22. The Apartment

Logan

Amonth later, back in Indiana, Logan met with Mrs. Richardson to obtain the key and wasted no time moving into their apartment two weeks early, eager to arrange everything before the start of the semester. Already mid-haggle with someone online for an old, used couch, he thanked her profusely when realizing she had the apartment furnished. Filled with anticipation and excitement, he geared up to begin the year on a positive note. Hunter planned to fly in and join him that Friday, and Logan counted down the days.

Can’t wait to see you on camera later, it’s been too long, Logan sent him.

I know. I can’t wait. Have a great day, Hunter texted.

Logan stared at the texts from earlier in the day. It was odd that Hunter was so brief with him and so finite in his last message. They had planned for six o’clock but six had come and gone.

Ringing Hunter’s phone went straight to voicemail. His social media said that he had been active just a couple of hours prior. He watched as the time went from eight to half-past nine.

He tried calling him again and this time the phone rang but there was no answer. His social media account said he was ‘active in the last thirty minutes,’ so he messaged him there.

Hey, are you okay?

His message was read but followed by no response. Infuriated by Hunter’s dismissive behavior, he slammed his phone down. Finally, at around half-past ten, he received a call from Hunter. Logan answered it without a word.

“Hey, I’m so sorry,” Hunter started, winded and out of breath. “How’s it going?”

“How’s it going? What happened to you? I’ve been waiting around since six.”

“I know, I’m sorry. Some guys at the office wanted to go out for drinks, and it was someone’s birthday, and I couldn’t say no.”

“Where are you?”

“Uhm, just got home. Pulled up to the building a second ago and making my way up right now.”

“Erin and Neil aren’t with you?”

“Neil is home and Erin stayed behind. I wanted to come home and catch you before bed,” he explained.

“Hunter, you could’ve texted me. I thought something happened.”

“I know, I’m sorry. Are you at your computer? Put your camera on. I’m about to head in so that I can see you right now.”

There was a sudden loud thud at Logan’s door, making him jump. “Oh, shit!”

“Want to say ‘hey’ to Neil?” Hunter asked over the phone.

“Shh, I think there is someone here,” Logan whispered as he made his way to the door. He looked through the peephole cautiously. “I can’t see anyone. Maybe it was a package.”

“I wouldn’t open the door,” Hunter said.

“Yeah, right. Big as you are?” Logan laughed and opened the door to find an empty hallway.

“I told you not to open it,” Hunter said both over the phone and in person, jumping out from beside the door with a smile.

Logan’s heart dropped as he stood in shock for a moment. “Wha—How? Why didn’t you tell me?” He opened the door wide for Hunter to walk into their apartment for the first time.

“Wow, the place is nice. I guess—” Hunter started but was interrupted by a kiss from Logan.

“I can’t believe you’re here.”

Hunter laughed. “I wanted to surprise you. I can’t believe you’re dressed.”

“I only walk around in my underwear when you’re around.”

Living together was a delightful shift for the two, their home becoming a sanctuary of comfort and happiness. Once declaring their majors, they had fewer classes together as higher-level classes dominated their schedules. Logan majored in architectural engineering while Hunter majored in business, like many of the other jocks. They’d sometimes catch each other for lunch at the student union or in between Logan’s work-study at the Dean’s office. Logan quit the ice cream parlor on weekends after Hunter convinced him to tutor students for extra cash at the library. Hunter would use that time to study, often sneaking glances across the quiet rooms.

Their busy days ended in cozy, autumn nights. Grabbing something to eat on the way home and then spending most of the evening cuddled in each other’s arms was a routine they grew to love. The sex became more fluid, more natural. Logan asserted his dominance from below, telling Hunter what to do, how to move, how to choke him just right. Hunter found a perfect balance of equal parts rough and tender, ending aggressive anal play and spanking with sensual strokes and kisses. Despite the busy lacrosse season in spring, they always made time for each other. It scared Hunter how perfect things were.

Once junior year closed out, Hunter found a place to sublet in New York City after being offered another summer internship at the firm. Logan joined him, taking a job as a summer camp counselor at the YMCA and tutoring wealthy Park Avenue children. New York City summers were filled with a sense of freedom and liberation, putting them at ease. They felt fortunate to be, both, best friends and lovers.