Nope, not really!

You’re still standing there when it finally hits you that this is real. Not the mansion, not the pool, not even the bodies,

it’s the way everyone is looking at you like in a way, you belong here.

You shift your weight without realizing it, suddenly aware of your posture, your tight form fitting jeans, the way Jamal’s large presence at your side feels grounding and exposing at the same time. His muscular arm brushes yours again, definitely not an accident, and he leans in just enough that only you can hear him.

“Relax,” he murmurs. “You look like you’re about to short-circuit.”

“I’m fine,” you say automatically.

He huffs a quiet laugh. “Sure you are whity.”

Sarah claps her hands once, snapping the moment open. “Okay, you two, don’t just stand there gawking. Come on out, this is your house for the day.”

You follow Jamal onto the patio, the heat of the stone warm under your sneakers. The air smells like chlorine, sunscreen, citrus, and something sweeter underneath it all, probably perfume.

Music hums from hidden speakers, not loud yet, just enough to give the space a pulse.

Trent pushes off the railing and walks toward you first, confident stride, chin lifted. Up close, he’s even more imposing, long masculine limbs, relaxed strength, the kind of man who looks like he knows exactly how good he looks and doesn’t need to prove it.

“Damn,” he says openly, eyes flicking over you once, quick but deliberate. “Bro, I can't believe that this thick white boy is really your roommate.”

Jamal grins. “Bro, you literally saw him yesterday, this is Emile.”

Trent just laughs “Just kidding, just kidding.” offers his hand, firm grip, warm palm. “Again, welcome to chaos.” He says and adds “Can't wait for you to show me, how good you can swim, wanna know what Im working with.”

You laugh a little, nerves bleeding out through the sound. “Uh, thanks. Yeah, i will do my best... Nice place.”

He smirks. “You get used to it.”

Behind him, Dior looks up from the bar and gives you a nod that feels heavier than it should, like it carries weight. Taylor sets the towels down and comes over too, standing close enough that you can feel the heat coming off him, bright eyes sweeping over you with open curiosity.

“Finally get to really really meet you, last time wasn't enough to get to know you,” Taylor says. “Jamal’s been talking you up.”

You glance sideways. “He has?”

Jamal doesn’t deny it. “Only the good parts.”

Taylor grins like he knows exactly what that means, the pictures, the texts, the sounds he heard and told them about.

Justin lingers a little behind the group, wiping his hands on a towel that’s already clean. He meets your eyes for half a second, his smile shy and uncertain.

You give him a smile back.

His shoulders loosen instantly.

“Hey,” you say. “your girlfriend's family really owns this house?”

“Oh... haha yeah this is their home,” he replies quietly. “Uh, welcome.”

The moment feels… easy. Disarmingly so.

Sarah watches the whole thing with an unreadable little smile before clapping again. “Okay! Drinks later, swimming later, but first, showers and changing rooms are inside. Make yourselves at home.”

She shoots you a look. “Especially you, can't have you being shy around all these perfect men.”

Your stomach flips, why does she have to say it like that? What does that even mean?

Before you think about it too much, Jamal’s hand settles at the small of your back as he steers you toward the doors again, fingers warm, pressure light but certain. Not pushing, rather just guiding.

“You good?” he asks under his breath.

You nod. “Yeah. I think so.”

“Good,” he says, voice low, satisfied. “Because once you change, everyone’s really gonna start paying attention.”

Your pulse spikes.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

He opens the door for you, eyes dark with amusement. “You’ll see.”

And as you step back into the cool marble hallway, bag slung over your shoulder, heart racing for reasons you’re not ready to name yet, one thing settles deep in your chest. You’re not just here as Jamal’s roommate anymore.

You’re part of the party now.