**Chapter 1: Reunion**

It had been five years since Luke Manning, Sam Russell, and their friends, Alexander Jeremy (AJ) and Tom Mayo, had graduated from college. The four of them had been inseparable back then, and although life had taken them in different directions, they still made it a point to meet up regularly. Tonight was one of those nights. The group had gathered at their favorite bar, the same one where they used to hang out during their college days. Luke, Sam, AJ, and Tom were sitting at a table, reminiscing about old times and sharing stories about their lives since graduation. Luke, with his messy brown hair and bright blue eyes, couldn't help but notice how much Sam had changed. Sam, with his chiseled features and charming smile, had always been the life of the party, but now he seemed more confident, more carefree. Luke had always been drawn to Sam's charisma, and as they grew older, his feelings for his friend only deepened. AJ, who had joined their group in his sophomore year, was chatting with Tom about his latest job as a graphic designer. Tom, the jokester of the group, was making everyone laugh with his impressions of their college professors. Luke and Sam sat back, observing their friends with amusement. As the night wore on, Luke found himself stealing glances at Sam, who was regaling the group with a story about his latest project at work. Luke's heart skipped a beat as their eyes met, and he felt a sudden rush of emotions. He had been in love with Sam for what felt like an eternity, but he had never mustered the courage to tell him. Sam, on the other hand, seemed completely oblivious to Luke's feelings. He had always maintained that he wasn't gay, and Luke had never pushed the issue. They had been friends for too long, and Luke didn't want to risk losing their friendship. As they ordered another round of drinks, AJ turned to the group and said, "You know, I've been thinking. We should all take a trip together soon. Just like old times." Tom nodded enthusiastically, while Luke and Sam exchanged a knowing look. Sam, ever the jokester, raised his glass and said, "To many more trips, and to never growing up!" The group clinked their glasses together and took a sip. Luke couldn't help but feel a pang of nostalgia wash over him. They had all been so close in college, and he had missed Sam's presence in his life since they graduated. As they chatted and laughed, Luke noticed that Sam was getting a bit more rowdy than usual. He had always been the life of the party, but tonight, he seemed to be crossing a line. "I'm telling you, guys, I'm the king of trivia nights," Sam slurred, his eyes sparkling with mischief. AJ and Tom started teasing him, playfully calling him out for being drunk. Luke just smiled and shook his head. As the night wore on, Sam stumbled out of the bar, his phone in hand. "I'm going to prove it," he slurred, "I'm going to beat my record." The group exchanged worried glances, but Luke quickly got up to follow Sam outside. It was then that Sam turned to him, his eyes bleary with drink, and slurred, "Luke, can I tell you something?" Luke nodded, and Sam leaned in, his voice barely above a whisper. "I...I think I might be... bi...no, wait, I mean...gay." Luke's heart skipped a beat as he processed Sam's words. He knew that Sam was drunk, but a part of him still hoped that this was more than just a drunken confession. The next thing Luke knew, Sam was staggering back into the bar, laughing and joking with the others. Luke was left standing there, wondering if he had just imagined the whole thing. As they left the bar that night, Luke walked Sam home, helping him stumble along the way. "Sam, did you mean what you said back there?" Luke asked, his voice low. Sam looked up at him, a mixture of confusion and defensiveness on his face. "What are you talking about, Luke? I was just drunk. I didn't mean anything." Luke smiled wryly, knowing that he had to tread carefully. "Okay, buddy. I just want you to be happy." Sam shook his head, still looking confused. "I'm fine, Luke. I just...I don't know what you're talking about." Luke let it drop, but he couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted between them. He made a mental note to keep a close eye on Sam, to see if he would ever acknowledge his feelings. The game of Gay Chicken that followed a few days later at AJ's place was just another example of how Sam never backed down from a challenge - He had never lost a game of Gay Chicken.