***
Connor swallowed hard, intimidated by the tall, confident guy sitting across from him. JP was watching Connor closely, looking like he was trying to figure out a puzzle where the pieces wouldn’t fit. Finally, JP said: “Adam’s a great guy, you know. We’ve become really close over the past year. We both had some problems in the past, running with the wrong crowds, but we’ve turned things around.”
Connor tried to steady his voice as he said: “He mentioned something about an… incident, last year. What happened to him?”
JP seemed guarded, biting his lip, and said, “You’ll have to ask Adam yourself. Let’s just say he’s learned his lesson and he’s trying to stay focused on his studies this year. What about you, Connor? What are you focused on this year?”
Even though JP was clearly suspicious of Connor and trying to figure out whether something was going on between Connor and Adam, Connor felt a strange closeness and respect for JP. He seemed like someone who could be trusted. Connor responded, “Honestly, I’m struggling with all of this. Where I’m from, I never quite fit in, and I tried to be something that I’m not so that people wouldn’t look at me funny. But here, I want to be myself. I don’t want to be scared anymore.”
A smile broke out on JP’s lips, and he seemed to soften a bit more towards Connor. “I can relate. Last year, I was trying to be someone that my family wanted me to be. It took me a long time to finally learn to let go of all of that. But that’s a story for another time. The point is, you should go for what you really want. If something, or someone, makes you happy, don’t hold back.”
Connor saw Adam saunter back to the table with three drinks, and when he reached the booth Adam said: “You two look way too serious for such a happy night. What are you talking about?”
Connor looked up at Adam, the strong features of his face reflecting the dim lights, his deep olive eyes catching Connor’s eyes in a glance. Connor was determined to follow JP’s advice. He would go for what he truly wanted.
JP finished his drink with the two of them, chatting about life and his and Adam’s mutual friends. When he took the last sip he said goodbye to Connor and Adam, promising to see them around. Adam turned to look at Connor when they were alone, his eyes serious. They stared at each other in silence for a few seconds, communicating something that they weren’t allowed to put into words just yet. Finally, Connor said: “Your friend gave me some good advice.”
“Oh yeah?” Adam asked. “What did he tell you?”
“He said that I should put myself out there and go for what I want.”
Adam laughed and said, “That definitely sounds like solid advice. Just be careful. You might get more than you bargained for.”
“I’m tired of being careful,” Connor said, and reached his hand across the table, touching his fingertips to the back of Adam’s hand. “Being careful is no fun.”
Adam’s eyes were glued to Connor’s. Connor’s thoughts were running at a mile a minute. “Maybe we should get out of here?” Adam said. Connor nodded in agreement. They stood up together and walked through the horde of students into the warm summer’s air outside. Campus was still bursting with activity, and as they walked down the path through Donovan Square Connor could feel his insides contract. He was excited about getting to know Adam. There was a powerful attraction between them that was palpable even as they walked side-by-side. Connor felt blood rushing through his body, anticipating his next move. They reached a dark patch of the square, where the lights from the stalls and pubs were drowned out by trees, and Connor grabbed Adam’s hand, pulling him off the path towards a tall oak tree.
“What are you doing?” Adam asked, his voice high and sharp. Connor could practically feel his heartbeat in his throat.
“Trust me,” Connor said, pushing Adam against the tree. Connor pressed his body against Adam’s, running his hand over Adam’s strong chest, their hips grinding together. Connor’s eyes were tracing the line of Adam’s square jaw, all the way to his lips. “I’ve wanted to do this ever since I first saw you in my room.”
“Connor, I…” Adam started to say, but in an instant his lips were locked with Connor’s. They kissed passionately, and Adam’s hands started to explore Connor’s body, running down his back and onto those curves he had seen in the shower that morning. All of Adam’s apprehensions melted away as he explored Connor’s body with his hands. Connor tasted the masculine saltiness of Adam’s skin, savoring every second of the kiss. He ran his hand under Adam’s shirt, his fingers warmed by the heat of Adam’s skin. He was in ecstasy.
Suddenly, Connor heard the sound of clicking behind him, and a bright flash surrounded the scene. “Got it!” someone shouted, and Connor turned around to see what was happening.
Adam called out in horror, “Vernon! What are you doing?” A lanky, beady-eyed guy was standing on the path a few meters away from them with his phone pointed right at Connor and Adam.
Vernon responded: “I’ve got just what I need now, Adam! Isn’t this one of the students you’re supposed to be mentoring? Let’s see what Prof Steyn thinks of this!”
Before Adam could even think of giving chase, Vernon was gone. Adam’s face fell and Connor began to feel queasy. This was exactly what Adam was worried would happen.
Adam spoke after a few seconds of thought, his voice quiet and deflated: “I don’t know what he’ll do. He’s been out to get me since last year. Since we broke into the swimming stadium. Some of the other guys vandalized the place, and because I was with them I was put on probation too. Vernon’s been on my case ever since.”
“Maybe he won’t show it to anyone,” Connor said, trying to reassure Adam. Just as he said it, both his and Adam’s phones’ message tones sounded, and Connor took his phone out of his pocket to read the message. It was a message from an unknown number with a picture attachment; the picture of Adam and Connor kissing!
When Connor looked up to face Adam, Adam was staring at his own phone with his mouth open. “He must’ve sent it to the entire Nova call list! He’s trying to ruin me!” A look of anger came over Adam’s face, and he demanded: “What was I thinking?”
Connor was mortified. He felt panic pulsing through him, and said, “Adam, I’m so sorry! If there’s anything I can do to help…”
Adam shot back, “You’ve done enough, Connor! I should’ve known this would happen. What was I thinking? I should never have let this happen. Just let me deal with it.” Adam’s eyes were brimming with anger, and he barely looked at Connor as he stormed away. Connor was left reeling. The one time he took a chance and went for what he wanted, he messed everything up.