Shattered Bonds

EPISODE 6

Friday Night – The Party Begins

Friday night had finally arrived.

Tristan, effortlessly exuding his signature bad-boy charm, crossed the street to Nathan’s house to pick him up. His usual leather jacket was draped over his shoulders, dark jeans hugging his long legs, and his messy but somehow perfect hair added to his effortlessly cool aura.

But the moment he stepped into Nathan’s room, he froze.

Nathan stood before him, looking unbelievably stunning.

Tristan’s breath hitched, and for the first time in a long while, he found himself momentarily speechless. His best friend, the one he had always known as casual and laid-back, had transformed into something… breathtaking. The fitted black shirt clung to Nathan’s lean yet toned frame, the first two buttons undone, teasing just enough to be alluring. His tight jeans accentuated his slim waist and long legs, and his normally tousled hair was styled to perfection.

Nathan, on the other hand, had turned towards Tristan at the same time and was equally dumbfounded.

Tristan had always been attractive—there was no arguing that. But tonight, with the way the dim light caught the sharp angles of his jaw, his confident smirk, and the way his clothes hugged his muscular form, Nathan couldn't help but stare for a second longer than necessary.

They both snapped out of it at the same time, breaking free from the brief but noticeable silence between them.

Tristan, always the charmer, let out a low whistle. "Damn, Nat… you look sexy."

Nathan smirked, running a hand through his hair. "I know." He chuckled before adding, "But thanks anyway."

Tristan rolled his eyes. "Cocky much?"

Nathan grinned and playfully nudged Tristan’s shoulder. "Says the guy who probably knows he looks smoking hot tonight." He arched a brow before adding teasingly, "Hope you get laid."

Tristan let out a bark of laughter, shaking his head. "You’re the worst."

"And yet, you still love me," Nathan joked as they made their way out of the house and into Tristan’s car.

---

The Party Scene – Drinks & Dancing

By the time they arrived at the party, the house was already bursting with life. Music pounded from the speakers, colorful lights flashing across the packed room filled with dancing bodies, laughter, and the smell of alcohol mixed with expensive cologne.

Tristan led the way inside, his presence immediately catching the attention of a few familiar faces.

"Nate, over here!" Tristan called, pulling Nathan along towards a group of guys.

Nathan sighed but followed without much complaint. He wasn’t a fan of crowds, and Tristan knew that. Normally, during lunch breaks, Nathan would sit away from the basketball team, preferring quieter corners, which in turn meant Tristan rarely sat with his team either. But tonight, there was no escaping socializing.

As soon as they sat down, Tristan grabbed a bottle and poured two drinks, handing one to Nathan before taking one for himself.

"Drink up," Tristan said.

Nathan took a sip, letting the strong liquid burn down his throat before setting the glass down.

Across the table, Drake—one of Tristan’s teammates—watched him closely. Nathan had always suspected Drake had a thing for Tristan, and now, with how delighted Drake seemed to have Tristan sitting with them, he was more convinced than ever.

After a few drinks, Nathan leaned over and nudged Tristan. "I’ll be back."

"Where you going?" Tristan asked.

Nathan simply smirked. "To handle my agenda."

Tristan snorted. "Good luck with that."

Nathan disappeared into the crowd, leaving Tristan to down another drink. With the alcohol buzzing in his veins, he felt his body relax even more.

"Come on, dance with me," Drake suddenly said, a hopeful glint in his eyes.

Tristan hesitated for a split second before shrugging. "Why not?"

As the music pulsed around them, Tristan and Drake moved to the dance floor. Their bodies pressed close as they swayed to the heavy beat, Drake’s hands occasionally brushing against Tristan’s waist.

Then, suddenly—

A tap on Tristan’s shoulder.

Turning around, Tristan found himself staring at Ethan—the host of the party.

"Follow me," Ethan said, his tone unreadable.

Tristan glanced at Drake. "I’ll be back," he said before following Ethan through the crowd.

Ethan led him away from the noise, down a dimly lit corridor where the music was nothing more than a distant thrum.

"I’m glad you came," Ethan said, a small smile playing on his lips.

Tristan smirked. "Glad I came too. This party’s insane."

Ethan leaned against the wall, watching him intently. "Are you dating anyone right now?"

The question caught Tristan off guard.

He blinked. "Uh… no, not at the moment. Why?"

Ethan’s smirk widened. "Because I want to have fun tonight."

Tristan raised an eyebrow. "And by fun, you mean…?"

Ethan chuckled. "Oh, come on, Tristan. You’re hot. And I have a thing for guys."

Tristan tilted his head slightly, intrigued by Ethan’s bluntness. "So you just hook up with all hot guys?"

Ethan laughed. "Not all of them. But you?" He stepped closer, his voice lower now. "I've always had a thing for you. It’s just that back then, you were with Carl. And after him… well, you’ve been closed off. That’s why I never made a move." He paused before adding, "But now? Now feels like the right time."

Tristan exhaled, his mind spinning for a moment. Ethan had always been attractive, and with the alcohol in his system, his inhibitions were loosening.

Ethan grabbed Tristan’s hand. "Come on, dance with me."

Tristan let out a breath before nodding. "Alright, let’s dance."

Before heading back, Ethan grabbed two shots from the drink section, handing one to Tristan. They clinked glasses and downed the liquor in one go before stepping back onto the dance floor.

Ethan pressed up against Tristan, moving his body effortlessly with the rhythm. The heat between them grew, fueled by alcohol and the electrifying atmosphere.

Then—

Ethan pulled him upstairs.

Tristan followed, barely thinking. His body was buzzing, his thoughts hazy. They entered a room, and as soon as the door shut behind them, Ethan closed the distance.

His lips crashed against Tristan’s.

Tristan stiffened for a brief second. His mind screamed at him to pull away, but then—

Nathan’s words echoed in his head.

"Hope you get laid tonight."

Maybe this was exactly what he needed.

So instead of pulling away, he leaned in.

The kiss deepened, turning heated, hands exploring, bodies pressing closer. The alcohol only intensified everything, blurring the lines of hesitation and desire.

Ethan’s fingers fumbled with Tristan’s jacket, pushing it off his shoulders, and before Tristan knew it, clothes were disappearing, touches were growing hungrier, and—

That night, Tristan didn't know what just did, will cause him his friendship