Mixed Signals

The night after practice, Mark was still caught in the haze of confusion from the locker room. Jared's words, his teasing smile, the way he'd moved—everything seemed to echo in Mark's mind, no matter how hard he tried to push it away. He wasn't sure what to make of it. Was Jared just messing with him? Or was there something else?

The noise of the dorm hall broke his thoughts as he pulled on his jacket, getting ready to settle in for a quiet night. But just as he was about to turn the corner to his room, he was intercepted by Ben, the first baseman of the team.

"Hey, Carter!" Ben called, a broad grin on his face. "You coming to the party tonight?"

Mark hesitated. Parties were never really his thing. Sure, he'd gone to a few back home, but he wasn't the life of the party type. He was more about getting into the routine, staying focused, especially now with all the pressure of college ball hanging over him.

"I don't know," Mark replied, scratching the back of his head. "I think I'll just chill tonight."

Ben didn't seem to take no for an answer. "Oh, come on. You're on the team now. You gotta get to know the guys! It'll be fun. You'll get used to this place a lot quicker if you actually go out once in a while. Plus, there's gonna be drinks, music... girls." He raised his eyebrows in a playful, almost teasing way. "You know, just a chance to unwind."

Mark wasn't completely sold, but Ben's enthusiasm was infectious. Maybe it would be good to take a break from the tension of practices and the constant teasing from Jared. And maybe, just maybe, it would be a chance to figure out what the hell was going on with him and the pitcher.

"Alright, fine," Mark relented. "I'll stop by."

"Attaboy!" Ben slapped him on the back, a little harder than necessary, causing Mark to stumble slightly. "I'll save you a drink!"

---

The party was at one of the bigger dorms on campus, the music pounding through the walls before Mark even stepped inside. The space was filled with students, laughter echoing, cups clinking, and the occasional shout over the noise. Mark entered the living room, feeling slightly out of place as he glanced around. He wasn't used to this scene, but the more he looked around, the more he noticed familiar faces—his teammates, mostly.

Ben was already deep in conversation with a few of the guys, so Mark made his way to the kitchen, grabbing a drink, trying to stay out of the way. The alcohol felt strangely comforting, a way to relax his nerves. The noise and the crowd were beginning to overwhelm him when he saw him.

Jared.

Mark couldn't help but watch as Jared stood in the middle of the room, surrounded by a group of girls. He was laughing, talking easily, a natural at drawing attention. Every girl seemed to be hanging on his every word, touching his arm or shoulder as he joked around. Mark's heart dropped a little in his chest.

He hadn't thought about it much, but seeing Jared in this context… it was almost like he was a different person. Confident, flirtatious, and in control.

*Is this who Jared really is?* Mark thought, feeling a sharp pang of jealousy he couldn't quite explain.

He had misread everything. It wasn't that Jared was showing any kind of interest in him; he was just doing his usual thing. Playing the field, as he always did. Mark turned away, feeling embarrassed. Maybe he'd been fooling himself into thinking there was something more.

---

The party continued to pulse around him, but Mark couldn't shake the image of Jared surrounded by girls. It was so easy for him, so natural. Mark didn't belong here, didn't fit the mold. He took another sip of his drink, hoping to drown out the discomfort that seemed to grow as the night went on.

He tried to focus on small talk with some of the other players, but the laughter and music became a blur as he kept glancing over at Jared. That was when the unthinkable happened.

Mark stepped outside onto the balcony for some air, trying to shake off his unease. The night was cool, and the quiet seemed to offer some comfort. That was until he saw Jared again.

Jared was standing in the doorway, his eyes scanning the area before he stepped out onto the balcony, closing the door behind him. He hadn't seen Mark yet.

Mark took a deep breath, about to turn and head back inside, when Jared's voice stopped him.

"Carter," Jared said, his voice low and smooth, a hint of mischief lacing it. "You alright? You've been avoiding me all night."

Mark froze, heart skipping a beat. *Avoiding him?* Was that really what he was doing?

"I wasn't avoiding you," Mark replied, trying to sound casual. "Just needed a break from all the noise."

Jared's lips curled into a grin. "I get that. It's kind of loud in there." He paused, his gaze lingering on Mark for a second longer than necessary. There was something different in Jared's eyes now—something that Mark couldn't quite place. "You look good tonight, Carter," he said, voice dropping just a little lower. "You should come hang with me and the girls sometime. You'd fit in."

Mark swallowed hard, his pulse quickening. "Thanks, I—"

Before he could finish, Jared stepped closer. Much closer. Mark could feel the heat radiating off his body, his breath quickening. Jared's hand shot out, lightly resting on Mark's waist, just barely touching the fabric of his shirt. The touch was enough to make Mark's heart race.

Then, before Mark could react, Jared leaned in.

And kissed him.

It was brief, just a soft press of lips, but it was enough to send a jolt of electricity through Mark's body. He stood frozen, his mind reeling, unable to process what had just happened. Jared pulled away with a smirk.

"Don't look so shocked," Jared teased, his voice laced with playful confidence. "I've been trying to get your attention, Carter. You've just been too busy hiding from it."

Mark's mind was spinning, his heart pounding in his chest. He opened his mouth to say something, but no words came.

Jared's grin softened, and he gave Mark a little wink before turning to leave. "See you around, new guy."

Mark stood there for a moment, completely stunned. His head was a mess of confusion and desire, and he didn't know what to make of any of it. What had just happened? Was Jared serious? Or was he just playing another game?