Chapter 45
Ashley shoved his hands deep into his pants pockets, just to resist the urge to reach out and pull Koi back into his arms.
“So,” he said casually, “why’d you run this time? Is it puberty again?”
“N-No,” Koi shook his head but couldn’t bring himself to look up. Why did it have to be Ashley, of all people? He wasn’t ready. He hadn’t even figured out what to do yet—and now he was caught off guard.
His heart wouldn’t stop pounding. He snuck a glance upward and just in time saw Ashley take his hands out of his pockets and cross his arms. The moment he saw it, Koi’s face drained of color.
Oh no. He’s mad at me, isn’t he? Of course he is—who wouldn’t be, after someone runs away the second they see you?
Koi looked utterly deflated. But while he panicked, Ashley was thinking something entirely different as he gazed down at him.
I want to hug him.
Even with his hands in his pockets, he could feel them itching to reach out. That’s why he crossed his arms—to stop himself. But even that wouldn’t hold out for long. He had to bring this to an end quickly.
“Koi.”
Ashley said his name again. Koi flinched, shoulders shrinking, and he rolled his eyes in every direction, too afraid to look up. Then suddenly, Ashley’s face leaned in close.
“Eep!”
“Where do you think you’re going?”