Jock Next Bed (BL)
Chapter 147: Last day of exam...

Chapter 147: Last day of exam...

It was the last Friday of exam week, and the campus was beginning to empty as students packed up for the two-week break. Chris hadn’t seen Sky since that explosive night. It was as if Sky had vanished off the face of the earth.

Was Chris bothered? Yes. Did he reach out? No. Was he still crazy about Sky and dreaming of him every night? Absolutely.

But Chris was done chasing. He meant it when he said he was tired of the push-and-pull game. Sky would come to him and surrender—that was a fact Chris clung to. When? No idea. But Sky still had two years in this school, and Chris had three. There was time.

For now, though, there were other things to think about. The two-week break loomed before him like an empty canvas. Go home? Meh. There was really nothing to do in Southend. His parents were barely around, and most of his closest friends were off in different districts or countries studying.

So, staying back seemed like the better option, even if he had no idea how he was going to fill the next 16 days.

These past few weeks, he had built a rather weird closer friendship with Gary. However, he too, was leaving for home today.

Rachel had fortunately decided to stay back, claiming she wanted to study for the upcoming semester. But he knew that just like himself, she had nothing to do back home. She had casually mentioned hearing that Sky was out of town a couple of days ago. Chris hadn’t pressed her for details, though curiosity gnawed at him. Who was Sky visiting? And without his usual crew?

He’d seen Noel and Henry around campus a few times. Noel, in particular, had this intense look whenever their paths crossed—not quite as hostile as Collins’s, though. Henry merely acknowledged him with a curt nod.

Collins, on the other hand, had been nowhere to be seen. Good. If Chris saw that bastard next, he wouldn’t hesitate to drag him by the neck.

As for Sky... Chris was patient. He would come back. And when he did, he would come to Chris.

Chris was heading out of campus when an unfamiliar, sultry voice called out behind him, stretching his name in a slow, teasing drawl.

"Chris-to-pher."

Chris turned around and was met with the sight of a strikingly good-looking guy. There was something effortlessly magnetic about him. He wasn’t bulky but had a lean, well-proportioned build that hinted at natural athleticism rather than hours spent in the gym. His face was pretty in a sharp, commanding way—soft edges with a touch of fierceness.

The guy’s sunny blond hair under a fashionable hat caught the fading afternoon light, and his gray eyes gleamed with confidence.

Chris was pretty sure he had never seen this guy before. If he had, he would definitely remember.

But how did this guy know him?

Chris’s confusion must have been obvious because the guy extended a hand with a friendly grin. "Sinclair," he introduced himself.

Chris shook his hand but kept his questioning gaze fixed on him. Sinclair chuckled.

"To be fair, I’m hardly around campus these days. Just a few classes here and there, so you probably wouldn’t know me. I’m a senior, third year. Swimming club. And, uh... I won Mister Fresher back in my first year."

Oh.

That explained the confidence. And, well, Chris could definitely see why the guy had won.

"Well, nice to meet you, Sinclair." Chris said politely, withdrawing his hand. He waited, curious as to why Sinclair had approached him.

"I’m leading the team to organize the next Mister and Missus Fresher event for your set and was wondering if you’d be interested in joining the contest," Sinclair said smoothly.

Chris blinked, then let out a soft laugh. "Yeah, no. Sorry. Not really my thing." He declined as politely as he could.

Sinclair arched a brow. "Why not? You’re pretty."

Chris blinked, caught off guard. "What?" He wasn’t thrown by the compliment itself—he was used to people complimenting his looks—but it was the casual way Sinclair just... said it. And... he had been called pretty. So far, only Sky had used that adjective to describe him, as far as he could remember.

"I said you’re pretty," Sinclair repeated with a light shrug. "I already asked Sato if he’d help convince you, but he was useless. So I figured I’d come directly to you. I hope you won’t turn me down."

"Sato?" Chris’s brows furrowed. Sky had never mentioned anything about this pageant nonsense.

"Yeah, he’s on the organizing team too. As his roommate, you must know he won last year."

Oh. Right. Rachel had mentioned that on his first day.

"But I’m really not interested," Chris said firmly. "Pageantry isn’t my thing."

Sinclair’s gaze didn’t waver. "Just think about it until the summer term, at least?"

