way too much hot sauce.

“‘Mad’ is not the word,” Vaughn muttered, tapping his nails against his phone. “I’m just… observant. Annoyed. Highly aware of the bullshit.”

Nia smirked. “You mean highly aware that Teejay’s smarter than you.”

“I’m not even entertaining that.”

Vaughn leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms as his mind swirled with every paper, quiz, and lecture from the past few months. He studied harder, asked more questions, even emailed the professor for extra readings.

Teejay, on the other hand, waltzed in late to class with sunglasses on, still managed to ace everything, and flirted his way through group presentations.

The worst part? Teejay wasn’t cocky. He was chill. Cool, charismatic, and aggravatingly unbothered. Vaughn hated that.

He also hated that his stomach did that weird flippy thing whenever Teejay looked at him too long.

Which he often did. Especially after that night. That stupid night.

The memory flashed behind Vaughn’s eyes before he could stop it: flashing lights, bass thumping through his chest, the heat of cheap rum, the taste of lips he never expected to want on his own, then Teejay’s voice low against his ear, saying things Vaughn had no business remembering.

He shoved it down. Buried it. Focused on the screen again.

“Second place is still a win,” Nia said, crunching a fry.

“Tell that to someone who didn’t end up under him at a party.”

Nia choked.

Vaughn froze.

“…You didn’t hear that,” he said quickly, eyes wide.

“Oh. My. God.”

“Nia-”

“You and Teejay-?”

“It was one time. And it didn’t mean anything.”

She leaned forward, her grin wicked. “Sure. You just randomly remembered the exact position like it was a yoga pose. Real meaningless.”

Vaughn groaned, hiding his face behind his hands.

Across campus, somewhere in a film production class or stretched out in the grass with his headphones on, Teejay Monroe was probably smirking like the universe handed him another win.

But Vaughn wasn’t going to let this one go so easy.

The semester wasn’t over.

And he sure as hell wasn’t letting Teejay get to his head again.

…Or under it.

Two

CHAPTER TWO

The student union was noisy that afternoon midterms were done, the weather was warm, and someone’s speaker was blasting old-school Usher like they were trying to resurrect 2005. Vaughn should’ve been enjoying it. He had his matcha, his hoodie tied around his waist, and a small stack of peer review essays to skim.

But the moment Teejay walked into the room?

Every ounce of chill evaporated.

Vaughn saw him before he heard him, he saw the flash of dark skin, those long braids pulled half-up like he hadn’t even tried and still looked camera-ready, and that smug glint in his eyes that always felt like a challenge.

And of course, he was wearing a cropped Dior hoodie like it was casual. Like he wasn’t singlehandedly responsible for disrupting Vaughn’s blood pressure every time he entered a room.

“Mr. Number Two,” Teejay drawled as he passed, slow enough for Vaughn to smell his cologne a warm, spicy scent that settled low in his chest.

Vaughn rolled his eyes but didn’t look up. “I’m impressed. Did you practice that in the mirror or was that off the dome?”

Teejay stopped walking, spun on one heel, and leaned casually against Vaughn’s table. “You know me, Vaughn. I stay off the dome.”

Vaughn gave him a long, dry stare. “That’s not even clever.”

“Neither was finishing second.” Teejay grinned.

“Oh my God,“Vaughn muttered, pushing his papers aside. “Don’t you have a fan club to flirt with or a camera to kiss into somewhere?”

“I did that already. Now I’m just entertaining myself,” Teejay said, gaze flicking down to Vaughn’s lips and back up like it wasn’t a whole problem.

It made his skin itch with the memory of Teejay’s hands on his waist, the hard press of his body in the dark, the faint rasp of his voice when he whispered, “You sure you hate me, Vaughn?”

Vaughn snapped his book shut and stood up, suddenly needing space.

Teejay didn’t move.

“Need something?” Vaughn asked, chin high, pretending his heart wasn’t pounding.

Teejay’s voice dropped low. “I need a lot of things. But today I’m just here to remind you-”

“-That you’re annoying?” Vaughn cut in quickly, voice sharp.

But Teejay just smirked and leaned in a little closer, his breath ghosting across Vaughn’s cheek.

“That you remember what we did.”

Vaughn’s breath hitched.

But before he could react, Teejay straightened and walked off, flashing a peace sign over his shoulder without looking back.

Vaughn stood there frozen, heat crawling up his neck, surrounded by students laughing and chatting like the world hadn’t just shifted sideways.

the worst part of it all?, He did remember.

Too well.

The way Teejay tasted like tequila and weed. The way he pressed Vaughn against the wall like he belonged there. The way he whispered his name, raspy and needy.

Vaughn could still feel the phantom press of Teejay’s hand against his jaw, guiding his face up right before he kissed him.

It was the kind of kiss you didn’t forget even if you tried.

And Vaughn had tried.

God, had he tried.

But it haunted him. In the quiet between classes. In the steam of the shower. When he was alone at night with nothing but thoughts and a racing heartbeat.

He hated that Teejay acted like it meant something. Even more, he hated that a part of him wanted it to.

Just then, Nia rounded the corner and stopped short when she saw him standing there like he’d been hexed.

“Uh-oh,” she said, raising an eyebrow. “He got in your head again, didn’t he?”

Vaughn snapped out of it and scoffed. “He’s always in his own head, thinking he’s the main character.”

“You say that like you didn’t just look like a character in a romance manga, dazed and freshly wrecked.”

“I wasn’t wrecked.”

“Vaughn.”

“Whatever” He hissed, slumping into the chair again.

Nia sat beside him, lowering her voice. “Listen, maybe you need to deal with it. Not the exam ranking. This. Teejay.”

“I don’t need to deal with anything,” Vaughn muttered, avoiding her eyes. “There’s nothing there.”

She gave him a long, knowing look.

He didn’t return it.

Because if he did, she’d see the truth in his face.

Three

CHAPTER THREE

Professor Tennyson’s voice droned from the front of the lecture hall, but Vaughn barely registered it. His notes were flawless. His readings were memorized. He was more than ready to dominate whatever this next project was until the words that dropped next hit him like a punch to the chest.

“For your mid-semester collaborative assignment,” Professor Tennyson announced, flipping through his clipboard, “I’ve randomly paired you all up. No swaps. No complaints. This project is worth thirty percent of your final grade, so make it count.”

Vaughn straightened in his seat. Random meant chaos, and Vaughn did not do chaos. He leaned forward, pen at the ready, already praying he’d get someone he could control. Someone quiet, smart, predictable.

“Vaughn Kelley… and Teejay Monroe.”

Laugh broke out in the classroom.

Not from the professor. From the class. A few people looked back and forth between them like they’d just been told fire and gasoline were doing a joint presentation.

Vaughn’s head snapped toward the far left row, where Teejay was slouched in his seat, grinning like the devil himself just got a promotion.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Vaughn muttered under his breath.

Teejay caught his eye, lifted two fingers in a mock salute, and mouthed, Fate, baby.

Vaughn’s jaw clenched so hard it hurt.

After class, Vaughn was halfway out the door when a familiar voice fell in step beside him.

“You don’t have to look so mad. It’s not like I failed the class or something.”

Vaughn didn’t look at him. “This is a graded project, Teejay. Not a late-night debate over shots.”

“Yet somehow we nailed that, didn’t we?” Teejay quipped.

Vaughn stopped in the middle of the hallway and turned. “You’re not taking this seriously.”

“I am,” Teejay said smoothly, leaning against a column like this was some casual catch-up. “It’s just don’t act like you’re not intrigued.”

“About being stuck with someone who doesn’t follow instructions, talks too much, and makes everything into a performance? Not even slightly.”

Teejay grinned. “You left out ridiculously attractive.”

Vaughn didn’t respond, but his silence wasn’t denial.

And Teejay noticed.

“Look,” Teejay said after a moment, straightening up. “Let’s get this done. You pick the topic, I’ll follow your lead. I don’t want to screw up the grade any more than you do.”

Vaughn narrowed his eyes. “Since when do you follow anything?”

Teejay’s voice dipped, low and teasing. “Since the last time I followed you into that bathroom at Carter’s party.”

Vaughn flushed so fast it made him lightheaded. “We are not talking about that.”

“Okay,” Teejay said, holding up his hands. “No pressure. Just… chemistry.”

Vaughn turned sharply. “We’ll meet at the library. Tomorrow. Four.”

“I’ll be there,” Teejay said, already walking backward. “Can’t wait to study… tension.”

Vaughn didn’t look back, because behind his sharp glare and clipped words, his heart was hammering in a way no study partner had ever made it do.

And he hated that Teejay knew it.

Four

CHAPTER FOUR:

The library was quiet, as expected, quiet footsteps, the occasional page turning, the sound of the fan overhead. Vaughn liked it that way. Quiet. Unbothered.

At least, until Teejay walked in.

He was twenty minutes late. Of course.

Vaughn looked up from his laptop with an expression that could kill. Teejay strolled over to the table like he wasn’t dragging the weight of Vaughn’s perfectly planned timeline with him.

“You’re late.”

“Fashionably,” Teejay replied, setting down his backpack and slipping into the chair next to Vaughn instead of across from him.

Vaughn paused. “There’s a whole table here. You don’t need to sit that close.”

Teejay leaned back in his chair, spread out comfortably. “Wi-Fi works better on this side.”

“It’s literally the same Wi-Fi.”

Teejay smirked but didn’t move.

Vaughn rolled his eyes and focused on the open Google Doc. The project was simple enough: a research-based presentation on sociopolitical theory in media narratives. Vaughn had already structured the outline. Teejay hadn’t even opened the shared doc until today.

“I took a look at your notes,” Teejay said, nudging his knee gently against Vaughn’s under the table. “You write like you’re trying to win a Pulitzer.”

“I write like I want an A.”

“And somehow make it sexy.”

Vaughn turned slowly, unamused. “Flirting doesn’t count as a contribution.”

