WANTED A FLING BUT IT'S A NIGHT

CHAPTER 23(JUDE-ZANE)

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE(JUDE-ZANE)

The ride back from Asher’s hometown was quieter than expected.

After the laughter, the shared meals, and the warmth of a family Rhett had never known, a gentle silence hovered over them. It wasn’t uncomfortable—just… reflective. Asher had fallen asleep with his head on Rhett’s shoulder. Jude had music playing low through his headphones, eyes fixed on the road. Zane, surprisingly quiet, was typing something rapidly on his phone.

But what no one knew was that beneath Zane’s quick fingers and Jude’s still expression, something had already begun to simmer—something that started back at the family house. Late-night glances. A shared bathroom moment. The brush of hands when they reached for the same mango juice.

That night, back in school, Asher and Rhett were gone—off to Rhett’s condo.

Zane was alone in the room, or so he thought, until a soft knock came at the door.

It was Jude.

“Hey,” Jude said, voice low. “You left your hoodie in the car.”

Zane blinked. “Oh. Thanks.”

He reached out for it, but Jude didn’t let go immediately. Their fingers grazed. Held. Then, let go.

Jude leaned against the doorframe, his face unreadable. “So... nice family. You don’t seem like the warm, squishy type, but you are with them.”

Zane chuckled, scratching his head. “You don’t seem like the kind that wears cologne that smells like sin, but here we are.”

That earned a crooked smirk from Jude. “You wanna go get a drink? Off-campus?”

Zane hesitated. “You asking me on a date, pretty boy?”

Jude raised an eyebrow. “I’m asking if you’re bold enough to find out.”

They ended up at a quiet lounge—dim lights, moody music, nothing loud or flashy. Jude didn’t talk much. Neither did Zane. But they didn’t need to.

There was something thick in the air between them. Not tension. Not nerves.

Anticipation.

“You always this quiet?” Zane asked finally, swirling the straw in his cocktail

Jude turned toward him, eyes flickering with something darker. “You always this jumpy around guys you like?”

Zane swallowed. “I don’t like you.”

“Cool. Then why are you blushing?” Jude teased

Zane stood abruptly. “Let’s go.”

Jude raised his brows but followed without question.

They didn’t make it past the hallway of Zane’s hostel. Lips met lips. Then teeth. Then breathless laughter between stolen kisses.

Jude’s jacket hit the floor. Zane's shirt was half off before he even realized it.

When they finally broke apart, Jude rested his forehead against Zane’s.

“This doesn’t have to mean anything,” Jude said.

Zane nodded. “Yeah. I know,we are probably drunk.”

Neither of them meant it.