The guys were having a great time at the bar, drinking and talking about different things. They didn't even notice how time passed. Suddenly, Tim entered the bar.
Willy: "Tim? What's he doing here?"
He was surprised he couldn't believe it.
Ethan: "I texted him to come."
Tim noticed the boys and walked toward them.
Tim: "How are you, guys?"
Al: "Excellent."
Tim: "I can tell."
He pointed to the empty bottles on the table
Logan: "I'm sorry, we should've texted you earlier."
Tim: "It's fine. I don't drink and I don't like crowds."
Ethan: "I'm sorry for dragging you here, but we need your help. I didn't want to call anyone else. Stay with us before we go home."
He pointed to the empty chair beside him. Tim had no choice, he couldn't just leave them again. After a while, the waiter came and placed a glass of whiskey on the table.
Ethan: "Who's that for?"
Waiter: "For him."
He motioned to Tim.
Tim: "But I didn't order anything."
Waiter: "Someone sent it to you."
Tim didn't even touch the glass. He wasn't interested in who sent it. Willy kept his eyes on him, first looking at the glass, then at Tim.
Tim: "If anyone wants it, you can drink it."
Willy immediately took the glass and downed it in one go. He was clearly angry, swirling the empty glass in his hand. Tim smiled at that. After a moment, someone approached their table.
Stranger: "Hello, my boss would like to speak with you. He's waiting upstairs, on the second floor."
He looked only at Tim, as if no one else existed.
Tim: "And who's your boss?"
He wasn't about to meet anyone so easily, especially someone he didn't know. The stranger, likely a security guard, handed him a business card. Tim glanced at it, then immediately stood up.
Tim: "I'll be back soon."
He said it calmly and disappeared with the guards. Willy didn't like that. He acted as if nothing had happened, but he was dying to know who Tim was meeting.
Ethan: "I told you he's popular wherever he goes. Everyone likes him."
It was impossible to deny. Even though Tim looked mysterious and intimidating, he was actually caring and kind.
Willy: "I'm going out for a bit."
Seb: "Are you okay?"
Willy: "Yeah, I just need some fresh air."
Seb: "Alright."
He stepped outside, hoping to catch a glimpse of what was happening upstairs. A few minutes later, he came back and glanced at the second floor. Nothing was visible. The VIP room curtains were drawn, blocking any view. Willy sat down again, though his eyes kept flicking toward the stairs.
Al: "Don't worry, he'll be back soon."
Willy shot him a glare, and Al went quiet. Normally, they'd joke around, but now wasn't the time. Willy seemed… jealous.
The boys didn't have to wait long. Tim returned after about ten minutes.
Ethan: "Everything okay?"
Tim: "Yeah, sorry for keeping you waiting. We can go now."
Seb: "How are we getting home?"
Logan: "My boyfriend's picking me up."
Al: "Perfect. I'll go with you. We live in the same direction."
Ethan: "Then the rest of us will go with Tim."
Willy: "Why? I'll go with my brother."
Tim looked disappointed he'd wanted Willy to come with him.
Logan: "Miles is staying with me tonight. Your house is on the other side of town."
Willy: "Fine. I'll leave you two alone. I don't want to be a third wheel."
Ethan: "Then we'll head out first."
Tim, Willy, Seb, and Ethan left together, not waiting for Miles to arrive.
In the car
Seb: "Tim, can you drop me off at the pharmacy?"
Ethan: "You feeling sick?"
Seb: "Nothing serious. An old injury just acts up sometimes. I want to grab some painkillers."
Tim: "Don't take them right away. If it hurts, just keep it warm."
Seb: "As you say, doctor. I'll save it for tomorrow morning. I won't have time to buy it then."
Ethan: "I'll go with him."
Tim knew exactly what they were planning, they wanted to leave him and Willy alone.
Tim: "Take care of yourselves. Call me if you need anything."
He stopped the car near a pharmacy, and the two got out. Now, only he and Willy were left.
Tim: "Willy, tell me your address."
Willy: "I forgot."
Tim: "If you don't remember, I'll call Seb."
He picked up his phone, but Willy snatched it away.
Willy: "No need. Let's go to your place. I'm tired and I have to wake up early."
Tim: "No, you're drunk."
Willy: "So what? Either we go to your place, or I'll stay here."
He reached for the door, but Tim stopped him.
Tim: "As you wish, Captain."
He didn't want to argue. Now definitely wasn't the time.
Soon, they arrived at Tim's apartment. He parked in the garage, opened the door, and helped Willy out. They went up to the third floor, and Tim unlocked the door.
He stepped aside to let Willy in first, then closed it behind them. The room was dark, so Willy couldn't see much. Tim turned on the light.
Willy: "Didn't think it'd be this clean."
Tim: "Because I live alone?"
Willy said nothing.
Tim: "I've lived alone for years, so I'm the only one taking care of myself."
Willy's eyes stayed on him.
Tim: "You don't know much about me yet but we've got plenty of time to change that."
He noticed Willy still staring.
Tim: "Why are you looking at me like that?"
Willy stepped closer and placed his right hand on Tim's neck. Now Tim realized he was staring at his lips.
Willy: "I want to kiss you."
Tim immediately covered his mouth with his hand.
Tim: "Me too, but not now."
Willy froze. He knew Tim had feelings for him, but didn't understand why he refused.
Tim: "You're drunk. You'll regret it in the morning. Maybe it doesn't mean much to you, but it does to me because it would be my first kiss. And I want you to remember it."
Willy stepped back, shocked.
Willy: "First kiss? You've never been in a relationship?"
Tim: "That's right. Let's talk about it tomorrow. You can ask me anything, and I'll answer honestly. But if I told you tonight, you probably wouldn't remember."
Willy couldn't stop thinking about those words first kiss. He realized how little he really knew about Tim.
Tim: "You can sleep in my room. I'll sleep out here."
Willy: "No, that'd be awkward. I know you don't sleep well at night, so sleep next to me. I'm sure you'll finally rest peacefully."
Tim: "I doubt it because I'll be thinking about sleeping next to you all night."
Willy: "Don't make me feel bad. Please, just accept."
Tim: "Alright, but on one condition."
Willy: "Whatever it is, I agree."
Tim patted him on the head.
Tim: "You agreed without even asking what I want. Why are you so cute? Just… hold my hand until I fall asleep, okay?"
His eyes sparkled. Willy laughed softly.
Willy: "You're such a kid. Should I read you a fairy tale too?"
Tim: "That's a good idea and don't forget to kiss me on the forehead."
Willy sighed and shook his head with a small smile. Tim always had the last word, he never lost that game.
Tim: "Time for bed. You have to wake up early."
Willy kept his promise. Surprisingly, Tim fell asleep quickly. You'd never think he had insomnia. Willy watched him sleep peacefully, then hugged him gently and kissed his forehead again.
Tim always felt safe around Willy, he hadn't felt that way since childhood. And Willy, too, felt calm with Tim, knowing he was finally in good hands.