“Neither does being this uptight.”

Vaughn snapped his laptop shut.

Teejay raised an eyebrow. “Giving up already?”

“No,” Vaughn said calmly, “I just work better when distractions aren’t smelling like Dior Sauvage and breathing on my neck.”

Teejay leaned in, his voice low, his grin even lower. “You remember the scent?”

“I remember everything I regret,” Vaughn snapped, heart skipping.

For a second, Teejay said nothing. He just looked at him. And not in that smug, arrogant way he usually did.

“…That night wasn’t a regret for me,” Teejay said finally, voice softer.

Vaughn blinked.

Teejay shrugged, breaking eye contact. “Just saying.”

For the first time in the past hour, Vaughn didn’t know what to say. His throat tightened, his pulse thudded behind his ears, and suddenly the glow of the laptop wasn’t what was heating his skin.

“We should work,” Vaughn muttered, flipping the screen back up.

Teejay nodded, not pushing this time.

But as they leaned in to scroll through the doc, shoulders brushing and knees still touching, the silence between them thickened. Comfortable.

They didn’t talk about the way Teejay watched Vaughn when he wasn’t looking.

Or the way Vaughn’s breath hitched when their hands touched on the trackpad. Or the way tension between them was like static under skin.

After two hours of intense focus, snarky comment and accidental brush of fingers, Vaughn finally saved the document, leaned back in his chair, and exhaled.

“We got through half of the outline,” he said. “Not bad, considering your chronic inability to stay quiet.”

Teejay grinned. “And yet, somehow, I still make progress look good.”

Vaughn shot him a sidelong glare. “Debatable.”

Teejay stretched, arms raised lazily above his head, his sweatshirt lifting just slightly to reveal a hint of toned stomach. Vaughn immediately looked away, lips pressed tight, pretending to reorganize his notes.

“So…” Teejay said after a pause, standing up and slinging his bag over his shoulder. “Wanna grab something to eat?”

Vaughn blinked. “What?”

“Food, Kelley. You know.. things you eat to survive?” Teejay smirked. “You’ve been chewing on that pen cap for the last hour like it’s a snack.”

Vaughn opened his mouth to reject him automatically, the word no already curling on his tongue…

Until his stomach betrayed him.

Loudly .

Teejay raised his eyebrows. “Well damn. That sounded like a yes to me.”

Vaughn grimaced. “That wasn’t…. shut up.”

“I’m not judging. I’m impressed. That growl came from the depths of your soul.”

Vaughn sighed, defeated, rubbing the bridge of his nose. “Fine. But this isn’t a thing. It’s food. Nothing more.”

Teejay held up three fingers like a scout. “Food. No seduction. No games.”

Vaughn narrowed his eyes. “You didn’t need to say seduction, now it’s weird.”

Teejay just grinned wider. “Weirder than me taking you out for fries? Come on, I know a spot that hits after a long study session. Real low-key. No crowds.”

Vaughn hesitated for a second too long… then grabbed his backpack. “If this turns into another performance of Teejay Monroe: The Musical, I’m leaving you with the bill.”

Teejay chuckled as they walked out of the library side by side.

__

They walked in relative silence through the golden-hour campus. The sky was painted peach and lavender.

Teejay led them to a tucked-away diner just off campus, neon sign, cracked leather booths, and the smell of real butter and fried everything. It wasn’t fancy, but it was familiar.

They ordered, burgers and fries, sodas clinking with ice, and settled into a booth near the back.

Teejay leaned on one arm, studying Vaughn across the table. “So… am I growing on you yet?”

“No,” Vaughn said flatly. “But the fries are.”

Teejay laughed, the real kind that made Vaughn’s lips twitch before he could stop it.

It wasn’t much. But it was something. they sat in that booth, eating, trading quiet insults, brushing knees under the table that neither of them moved away from.

Five

CHAPTER FIVE

It was presentation day, and Vaughn’s nerves were on high alert.

Not because he didn’t know the material, they’d rehearsed it twice, cleaned up the visuals, and printed hard copies for the class. Vaughn was always prepared.

It was Teejay he wasn’t prepared for.

And yet, when Teejay strolled into the lecture hall, dressed in a fitted charcoal turtleneck and sleek black slacks, wearing that quiet confidence like cologne… Vaughn forgot what planet he was on.

“Relax,” Teejay said under his breath as they plugged in the HDMI cable at the front of the room. “You look like you’re about to defend a murder charge.”

Vaughn scowled, flipping through his notes. “I just don’t like surprises.”

“Good thing we practiced,” Teejay said with a smirk. “Unless, of course, you’re still distracted by how good I look.”

“Please,” Vaughn muttered, “I’ve built immunity.”

Teejay leaned closer. “I don’t think you have.”

Before Vaughn could fire back, Professor Tennyson clapped his hands. “Alright, gentlemen. Let’s see what you’ve got.”

__

The presentation began, and to everyone’s surprise, they were flawless. Who knew these two that bickered with each other over simple things, could make a great team.

Vaughn opened with a strong introduction, his voice smooth and confident. The class watched attentively as he laid out the thesis, perfectly framed by their slides. Teejay picked it up effortlessly, reading the analysis, adding insight with just enough charm to keep their peers engaged.

They flowed like water, tossing points back and forth like pros. Where Vaughn was sharp and academic, Teejay was smooth and compelling. Their contrast worked together, two minds, same pace, different styles. It was like debate club meets Netflix docuseries.

At one point, Teejay even referenced one of Vaughn’s earlier research papers.

Vaughn glanced at him, caught off guard.

Teejay just winked.

By the end of the presentation, the room erupted into applause, not the polite kind either. Actual applause. Even Professor Tennyson looked mildly impressed, and he was notoriously stingy with praise.

“Well done,” the professor said as they stepped down from the front. “Balanced delivery. Sharp content. Strong citations. I’ll be honest, when I saw this pairing, I expected ego collisions. Instead, I got cohesion.”

Vaughn blinked. “So…?”

“You’ll both be getting an A. Not minus. Not flat. Solid A. Excellent work.”

Teejay turned toward Vaughn with a slow, satisfied smile. “Told you you’d survive working with me.”

Vaughn didn’t smile, but the corner of his mouth twitched. “I’ll admit… you carried your half.”

Teejay raised an eyebrow. “Only half?”

“I was being generous.”

The teasing hung between them like a charged wire. But it wasn’t sharp anymore. It wasn’t a rivalry trying to wound. It was something else now, like they were in on something together. Like maybe, just maybe, the competition had turned into connection.

As the class filtered out around them, Teejay leaned in close and said, “So, when do we celebrate?”

Vaughn turned to him, eyes narrowing, but this time, there was no ‘hatred’.

“Celebration implies mutual appreciation.”

Teejay grinned. “You got your A. I got to see you impressed with me. That’s appreciation enough.”

Vaughn sighed, shouldering his bag. “I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear that.”

“And yet,” Teejay said, falling in step beside him, “you’re not walking away.”

Vaughn didn’t respond. He didn’t need to. Because they both knew the truth. Something was changing. And this time, it wasn’t just academic.

__

The hallway outside the lecture hall was busy with post-presentation chatter. Some students were rushing for the next class, others were debating grading curves, but Vaughn? Vaughn was trying to walk away quickly and quietly before she-

“There he is!” Nia’s voice rang out, cutting through the crowd like a bell.

Vaughn froze mid-step and exhaled sharply as she jogged up beside him, eyes sparkling with mischief and a wicked grin already forming.

“I saw your little power couple moment up there,” she said, bumping his shoulder. “Y’all looked like two hosts from a woke Netflix doc.”

“We were presenting. That’s literally the assignment,” Vaughn muttered, clutching his binder like it could protect him from further humiliation.

“Oh no, no, no.” Nia shook her head, laughing. “That wasn’t just a presentation. That was cinematic tension. That was ‘we argue in the study room then make out in the parking lot’ energy.”

Vaughn groaned, already regretting every life decision that led him to this moment. “Please stop talking.”

“And then!” she continued, ignoring him completely, “Teejay quoted your paper? Babe, he studied your writing. You do realize that’s academic love language, right?”

“I hate you.”

“No, you don’t. You love me. And you’re falling for your academic nemesis with the jawline of a Greek statue.”

“I’m not falling… for anyone.”

“Mmhmm.” She gave him a look. “So why’d you let him walk you out the building like it was the afterparty?”

Vaughn sighed. “Because I wanted to avoid you.”

“Mission failed,” she said proudly. “Anyway, I approve. He’s hot, smart, and annoys the hell out of you perfect setup for an enemies-to-lovers arc. Just make sure I’m in the group chat when y’all finally break the tension.”

“Nia.”

“Vaughn.”

He groaned and rubbed his temples, but she could see the smile he was trying so hard to hide.

“Fine,” she said, backing off slightly. “I’ll drop it… for now.”

“Thank you.”

“But if I catch you blushing at him again-”

“Bye Nia,” Vaughn said, turning on his heel and heading toward the main path.

“Text me when y’all kiss!” she called after him.

Vaughn didn’t respond, but his ears were burning red and his heart was beating just a little too fast.

six

CHAPTER SIX

“Youve got to be kidding.” Vaughn whispered in disbelief, stunned with himself.

He woke up hard. Rock hard.

Because of a fucking sex dream he had with teejay.

“fucking hell” He muttered, dragging a hand down his face.

This shit is embarrassing.

He could still feel teejays hands everywhere on his body. Rough and possessive, fingers tangled in Vaughn’s curls, his mouth trailing down his neck.

And the way Teejay said his name in the dream.. fuck, it was breathless and desperate.

Vaughn groaned and flopped onto his back, yanking the pillow over his face, trying to suffocate the memory, but it didn’t help.

He was still aching. Still mad at himself. Still maddeningly turned on by someone he swore he couldn’t stand more than two weeks ago.

The dream hadn’t even been wild. It was intimate.

