Tecchou’s hand firmly placed beside my head, caging me in. we’ve been like this for several moments—close, but not touching, each feeling the tension build in the air.

“I don’t know what you want, Tecchou,” I murmured, my voice betraying a trace of uncertainty I rarely lets show.

Tecchou leans in closer, his lips brushing against my ear. “I want you to trust me,” he says softly, his breath sending a shiver down my spine.

The closeness is maddening, and I can feel the steady thrum of his heartbeat against his chest. He turns his head slightly, our lips barely touching.

“I do trust you,” I breathed, the words slipping out without thought.

In response, Tecchou’s hand moved to my waist, pulling me closer so our bodies are flush.