Jock Next Bed (BL)
Chapter 149: Sunday party

Chapter 149: Sunday party

The bass thumped hard enough to vibrate through Chris’s chest as they entered the semi-luxurious apartment. The smell of alcohol, smoke, and an air of unrestrained youth clung to the space. The living room was packed, with bodies pressed together on the makeshift dance floor, laughter cutting through the pulsating music. Through the glass doors, Chris could see a pool illuminated by colorful lights, where a few partygoers were already splashing around. Others lounged by the edge, drinks in hand, while clusters of people occupied the patio, immersed in animated conversations or making out.

Chris took it all in, mildly surprised by the sheer crowd. "I thought most people traveled," he muttered, leaning close to Rachel so she could hear him over the music.

"Apparently not when Sinclair throws a party," Rachel responded, eyes scanning the room. "I guess they’ll start leaving tomorrow."

Chris raised a brow. "He really has that much clout?"

Rachel shrugged. "He’s Sinclair. People love him. And you wouldn’t know because you’ve never bothered to care about anyone else."

"Fair," Chris admitted, but to be actually fair, was it his fault? She only told him about Sky. And he wouldn’t have known about Ash if not for the bike race.

According to what she had told him on their way here, Sinclair was practically number two after Sky. He was the one everyone was talking about before Sky came in.

Sinclair’s reputation was quite good—no scandals, super smart, and barely in school since he only has a few credits left. His family is well-off. His mom’s a doctor, and his dad’s some kind of science researcher.

"He does seem to have the whole golden boy thing going." Chris remarked.

"Exactly," Rachel agreed. "Though he only throws two parties a year, and they’re always like this—huge."

Chris’s thoughts were interrupted when Sinclair spotted them from across the room. The guy grinned widely, his bright smile cutting through the dim, chaotic atmosphere. He wore a casual beanie, a black tank top, and shorts that showed off his lean, toned frame. He moved through the crowd with an easy confidence, stopping to high-five and chat briefly with people who greeted him.

By the time he reached Chris and Rachel, his smile had only grown wider. "Hey!" he greeted warmly, his voice somehow cutting through the noise. "You guys made it."

"Of course," Rachel said, returning his smile. "Wouldn’t miss it."

Sinclair’s gaze shifted to Rachel. "So, this is the friend you brought?" He extended his hand.

Rachel was about to introduce herself, but Sinclair cut her off. "Rachel, right? I think everyone knows you."

She blinked in surprise. "Oh?"

"The rich princess," he added with a teasing smirk.

Rachel let out an awkward laugh. Somehow, she was still not used to it. "I guess I’ve got a reputation."

Sinclair tilted his head. "Girlfriend?" he asked, looking between her and Chris.

Rachel shook her head. "Friend."

Sinclair’s gaze shifted to Chris, lingering with that same curiosity from their previous encounter. "Glad you came," he said smoothly, his tone both friendly and something else Chris couldn’t quite place.

Chris shrugged. "Had nothing better to do."

Sinclair chuckled, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Drinks are by the bar. Food’s in the kitchen if you’re into that sort of thing. And, of course, the pool is always an option."

Chris glanced at the pool and shook his head. "Hard pass."

"Suit yourself." Sinclair’s eyes flickered between them. "Well, if you need me, I’ll be making sure no one sets this place on fire."

"Good luck with that," Chris said dryly.

Sinclair winked. "Thanks. You’re gonna need it too." He began to walk backward as he said, "We’re dancing later. No excuses."

Before Chris could protest, Sinclair disappeared back into the crowd.

Rachel turned to Chris, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. "What was that about?"

Chris frowned. "What was what about?"

"That whole thing with Sinclair. Is there something going on between you two?"

Chris nearly choked. "What? No! I’ve only met him once before. This is literally the second time we’ve talked."

She raised a brow. "Do you like him?"

Chris groaned. "Are you seriously trying to matchmake me with every guy in this school?"

Rachel shrugged with a mischievous smile. "Maybe it’ll help you forget about, you know, him."

Chris clenched his jaw, choosing to ignore her.

Rachel’s expression softened. "Chris, are you seriously going to keep me in the dark about whatever’s going on with you?"

Chris exhaled sharply. "Do you really want to talk about that here?" He looked around the crowded room. It was already a strain even talking in here. "Why don’t you just grab a microphone and announce it to the whole party while you’re at it?"

Rachel’s face fell. "Sorry. I didn’t mean to push."

Chris sighed, his irritation fading. "It’s fine. Just... not now, okay?"

She nodded, offering a small, understanding smile. "Okay. But you know I’m here, right?"

"Yeah. I know."

They stood there for a moment, the party swirling around them, before Rachel tugged his arm. "Come on, let’s get a drink. You’re way too tense."

Chris let her drag him toward the bar for drinks. It wasn’t long before she disappeared, dancing with a group of girls. She tried to wave him over a couple of times, but he kept shaking his head, choosing to focus on his drink instead. But it didn’t last for as long as he would have liked.

"Come on." Sinclair grabbed his wrist, pulling him up from the chair out of nowhere. Chris was stunned at first but found his footing and let himself get dragged toward a quieter corner near the wall where the lights were softer.

Chris raised a brow. "What are you doing?"

"Dancing." Sinclair’s tone was light, but there was a glint of mischief in his eyes. He positioned himself close, shoulders brushing Chris’s.

"Come on, dance with me," he leaned closer to Chris’ ears and whispered.

Okay, Chris had really not signed up for this. But it seemed like right now, he had no choice.