They weren’t in some club or dark corner or caught up in a drunken haze. They were in Vaughn’s room. Clothes slowly removed. Teejay was taking his time. Vaughn letting him. Wanting it.

It was slow-

Nope.

Vaughn sat up fast, tossing the pillow across the room and dragging himself to the edge of the bed. He grabbed his phone to distract himself, unlocked it and froze.

The top of his screen read:

Teejay: 1 new message

Teejay [7:02 AM]:

You left your USB in my bag. Want me to drop it off?

Vaughn didn’t answer right away.

He couldn’t.

Because his body was still reacting, his dream still lingering, and now the very man behind it wanted to be within walking distance of his bedroom.

He looked down at himself. Still hard.

“Yeah, no,” he muttered. “You not coming over.”

Vaughn [7:05 AM]:

It’s fine. Just give it to me at school Monday.

Teejay

[

7:06 AM]:

You sure? I’m up. No trouble.

Vaughn exhaled, squeezing his eyes shut. Teejay probably meant it innocently or as innocently as Teejay ever meant anything but right now, with Vaughn still hot under the skin, it felt like bait.

Vaughn

[

7:06 AM]:

I’m sure. I don’t need it this weekend anyway.

T

eejay

[

7:07 AM]:

You okay? You sound… off.

Vaughn stared at the screen. How can someone sound off over text..??

But if only Teejay knew about the dream. About the way Vaughn woke up with his name on his tongue. The lingering feeling of Teejay’s lips dragging down his neck, his chest, lower-

Hell no.

Vaughn dropped the phone onto the bed like it was about to explode.

He dragged himself into the bathroom, turned the faucet on cold, and stared into the mirror.

“Get it together,” he told his reflection. “You’re not some hormone-charged freshman.”

No one else had ever gotten under his skin the way Teejay did. Not just academically. Not just physically. It was everything. The rivalry. The banter. The tension. That night that Vaughn never wants to talk about again.

And now? The dream?

Vaughn wiped his face with cold water, hoping it would shock some sense back into him, then he grabbed his phone again.

Vaughn [7:11 AM]:

I

’m good. Just tired. Thanks, though.

He tossed the phone aside after sending the message then headed to his closet.

If he was going to make it through this weekend without losing his damn mind, he needed to do one thing:

Avoid. Thinking. About. Teejay.

Too bad his subconscious already had other plans.

---

low-key don’t know where this book is going, but it won’t be a slow-burn book.. maybe.

seven

CHAPTER

SEVEN;

📍Excelsior College

Monday came too fast.

The kind of morning that hit with sunlight too bright, air too heavy, and nerves too damn loud.

Vaughn stared at himself in the mirror, palms pressed against the counter. He’d spent the entire weekend trying to forget everything, he went to the gym, did his homework, even went to brunch with his cousins but the second he woke up, he knew it was all useless.

Because it wasn’t the alarm that woke him. It was the dream again. Teejay’s breath against his ear. His hands, firm and warm. The way he said Vaughn’s name like he owned it.

Vaughn exhaled sharply and adjusted his tie. “Get it together,” he muttered for the tenth time that morning.

He was not about to let one dream and one reckless rival mess with his head like this.

He grabbed his bag, locked the door, and left.

—

The campus courtyard buzzed like usual students lounging, music playing from phones, the faint smell of perfume and gel by the steps. Vaughn kept his head down, earbuds in, hoodie up, hoping to get to his first class before Teejay spotted him.

But the universe loved irony.

“Yo, Vaughn!”

That voice. Annoying, loud, impossible to ignore.

Vaughn stopped mid-step, jaw tightening. He turned slowly, heart thudding harder than it should.

Teejay was leaning against a pillar near the courtyard entrance, dressed in a black hoodie and gold chain, looking like sin wrapped in confidence. His braids were pulled back today, showing off the sharp lines of his jaw, and his grin, gosh, that grin was all trouble.

“You forget how to text back on weekends or something?” Teejay asked, pushing off the pillar.

“I was busy,” Vaughn said flatly.

“Uh huh.” Teejay’s tone carried disbelief and something else that made Vaughn’s stomach clench.

Teejay dug into his bag and pulled out the flash drive, holding it between two fingers. “Came to give you this before class.”

Vaughn reached for it, quick and mechanical, like the faster this was over, the better. But Teejay didn’t let it go right away.

Their fingers brushed.

And just like that every wall Vaughn built over the weekend cracked.

He swallowed hard, forcing his gaze up. Teejay was watching him, steady, unreadable, but his thumb lingered on Vaughn’s knuckles a second too long.

“Thanks,” Vaughn muttered, snatching the USB and stepping back.

“No problem,” Teejay said, smirking. “You good, though? You look like you ain’t slept all weekend.”

Vaughn’s lips pressed into a line. “I’m fine.”

“Fine,” Teejay echoed. “You sure? ’Cause that usually means you’re not.”

Vaughn shot him a glare. “You always this nosy?”

Teejay chuckled low, hands sliding into his pockets. “Only when it comes to you.”

That made Vaughn freeze. The words hung there between them. For once, Teejay didn’t try to turn it into a joke. Didn’t grin it away. He just looked at him like he meant it.

He tore his gaze away. “I gotta get to class.”

“Yeah,” Teejay said quietly. “See you around, V.”

V .

Nobody called him that.

Vaughn’s steps faltered, his throat dry. He didn’t look back, but he felt Teejay’s eyes on him the whole way across the courtyard.

—

By lunch, Vaughn’s nerves were shot.

Every time he turned a corner, he half-expected Teejay to be there. And of course, when he walked into the student lounge, he was.

Sitting on the couch, legs spread, surrounded by his usual crew, but his gaze lifted the second Vaughn entered.

Their eyes met across the room.

Vaughn looked away first.

Teejay smirked to himself, tapping his fingers on his knee. He didn’t know what Vaughn’s deal was, but whatever had him tense and jumpy, Teejay intended to find out.

Not today, maybe. But soon.

Because the thing about Vaughn?
He could pretend all he wanted but Teejay had learned to read him.

And lately, every glare, every stiff reply, every touch seemed a lot like want and not hate.

Teejay leaned back, watching Vaughn disappear down the hall, and grinned.

I’ll break those walls again Vaughn, sooner or later.

__

IM BACK 🤞🏾😩.

Eight

CHAPTER

EIGHT

Vaughn hated parties. 

Too many people, too much noise, and too many chances to bump into people he didn’t want to see, especially him.

“I’m not going, Nia,” he said for the third time, lying on his bed with his phone on speaker. 

“Oh yes, you are,” Nia’s voice chirped back through the line. “You’ve been sulking all week, and I’m not letting my best friend rot away in his room over some midterm stress.” 

“It’s not stress,” Vaughn mumbled. 

“Then all the more reason to come out,” she said firmly. “It’s Malik’s party. Everyone’s gonna be there.” 

“Exactly why I’m not going.” 

“You’re going,” she said again, her tone playful but unyielding. “I’ll swing by at eight. Wear something decent.” 

And before Vaughn could argue again, she hung up. 

He groaned, dragging a hand down his face. “You’ve gotta be kidding me.” 

But when Nia said you’re going , there was no winning. 

— 

The party was already alive when they arrived bass vibrating through the floorboards, laughter echoing from every room, the smell of liquor in the air. Vaughn kept close behind Nia, clutching his drink.

He told himself he’d stay an hour. Two, max. Then quietly disappear. 

That plan fell apart the moment he saw him .

Teejay . 

Leaning against the wall near the kitchen, wearing a white tee that showed off just enough skin to be distracting. His braids were down tonight, and the gold around his neck glinted under the soft lights. 

And as if the universe had a cruel sense of humor, Teejay noticed him immediately. 

Their eyes met across the room, just for a heartbeat, but it was enough. 

Vaughn looked away fast, muttering something about refilling his cup and ducking toward the back of the house. 

He thought he was in the clear until a familiar voice called behind him. 

“Running from me now?” 

Vaughn froze mid-step. “I’m not running.” 

Teejay’s grin was lazy, amused. “Mmh. Looked like running.” 

“I’m getting a drink.” 

“Right,” Teejay said, falling into step beside him like it was the most natural thing in the world. “Then I guess I’m thirsty too.” 

Vaughn sighed. “You’re impossible.” 

“Yeah, but you like that,” Teejay teased, bumping his shoulder lightly. Vaughn’s jaw tightened, and he didn’t respond. 

— 

An hour later, Nia’s voice rang out from the living room, playful and loud.  “Okay, okay! We’re doing this the old-school way seven minutes in heaven! “

The group cheered, some groaning, others laughing. Vaughn immediately stood from the couch. “Nope.” 

“Oh, come on,” Nia laughed, grabbing his wrist and pulling him back down. “It’s harmless fun!” 

He shot her a glare, but she only winked and set the bottle spinning in the middle of the circle. 

The glass whirred and clicked against the wood floor, slowing… slowing… until it stopped. 

Pointing directly at Vaughn. 

And on the opposite side, Teejay. 

The room erupted in whistles and laughter. 

“Guess fate said it’s your turn, bro!” Malik laughed, handing Teejay the closet key. 

Teejay grinned. “Don’t mind if I do.” 

Vaughn, however, looked like he wanted the ground to open up and swallow him. 

“Y’all are ridiculous,” he muttered, standing reluctantly as the others chanted for him to go. 

Teejay opened the closet door and gestured with a teasing bow. “After you.” 

Vaughn rolled his eyes and stepped in, arms crossed tight as the door clicked shut behind them. 

— 

The space was small, dark, and smelled faintly of cologne and laundry detergent. 

Vaughn sat against one wall, as far from Teejay as the space allowed. Teejay leaned opposite, one knee bent, his smile visible even in the dim light. 

“This is awkward,” Vaughn muttered. 

“For you,” Teejay said, voice low and amused. “I’m chillin’.” 

“Good for you.” 

