Chapter 24
It was the first time.
The realization that Ashley had actually called him made Koi tense up completely. He hesitated before asking,
"What’s wrong? You’re not asleep yet?"
Even to his own ears, his voice sounded unnaturally high-pitched. His face burned with embarrassment, and he instinctively lowered his head.
"Yeah, I made it home. I’m right outside."
Ashley questioned him again, and Koi answered honestly.
"My dad’s been drinking, so I can’t go in right now. It’s fine, though. He’ll fall asleep soon. And it’s not even that cold."
That was a lie.
A chill ran through his body as the night breeze made him shiver. The heat from his bike ride had long since faded, leaving only the freezing night air behind.