The subway car was packed, each stop pushing more people inside. Thomas gripped the metal pole, trying to balance as the train swayed. When it lurched again, he stumbled right into someone—Charlie.

Charlie was pressed against the window, his body as small as possible. His eyes were down, and he flinched when Thomas’ chest brushed against his back. The contact was brief but overwhelming, and Charlie’s face flushed bright red. Thomas could feel the heat radiating off him, the nervous energy practically vibrating between them.

“Sorry,” Thomas mumbled, his voice low, unsure how to make the situation better. It felt like more than an apology was needed, but he didn’t know what else to do.

Charlie didn’t answer, his body stiff, face hidden behind his hair. He tried to shrink even further into the window, clearly uncomfortable with how close they were.

As the train jerked forward with a sudden stop, Thomas found himself even more pressed into Charlie, his front flush against his back. The proximity was overwhelming, and Thomas could feel the warmth of Charlie’s body through the thin fabric of his shirt. Charlie’s breath hitched, and his body tensed up.

“I—I didn’t mean to—” Thomas started, but Charlie’s tiny, trembling voice interrupted.

“It’s okay,” Charlie whispered, his voice barely audible, though it was clear he wasn’t okay. He was holding his breath, trying to make himself as invisible as possible.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Thomas asked softly, his voice gentler now.

Charlie nodded quickly, still avoiding eye contact, his messy hair covering his face. “Yeah… just not used to… this,” he murmured, his hands fidgeting by his sides.

Thomas smiled softly, trying to ease the tension. Charlie finally looked up at him, their eyes meeting for the first time. In that brief moment, it felt like the rest of the world outside the train didn’t exist. It was just the two of them, pressed together, lost in the crowd.