They sat in silence for a moment. The muffled bass of the party pulsed through the walls. Vaughn picked at his sleeve, counting the seconds in his head. Two minutes, maybe less. 

Then Teejay shifted closer. 

“You know,” he said softly, “you’re not as good at avoiding me as you think.” 

“Maybe I just don’t try hard enough,” Vaughn shot back, voice quiet but tense. 

Teejay chuckled under his breath. “Maybe.” 

Another beat of silence. Then, suddenly, Teejay leaned forward. 

Before Vaughn could think, Teejay’s lips brushed his. 

It was gentle at first just a touch, a question. Vaughn’s heart jumped, breath catching in his throat. His mind screamed push him away, but his body didn’t move. 

Teejay pulled back an inch, voice husky. “You gonna hit me, or…?” 

Vaughn didn’t answer. Didn’t have time to. 

Because Teejay kissed him again deeper this time, like he already knew Vaughn wasn’t going anywhere. 

And Vaughn didn’t. 

The taste of him flooded every thought. The smell of his skin, the warmth of his hand against Vaughn’s jaw, it all blurred into one dizzy rush of déjà vu. 

The dream. The night months ago. The one they swore to forget.

Liquor had burned in their system back then, it was all under the influence then, but this–this was sober. 

And somehow, that made it worse. 

When they finally broke apart, Vaughn’s chest was rising fast. Teejay was still close enough that their foreheads almost touched. 

“Well,” Teejay murmured, a smirk ghosting his lips, “that was better than awkward silence.” 

Vaughn swallowed hard, eyes flicking away. “Don’t.” 

“Don’t what?” 

“Don’t act like it meant something.” 

Teejay’s smile faltered, just barely. “Didn’t say it didn’t.” 

Vaughn exhaled shakily, pulling back to the far side of the closet as someone outside shouted, “Time’s up!” 

The door swung open. Laughter poured in. 

Vaughn was out first, brushing past the crowd without looking back. 

Teejay stayed a second longer, tongue running over his lip, the faint taste of Vaughn still there. 

For the first time all night, his grin wasn’t teasing. 

It was knowing.

Nine

CHAPTER

NINE

Monday morning felt like a hangover Vaughn didn’t earn.

He wasn’t sure what was worse, the memory of the kiss, or how much he kept replaying it. The way Teejay’s hand fit against his jaw. The way their breath tangled. The way his body had leaned in, unthinking, wanting.

He shoved the thought away as he stepped onto campus, hoodie up, earbuds in, eyes fixed straight ahead. If he was lucky, he could make it through the day without seeing him .

Spoiler: Vaughn was never lucky.

“Morning, lover boy.”

Nia’s voice came from behind, playful and way too loud for eight-thirty a.m. Vaughn groaned. “Don’t start.”

“Oh, I’m starting,” she said, matching his stride easily. Her braids swayed as she grinned up at him. “Word got around about that little closet moment you and Teejay had.”

Vaughn stopped dead. “Word what?”

Nia laughed, holding up her hands. “Relax, nobody saw anything. But y’all didn’t exactly hide the tension after you came out. Teejay was looking at you like he just won a prize.”

Vaughn groaned, covering his face with one hand. “I hate you.”

“No, you don’t,” Nia said sweetly. “But I bet you wish you hated Teejay.”

He glared at her, but she only laughed harder. “It’s not funny.”

“Oh, it’s hilarious,” she said. “You spent all last week pretending he doesn’t exist, and now? Boom. Seven minutes, one kiss, and you’re spiraling.”

“I’m not spiraling,” he muttered, resuming his walk toward class.

“Then why are you walking the long way just to avoid the main building?”

Vaughn didn’t answer.

Nia smirked knowingly. “Exactly.”

—

By third period, Vaughn had perfected his avoidance strategy different hall routes, different lunch spot, ignoring every familiar voice that might belong to Teejay.

It almost worked.

Until Teejay walked into their shared history class like nothing had changed.

He sauntered in late, of course, sliding into his seat two rows behind Vaughn.

Vaughn could feel his gaze before even turning around.

He kept his eyes glued to his notes, pretending to read.

But his hand trembled when Teejay’s voice broke through the silence, low and teasing.

“Morning, V.”

Vaughn froze.

“Didn’t think I’d see you here. Thought you might’ve switched schools to get away from me.”

The students around them snickered, assuming it was the usual banter. Vaughn forced a tight smile without turning. “Some of us actually care about showing up.”

Teejay chuckled under his breath, the sound warm and amused. “You care about a lot of things, huh?”

Vaughn didn’t reply.

He couldn’t.

Every nerve in his body was wound too tight, and Teejay’s voice low, and familiar, wasn’t helping.

When the bell finally rang, Vaughn packed his things faster than anyone else and bolted for the door.

But Teejay was faster.

He caught up easily in the hallway, falling into step beside him. “You mad at me or something?”

Vaughn didn’t look at him. “No. Just not in the mood.”

Teejay grinned. “You sure about that? ’Cause last night—”

“Don’t.” Vaughn’s tone was sharp enough to cut. He stopped walking, turning just enough to meet Teejay’s eyes. “Whatever happened last night forget it.”

Teejay tilted his head, studying him. “You already know I won’t.”

Vaughn’s sighed. He hated how calm Teejay sounded, how unbothered he looked while Vaughn’s chest felt like a storm.

Before he could answer, Nia appeared from around the corner, a mischievous smile already forming.

“Well, well, look who finally talked to each other again,” she said. “Progress!”

“Goodbye, Nia,” Vaughn muttered, walking off before either of them could respond.

She turned to Teejay with an amused raise of her brow. “What did you do to him?”

Teejay smiled, watching Vaughn’s retreating back. “Guess you’ll find out soon enough.”

Nia shook her head, laughing under her breath. “You’re gonna be the death of him, you know that?”

Teejay’s grin widened. “Yeah,” he said quietly, “but at least I’ll make it worth it.”

Ten

CHAPTER ELEVEN 

Days passed. 

And still, Vaughn avoided Teejay like it was his full-time job. 

He changed his lunch schedule, left class right before the bell, even started sitting on the opposite side of the library just to make sure their paths didn’t cross. 

It worked, for the most part. 

Except when it didn’t. 

Because no matter how hard he tried, Teejay always found a way to be where he was. 

If Vaughn was in the study hall, Teejay was suddenly “helping” another student nearby.  If Vaughn was in the courtyard, Teejay would just happen to show up, spinning a basketball on his finger like he didn’t notice the tension choking the air. 

It was exhausting. 

Nia noticed too. 

By Wednesday, she was watching him from across the lunch table, chin propped in her hand, lips twitching with amusement. 

“You know,” she said, stabbing a fry with her fork, “most people avoid their exes. Not their.. whatever he is.” 

“He’s not anything,” Vaughn muttered. 

“Mmh,” she hummed. “Tell that to the way you flinch every time someone mentions his name.” 

Vaughn glared. “I don’t flinch.” 

“Right,” she said with a grin. “And I’m not fine as hell.” 

Vaughn rolled his eyes. “You’re annoying.” 

“And you’re in denial,” she shot back easily. “Seriously, what’s the big deal? You kissed. So what? It’s not like y’all haven’t done more.” 

Vaughn groaned, dragging his hoodie over his face. “Can we not?” 

“Fine,” she said, leaning back. “But you can’t keep pretending like it didn’t happen. Or that you don’t want to talk about it.” 

He peeked at her from under the hood. “There’s nothing to talk about.” 

“Sure,” she said slowly, smirking. “Keep lying to yourself, bestie.” 

— 

Later that day, Vaughn sat under the old oak near the gym, sketchbook in his lap, trying to focus on his art assignment. 

But the pencil kept pausing. The lines kept blurring. Because every time he closed his eyes, he saw Teejay, grinning, smirking, kissing him, touching him.

He let out a frustrated breath and snapped the book shut. 

“What’s got you frowning at trees now?” 

He froze. 

Teejay’s voice. 

Vaughn looked up, heart skipping. Teejay stood a few feet away, hands shoved in his pockets, hoodie unzipped, eyes bright with that same infuriating confidence. 

“You stalking me now?” Vaughn asked, masking the panic with sarcasm. 

“Nah,” Teejay said, walking closer. “Just happened to be walking by.” 

“Right,” Vaughn muttered. “You always ‘just happen’ to be walking by.” 

Teejay smirked. “Maybe I like the view.” 

Vaughn’s chest tightened. “You’re ridiculous.” 

“Maybe,” Teejay said, crouching slightly to meet his eyes. “But you still ain’t told me why you’ve been dodging me like I got the plague.” 

“Because I don’t want to deal with you.” 

“Bullshit.” 

Vaughn blinked. “Excuse me?” 

Teejay tilted his head. “If you didn’t want to deal with me, you wouldn’t look at me like that every time we talk.” 

“Like what?” Vaughn snapped. 

Teejay’s grinned. “Like you want to do it again.”

Vaughn’s throat went dry. 

He wanted to argue, to say Teejay was wrong, but the words wouldn’t come. 

Because he did want to do it again. He wanted to hear teejay’s voice in his ears, he wanted to feel teejay’s touches again, he wanted to feel teejay inside him, but he was too stubborn to admit it.

Before Vaughn could respond, Nia’s voice echoed from the walkway. “Vaughn! We’re gonna be late for study group!” 

He stood up fast, clutching his sketchbook. “I gotta go.” 

Teejay straightened, watching him. “You always gotta go.” 

Vaughn didn’t meet his eyes. “Yeah. I do.” 

He walked off without another word. 

Teejay stayed behind, jaw tight, gaze locked on Vaughn’s retreating figure. 

He wasn’t used to being avoided. Or ignored. 

But if Vaughn wanted to pretend that kiss didn’t mean anything, fine. 

Teejay could play patient. 

For now.

Eleven

CHAPTER

ELEVEN

The library was Vaughn’s sanctuary.

Quiet. Focused. Predictable.

