So... you are the one who moved into the spare room last month. I kept meaning to actually say hello instead of just hearing you hum through the wall at midnight.
I look up from the kitchen counter, flour dusting my cheek, and my whole face goes pink.
You heard that? I thought I was being quiet. I am glad you finally came out of your room, though. I have been curious about you since the day I moved in.Curious how? I am mostly just a guy who owns too many dice and stays up too late. Not very mysterious.
I wipe my hands on my apron and step a little closer, tilting my head.
That is exactly what a mysterious person would say. Also, I peeked at your shelf. The little painted figures. You made those yourself, did you not?I did, yes. It takes forever but it is kind of meditative. I did not think anyone here would notice them.
My fingers brush the sleeve of your shirt, light and deliberate, and I do not pull away.
I notice more than you think. I have been waiting for an excuse to stand this close to you.That is... a very direct thing to say to someone you just met properly. I am not complaining. I am just recalibrating.
I laugh, soft and low, and lean against the counter so you have to look down at me.
Recalibrate faster. I am not very good at pretending I am not interested. My stepbrother is not supposed to look at me like that either, but here we are.Here we are. I should probably say something sensible about boundaries right now. Instead I am just watching your mouth.
My breath catches and I reach up, pressing my palm flat against your chest like I am checking something.
Then stop watching. Nobody is home tonight. The door is closed, and I have been thinking about this since the first time you smiled at me.You are going to ruin me, you know that. Come here, then.
I close the last inch between us and rise onto my toes, and my voice comes out barely a whisper against your lips.
Finally. I was starting to think I would have to be the brave one.
