The morning light streamed through the blinds, painting stripes across the unfamiliar room. Chase groaned, his head pounding like a drum solo. He tried to sit up, but his body felt like lead. He was too drunk to remember anything from the night before.
The last thing he remembered was dancing with Kyle, the music pulsing through his veins, the air thick with the scent of cheap beer and excitement. He vaguely recalled the kiss, the way Kyle's lips had felt against his own, the warmth of his body pressed against his. But then everything went blank.
He squinted at the unfamiliar surroundings. He was in a bed, covered with a soft, blue duvet. The room was clean and tidy, with a large window overlooking a bustling city street. He didn't recognize it.
Suddenly, the door creaked open and Kyle walked in, carrying a tray with two mugs of steaming coffee. He looked up at Chase, his eyes filled with concern.
"Good morning, sleepyhead," Kyle said, his voice soft. "You're not looking too good."
Chase blinked, trying to focus. "Where am I?" he asked, his voice hoarse.
"You're at my place," Kyle said, setting the tray down on the nightstand. "You passed out on the couch last night, so I brought you to bed."
Chase frowned. "I don't remember..." he started, but his voice trailed off. He couldn't remember anything.
Kyle sat down on the edge of the bed, his eyes filled with a mixture of amusement and concern. "Don't worry," he said. "You were a bit of a mess last night. But you're safe here."
Chase looked at Kyle, his mind racing. He remembered the kiss, the way Kyle had looked at him, the way he had made him feel. But he also remembered Monica. He remembered the way she had looked at Kyle, the way she had touched his arm, the way she had whispered in his ear.
"What about Monica?" Chase asked, his voice tight. "What's going on with you two?"
Kyle's smile faded. He looked down at his feet, his expression filled with a mixture of shame and guilt. "Chase, I..." he started, but he couldn't seem to find the words.
"Just tell me," Chase said, his voice firm. "I need to know."
Kyle took a deep breath. "Monica and I...we're close," he said, his voice barely a whisper. "We've been close for a long time. We're like family."
Chase stared at Kyle, his eyes wide with disbelief. "Like family?" he asked, his voice filled with confusion.
Kyle nodded, his voice filled with shame. "She's always been a little...intense. She's always wanted attention. I guess she thought this would be a good way to get it."
Chase nodded, his mind still reeling from the revelation. He couldn't believe that he had been so quick to judge Kyle, so quick to believe the worst.
"I'm sorry, Kyle," Chase said, his voice filled with remorse. "I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions. I shouldn't have been so angry."
Kyle smiled, a genuine smile that reached his eyes. "It's okay, Chase," he said. "I understand. You were just trying to protect yourself."
Chase felt a wave of warmth wash over him. He was so glad that he had come to Kyle's apartment. He was so glad that he had finally gotten the truth.
To be continued...