The Sleepover

Jack had never anticipated the question. Was he staying over at Ethan's? The idea of spending an entire night in Ethan's house was enticing. As his psychiatrist, he was there to monitor Ethan's health, ensuring he was eating and resting properly. Initially, It seemed inappropriate, but it made sense when framed in this light. Ethan was finally letting his guard down, a development Jack hadn't expected after their heated argument during their last session.

"I'll stay. Thanks for having me," Jack responded, his smile warm and gentle.

Ethan stuttered, his face flushing red as he met Jack's gaze. A smirk tugged at the corners of Ethan's lips; relief was evident in his eyes. His behavior had changed drastically; his glances and flustered responses were almost endearing. Did Ethan believe he was being subtle?

Ethan's voice trembled with excitement as he replied, "Really? Ah, I mean. Yes! Feel welcome! Mi casa es su casa, right?”

Jack couldn't help but chuckle at Ethan's nervous enthusiasm. He was like a puppy who had just been praised.

"So, about dinner. Should we order takeout? You mentioned you don't cook, right? Any recommendations?"

Ethan paused, cocking his head to the side before he rose and disappeared into the kitchen. He returned with various menus, muttering about soju and garlic sauce as he sorted the options.

Jack found himself grinning at the sight. The powerful CEO, a man who commanded respect and authority, was a flustered mess. It was endearing to see Ethan trying so hard to impress him.

"What about pasta? I don't get to eat that often, and I've never tried soju. That is if you're okay with it. I did ask for a recommendation."

Ethan's head shot up, their eyes meeting. A wide smile spread across his face before he nodded. "Sounds like a plan. I'll order you something good. Nothing too spicy or odd, just a solid pasta."

Jack nodded, watching as Ethan hurried off to place the order. He had never seen Ethan this excited about food. Or was it the prospect of sharing a meal? Ethan seemed more at ease now that they had cleared the air, a sense of relief washing over him now that Jack had agreed to stay the night.

Ethan returned to the living room, slightly out of breath. He sat close to Jack, their shoulders brushing. The contact seemed to reignite Ethan's nervousness, his earlier relief replaced by a familiar apprehension.

"P… pasta is on its way. We… we have an hour. So, um. I… you…”

Jack nudged Ethan gently. "Relax. We don't have to rush. I have time now that I'm staying over. Want me to help you clean up? We can talk in the meantime."

Ethan responded with a series of incoherent stutters before finally nodding. Jack couldn't help but find Ethan's nervousness endearing. It starkly contrasted with the composed CEO he was used to seeing.

As they spent the hour cleaning the penthouse, Jack found himself increasingly drawn to Ethan. He was amused by Ethan's flustered actions, a sense of affection stirring within him. He hadn't expected Ethan to be so visibly nervous, and it was a sight he found endearing. The decision to stay over had been spontaneous, driven by a mix of professional concern and a personal desire to understand Ethan better. As he observed Ethan, he couldn't help but wonder if Ethan's feelings ran deeper than friendship. The thought sent a thrill of anticipation through him, even as he reminded himself to maintain professional boundaries.

Eventually, the pasta arrived, and Ethan took a moment to plate it, trying to make it look somewhat fancy even though it was takeout. They both had generous servings of spaghetti carbonara, and a few bottles of soju had already been gathered around the couch in the living room. Ethan had mentioned that he'd been eating casually like this recently, with his plate on his lap. It was a new experience for Jack, but he found it amusing and decided to go along.

"Truth or dare?" Ethan asked as they settled comfortably and poured their drinks.

Jack blinked a few times before responding, "Truth?"

Just before taking a surprisingly large bite, Ethan asked, "What is your favorite color?"

"Black," Jack replied, taking his first bite and savoring the unfamiliar dish. "Truth or dare?"

A small chuckle escaped Ethan, seemingly pleased that Jack was playing along. "Dare."

Jack was slightly taken aback, having thought Ethan would prefer to keep things slow and easy. He couldn't remember the last time he'd played this game, probably when he was a child. But they had just started, which meant he would still take the challenge. He saw an opportunity to help Ethan relax and have some fun. Maybe Ethan would finally stop worrying if he could laugh and smile, even for a moment.

"Alright, Ethan, I dare you to... perform your best rendition of a song you choose. It could be anything, from a pop hit to a classic ballad. The point is to let loose and have fun with it."

Ethan laughed nervously before quickly taking another bite, seeming to consider the dare. Jack could see a sense of dread and embarrassment in his eyes as if he didn't want to disappoint. After a deep breath, Ethan finally agreed.

"Alright, Jack. You asked for it. I will sing 'Don't Stop Believin'' by Journey. But I'm warning you; I'm not a professional singer."

Jack was taken aback, surprised as Ethan began to sing. He hadn't expected Ethan to take the dare so seriously, let alone choose such a classic song. As Ethan's voice filled the room, Jack found himself genuinely impressed. Ethan was far from a professional singer, but there was a raw, earnest quality to his voice that was incredibly endearing.

