"I doubt you lie more than I do… Not that I am any better," Ren said with a faint, bitter smile. "I have no right to judge you."
"Ren," Zayden said softly, tilting his head, his eyes searching Ren's. "You had your reasons. I understand." He reached for the silver-haired man's hand but quickly pulled away.
Noticing the sudden hesitation, Ren blinked, his gaze lifting.
Did he just… try to hold my hand?
"Thank you," Ren murmured, a faint smile curving his lips as he handed over a bowl of fried rice. "I truly appreciate it. You should try this—it's really delicious… Zayden."
Zayden couldn't breathe for a few seconds upon hearing his name from Ren's mouth. Again.
He took the bowl and began eating far too quickly, as if he hadn't eaten in days. It was the only way he could think to calm his racing heart. Maybe if he focused on eating, it would finally settle.
"Please eat slowly—"
Cough.
Cough. Cough.
Ren set his bowl aside and hurried to Zayden's side.
