Chapter Text
Balthazar had to stop by the coffee shop to get a quick Americano. It wasn’t easy getting up this early, and it wasn’t dignifying either. He thanked God Ben had night classes, otherwise he'd find out about his little mission.
Balthazar carefully carried his hot coffee and walked over to the football field. The football field was fenced with window-walls so the balls won't go flying off. The lights weren't turned on since it was technically morning. Through the massive see-through walls, Balthazar could see some football players stretch. It was almost 6 o’clock, and the entire campus was still. All students were either sleeping in their bunks, or studying for their courses. Expect for the football team who had to exercise every single Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, and, of course, Balthazar.
Balthazar’s classes don’t start for another 3 hours. So, why was he up at this crazy hour?
Well, the answer to that question was because of a pair of brown eyes and a wild all-round great guy personality.
He usually hated himself when he set the alarm at 5, but it was the only time where he could see Pedro play. And see Pedro, period.
So, this time he wanted to see more of Pedro. Balthazar was keen on asking Pedro to a singing hangout. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to make more of whatever he and Pedro had (which wasn’t much… yet).
Balthazar timed his entrance perfectly cause as soon as he stepped foot inside the field, Pedro and his mate came yawning in.
“Hey, Balthazar.” Said his mate… Claus, maybe? Balthazar never could quite remember his name. And he’s too embarrassed to ask for it again for the fourth time.
“Oh, hey. You guys are… training again?” Balthazar asked. He always acts as the clueless music student who may or may not be passionate about football. Claus nodded, slowing down his pace to chat a bit, so naturally Pedro did as well.
“Yeah, every Wednesday. It’s a real chore, but we can handle it.” Claus said, glancing at Pedro. They reached the benches and Pedro dropped his gym back next to Balthazar’s feet.
God, he looks really good in his training uniform, it’s almost unfair, Balthazar thought to himself as he shyly smiled at Pedro. Both Claus and Pedro sat on the benches and started taking out water bottles and sports shoes. Pedro hadn’t really been looking at Balthazar since he got there. He always seemed to want to focus a lot on football practice rather than deal with this enormous crush Balthazar seemed to wishfully impose on him.
Claus smiled at Balthazar and looked down to his coffee. Claus? Colby? Calvin? No, it was something strange and a mouth full…
“Isn’t it too early for coffee? I mean, with that much caffeine, I’d say you’ve got 15 hours of classes.” Claus said, bags were under his eyes.
Balthazar laughed and glanced at Pedro. “I’ve got this assignment that requires us to photograph what makes peop—people energetic.”
“Oh, are you going to take photos of us?” Pedro asked, finally looking up from tying his shoe laces together. “You’ll definitely fail your class if you do. We’re the least energetic people on Earth.”
“Well, with that attitude, we will be.” Claus said, nudging Pedro by the elbow. “Don’t let Leo hear you, he’ll have us all running up and down the field.”
“I-I’m not going to take pictures of you, no offence.” Balthazar said.
“Good, cause I don’t even look my best this morning.” mumbled Pedro, as he rubbed his head anxiously and stood up. “I hate mornings.” He was probably an inch or two taller than Balthazar. Balthazar liked people who were a bit taller than he was. He liked how cranky Pedro was in the mornings. And how serious he took football. He liked how soft and glamorous his hair looked; he wanted to rake his fingers within. He liked how easygoing he was with everyone he spoke to. He just liked Pedro in general.
“Alright, let’s go warm up. See ya, Balthazar!” said Claus, waving at him. Pedro was about to follow him, but Balthazar spoke up.
“Hey, Pedro,” he started, unsure that Pedro would actually give him the time of day. But Pedro jolted in position, his undivided attention shown through his eager eyes. Pedro might have been sleep derived, but if he was, it made him look enthusiastic.
“What’s up, Balth?” Pedro said, his voice a bit hoarse. Balthazar did not see that nickname coming a mile away, and it threw him off a bit.
“Yeah, I… I have this… gathering, party thing…with a few mates... there’s gonna be singing and dancing…” Balthazar spoke with such little conviction, he was sure Pedro was going to pass.
“Oh, are you singing? Am I gonna hear you sing?” Pedro said, rather excitedly.
Balthazar shrugged and looked down to his coffee. The steam has ceased, and he should probably drink it now.
He looked up at Pedro, caught a glimpse of him licking his bottom lip swiftly and met his gaze. “Maybe…" Balthazar smiled, "you’ll have to see it to believe it.” What the hell am I saying?
“Is it tonight?” Pedro asked, rubbing his chin and neck.
“Yeah. Y-you can bring…” Shit, what was his name?? “Your friends.”
“I’ll bring Claudio.” Pedro nodded, smiling. Ah, Claudio! “He loves parties. And so do I.” Pedro then pressed his lips together before speaking again, “hey, do you mind if I have a sip of that?”
Balthazar looked down to his coffee and with no hesitation offered it to the footballer.
“Yeah, careful. I think…I actually don’t think it’s hot anymore—but it’s still got all the...you know, essence.” Balthazar chuckled, as Pedro took a tiny sip. He let out a pleased sigh, as if he’s in an espresso commercial.
“This smells so fucking good.” He said, and Balthazar found it extremely hot when Pedro swore. Seeing his lips pronounce foul words somehow made him much sexier.
Before Balthazar’s thoughts could run away with him, Pedro handed the coffee back after taking another gulp off it.
“Coffee’s on me next time.” Pedro said.
A ball dashed sharply between them, hitting the window-walls, making both boys jump in response. Balthazar dropped his Americano, soaking his shoes and
“Sorry!” they heard one of the boys call.
“Fff-- Jamie! That could have hit us!” Pedro yelled.
“Sorry, it won’t happen again.” The boy winced in guilt.
Pedro shook his head disapprovingly at the boy and looked back towards Balthazar.
“Sorry ‘bout that! They’re sort of clumsy in the mornings.” Pedro looked down towards the spilled coffee. “God, I owe you two coffees, mate.”
“Nah- it’s fine.”
“Shit, you probably didn’t even get a sip of that, didn’t you?” Pedro said, but he didn’t wait for an answer. He knew Balthazar didn’t. And he seemed to really regret asking for a sip.
“It’s fine! Really, it’s just coffee. It’s my shoes I’m worried about.”
“You’re buying him 2 pairs of shoes, Raymond!” yelled Pedro, angrily. But Balthazar laughed and stopped him before things got serious.
“It’s fine, Pedro. I- I was kidding.”
“I…I got to go warm up. But coffee is definitely on me next time!” Pedro promised, “And I’m definitely coming to your party.”
Balthazar nodded and watched Pedro jog towards the other players.
He examined his soaked shoes and concluded that they are definitely ruined. Then, Balthazar smiled.
God, it was so worth it.