Ethan seemed to shed his initial nervousness as he entered the song. His voice grew more robust, and he incorporated dramatic gestures, fully committing to the performance. Jack couldn't help but laugh, a sense of warmth spreading through him as he watched Ethan let loose and genuinely enjoy himself.

When Ethan finally finished, he was panting slightly with a broad grin. "So, how was that? Did I pass your dare?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with amusement and a hint of apprehension.

Jack was still grinning, his laughter echoing through the room. "Wow, Ethan, that was... that was amazing!" he exclaimed, clapping his hands in genuine applause. "You passed the dare. I didn't know you had it in you. You should sing more often."

He took a moment to compose himself, his laughter subsiding into chuckles as he remembered Ethan's dramatic gestures and enthusiastic singing. A sense of satisfaction filled him, a warmth from seeing Ethan so relaxed and happy. It was a side of Ethan he didn't get to see often, and it was endearing.

"Alright, my turn. I'll take a dare?" Jack asked, his eyes twinkling with anticipation. He was eager to continue the game, curious to see what else the night had in store for them.

The formalities of their professional relationship gradually faded into the background, replaced by a sense of camaraderie and perhaps something more. The soju flowed freely, their laughter echoing through the penthouse as they shared stories and continued their game of truth or dare.

The questions and dares had grown more personal and embarrassing as the night progressed, their inhibitions lowered by the alcohol and the comfortable atmosphere. Jack enjoyed the evening more than anticipated, his heart fluttering with strange hope and anticipation.

Finally, after another round of laughter and a particularly embarrassing dare for Jack, he decided to take a risk. He chuckled slightly, trying to play off his next dare as a joke, but his heart pounded. He was genuinely curious, eager to see Ethan's reaction and perhaps understand his true feelings.

"Ethan. I got… one." He smirked playfully, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Straddle and kiss me. Make a show of it. I mean, you don't have to…."

His voice trailed off, leaving the dare hanging between them. Jack's heart pounded in his chest as he watched Ethan's reaction, his breath hitching in anticipation. He knew it was a bold dare, perhaps too brave, but he couldn't help but hope that Ethan would accept it.

Time seemed to stand still as Jack watched Ethan, his face a whirlwind of emotions. The alcohol had stripped away Ethan's usual guarded demeanor, exposing his thoughts and feelings. Jack could see the consideration in Ethan's eyes, how he chewed on his lower lip, and how his gaze flickered between Jack's eyes and lips. It was clear that Ethan was contemplating the dare, perhaps even liking the idea. But there was hesitation, too, a hint of worry. Was he afraid that Jack was joking? Had Jack crossed a line?

"Ethan… it's fine. You don't have to," Jack said, his voice soft and reassuring. He didn't want to push Ethan into something he wasn't comfortable with.

But at his words, he saw a flicker of something in Ethan's eyes. Was it disappointment? Regret? Jack hadn't expected that. He felt a pang of guilt, realizing that his dare might have given Ethan the wrong impression. He wanted Ethan to accept the dare, but not because he felt obligated to. He wanted Ethan to enjoy it too.

"I mean, I want you to," Jack blurted out, his cheeks flushing red. He hadn't meant to admit it so bluntly, but the words were out before he could stop them.

Before he could fumble out an apology or explanation, Ethan's lips were on his, silencing him. Ethan had straddled him, his weight settling comfortably in Jack's lap. The kiss was warm and eager, indicating Ethan had accepted the dare.

"I dare you too. Kiss me back," Ethan murmured against his lips, his voice barely a whisper.

And so, Jack did. There was no hesitation, no second-guessing. He returned Ethan's kiss with equal fervor, his hands finding their way to Ethan's hips to pull him closer. The taste of soju on Ethan's lips was intoxicating, fueling their shared desire.

As the night wore on, their kisses grew more passionate, more desperate. Clothing was discarded piece by piece, their hands exploring each other's bodies with a newfound curiosity. They made out on the living room couch, lost in their shared desire and the heat of the moment.

Eventually, exhaustion claimed them, their bodies entwined on the couch. They fell asleep in each other's arms, their skin marked with hickeys, a testament to their passionate encounter.

As Jack drifted off to sleep, he couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment. He was aware that things would be different in the morning and that they would have to face the consequences of their actions. But for now, he allowed himself to bask in the warmth of Ethan's body against his, the soft rhythm of his breathing lulling him to sleep.

Jack couldn't help but wonder what the future held for them. Would they be able to navigate the complexities of their relationship? Or would this night be a one-time thing, a memory to be cherished but never repeated?

Despite the uncertainty, Jack found himself hoping for the former. He had grown fond of Ethan, his heart fluttering at the thought of him. He wanted to explore this newfound connection, to see where it could lead them. But he also knew that it wouldn't be easy. They had to tread carefully to balance their professional relationship and personal feelings.

But for now, Jack allowed himself to enjoy the moment. He held Ethan close, his fingers tracing lazy patterns on his skin. He listened to Ethan's soft breathing, the steady rhythm a comforting lullaby. And as he fell asleep, Jack couldn't help but feel a sense of hope. He didn't know the future but was eager to find out. And he hoped that Ethan felt the same way.