It had only been a week since Micah arrived at Noah’s house, but somehow Noah’s entire life had brightened. Micah had this strange, effortless way of making people smile — especially Noah.

  But Noah was starting to realize it wasn’t just Micah’s personality. It was everything about him.

  His presence.

  His warmth.

  His height — which Noah absolutely refused to think about for more than two seconds.

  Every moment with Micah left a warm, fuzzy feeling in Noah’s chest. He tried to convince himself that taking a day off work for Micah was a terrible idea… but deep down, he knew it wasn’t.

  Sure, Daniel would probably be sad or worried that Noah wouldn’t show up tomorrow. But someone else was waiting for him — someone who made his heart race just thinking about the morning alarm.

  ---

  Noah didn’t sleep. Not really. Not when he was this excited. He never took breaks from work — not even when he was sick — so this felt like skipping school for the first time.

  But when he walked into the kitchen, Micah wasn’t there like usual. Confused, he headed to the bathroom to brush his teeth.

  And froze.

  Micah stood in front of the mirror, naked except for a towel, casually combing his hair with Noah’s comb.

  It took Noah a full second to process the sight.

  Why the hell is he naked? In my bathroom? Using my comb? With those— those abs—

  The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

  Noah’s face exploded red, and blood shot from his nose like a fountain.

  “MICAH! Why the hell are you in my bathroom?!”

  Micah blinked, genuinely confused. “I was taking a shower. Is that not clear? Or should I remove the towel?”

  “GAH!!! NO! Do NOT remove the towel!” Noah shrieked, shoving Micah out and slamming the door. He pressed his back against it, breathing hard.

  Why, God? Why must you test me with this creature? And why must my thoughts be so— so lustful?!

  ---

  30 minutes later

  “Okay, Micah! Wear these. Let’s go.”

  Noah shoved a beanie and hoodie at him without making eye contact. The mental image of Micah dripping wet in the bathroom was still burned into his brain. He couldn’t afford to lose any more blood.

  Micah immediately began stripping again.

  Noah turned away so fast he nearly snapped his neck.

  Please kill me. Please. Does he not understand shame?!

  “Okay. Let’s go,” Micah said once dressed.

  Noah turned. Micah’s ears and tail were perfectly hidden. Good. One crisis avoided.

  They stepped outside. Noah’s ears were still red. His brain was still malfunctioning.

  “Noah? Where are we going?”

  “Supermarket.”

  “What is the supermarket?”

  “A place where humans go to buy stuff.”

  “What kind of stuff?”

  “Micah, I swear— I am NOT in the mood!”

  Micah’s ears drooped. “Are you mad at me? Did I do something wrong?”

  Noah didn’t answer. He just kept walking, refusing to look at him.

  “I’m not mad,” he finally muttered. “Just… annoyed.”

  “I can assure you that is the same thing.”

  Noah sighed.

  “Please tell me what I did wrong so I can do better in the future.”

  Noah wanted to glare at him — he really did — but Micah’s earnest tone melted him instantly.

  “It’s just that you do things… that affect me in a… um… a way that is very distra—”

  “I think you’re trying to say I am attractive.”

  “W-WHAT?! I never said that! I— I— y-you—”

  Noah didn’t get to finish. Micah wrapped him in a warm, firm hug.

  “Shall we go now?” Micah murmured.

  Noah’s breath caught.

  His heart stuttered.

  And any remaining anger evaporated.

  There was absolutely no way to stay mad at this man.