Rai didn't know why it bothered him so much.
Zade invading his personal space had never exactly been new. If anything, it had been the usual.
But today, feeling Zade so close made him feel way more triggered.
Maybe it was the living room.
The mess.
Or maybe it was the smell.
Beer. Sharp, stale, clinging to Zade like a second skin. It made Rai's nose wrinkle, his stomach twist just slightly. He had always hated the smell. But he had to admit it wasn't so unbearable today.
Must be because it's faint...
Or maybe it was just… Zade.
Standing there, right in front of him, like distance didn't exist. Like Rai didn't need it.
It was always triggering. Always too much.
Zade.
He was always triggering.
"Okay, okay. Gosh," Zade said, throwing his hands up in mock surrender, though the grin tugging at his lips ruined the effect. "I was just trying to give you a hug. You know, to thank you for yesterday."
Rai frowned, the irritation quick and automatic. "For what?"