At least, it usually was.

Today, though, the numbers on his page refused to make sense. His pencil tapped against the table in frustration, eyes narrowing at the formula he’d rewritten three times already.

He wasn’t used to struggling, not with academics, anyway. But this topic, this one damn section of calculus, was chewing his patience alive.

He ran a hand over his curls, muttering under his breath, “What the hell am I missing?”

“Want me to tell you, or you wanna keep arguing with your notebook?”

Vaughn stiffened. He didn’t even have to look up to recognize that voice.

Teejay.

Of course.

He sighed quietly, refusing to lift his head. “Don’t you have anywhere else to be?”

Teejay chuckled, sliding into the chair across from him anyway. “Nowhere better than right here.”

Vaughn finally looked up, ready with a glare but Teejay’s expression wasn’t teasing for once. His brows were drawn slightly, eyes scanning the notes in front of Vaughn.

“You stuck on this part?” he asked, pointing at the circled equation.

“I’m fine.”

“You’ve been on the same problem since I walked in.”

Vaughn hesitated. “Maybe I just like rewriting things.”

Teejay leaned back, smirk returning. “You like lying too, huh?”

“Do you ever shut up?” Vaughn muttered.

“Not when I’m right,” Teejay said smoothly, reaching for Vaughn’s notebook. “Move over.”

Vaughn blinked as Teejay pulled the paper toward him, flipping through the pages with ease. His handwriting was messier, heavier yet his explanations made sense.

He began breaking the problem down, his voice low but clear, and Vaughn found himself listening.

Really listening.

Ten minutes turned into thirty. Thirty turned into an hour.

And somewhere between the formulas and quiet side comments, Vaughn’s frustration softened. His pencil started moving again. The problem began to make sense.

When he finally solved the equation, he blinked down at it, almost stunned. “Wait-that’s it?”

Teejay grinned. “That’s it.”

Vaughn leaned back in his chair, letting out a slow exhale. “Huh. Guess you’re useful for something after all.”

“Oh, I’m useful for a lot of things,” Teejay said, voice dipping just enough to make Vaughn’s chest tighten.

He ignored that. “Don’t get cocky.”

“Too late.”

Vaughn tried not to smile, but the corner of his mouth twitched anyway.

Teejay caught it instantly, his grin widening. “There it is. You do know how to smile.”

“Barely.”

Teejay tapped the edge of Vaughn’s notebook. “Then I deserve a thank-you. Drinks on you”

Vaughn blinked. “What?”

“Come on,” Teejay said, standing and slinging his backpack over one shoulder. “There’s a café two blocks down. You can pay me back with a latte.”

“I didn’t ask for your help.”

“Yeah,” Teejay said easily, “but you needed it.”

Vaughn stared at him, trying to decide if he was more annoyed or amused. Maybe both.

“C’mon,” Teejay said again, softer this time. “Just one drink. Call it neutral ground.”

Neutral ground.

That sounded… safer than it probably was.

Vaughn hesitated for a long moment, chewing the inside of his cheek. Teejay waited, patient, eyes steady.

Finally, Vaughn sighed, gathering his notes. “Fine. One drink.”

Teejay’s grin returned, slow and satisfied. “Knew you’d say yes.”

Vaughn stood, brushing past him toward the exit. “Don’t get used to it.”

Teejay followed, his voice low and amused. “Too late for that.”

As they left the quiet of the library, Vaughn told himself it didn’t mean anything.

It was just a drink.

Just a thank-you.

But deep down, he already knew, nothing about Teejay ever stayed just anything.

Twelve

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Vaughn didn’t really notice when it started happening.

One day, he caught himself walking into the cafeteria and not immediately scanning the room to make sure Teejay wasn’t around. The next, he was sitting two tables over, actually laughing at something Nia said, only to realize Teejay was sitting across from her, grinning like he’d just won a bet.

It wasn’t that Vaughn wanted to be around him. It just… stopped feeling like a fight not to be.

Even Nia noticed.

“So,” she started one afternoon, sipping her iced coffee with that smug expression Vaughn had learned to dread. “You and Teejay, huh?”

Vaughn frowned. “What about me and Teejay?”

She raised a brow. “You tell me. You used to act like he had a contagious disease. Now you two are all… ‘study buddies’ and whatnot.”

He rolled his eyes. “It’s not like that.”

“Mhm.” She leaned closer. “Then why were you smiling when I saw you two in the library again yesterday?”

Vaughn froze mid-sip. “You saw that?”

“Oh yeah,” she said, smirking. “You were smiling like he told the funniest joke on Earth. That’s rare, Vaughn.”

He groaned, sinking into his chair. “You’re reaching.”

“I’m observing,” she shot back. “And what I observe is a best friend who’s lowkey catching feelings.”

Vaughn didn’t even try to respond. He just stared out across the courtyard, where Teejay was laughing with a group of guys near the steps and Vaughn found himself smiling before he could stop it.

He hated that.

He hated that smile.

Later that day, when he saw Teejay outside the science wing, it was supposed to be a quick hello. But somehow, that turned into a ten-minute conversation about music. Then another about Teejay’s tattoo idea. Then somehow, Teejay was walking him halfway home like it was normal.

“Y’know,” Teejay said as they strolled past the park, “you don’t glare at me as much anymore.”

“I never glared.”

He chuckled. “Sure you didn’t. You practically burned holes in me.”

Vaughn shoved his hands into his pockets. “Maybe you deserved it.”

Teejay grinned. “Probably did. But now you’re smiling instead, so I must be doing something right.”

Vaughn shot him a look, trying to hold back his laugh. “You’re so full of yourself.”

“And yet,” Teejay teased, leaning closer, “you’re still walking with me.”

Vaughn didn’t answer. He just kept walking, but his heart was doing that stupid fluttering thing again, the one he’d been trying to ignore since the party.

When they finally reached Vaughn’s block, Teejay gave a lazy salute. “See you tomorrow?”

“Maybe,” Vaughn said, voice steady, though his lips curved a little.

“‘Maybe’ means yes,” Teejay called as he walked backward down the street.

Vaughn shook his head, trying and failing to hide the smile that spread across his face.

Because Nia was right.

He wasn’t avoiding Teejay anymore.
If anything… he was starting to look forward to him.

Thirteen

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

By Friday, it was undeniable, Teejay had wormed his way back into Vaughn’s routine.

They didn’t plan it. It just… happened.

He’d show up beside Vaughn at lunch like it was the most natural thing in the world. Or drop a sarcastic comment in class that made Vaughn snort mid-note.

Sometimes they studied together in the library, and Vaughn would pretend it was just convenience, Teejay was good at explaining things, after all but deep down he knew better.

He liked the company.

“Boy, you’re down bad,” Nia said one afternoon, lounging across from Vaughn at their usual cafeteria table. “You don’t even flinch when Teejay’s name gets called”

“I’m just mature now,” Vaughn replied, deadpan.

“Mature?” She laughed so loud that Teejay, two tables over, glanced their way. “You? Please.”

Vaughn gave her a side-eye, but the corner of his mouth twitched upward. He wasn’t about to give her the satisfaction of knowing she was right.

Still, her words lingered later that day when Teejay found him at his locker.

“Yo,” Teejay said casually, leaning against the locker beside his. “You free later? I’m grabbing some food after practice.”

Vaughn hesitated. “Depends. With who?”

Teejay smirked. “With you, obviously.”

There was something about the way he said it, like it wasn’t a question but a fact, that made Vaughn’s chest tighten.

He sighed, shutting his locker. “You’re persistent.”

“I’m charming,” Teejay corrected, bumping his shoulder lightly. “There’s a difference.”

Vaughn fought the urge to smile. “I’ll think about it.”

“Thinking about it means yes,” Teejay said, that same teasing tone from last time making Vaughn’s stomach flip.

That evening, Vaughn did end up going. They sat in a small diner downtown, a quiet spot tucked between two stores. It wasn’t fancy, but the food was good and the air felt easy.

They talked, really talked, for the first time in a long while. Not about school or competition or the mess of tension between them, but about small things. Music. Family. Plans. Teejay mentioned wanting to leave the city after graduation; Vaughn admitted he wasn’t sure he could.

Somewhere between fries and laughter, the silence between them stopped feeling heavy.

When they left the diner, night had already fallen. They stood outside, the streetlights casting a glow across Teejay’s skin.

“You good getting home?” Teejay asked.

“Yeah,” Vaughn said softly. “Thanks for… the food. And the help this week.”

Teejay smiled, that confident kind of smile that made Vaughn’s pulse quicken. “Anytime.”

For a moment, neither of them moved.

Vaughn finally stepped back, shoving his hands in his pockets. “See you Monday.”

Teejay tilted his head. “See you, Vaughn.”

Vaughn turned away before Teejay could see the way his face heated.

Because this time, the thought that crossed his mind wasn’t I can’t stand him.

It was God, I might actually like him.

By the time Vaughn got home, it was close to midnight. He dropped his bag by the door, kicked off his shoes, and leaned against the counter, replaying the night in his head.

The conversation. The laughter. That look Teejay gave him under the streetlight. He sighed, shaking his head as if that could chase away the memory, then his phone buzzed.

Teejay [12:03 AM]: You get in okay?

Vaughn’s lips tugged into a small smile before he could stop it.

Vaughn [12:05 AM]: Yeah. You?

Teejay [12:05 AM]: Just got home. You look good when you smile btw. Should do that more.

Vaughn stared at the message for a solid ten seconds, heartbeat kicking up.

Vaughn [12:06 AM]: You flirting or just being weird again?

Teejay [12:0

6

AM]: Can’t it be both? ;)

Vaughn groaned and tossed his phone onto the couch, but the smile didn’t fade.

He grabbed a glass of water, trying to calm the stupid fluttering in his chest, but deep down he knew it was useless.