Chris smiled politely but shook his head internally. Yeah, that was definitely not happening.

Sinclair tilted his head, amusement flickering in his eyes. "You are not going to think about it, are you?"

Chris laughed. "Nah. But there are plenty of handsome guys around. I’m sure they’ll do just fine. You’ll find someone better suited."

Sinclair nodded thoughtfully. "True. But you’re kind of a hot shot, you know? Not from around here, you joined the bike race and almost beat Ash’s ass. You’ve got this whole effortlessly cool vibe. I’m just curious how much you’d transform if you actually tried. I can already imagine you being the next Paul, and me, and of course, Sato."

Chris almost cringed. He had no idea who Paul was, but he guessed it must be a past winner.

Also, should he be creeped out about how much these people easily knew stuff about others?

"Well, thanks for the compliment, but—"

"Do you have plans this weekend?" Sinclair cut in.

Chris blinked. "What?" That was... random.

"I’m throwing a party Sunday night," Sinclair said casually. "It’ll be dead here with everyone gone, so come if you’re sticking around."

Chris narrowed his eyes, smirking. "Trying to rope me into that pageant at the party?"

Sinclair laughed. "Nah, just a genuine invite. Plus, I need a decent turnout. But it’s cool if you say no."

Honestly, Chris couldn’t see a reason to say no. If it had been a year ago, he would’ve thrown his own massive party after exams. Maybe unwinding wouldn’t be the worst idea. Rachel might be interested too.

"Okay," Chris agreed. "Can I bring a friend?"

"Why not? The more, the merrier," Sinclair said with a wink. "And hey, maybe you can help me scout contestants at the party. You look like you might have a good eye for that kind of stuff"

Chris chuckled. "I’m probably the wrong person for that, but sure, I’ll try. Don’t count on that though."

Sinclair’s smile widened, bright and genuine. He handed Chris his phone. "Can I get your number?"

Chris took the phone, tapped in his number, and handed it back. Sinclair glanced at the screen, chuckling as he saved it.

"What’s funny?" Chris asked, curious.

Sinclair shrugged playfully. "Nothing. I’ll text you the details later. See you in two days?" He started backing away, walking backwards with that effortless confidence.

"Sure," Chris nodded, watching him go.

Well, that was... eventful.

---

That evening, he got a call from his mother. It was due after all.

"Are you coming home for the break?" She asked.

He laughed dryly. "You’re asking like you and Dad will actually be there."

She chuckled, a soft, musical sound. "Fair enough. I apologize, but you know how work gets."

"Yeah, yeah, I get it," he said with a sigh. "It’s fine."

"But you should still remember to call me more often," she added in a gentle chide. "I miss hearing from you."

"I’ll try." He assured her.

There was a pause before she continued, her voice playful. "Are you waiting for me to ask you before you say it?"

"Say what?" He asked, confused. Was she waiting for him to ask for more allowance? Or let her know he knew she had asked Rachel to keep an eye on him?

"I can’t believe I had to hear it from your father that you’re dating!"

Chris sat up straighter, his brows furrowing. "What?"

That was even more shocking than he had expected.

"Your father said you’re dating your roommate."

Chris blinked, stunned. His mind scrambled to remember when he had ever said anything remotely like that to his father. Then it hit him—the time he’d been sick. Sky had taken care of him, and he’d fiercely insisted to his father that he would have Sky when his father tried to talk him out of it.

He groaned, massaging the bridge of his nose. "Oh, for crying out loud..."

"So, when are you going to introduce him to me?" she asked.

Chris exhaled sharply, half amused and half exasperated. "Mom, I need to make him my boyfriend first before I can do that."

She was quiet for a moment, then her tone grew serious. "Listen, sweetheart. Don’t waste your time if the boy is just going to play around with you. You’re Christopher Owen, after all."

Chris laughed despite himself. "I know, Mom. I’ll handle it. Just be patient, okay? I’ll introduce him to you... soon." Or maybe a little longer.

But he was pretty sure there would be an introduction in the future.

There was a beat of silence, as though she had more to say but chose not to push. Instead, she simply said, "I trust you."

Her words were warm and comforting, filling Chris with a strange sense of reassurance. He smiled faintly.

She trusted him.

This just made him trust himself even more.

Hahaha

Evil laughter.