Chapter 26

The game continued for a while, the lively atmosphere filling the room with laughter and excitment.One round after another, each of them took turns answering the music of the songs and taking dares or sipping their drinks as penalties. Adam found himself loosing four times in a row, a streak which earned him amused glanced from his friends especially Sam and Mike . However each defeat comes with a heavy price--- he had to drink more wine.

At first , the alcohol didn't hit him too hard, but as the party progressed, hr could feel the effects of alcohol creeping in. His body began to grew lighter, his senses slightly hazy and his usual sharp thoughts blurred at the edges. He let out a small chuckle, shaking his head at how easily the warmth of the wine had spread through his body . 

Next to him,Sam was in far worse state than him. Slumped lazily against the back of his seat, his finger loosely holding onto his glass,Sam let out an exaggerated sigh. His head lolled to the side as hi muttered,"I've never had this kind of wine before... It's too powerful for me."His voice was thicked with intoxiaction,his words slightly slurred.

Adam turned to look at Sam, amused. "You're already this drunk?" he teased. "You didn't even drink that much."

Sam groaned dramatically, waving a hand in dismissal. "Says the guy who's losing every round. What, are you immune to alcohol?"

Adam smirked but didn't reply. He wasn't completely unaffected, but he was handling it better than Sam, at least for now. Still, there was something strange about this wine. It wasn't just the usual light-headedness of being tipsy—there was a warmth spreading through his veins that felt a little too strong, a little too potent.

As he absentmindly swirled the remaining lemon juice of his glass, he suddenly felt an unsettling sensation prickling at the back of his neck . A lingering gaze. Someone was watching him.

Adam felt the weight of Theodore's gaze on him long before he turned around. Even with the haziness of alcohol clouding his mind, the sensation of being watched was impossible to ignore. As the game wrapped up, his friends began to scatter, some moving toward the dance floor, others refilling their drinks or slipping away into side conversations.

So Adam decided that he needed some air. The heat from the wine, the noise and the lingering sense of unease were starting to make his head spin . He stepped away from the main crowd and headed towards the first floor balcony , hoping the cool night breeze would clear his mind. 

Just as he leaned against the railing, exhaling slowly, a familiar voice broke the silence

"Enjoying yourself?"

Adam didn't need to turn around to know who it was. He already knew.

"If you call losing three rounds in a row and getting a feeling buring in stomach ,is surely enjoyable. How about you Theodore ? Did you enjoy the party,asked Adam. His voice was dry, but there was an edge to it. He finally turned to face Theodore, who was standing a few feet away, hands in his pockets, his gaze steady and unreadable.

Adam's gaze flickered downward, noticing that Theodore had been keeping one hand hidden behind his back. His curiosity piqued, he tilted his head slightly.

"What are you trying to hide" Adam asked, his voice softer now, the tension from their earlier conversation still lingering in the air.

Theodore didn't respond right away. Instead, he studied Adam for a moment, his expression unreadable as always. Then, with deliberate slowness, he brought his hand forward, revealing a small, elegantly wrapped box. 

"This is for you"

Adam blinked for a moment , totally caught off guard."for me?"

Theodore gave a small nod at him."Its for your belated birthday belated gift.

A stranged warmth spread through Adam's chest,but this time not from the wine, but from the quiet sincerity in Theodore's voice.Adam hadn't expected this.He never thought that Theodore will be standing infront him with a carefully chosen gift.

Taking the box from Theodore hand, Adam carefully unwrapped it, his finger moving with the mix of anticipation and hesitation about what will be inside of it. Inside, nestled in soft gray , was a watch.

Astunning piece-- sleek, sophisticated, yet not overly extravagent. This kind of watch that suited him perfectly

Adam breath hitched slightly,"It's.. beautiful."

Theodore reached out, his finger brushing lightly against Adam wrist."Let me."

Adam didn't resist as Theodore gently took his hand, his touch surprisingly warm and steady. With precise movement, Theodore fastened the watch around the Adam wrist, adjusting it right.

As the metal watch rested against Adam skin, Adam found himself staring , but not at the watch, but at Theodore. 

"It looks good on you,"Theodore murmured, his voice low.

Adam swallowed, suddenly feeling breathless. His heart wasn't racing because of alcohol at this moment.

"Thank you,Theo "Adam, said, quieter than before,but carrying the weight of his words. Theodore simply met his gaze, a small smile playing at the corner of his lips