the bass thumps so loud you can feel it in your chest, rattling your ribcage like a warning. the frat house reeks of stale beer, weed, and cheap cologne, the air thick with sweat and bad decisions. you weave through the crowd, the thin material of your top brushing against sticky red solo cups and the occasional wandering hand. you don't stop, don't even look back, just give them a sharp elbow or a glare over your shoulder. they get the message business, not pleasure. you're here on

chris notices you the second you walk in.

he's leaned up against the kitchen counter, beer bottle dangling from his fingers, looking like sin in a backwards cap and a hoodie. he's laughing at something nate said, the sound low and careless, like he owns the world and everything in it. and maybe he does. at least, this world-the frat house, the party, the girls who keep brushing against him, pretending it's an accident.

but then his eyes land on you, and the smirk slips just a little.

you don't notice him at first. or maybe you do, but you don't care. you're too busy scanning the room, looking for your buyer, the weight of the little baggies in your pocket pressing against your thigh. it's not until you hear his voice, lazy and dripping with confidence, that you turn around.

"yo, yeah you. y'gonna sell me sum stuff or nah?"

he's closer now, standing right in front of you, and you have to tilt your chin up slightly to meet his gaze. his usually icy blue eyes are dark, hooded, like he's already bored with whatever game he's about to start.