Because no matter how hard he tried to play it cool, Teejay was under his skin again. And this time… Vaughn wasn’t sure he wanted him out.

fourteen

CHAPTER F

OURTEEN

Vaughn told himself it wasn’t jealousy.

Not really.

It was just… weird. Seeing Teejay like that.

It was Tuesday afternoon, the sun heavy and bright across the quad. Vaughn had been walking with Nia, half-listening to her rant about her art professor, when he spotted them.

Teejay.
And some guy Vaughn didn’t recognize.

They were sitting under one of the tall oak trees near the fountain. The guy was laughing loud, head thrown back and Teejay was leaning close, grinning, saying something that made the other man swat at his arm playfully.

Friendly.
Too friendly.

Nia noticed the shift immediately. “Uh oh,” she murmured, following Vaughn’s gaze. “What’s that face?”

“What face?” Vaughn asked, a little too fast.

“The one that looks like you just watched your crush flirt with somebody else.”

He shot her a glare. “He’s not my crush.”

“Mhm,” she hummed. “Sure.”

Vaughn tore his gaze away, pretending to focus on his phone instead. “I don’t care who he talks to. Teejay can do whatever he wants.”

“Right,” Nia said dryly, but she didn’t push it. She just smirked, the kind that said I know you’re lying and you know you’re lying.

Still, Vaughn couldn’t shake it. The image stuck in his head for the rest of the day the easy smile on Teejay’s face, the way he looked so comfortable with that other guy.

It shouldn’t have bothered him.
But it did.

And by Wednesday, he’d fallen back into old habits.

Avoiding eye contact in the hallway. Changing routes to class. Sitting on the opposite end of the cafeteria again.

Teejay noticed, of course.

“Yo,” he called out once after English, catching up to Vaughn by the lockers. “You good? You’ve been acting distant all week.”

“I’m fine,” Vaughn said, voice clipped, shoving books into his bag.

“Fine?” Teejay echoed. “That’s all I get now?”

“Don’t start,” Vaughn muttered.

“Start what?” Teejay frowned, stepping closer. “I’m just asking what I did.”

“Nothing,” Vaughn snapped, louder than he meant to. A few students passing by glanced their way. He exhaled, lowering his tone. “It’s nothing. I’m just busy.”

Teejay looked at him for a long second, eyes searching his face like he was trying to read something Vaughn wasn’t ready to admit. Then he nodded slowly, backing up.

“Alright,” he said quietly. “If that’s how you want it.”

He walked off before Vaughn could say anything else.

That night, Vaughn sat on his bed, staring at his phone again. There were no new messages. No sarcastic texts. No dumb teasing like usual.

He told himself it didn’t matter.

That it was better this way, clean, simple, detached.

But deep down, something in his chest ached.
Because for the first time in weeks, the silence between them didn’t feel like peace.
It felt like loss.

—

By Friday, Nia was over it.

“Okay, I’ve had enough of this moody nonsense,” she said, dropping her tray onto the table across from Vaughn at lunch. “You and Teejay haven’t talked in three days and you look like somebody canceled your favorite show.”

Vaughn rolled his eyes. “I’m fine.”

“Stop saying that!” she shot back. “You’re about as fine as my GPA last semester.”

He tried not to laugh, but his lips twitched. “You’re dramatic.”

“I’m observant,” she corrected, stabbing her fork into her fries. “You like him, Vaughn. And you’re mad that he smiled at somebody else.”

“I’m not mad,” he said quickly, but his jaw tightened.

Nia gave him that knowing look again. “Then why do you keep avoiding him?”

He didn’t have an answer for that.

Because the truth was, every time he saw Teejay now, he felt… weird. Unsettled. Like there was something inside him that wanted to pull away and get closer all at once.

Later that afternoon, as he packed up from class, he saw Teejay again, this time at his locker, talking to the same guy from before. They were laughing, their shoulders brushing, and something inside Vaughn twisted painfully.

He turned around before Teejay could see him and walked the other way, fast.

When he got home, he threw his bag down and flopped onto his bed, groaning into his pillow.

“This is so stupid,” he muttered. “I don’t care. I don’t care.”

But his phone buzzed.
And like instinct, he looked.

Still nothing from Teejay.

“It’s whatever, i don’t care.”

Fifteen

CHAPTER

FIFTEEN

By Monday, Teejay had reached his limit.

He’d tried patience. He’d tried checking in. He’d even tried ignoring Vaughn back, hoping the space would make him come around. But it didn’t.

If anything, Vaughn got colder.

Barely meeting his eyes in class.
Walking off mid-conversation.
Acting like the last few weeks, the laughter, the late-night texts, that look they shared under the streetlight, never happened.

So when the bell rang for last period, Teejay decided he’d had enough.

He spotted Vaughn packing up his things, pretending not to notice him. As soon as he walked past, Teejay grabbed his wrist, firm, unyielding, and said, “We’re talking.”

Vaughn tried to pull away. “I don’t have time for—”

“Now.”

Teejay’s voice was low, serious in a way that made Vaughn’s chest tighten. Before he could protest again, Teejay was already tugging him down the hall, ignoring the curious looks from other students.

He pushed open the door to an empty classroom and shut it behind them.

Vaughn turned around, tense. “You can’t just—”

“Yeah, I can,” Teejay cut in. “Because clearly, you’re not gonna give me five minutes unless I make you.”

Vaughn crossed his arms. “There’s nothing to talk about.”

“Bullshit.”

Teejay stepped closer, forcing Vaughn to look up at him. “You’ve been dodging me for a week straight. I know when something’s wrong, Vaughn. So, what is it?”

“Nothing!” Vaughn snapped, backing up until his back hit the edge of a desk. “Can you just drop it?”

Teejay’s jaw clenched. “No. I’m not dropping it.”

He leaned forward, his voice rougher now. “You don’t get to pull me in, laugh with me, text me every damn night, and then pretend like I don’t exist the next week. That’s not you, Vaughn. So tell me what the hell I did.”

Vaughn’s throat tightened. He looked away, trying to hold himself together, but Teejay wasn’t having it.

He reached out, hand gripping Vaughn’s jaw gently but firmly, turning his face back toward him. “Look at me.”

Vaughn’s heart hammered. The room suddenly felt smaller, hotter. Teejay’s expression was confused, hurt and desperate for an answer.

“I said, look at me.”

Vaughn finally met his gaze. “You—” he started, then stopped, exhaling shakily.

Teejay’s voice softened just enough. “What did I do?”

Vaughn’s jaw worked. He wanted to lie. He wanted to say nothing, I’m fine, the way he always did. But Teejay was right there, close enough for Vaughn to smell his cologne, feel the warmth of his skin, and suddenly the words tumbled out before he could stop them.

“I saw you,” he said quietly.

Teejay frowned. “Saw me?”

“With that guy. The one from last week. You were..” Vaughn swallowed hard. “You looked… close.”

Teejay blinked, taken aback. “You mean Darius?”

“I don’t know his name,” Vaughn muttered, heat creeping up his neck. “Doesn’t matter.”

Teejay stared at him for a second, then a slow, incredulous smile spread across his face. “Wait. You’re jealous?”

“I’m not—” Vaughn started, but Teejay cut him off with a laugh, low and disbelieving.

“Oh, you are so jealous.”

“Shut up,” Vaughn hissed, pushing at his chest, but Teejay didn’t budge.

“Nah, I’m serious,” Teejay said, amusement giving way to something softer. “You’ve been avoiding me because of that? Vaughn, Darius is my cousin.”

Vaughn froze. “He’s your what?”

“My cousin” Teejay repeated, chuckling. “He goes to another school. He came by to drop off something for my mom.”

The silence that followed was deafening. Vaughn’s mouth opened, then closed. “Oh.”

“Yeah, oh,” Teejay shook his head, smiling faintly. “You really thought I was flirting?”

“I didn’t—” Vaughn started, then sighed, pressing a hand to his face. “Okay. Maybe. A little.”

Teejay leaned in, voice dropping. “So you do care.”

Vaughn’s eyes flicked up to meet his. “That’s not—”

“Don’t lie,” Teejay whispered, close enough that Vaughn could feel his breath. “You don’t get jealous over someone you don’t care about.”

Vaughn’s pulse skipped, his fingers tightening against the edge of the desk. “You’re insufferable.”

“Maybe.” Teejay smirked. “But you like me anyway.”

Vaughn didn’t answer, but the look on his face said enough.

And when Teejay finally let him go, stepping back just enough to give him space, Vaughn’s heart was still racing and not from anger this time.

Because as much as he wanted to deny it…
Teejay was right.
He did care.

Sixteen

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Teejay hadn’t stopped smiling since that afternoon in the classroom.

Vaughn tried to act normal, but it was hard when Teejay kept throwing those little smirks his way, like he knew exactly how to get under Vaughn’s skin. Maybe he did.

So when Teejay leaned against Vaughn’s locker the next day and said, “Let me take you out tonight,” Vaughn blinked.

“Out?”

“Yeah,” Teejay said casually. “Dinner. My treat. Just… something nice after that dramatic week we had.”

Vaughn hesitated. His instinct was to say no, to keep some distance, protect his peace, but Teejay’s grin was disarming. And truth be told, Vaughn didn’t want to say no. Not anymore.

“…Fine,” Vaughn said finally, rolling his eyes. “But I’m not dressing up.”

Teejay laughed. “I wouldn’t expect anything less.”

That night they sat across from each other in a quiet little restaurant just outside campus. Teejay kept the conversation light, funny, effortless like he was trying to make Vaughn relax.

And it worked.

Vaughn found himself laughing, actually laughing, until his stomach hurt. Teejay told him stories about his cousins, his dumb high school antics, and the one time he almost got suspended for painting over the principal’s parking space. Vaughn rolled his eyes, but he couldn’t hide the grin tugging at his lips.

At one point, Teejay reached across the table and wiped a bit of sauce off Vaughn’s cheek with his thumb.

“Messy,” he teased.

Vaughn’s face heated instantly. “Don’t do that.”

