the relief that washes over him as she begins to joke around isn't something he could properly articulate . would always feel lucky to be in this position with her , quite literally , and can only hope this lingering feeling of self doubt would slowly dissipate the longer they spent together . ( truly together . ) it didn't matter if he felt two feet tall around her before , when she was just his best friend ⸻ everything was different now , he had to keep reminding himself . it's easy in this specific moment though , to allow himself the serenity of being calm . to lean into each other's touch , and not question if it's authentic . he knows it is . and he's inclined to believe her when she says he'll never lose her ... knows the same is written across his face . fingernails trailing across nape ignite electricity , so easy in the wake of her touch , he always would be . he doesn't move from it , or get embarrassed by it , even as goosebumps ( almost immediately ) arise against the plane of skin . nods , eagerly , but maintains composure as he meets the fixated poise of her stare . she could quite literally set him on fire with that look , and he'd happily burn . ❝ i'll do whatever to make it up to you , ❞ it's only half a joke , mostly because he means it entirely , tiniest hint of grin tugging at corner of mouth . ❝ of course we can ... ❞ grasp tightens slightly around the small of waist , keen on leaving but not wanting their close proximity to end . ❝ you wanna go to my apartment ? or ⸻ ❞ gaze flickers up the staircase only briefly , before finding their priority once again . ❝ ... find an unoccupied spot somewhere , here ? ❞
