Jock Next Bed (BL)
Chapter 160: Money can be intoxicating

Chapter 160: Money can be intoxicating

Chris raised a brow. "You sure about that?" he teased.

Sky’s laugh faltered, and he cleared his throat, avoiding eye contact. Actually, he was thinking the complete opposite. That if they were in such close proximity, he might do something stupid or impulsive. It was getting crazy being in control of his emotions lately. But there was no way he was telling Chris that.

Chris narrowed his eyes, trying to decipher the sudden redness creeping up Sky’s neck. He decided to let it go—for now.

"So... we’re both sleeping here, then," Chris concluded, gesturing to the bed.

Sky hesitated and chewed his bottom lip. "I guess?"

And that was it.

The bed wasn’t exactly tiny, but it wasn’t made for two grown guys either. They both moved stiffly, lying down side by side, bodies awkwardly rigid. Sky turned off the lights and they now had only the moon shining its light on them.

The silence was deafening, filled with the sound of their breathing and the occasional creak of the bed.

They both stared up at the ceiling, their shoulders almost brushing.

Chris spoke first. "The bed feels very comfortable."

Sky shot him a sideways glance. "You’re lying."

Chris grinned. "Yeah, maybe."

Despite himself, Sky felt a smile tug at his lips. The tension eased slightly, but there was still an undercurrent of something neither was ready to address.

Chris’s voice softened. "Just don’t hog the blanket."

Sky rolled his eyes. "You’re the one who looks like a blanket thief."

Chris laughed quietly. The sound was warm, cutting through the awkwardness.

Eventually, their breathing evened out, and the room settled into a peaceful silence. But neither of them truly fell asleep right away—too aware of the other, too wrapped up in their own thoughts to drift off completely.

"Today was... relaxing," Sky finally said, breaking the silence.

Chris turned his head toward him, glad to hear that. "Yeah. I had fun. Glad we took that stroll. It kinda reminded me of back then, you know?"

Sky smiled faintly. "Yeah, it did."

When Sky was showing Chris around and helping him settle in.

Silence settled over them again, comfortable but tinged with lingering thoughts.

Chris’s voice broke through. "How were your exams?"

Sky let out a long sigh that made Chris almost regret asking.

"Not sure I’ll make the Dean’s list this term."

Chris shifted to face him, resting his head on his hand. "Why not?"

Sky hesitated, looking like he didn’t want to talk about it. But eventually, he admitted, "I was just... distracted by a lot."

Chris’s gaze softened. He didn’t ask what had distracted him. He knew somehow, he was in there somewhere.

"You’ll be fine. And even if you don’t make it this time, there’s always next time."

A small smile tugged at Sky’s lips. "Thanks." He paused, then added, "How about yours?"

Chris rubbed the back of his neck, looking sheepish. "Thankfully, I wasn’t aiming for the Dean’s list."

Meaning, he was screwed.

Sky propped his head up with his elbow, his brows furrowing. "You didn’t do well? What happened?"

Chris shrugged. "I just... I’m not just smart, I guess."

Sky frowned deeply. "Don’t say that."

Chris raised a brow. He could clearly see his face, thanks to the moon. And Sky, was glaring at him.

"Why are you glaring at me like that?"

"Don’t talk badly about yourself in front of me," Sky said firmly, his tone protective.

Chris blinked, surprised by the intensity. Then he smirked and rolled his eyes. "Yes, Dad."

Sky huffed but couldn’t hide the warmth creeping into his expression. "Just saying," he muttered.

Chris was suddenly reminded of the time Sky had told him, ’you are not permitted to dislike the people I like. Even yourself.’ He was a flirt, wasn’t he?

Chris chuckled. "Noted." He fell back on the bed, looking at the ceiling.

"I’m sure you’d do well." Sky said quietly, his tone filled with assurance.

Chris let out a sigh, staring at the ceiling, his mind spinning. "Hopefully," he muttered. "Need to work hard if I want a secure future."

Sky shifted beside him. "What are your future plans?"

Chris stiffened. He hated that question. It always felt like a landmine waiting to explode. Should he just pretend to be sleeping?

"I don’t know... Maybe be filthy rich?" He forced a laugh, trying to keep it light.

Sky’s expression subtly changed, his brows drawing together in a way that made Chris frown when he looked at him. "What?" Chris asked, propping himself up slightly.

Sky hesitated. "Nothing... I just—well, I didn’t think you wanted that kind of life."

Chris’s frown deepened. "What kind of life?"

Sky shrugged, his voice thoughtful. "You know... not the simple kind."

Chris blinked. "Not the simple? Who doesn’t want to be filthy rich? Isn’t that what everyone wants?"

Why was he having a bad feeling about this?

Sky was quiet for a beat, then shook his head. "I don’t know. Maybe I do. But..." He sighed. "I kinda just fancy a simple and comfortable life. Nothing too... nasty."

Okay... now this conversation was beginning to make Chris uncomfortable.

"Nasty?" He asked.

"Okay. Maybe that was the wrong choice of word. But I’ve never been much of a fan of rich people."

Chris tried not to give any kind of expression away that may make him look suspicious. But his heart was beating in a weird way and he hoped Sky wouldn’t pay much attention to it.

"I’ve met a few rich people so far. You know... the filthy rich kind—friends, acquaintances, even their parents. A lot of them had nasty personalities or looked down on others. Not all, of course, but... I guess money can be intoxicating. Makes most people forget how to be... decent."

Chris’s lips thinned as Sky continued.

"Personally, I just want to live a peaceful life," Sky admitted. "Be kind to people, care for my friends in ways they’d actually appreciate, you know? I don’t need extravagance for that. And it would be great if they also didn’t need extravagance for that." He paused, a soft laugh escaping his lips. "Maybe it’s just my insecurity. I don’t know. Actually, if I had a super-rich friend, I’d probably feel out of place."

Chris had never been left so... speechless.