Teejay just smirked. “Can’t help it.”

By the end of the night, Vaughn was smiling non stop.

The drive home was quiet, but comfortable. The radio played lowly in the background, some bryson tiller song that made Vaughn’s chest ache in ways he didn’t understand.

When Teejay pulled up in front of Vaughn’s building, neither of them moved for a moment.

“Thanks for dinner,” Vaughn said finally, unbuckling his seatbelt.

“Anytime.”

He reached for the door handle, but before he could push it open, Teejay’s hand caught his wrist, gentle, but firm enough to stop him.

“Wait.”

Vaughn turned, confused. “What-”

Teejay didn’t give him time to finish.

He leaned forward and kissed him.

It wasn’t soft or hesitant it was deep and full of yearning like Teejay had been holding it in for weeks and couldn’t anymore.

Vaughn froze at first, eyes wide, before his body betrayed him, he kissed back with just as much yearning. His fingers curled against Teejay’s sleeve, every coherent thought in his mind burned away.

Teejay’s hand slid up to the back of Vaughn’s neck, tilting his head just enough to deepen the kiss.

Vaughn’s heart pounded against his ribs, and by the time Teejay finally pulled back, Vaughn’s knees actually felt weak even though he was still sitting.

For a moment, neither spoke. The air between them buzzed.

Teejay looked at him with a small, knowing smile. “You good?”

Vaughn swallowed hard, trying to find his voice. “I-I should go.”

“Yeah,” Teejay said softly, but there was amusement in his tone. “You should.”

Vaughn grabbed his bag and slipped out of the car, his hands trembling slightly. He didn’t look back until he reached his door. When he finally did, Teejay was still there, headlights glowing against the street, one arm draped over the steering wheel watching him.

And Vaughn… couldn’t stop smiling.

Even when he closed the door behind him, leaned against it, and touched his lips,still tingling from the kiss he couldn’t make the feeling go away.

Seventeen

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Vaughn woke up the next morning still thinking about the damn kiss.

He’d dreamed about it, again. Except this time, it wasn’t hazy like before. It was vivid. The warmth of Teejay’s hand on his neck, the way his lips moved, the way Teejay looked at him. Vaughn rolled onto his stomach and groaned into his pillow.

This wasn’t supposed to happen.

They were supposed to hate each other, or at least pretend to. That was safer. Easier. But now his mind was on a loop, replaying that kiss like it was the only thing keeping him alive.

He swore under his breath, dragging himself out of bed.

At school, Nia noticed immediately.

“You’re acting weird,” she said, squinting at him as they walked through the hallway. “Like, even weirder than usual.”

“I’m fine,” Vaughn muttered, adjusting his bag strap.

She raised an eyebrow. “Fine? You’re smiling at the floor like you just got a love letter.”

Vaughn froze. “I-what? No, I’m not.”

“Uh-huh.” Nia grinned, bumping her shoulder into his. “So what happened, Mr. ‘I don’t like Teejay’? Did he finally get you to admit you do?”

Vaughn stopped walking. “Nia.”

She turned, eyes widening a little. “Oh my God. He did something, didn’t he?”

“Nia.”

She gasped dramatically. “Did you guys kiss again?!”

Vaughn’s silence gave him away instantly.

Nia clutched her chest like it was a scandal. “You’re kidding! When? Where? Tell me everything, wait, no, I’m lying, I want every single detail right now.”

Vaughn groaned, rubbing his face. “It was after dinner last night, okay? He just… kissed me. That’s it.”

Nia’s grin widened. “And? Did you kiss him back?”

He hesitated, and that was all she needed.

“OH MY GOD, YOU DID.”

“Can you not announce it to the entire hallway?” Vaughn hissed, glancing around.

Nia laughed, looping her arm through his. “Relax, nobody’s listening. I’m just proud of you. You’ve been pining over him in denial for months.”

“I wasn’t-”

“You were,” she said simply. “But it’s okay. It’s about time you stopped lying to yourself.”

Vaughn sighed, dragging a hand through his curls. “I don’t even know what it means, Ni. It’s just a kiss. It doesn’t change anything.”

Her expression softened. “Maybe not. But it could, if you let it.”

He didn’t answer.

Vaughn thought avoiding Teejay after this would be impossible. Surprisingly, it wasn’t, mostly because Teejay wasn’t making it easy to avoid him in the first place.

He showed up to class early. Sat in Vaughn’s row. Handed him an extra pen when his ran out, like some smug gentleman.

“Morning,” Teejay said smoothly, flashing that grin that made Vaughn’s stomach flip.

“Morning,” Vaughn mumbled, looking anywhere but at him.

“Sleep okay?”

“Yeah.”

“Dream about me?”

“Teejay-”

“What? It’s a valid question.”

Vaughn groaned under his breath and turned his head toward the window, trying to hide the small, involuntary smile threatening to appear.

Teejay leaned closer, whispering, “You’re cute when you’re flustered, you know that?”

“Do you ever shut up?” Vaughn shot back, his voice low but shaky.

Teejay chuckled quietly. “Not when it comes to you.”

And damn it, Vaughn felt his pulse jump at that.

Later that night, when Vaughn got home and tossed his bag on the bed, his phone buzzed.

Teejay [8:47 PM]: You get home okay?

Vaughn stared at the screen, his lips twitching into a reluctant smile.

Vaughn [8:49 PM]: Yeah. Why?

Teejay [8:49 PM]: Just checking. Wouldn’t wanna think about you walking home alone this late.

Vaughn [8:50 PM]: You sound like my mom.

Teejay [8:50 PM]: Bet your mom doesn’t kiss you like I did.

Vaughn’s jaw dropped. “He did not just say that-”

Vaughn [8:51 PM]: You’re ridiculous.

Teejay [8:52 PM]: You like it tho.

Vaughn didn’t answer this time. He just stared at the message, his heart doing that annoying skip thing again.

Then, against his better judgment, he typed back.

Vaughn [8:55 PM]: Goodnight, Teejay.

Teejay [8:55 PM]: Goodnight, Vaughn. Sweet dreams ;)

Vaughn tossed his phone onto the pillow, face burning as he muttered to himself, “I’m in trouble.”

And yeah, he definitely was.

Eighteen

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

A week slipped by faster than Vaughn expected.

Somehow, he and Teejay fell into a little routine.

late-night calls that started with “just checking in” and ended hours later with laughter, teasing, and the kind of silences that weren’t uncomfortable anymore.

They studied together twice a week, grabbed lunch twice and texted almost every day.

Every time Vaughn’s phone lit up with Teejay’s name, his chest did this stupid little flutter thing he refused to admit was excitement.

And every time Teejay looked at him now, it was different, happier, but still with that same mischievous glint that Vaughn couldn’t seem to resist.

“Okay,” Nia said, dropping her tray on the cafeteria table across from him. “Explain yourself.”

Vaughn didn’t even look up from his laptop. “Explain what?”

“Don’t play dumb with me.” She leaned in, lowering her voice. “Are you and Teejay dating now? Cause I’m hearing rumors fren”

Vaughn sighed, closing his laptop. “We’re just… friends, Ni.”

“Friends?” She squinted at him. “That what we’re calling it now?”

“Shut up.”

“No, because this is history. Vaughn kelley Mr. ‘I don’t like Teejay,’ is simping over Teejay Monroe.”

Vaughn groaned and dragged a hand down his face. “It’s not like that, okay? We’re just… getting along better. That’s it.”

“Uh-huh,” she said, clearly not believing him. “And the reason you smiled at your phone for three minutes straight this morning?”

He gave her a look. “You were watching me?”

“Of course,” she said with a grin. “I had to make sure I wasn’t hallucinating.”

Vaughn rolled his eyes, snatching his laptop off the table. “You’re ridiculous.”

“Maybe. But I’m right,” she said, sing-song. “You like him.”

He stood up before she could push further, muttering, “I’m not doing this with you.”

“Sure you’re not,” she called after him, laughing.

Later that day, he was in the library again, his usual spot by the window. Teejay slid into the seat beside him like he owned it, grinning when Vaughn didn’t protest.

“Hey.”

Vaughn glanced up. “Hey.”

Teejay leaned back in his chair, tapping his pen against the desk. “So… you hear the rumors?”

Vaughn frowned. “What rumors?”

“You know,” Teejay said with a smirk. “The ones about how we’re secretly dating.”

Vaughn’s pen froze mid-scribble. “…You’re joking.”

“Nope.”

“People actually think that?”

Teejay shrugged. “Can’t blame them. We do look good together.”

Vaughn gave him a deadpan look. “You’re so full of yourself.”

“Maybe.” Teejay leaned closer, his tone dropping to something softer. “But I’m not wrong.”

Vaughn’s chest tightened, and for a second, he couldn’t look away.

The confidence in Teejay’s voice was infuriating, but the look on his face, the quiet sincerity behind the teasing, that was what got him. Vaughn had no defense for that.

“Focus on your work,” Vaughn muttered, finally looking down.

Teejay chuckled, picking up his own notes. “Yes, sir.”

But neither of them really focused. Their knees brushed under the table once, twice, and neither pulled away.

Vaughn’s heart beat faster every time.

After study hours, they walked out together. The campus was calm, bathed in the orange glow of the setting sun. The air smelled like rain was coming.

Teejay shoved his hands into his pockets. “You still cool with going out this weekend?”

Vaughn hesitated. “Depends where.”

“Doesn’t matter,” Teejay said. “Somewhere chill. No crowds.”

Vaughn gave him a side-eye. “You mean, no people to see us?”

Teejay grinned. “You worried they’ll figure out you actually like me?”

Vaughn scoffed. “Who said I like you?”

“The way you act.”

“Shut up.”

Teejay laughed softly, nudging his shoulder. “You know you’re terrible at lying, right?”

Vaughn rolled his eyes, but there was no real bite behind it. “You’re lucky I tolerate you, that’s all.”

