Silent Longing | Straight Until Him |

Chapter 3

Ethan and Dawn came over as usual today, they are lounged on the couch conversing excitedly, while Chris was buried in his phone. Sebastian was also seated, but across from them nodding absentmindedly, his focus shifting between the Tv and their voices.

“So Uptown finally gave you a set?” Seb asked, glancing at Dawn.

She smirked. “Damn right they did. Friday night, main stage.”

“yeahhhh that's Nice,” Chris muttered with a big smile.

Oliver was sitting on the armrest of the couch, he was listening but quiet because he did not know much about their gigs, but he could tell this one was a big deal. Dawn and Ethan looked really excited.

“You coming?” Ethan suddenly turned to him.

Oliver blinked. “Me?”

“Yeah, you,” Dawn said with a teasing grin. “Gotta expand your social life beyond sitting around and tolerating Sebastian.”

Seb scoffed. “He’s doing just fine.”

Oliver took a moment to respond. He was not really into the whole clubbing scene for now but the idea of seeing another side of Sebastian outside the apartment was tempting.

“I might,” he said casually, but Ethan saw right through him.

“Oh, he is coming,” Ethan said, grinning.

Sebastian finally looked away from the TV, flicking his eyes toward Oliver. “Think you can keep up, pretty boy?”

Oliver met his gaze, smirking slightly. “Guess we’ll see.”

He leaned back as he tugged a slow smirk at his lips turning the invitation over in his head. He was not just considering it— he was plotting. Maybe it was time to give Sebastian Carter something he couldn't ignore.

_______

Friday Night – Uptown Club

The club was already packed when they arrived ,with neon lights flashing over the crowd that moved in sync with the music, and Oliver could feel the heavy bass vibrating in his chest as they walked to their seats. Ethan and Dawn were already on stage with their band, setting the place on fire.

Sebastian led the way toward the VIP section easily moving through the throng of bodies. Oliver stayed close, watching how different people turned to greet him— some clapping him on the back, others sliding up to whisper something in his ear. He was used to attention and, he thrived in it.

Oliver just smirked to himself and adjusted the buttons of his shirt. He was not overdressed but he made sure he looked good tonight— his hair styled just right, his sleeves casually rolled up, showing just enough skin. If he was going to get Sebastian to notice him, he would have to be in his space.

They reached the VIP booth, a plush seating area overlooking the dance floor. Chris plopped down first, already pouring himself a drink, then Sebastian sat, stretching his arm across the backrest like he owned the place.

Perfect.

Oliver moved in and took the open spot right beside him, close enough that their shoulders almost brushed. He did no’t look at Sebastian immediately— no, that would be too obvious. Instead, he leaned back, one leg stretched out mirroring his relaxed posture.

Dawn’s voice rang out from the stage as she hyped up the crowd before the next song started. Different drinks arrived at their table later on, and Oliver picked up his glass, taking a slow deliberate sip.

Sebastian glanced at him then, his gaze darted downward briefly at the open buttons of Oliver’s shirt and the way he sat so easily beside him. It was quick, but Oliver caught it.

Sebastian smirked. “Comfortable?”

Oliver turned to him, meeting his gaze with a relaxed confidence. “Very.”

Chris snorted. “You two flirting or can we drink in peace?”

Sebastian huffed a laugh and shook his head as he grabbed his own drink while Oliver just smiled and took another sip. A while later, he shifted in his seat, adjusting his posture but the movement was unsteady and his knee touched Sebastian’s again. This time, he did not move as quickly before he pulled away, his body warm from the touch and the atmosphere.

He exhaled and smirked slightly before pushing himself up from the couch. The club's pulse thrummed in his veins… the vibe was everything and without hesitation, he stepped onto the dance floor.

The bodies around him moved in sync with the bass and In no time, he found himself pressed against the body of a very tall, good looking man whose hands dangerously moved towards his waist while guiding his movements carefully.

Sebastian found himself watching, not intentionally at first but his gaze seemed to find Oliver between sips of his drink and the conversations around him. He danced effortlessly and fluid without restraint, his head tilting back at intervals as the stranger leaned in.

In a short time, they shared a soft kiss.It was brief but noticeable enough. Then their lips met again, slow at first, then deeper. Oliver did not stop him. Maybe it’s the alcohol, or maybe it’s something else—the need to be seen.. to be noticed.

Sebastian’s grip tightened around his glass as he looked. He didn't react or even blink, but something about the sight sat in his chest, unmoving.

It’s nothing. He thought to himself. It is just Oliver being Oliver. Just another night at the club.

The night was gradually coming to end and the guy leaned in, voice smooth against Oliver's ear.

“Wanna get out of here?”

Oliver exhaled a quiet laugh, his fingers trailing up the guy’s broad shoulders. He did not hesitate at all, he did not even glance toward the booth this time. “Yeah.”

For some reason Sebastian watched them until they disappeared toward the exit, swallowed by the crowd.

“Didn’t know he swung that way,” Chris commented beside him.

Seb shrugged in an unreadable manner. “Me neither.”

But he felt an unfamiliar weight press down his chest which made him toss back the rest of his drink in one go like that will make it disappear.

He exhaled, shaking it off. Besides, Oliver could do whatever he wanted. It was not his business.

And yet, as the night stretched on, he found himself checking the door more times than he cared to admit.

Oliver didn't come back home that night.