Hardon

Jadon burst from the water, victorious and claiming the gold in the 600-meter race, shattering his personal record.

It was an unexpected triumph, considering the fierce competition. In particular, a menacing swimmer from Lincoln Park High. As Jadon caught his breath, he couldn′t shake the thought that perhaps, just perhaps, the other side had some hidden ace up their sleeve, like a dash of performance-enhancing drugs.

Amidst the cheers from Michaela and other friends in the bleachers, Jadon′s gaze drifted to a dark-haired dude sitting next to his friend León. His intense gaze, fixed on Jadon, sent blood rushing to the latter′s cheeks as he realised he was still in his tight black speedo. León noticed and followed the former′s line of sight to Jadon.

″Jadon! You were awesome, man,″ León greeted him.

Jadon grabbed his towel in a haste, covering whatever little he could as he approached León and the handsome stranger; his revealing swimwear left nothing to the imagination.

″Sup, León?″ Jadon grinned. He glanced at the lad next to León, who hadn′t taken his gaze off him, increasing his nervousness. The boy was tall and well-built, with cedar irises, disobedient dark curls, and a captivating smile. Jadon couldn′t help but think he was the hottest dude he had seen in a long time — way out of his league.

Meeting Harlem was making him even more anxious. Jadon had never had a high opinion of himself, despite his friends′ attempts to boost his confidence. Michaela often teased him about it, but his struggle to see what others saw in him was genuine.

León introduced them, explaining that Harlem was a friend from his former school, Fremont High. León had transferred to Jadon′s school when his parents moved, and the duo had clicked since first period that semester.

″Hi, Jadon. You were great just there, trashed the rest of them,″ Harlem congratulated him, a smirk curling the edge of his perfect lips.

Even Harlem′s voice had a husk to it, which did nothing to soothe Jadon′s blush. He struggled to find the right words in response.

″Oh. Yeah, thanks,″ Jadon stammered, flustered.

Just as he was recovering from his embarrassment, Michaela′s exuberant arrival interrupted; she just about flew toward him, causing Jadon to lurch forward. Harlem steadied him with a quick reflex, but not without an unexpected consequence.

Michaela had forgotten that swimmers coated themselves in oil before races to shave off precious seconds. As a consequence, she slid down Jadon′s greased torso, landing on her ass with a resounding thud. As the others burst into laughter, Jadon was grateful he had used his towel as a strategic shield.

Harlem′s hand remained on his arm as he helped Michaela back on her feet. Jadon couldn′t help but notice Harlem′s attractive features — his chiseled jawline, strong biceps, and broad shoulders — and the heat began to stir in his groin.

″Uh, thanks,″ Jadon managed to murmur, his gaze locked onto Harlem′s mesmerizing brown irises.

Harlem cracked a kind smile, and Jadon made a feeble attempt to reciprocate. León asked if Jadon had more races to compete in.

″Nope, all done here,″ Jadon replied. ″I′ll hit the showers real quick and get dressed.″

″Cool. Meet us out front, we can hang till Dad comes to get us. Harlem is sleeping over tonight,″ León said.

″Sure. Take Michaela along, we don′t need her sneaking into the men′s locker room again,″ Jadon chuckled.

″J, that was one time!″ Michaela protested.

″I helped at least twice,″ Jadon quipped back, reminding her of her previous escapades.

The banter continued as León, Michaela, and Harlem made ambled towards the door, leaving Jadon to admire Harlem′s slender frame and round ass, snug in his ripped jeans.

He got caught staring and averted his gaze, cheeks burning; still blushing, Jadon headed off to the locker room, his imagination casting Harlem in some of the dirtiest scenarios Jadon had ever pictured in his head.