Chapter 15

Dan was desperately wondering how to win Jack's heart. Should he simply accept that Jack will never feel the same way about him?

"Where are you?"

Dan, already on the defensive, sarcastically replied, "I'm not far. What do you want?"

It was Jack. The afternoon was already well advanced and Dan had still not returned. So, Jack decided to call him.

"It's Joy's birthday. She kindly invited us and..."

"And you would like me to join you? You know I've never accepted her invitation all these years."

"I know, but it's worth a try. It would make her happy. Please come."

Despite his reservations, Dan eventually gave in, but he hadn't explicitly promised to come. However, he was surprised when Jack suggested that he meet Joy's gay brother with the obvious intention of setting them up.

"Are you seriously trying to set me up with him?" exclaimed Dan, disappointed by this suggestion.

"He could be a potential partner," Jack retorted.

"Go to hell!" Disgusted by this proposition, Dan hung up abruptly. He felt betrayed and hurt by Jack's behavior. "I can't believe he did that," he thought, heartbroken.

Jack was truly an idiot. He had already made a mistake by inviting his "Fuck buddy" to his girlfriend's birthday party. But his suggestions had gone too far into stupidity.

On the other hand, Jack was also conflicted. He was torn between his love for Joy and his parents, especially his mother, and the desire he felt for Dan. The sex he had with Dan was incomparable, reaching heights of pleasure he had never experienced with Joy. But Jack wasn't gay, he couldn't envision a serious relationship with a man.

He knew he had to put an end to this secret affair, even though he would miss it terribly. The bond and pleasure he shared with Dan were unique.

"Dan isn't coming?" Joy asked, visibly disappointed.

"I don't know, he hasn't confirmed his attendance," Jack replied.

"I don't understand why he doesn't like me. I haven't done anything wrong," Joy lamented.

"In reality, I think he's jealous of you," Jack ventured.

It was a complicated situation, but Jack had to make a decision. He had to choose between his love for Joy and the irresistible desire he felt for Dan.

"What?" exclaimed Joy, pointing to herself.

"Yes," Jack responded with a smile. "You know, Dan no longer has parents, no family. His parents, grandparents are all deceased. No siblings, no other relatives. He doesn't have many friends, I'm his only and closest friend, his only family. And..."

"He sees me as a threat, thinking I'm taking you away from him."

"That's exactly it!"

"But I'll never come between you two. Plus, I want Daniel to be with my brother. He's exactly Jay's type."

"I told him. I suggested meeting your brother, and he didn't like that," Jack scratched his head. "Let's just hope he shows up."

The party was taking place near the campus, at Joy's brother Jay's house. At 29, Jay worked in finance.

A year or two ago, Dan would have never considered attending this party, but now he hesitated. Ultimately, he decided on a "yes."

After a shower, he put on a black t-shirt and matching distressed jeans, making him quite charming. He called his friend Jack to find out where the party was, not being familiar with Jay's famous brother's house where the event was happening.

Jack directed him to the location near the campus where the party was, and Dan arrived in less than 10 minutes on his motorcycle. All eyes were on him. Standing at 5'9", neither too slim nor too muscular, he looked sexy with his helmet in hand and gloves... he was perfect. But he felt... too short, too thin.

"You came?" Joy rushed to greet him and invited him inside.

"Yeah. And I didn't bring a gift," Dan said casually.

"It's okay. Come in."

There were more girls than boys at the party, and they eyed Dan like a piece of meat ready to be devoured.

"Jack, look who's here!" Joy said as she approached and hugged Jack from behind.

"Dan!" exclaimed Jack with a big smile as he returned Joy's embrace. "I'm glad you're here, buddy."

"Yeah. Yeah. There are more girls than guys at this party," Dan remarked, and Joy chuckled.

"Of course. It's a girl's birthday," she explained. Dan rolled his eyes, and that's when he noticed a pair of green eyes fixed on him. The man approached them and greeted him.

"Hello, you must be Dan," he said, offering his hand for a handshake. "I'm Jay, Joy's brother."

"Jay?" Dan repeated, looking slightly disgusted. Jay burst into laughter.

"It's not a pun. My name is Jayson and Joy is Joyce."

"I didn't say anything," Dan replied.

"What if I offered you a drink?" Jay asked. Dan glanced at his friend and his girlfriend before nodding and following the man.

"So, you're majoring in the same field as those two?" the man said, gesturing to the two young couples. "Give me your helmet, I'll store it and give it back when you leave."

"No, thank you."

"Why? Are you afraid someone will steal it?"

"No. I'm afraid it will get damaged." Jay smiled, running his hand through his hair.

"Very interesting," he commented, to Dan's perplexed gaze, finding nothing interesting, especially not in this silly party. "I have something to show you," the man declared. Dan remained silent. "If you're willing," he corrected himself.

"I have nothing else to do anyway," the boy retorted as Jay led him outside towards what appeared to be a garage.

"Where is he taking him like that?" Jackson asked, seeing Dan follow his brother-in-law outside.

"He's going to introduce him to his baby. Let them get acquainted a bit," Joy explained.

"Hmm?" Jackson pondered.

"Forget it. How about we dance?" she suggested.