Jock Next Bed (BL)
Chapter 183: The Break up

Chapter 183: The Break up

Three days ago, before his world had turned upside down, Sky had been filled with a quiet anticipation.

When he left that morning before Chris woke up, he had left his note pretty vague.

The whole truth was— Mei was coming over.

Sky wiped his hands on the kitchen towel, glancing around Mei’s apartment. Everything was in place. The bed was neatly made, the clutter cleared, and the small dining table had two plates set. He’d even lit a candle, though he wasn’t sure if that was overdoing it.

But he hadn’t stopped there. He’d also prepared a meal, a simple but flavorful dish that he hoped Mei would enjoy. He’d even packed a portion for Chris, carefully placing it in a container. He hadn’t thought of any excuses to give Chris if he asked where the food had come from. He didn’t want to lie. He wanted Chris to know he had made it. He wanted to see his reaction, to hear what he thought. If he liked it.

He wanted to know if Chris liked it better than his mother’s cooking, a thought that brought a small, mischievous smile to his lips.

He’d planned to tell Chris about Mei’s visit later, to explain everything honestly. He didn’t want to lie, not anymore. Not to Chris. And not to Mei either. Maybe that was why he was overdoing things right now. Because of the guilt he felt towards Mei.

The sound of the pass code being entered in the front door snapped him out of his thoughts. Mei stepped inside, her eyes widening slightly when she took in the room.

She grinned, kicking off her shoes. "You’re really setting the bar high. Future boyfriends will have to try hard to compete."

Sky chuckled at the obvious jokes, but there was a hollowness to it. He clearly knew why.

They had lunch. Talked about random things. Mei didn’t get into any serious talks and neither did Sky. She did notice how he seemed to be checking the time and how today, he seemed to be eating a bit faster. And also the terseness of his shoulders and the glint of guilt in his eyes. She noticed everything.

And it wasn’t until they were done with the dishes and settled on the floor beside the bed that asked, "So, how’s everything going so far?"

"Good, I guess?"

He wasn’t completely sure what she was asking.

"Right. It was your grandmother’s memorial, wasn’t it? I didn’t want to call you. But seeing you, I’m just... surprised. You look bright." she smiled at him. A genuine smile.

Did he?

Maybe it was because the words Chris had said to him last night played in his head repeatedly. Chris had said he wanted him. Told him indirectly that he would like to do more with him. More...

Mei studied him for a moment, then a slow smirk formed on her lips. "Why are you smiling like that?"

Sky blinked, rubbing the back of his neck as if it would get rid of those thoughts and the image of Chris flushing underneath him. "Like what?"

Her smirk widened. "Like a blushing virgin who just got laid."

He nearly choked on air. "What?!" He spluttered, coughing as she laughed.

"You heard me." She leaned forward, resting her chin on her palm. "So? What happened?"

"Nothing happened."

Mei gave him a knowing look. "Sky."

He groaned, rubbing the back of his neck again. "I just... talked to Chris, that’s all."

Her brows lifted slightly. "And?"

"And nothing! We just talked about... stuff."

"Uh-huh. Stuff."

Sky scowled at her teasing tone but couldn’t hide the small smile tugging at his lips.

Did he want to tell someone about it?

Well, maybe?

Mei laughed so hard when he told her about how his mother had caught Chris in his room. Of course, he had kept the details heavily edited. PG13. She didn’t need to know they had been pressing bodies against each other. Neither did she need to know all the dirty thoughts that clouded his head.

Once the laughter died down, they were both quiet, staring into space.

She turned to him, a smile on her lips. "I guess it’s today, right?"

He didn’t need to ask her what she meant. It was clear in her eyes. That she knew that he didn’t want to go on with this anymore.

And it hurt him.

Sky looked at Mei, his gaze filled with a deep apology. He opened his mouth, then closed it again, struggling to find the right words.

"I... I never thought this day would come," he said finally, his voice low and hesitant. "And I certainly never imagined..." He trailed off, unable to finish the sentence.

Mei’s expression softened. She’d seen the unspoken words in his eyes for weeks. "Do you want to break up with me, Sky?" she asked, her voice calm and gentle.

Sky looked at her, his eyes filled with a raw honesty. "Yes," he admitted, his voice barely a whisper. "I... I like Chris. A lot."

Mei stared at him for a beat, then scoffed, shaking her head. "No shit."

Of course if there was anyone who knew it all, it had to be her. Sky let out a dry chuckle.

"I... used to feel like I was cheating on you because... Well, because I was like... into him." He hesitated, feeling awkward saying it like this. "But lately... I feel like I’m cheating on him with you. And I know it’s crazy," he rushed to add, looking at her. "I know it’s silly of me to think that way. But I can’t... I can’t help it."

Sky ran a hand through his hair, exhaling shakily. "I really want to help you, Mei. I want to be there for you. And I love you—I do." His voice wavered, his hands clenched in his lap. "But then there’s Chris..."

He looked up at her, his eyes filled with a desperate sincerity. "If Chris were doing what I’m doing now, with you, I’d go crazy. I know I would. You... know I would."