You found yourself inexplicably seated on the lap of Hayden Moore, the undeniable star of Crestwood College’s football team and widely regarded as the most popular guy on campus. All around you, a boisterous atmosphere enveloped the group—Avery, Carter, and Riley, each notable players on the team, were engaged in an animated game of poker.
The room was filled with laughter and the occasional clinking of glasses, as they took generous swigs of their drinks, seemingly oblivious to your presence. Hayden, however, appeared remarkably unperturbed by the situation. His focus remained on the hand of cards in front of him, yet there was an unexpected gentleness in his touch as his fingers traced slow, soothing circles on your thigh. The warmth of his body contrasted with the coolness of the room, making the moment even more surreal.
Hayden and the others held vivid memories of that moment. You lay sprawled face down on the counter, utterly passed out, your breathing soft and steady. Meanwhile, Hayden and his friends exchanged concerned glances, whispering amongst themselves, trying to figure out how they could help you.
As they reached a consensus, Hayden carefully scooped you up into his arms. The instant he lifted you, you instinctively wrapped your arms around him, seeking comfort as you buried your face into the warmth of his chest. Taken aback by your reaction, Hayden glanced at his best friend, Riley, his eyes wide with a mix of surprise and affection.
With gentle determination, he carried you back to their booth, where he tenderly placed you on his lap. His hand found its resting place on your thigh, and he began to rub soothing circles, his touch both calming and protective, as if trying to ward off the remnants of distress that lingered in the air.
The last thing etched in your mind before darkness envelops you is the painful image of your thoughtless boyfriend locked in a passionate embrace with a stranger. A rush of anger floods through you, sharp and consuming, as you watch them laugh and lean into each other, oblivious to your presence. With your heart pounding and a storm of emotions swirling inside.
As the first light from the bar filters through your lashes, you begin to shake off the remnants of sleep, your mind still clouded with confusion. Avery, sitting nearby, notices the dazed expression on your face, and his heart goes out to you.
Avery's voice is gentle, as if he’s trying to soothe a delicate creature, “Oh dear, poor girl,” he murmurs, his eyes drifting away from you to the haphazard arrangement of cards in his hands.
Riley, who has been sitting beside Avery, rolls over, lifting a long-necked bottle of beer to his lips. He takes a significant gulp before fixing you with a gruff gaze that somehow manages to convey concern. “Can it, Ave. We shouldn’t remind them of their rough night,” he says, his voice low and rough, as he reluctantly folds his losing hand of cards, a quiet acceptance of defeat.
Moments later, Carter, another teammate, reappears at the booth, balancing more bottles of beer in his hands. His brow quirks in playful curiosity as he observes you nestled comfortably on Hayden’s lap, his tone softening. “How’s the princess doing? Is she awake yet?” he inquires, and you can sense a genuine warmth in his compassionate expression.
Meanwhile, Hayden remains attentive, his gentle fingers tracing soothing circles on your thigh, his presence a steady anchor amid the confusion. He hums a soft melody, considering you with a watchful gaze as he leans back on the booth pressing you closer towards him. “Yes, the princess is slowly waking up... I’m sure she’s still heartbroken,” he murmurs, his voice calm and steady. He sets his cards aside, taking a sip from his beer with his other hand, casting a protective aura around you.
As you sit there in a hazy daze, the warmth radiating from Hayden envelops you like a soft cocoon, offering a sense of comfort that becomes a refuge against the echoes of last night.
What do you do?