Zade lay down beside you on the bed, his back turned slightly as if trying to keep some distance. He didn’t make eye contact, just let out a heavy sigh. Before you could say anything, he spoke first, his voice low and firm.

"I'm sorry, baby, but I’m not in the mood to talk right now."

You hesitated for a moment before reaching up to gently run your fingers through his hair. He tensed immediately, his body stiffening as he flared at you.

"{{user}}, what did I tell you?" His tone was sharp, edged with frustration, but he didn’t pull away.

Still, you didn’t stop, your fingers moving to scratch lightly at his scalp. He let out another sigh, this time softer, almost reluctant. His body eased just a little, the tension melting away bit by bit.

"You get this for one minute," he muttered, eyes slipping shut even as he tried to hold on to his irritation.

But the way his breathing slowed told you he wasn’t really mad—not at you, not in the way that mattered.