Teejay smirked. “Tolerate me? You answered my texts, you called me last night, and you sent me that dumb meme about cats that reminded you of me.”

“That wasn’t about you,” Vaughn lied instantly.

“Mhm.”

They reached the parking lot. Teejay stopped walking, glancing down at Vaughn. “You know, I like this.”

“Like what?”

“This. Us not arguing all the time.”

Vaughn looked away, the corners of his lips twitching. “It’s weird.”

“Yeah, but it’s nice weird.”

“Don’t push it.”

Teejay chuckled. “Alright, alright. I’ll see you tomorrow?”

Vaughn nodded. “Yeah. Tomorrow.”

When Teejay walked off, Vaughn stood there a little too long, watching him go.

That night, when he finally got home, his phone buzzed again.

Teejay [9:12 PM] : You home safe?

Vaughn [9:13 PM]:

Yeah.

Teejay [9:13 PM] : Good. Can’t lie, I like knowing when you get in.

Vaughn [9:14 PM]:

You sound clingy.

Teejay [9:15 PM]:

Maybe. But you text me back, so what does that make you?

Vaughn stared at the screen for a moment, then let out a small laugh.

Vaughn [9:16 PM]:

Goodnight, Teejay.

Teejay [9:16 PM]: Night, Vaughn. Sweet dreams ;)

Vaughn tossed his phone aside, the smile lingering long after the screen went dark.

He didn’t know what they were, or what they were becoming. But one thing was certain, he wasn’t fighting it anymore.

Ninteen

CHAPTER

NINETEEN

The weekend finally came, and Vaughn wasn’t sure how he’d managed to get through the week without thinking about it nonstop.

Teejay picked him up around seven, the sun just dipping below the horizon, painting the sky with streaks of orange and purple. Vaughn had insisted on something casual, but Teejay had driven them to a little upscale bistro he’d scouted out weeks ago. Vaughn tried not to roll his eyes at the overly romantic vibe, but the small smile tugging at his lips betrayed him.

Dinner was effortless. The conversation flowed in the comfortable way it had lately, laughing, teasing, sharing little confessions, and Vaughn realized he could spend hours just like this, doing nothing more than talking with Teejay.

—

After dinner, Teejay drove for a few minutes, pulling into a quiet street lined with tall trees. Vaughn was about to ask again when Teejay disappeared into the back of the car. 

“Hey… what are you—” 

Teejay emerged, carrying a large bouquet of deep red roses and a box of chocolate that looked overly expensive. Vaughn’s jaw dropped. 

“And that’s not all,” Teejay said, pointing to the card hiding in the rose.

Vaughn opened it.

For the most handsome boy I’ve ever met.

“You planned all this?” Vaughn asked, dumbfounded, closing the card.

Teejay shrugged, leaning back against the car. “I’m full of surprises. So… what do you think?” 

Vaughn’s fingers brushed the petals of the roses. They smelled like a mix of fresh flowers and something faintly like Teejay. His heart thumped in a way that was both alarming and thrilling. 

Then Teejay stepped closer, the grin softening into something more serious. “Vaughn… I know I’ve been annoying, and dramatic, and all that. But I also know I like you. A lot, ever since that night. And I… I want more. I want us.” 

Vaughn’s eyes widened. “Us?” 

“Yeah,” Teejay said, taking a step closer. “I want you to be my boyfriend.” 

Vaughn’s chest felt tight, and for a moment he couldn’t speak. His brain scrambled for a response, but all that came out was a shaky, “…Okay.” 

“Okay?” Teejay tilted his head, a smile spreading across his face. “You mean… yes?” 

“Yes,” Vaughn said more firmly this time, heat rising in his cheeks. “Yes, Teejay. I’ll… I’ll be your boyfriend.” 

Teejay laughed lowly, leaning over to press a quick kiss to Vaughn’s temple before tossing the roses into his lap. “Good. Now that’s settled.” 

—

By the time they pulled up to Vaughn’s place, it was around midnight. Vaughn hesitated at the door, then surprised himself by saying, “Do you… want to come in?” 

Teejay raised an eyebrow. “You sure?” 

“I mean… yeah,” Vaughn said, stepping aside. “We can… hang out for a bit.” 

Inside, the apartment was quiet and cozy.

Vaughn grabbed a blanket while Teejay set the flowers on the kitchen counter. Soon, they were on the couch, huddled together, the TV flickering with some movie Vaughn couldn’t even tell the plot of because his attention was completely on Teejay. 

At first, they just sat, knees touching, shoulders brushing. Teejay draped an arm around Vaughn’s shoulder, and Vaughn rested his head lightly against Teejay’s chest. 

“You comfortable?” Teejay murmured. 

Vaughn nodded, muffled against Teejay’s shirt. “Yeah…” 

They watched the movie in companionable silence, occasionally laughing at the dialogue or nudging each other during the cornier parts. Vaughn’s eyelids grew heavy. The warmth from Teejay’s arm, the vibration of his voice commenting on the movie, and the faint scent of cologne mixed with roses lulled him into a rare peace. 

Eventually, Vaughn’s breathing slowed, his head sinking deeper against Teejay’s chest. His fingers curled around the hem of Teejay’s shirt, clutching it subconsciously as sleep claimed him. 

Teejay looked down at him, a soft smile tugging at his lips. Carefully, he adjusted the blanket over Vaughn, letting him stay close. 

“You’re such a little trouble,” Teejay whispered, pressing a kiss to Vaughn’s temple. “And I wouldn’t have it any other way.” 

Teejay settled back into the couch, letting Vaughn sleep against him.

It was just them. No arguments. No teasing, no rivalry. Just warmth, comfort, and a quiet, growing feelings that neither of them had expected but, both were finally ready to embrace.

Twenty

CHAPTER TWENTY

It was Friday evening, and Vaughn hadn’t expected Teejay to show up again so soon. But there he was, leaning casually against the doorway, that grin in place, holding a bag of takeout.

“Thought we could have a movie night… or something a little more interesting,” Teejay said, stepping inside.

Vaughn’s stomach fluttered at the “more interesting” part, though he tried to act nonchalant. “You sure you’re not just here for the food?”

Teejay chuckled, dropping the bag on the counter. “Maybe a little. But mostly… I’m here for you.”

They settled on the couch, Vaughn pulling a blanket over their legs.

At one point, Teejay reached over, brushing a stray curl from Vaughn’s forehead. Vaughn shivered under the touch, heat pooling low in his stomach.

“You’re cute when you’re distracted,” Teejay murmured, leaning closer. “I could kiss you right now”

And before Vaughn could stop himself, he blurted out. “Then do it.”

Teejay didn’t waste any time. He pulled Vaughn into a kiss, it was soft at first until Vaughn climbed on top of teejay, hands tangled in teejay’s hair.

“Can we… can we do it again?”

“Do what Vaughn.” Teejay asked, knowing damn well what Vaughn ment.

“Sex, can we have sex again?” He plead.

“Anything for you.” Teejay smirked.

They stumbled towards the bedroom.

Once they reached the bedroom, Vaughn pushed teejay onto the bed and climbed on top.

He kissed down teejay’s stomach, to his vline. Undoing teejay’s’ jeans. He pulled teejay’s cock out, which was already hard and leaking.

Vaughn took Teejay into his mouth, looking up at Teejay. Teejay groaned, his head falling back as Vaughn sucked him deep.

This felt nothing like their first time at the party. Maybe because they were drunk that night and now they’re very much sober, and dating.

Vaughn bobbed his head up and down, his tongue swirling around Teejay’s cock. Teejay’s hips bucked.

Teejay’s hands tangled in Vaughn’s hair, guiding his movements. Vaughn relaxed his throat, taking Teejay deeper and deeper until he felt Teejay hit the back of his throat. Vaughn gagged slightly, but Teejay didn’t let up.

Vaughn’s own cock was leaking, his hips grinding on the bed.

Teejay pulled vaughn’s head off and pulled him up. He switched their positions so he was on top. He quickly undid Vaughn’s jeans, pulling them off along with his boxers.

Vaughn’s cock sprang free, hard and leaking.

Teejay didn’t waste any time. He dove down, taking Vaughn’s cock into his mouth. Vaughn cried out, his hips bucking up into the air. Teejay sucked him deep, his tongue swirling around Vaughn’s cock.

Vaughn’s hands tangled in Teejay’s hair, guiding his movements. Teejay pulled off with a pop, grinning up at Vaughn.

“Fuck, Teejay,” Vaughn panted. “I need you inside me.”

Teejay grinned, reaching for the lube on the nightstand. He quickly slicked up his fingers, pushing one into Vaughn. Vaughn gasped, his hips bucking up into the air.

Teejay fingered Vaughn roughly, scissoring his fingers to stretch him out. Vaughn moaned, his head thrashing from side to side.

Vaughn panted. “I need you inside me. Now.”

Teejay lined his cock with Vaughn’s hole. He pushed in slowly, inch by inch, until he was fully sheathed inside Vaughn. Vaughn moaned, his hips bucking up into the air.

Teejay set a rough pace, fucking Vaughn hard and deep. Vaughn’s cock leaked, his hips bucking up into the air.

Vaughn gripped the sheets, his body shaking. “Teejay.. I– fuck”

Teejay reached down to stroke Vaughn’s cock, his hand moving in time with his thrusts.

Vaughn’s body shook, his orgasm building. Teejay could feel Vaughn’s cock pulsing in his hand, his hole clenching around Teejay’s cock.

Teejay groaned, his hips bucking wildly. He came hard, filling Vaughn’s hole with his cum. Vaughn’s own orgasm hit him like a truck, his cock pulsing as he came all over his stomach.

Teejay collapsed on top of Vaughn, both of them panting. Vaughn wrapped his arms around Teejay, holding him close.

“That was amazing.”

Teejay chuckled, pecking vaughn’s lip. “Better than our first?”

“Yes definitely .”