61

ALEXANDER WALTERS

Nathan lined up his shot, eyeing the snooker table with a determined look. I smirked, leaning against the edge of the table, holding my cue stick casually.

"You know, I'm still not over you beating me in that video game last week," Nathan grumbled.

I chuckled, remembering the intense gaming session we had. "Come on, man, it was just a game," I teased, trying to get under his skin.

"Just a game? It was a matter of pride, dude," Nathan retorted, taking his shot and sinking a ball into the pocket.

I took my turn, aiming carefully and sinking my ball with ease. "Well, I hate to break it to you, but I'm just naturally better at video games," I said with a smirk.

Nathan rolled his eyes playfully. "Yeah, yeah, keep gloating. You got lucky, that's all."

"Luck had nothing to do with it, Natw. It's all about skill and strategy," I replied, trying not to laugh. "You should take lessons from me.

He rolled his eyes and let out a stifled chuckle.

"So, are we going to rematch in that video game sometime soon?" Nathan asked, trying to divert the conversation.

I pretended to ponder for a moment before grinning. "Sure, but you should probably start practicing now if you want any chance of winning."

Nathan chuckled, shaking his head. "You're something else, Alex. Always so cocky."

"Well, it's just a little friendly competition," I said, shrugging. "But hey, it's all in good fun, right?"

"Right," Nathan agreed with a nod. "But just you wait, I'll get my revenge one of these days."

I laughed, "I'll be waiting, man. Bring your A-game," I said, raising my cue stick in a mock challenge.

"So, Same time next week?" Nathan asked a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"You bet," I replied. "And don't forget to practice your gaming skills. You'll need it."

Nathan let out a boisterous laugh as he came over to where I stood.

He nudged me playfully as his laugh settled. "So Alex," he began, "have you shagged her yet?" he asked, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

I rolled my eyes, trying to hide my discomfort at his blunt question. I knew who he was referring to and didn't need to ask questions.

"Come on, man, it's not like that," I replied, trying to brush off his inquiry.

Nathan raised an eyebrow, not buying my attempt to dodge the subject. "Oh, really? You've been hanging out with her for a while now. You should've made your move already," he said, smirking.

I sighed Katherine, it was different. She wasn't just another girl to me; she was special. But how was I supposed to tell Nathan this?

"It's not about that, Nathan," I said, my tone more serious now. "Katherine is different, and I don't want to rush things with her."

I gave myself a mental pat on the back. That was a nice way to put it.

Nathan looked at me, studying my expression. "Different how?" he prodded, genuinely curious.

Of course, inquisitive Nathan.

"She's not like the other girls we've been with," I explained, struggling to put my feelings into words.

Nathan's teasing demeanor softened, and he nodded in understanding. "Alright, man. If you say so. But don't take too long. You know how we roll, always onto the next chick," he said, half-jokingly.

He probably thought I meant Katherine was "tougher" than the other girls—like a hard nut to crack and get into.

Well, she was.

But when I said she was not like the other girls I've been with, I meant that what I felt for her was different. But Nathan didn't perceive it that way, and honestly, it was best I didn't explain myself for now.

Or was it?

You know what? Fuck it. Why was I lying? I love Katherine, and I shouldn't be hiding it. It was high time I called off this stupid bet or pact—whatever this shit was between the guys and me.

It's over.

I want Katherine. I want her to be mine.

"I'm in love with her, Nathan," I said firmly. I want to be with her for real, not just as part of some bet or playboy game."

Nathan's eyebrows shot up in surprise, and then his face hardened. "Are you kidding me, Alex? You're really going to throw away our whole plan for some girl?" he exclaimed, his voice tinged with frustration.

"To hell with the stupid plan, man," I said. "Can't you understand? I fucking love her and I'm done playing games."

He scoffed, shaking his head. "You're going soft, man. This isn't like you at all. What happened to the playboy who never got attached?" he retorted.

"I've changed, Nathan. And it's because of her," I said, my voice unwavering. "She's made me see things differently, made me realize that there's more to life than just hookups and games."

Nathan looked at me, his eyes searching for any signs of doubt. "You're really serious about this, aren't you?" he asked, sounding almost disappointed.

"Yes, I am," I said firmly. "I want to be with her, and I'm god-damned serious about it. More serious about it than I have with any other thing in my whole life."

"Alex, come on, man. This whole love thing is just clouding your judgment. You've never been the type to get tied down, and now you want to throw it all away for one girl?" Nathan argued, his frustration evident.

I clenched my fists, trying to remain calm despite his persistence. "It's not just one girl, Nathan. She's different—how many times do I have to fucking say this before you understand? And I can't ignore what I feel for her," I replied firmly.

Nathan shook his head, not backing down. "You're just caught up in the moment, Alex. It happens to everyone. But it doesn't mean you're in love. You're just infatuated," he said, trying to dismiss my feelings.

I looked at him, my eyes narrowing. "No, Nathan. It's more than that. I've never felt like this before. Katherine makes me feel alive, like I've never felt with anyone else. I can't deny it anymore," I said, my voice tinged with conviction.

He sighed, crossing his arms over his chest. "Look, I get that she's special to you, but you're throwing away everything we've planned. What about the bet? What about the other girls?" he pressed,

"What the fuck, Nathan," I yelled. "It's just a stupid bet and the girls don't even fucking matter to me. Let it go."

"The bet doesn't matter anymore, Nathan. It was stupid to begin with," I admitted, my voice a bit calmer.

He frowned, clearly not expecting that response. "Come on, Alex. Don't let this girl change you. You're a player, man. You're not meant for love," he said, almost pleading with me.

I took a step closer to him, looking him in the eye. "Maybe I was a player, Nathan. But things change, and people change. And I'm not afraid to admit that I've changed too," I said, my voice steady.

Nathan stared at me, his expression softening slightly. "You really think you're in love with her, huh?" he asked, sounding more curious than dismissive now.

"I know I am," I said without hesitation. "It might be scary, but it's also amazing. Katherine makes me want to be a better person, and I won't let that slip away."

He let out a sigh, finally realizing that his arguments weren't going to change my mind. "Fine, Alex. I just hope you know what you're doing," he said, his voice tinged with a mix of resignation and concern.

"I do," I replied, feeling a sense of clarity and determination. "I'm going to tell her how I feel, I want her to be my girlfriend and I'm willing to take whatever comes next."

Nathan looked at me, and for a moment, I saw a flicker of understanding in his eyes. "Alright, man. Just be careful, okay? Love can be messy," he warned, his tough exterior softening.

I knew that more than anyone else.

"I will," I assured him.