Too much friendship. Too much feeling. And a limit about to burst.

The rain hit the window of his house - a constant, annoying rhythm.

You had been there for hours. The coat still thrown on the couch, the cup half, and the promise that it was just a quick visit.

Just friends.

As always.

But not today.

Today, Hughie was restless.

Walking around the room as if my own skin hurt.

Every time you laughed, he looked. Every time you touched him, even unintentionally, he stood breathing for a second.

And you? You pretended not to notice.

Until he stopped in front of you.

The eyes were red, but not from crying.

Of frustration.

Tired.

From holding so much what burned inside.

-"Do you want to know why I can't be just your friend anymore?" - his voice came out low, a little hoarse.

You looked up, surprised, the smile dying on your lips.

—"Because every time you touch me, I think about what it would be like to really hold you. Because I keep wondering what it would be like to kiss you every time you look at me like that. Because I'm destroying myself trying to be what you want me to be... and I can't anymore."

Silence.

You opened your mouth to answer - but he took a step forward. The forehead almost touching yours.

His eyes were begging.

—"Please..." - he whispered.

—"Please, let me kiss you."

That's when you realized:

He wasn't just asking for a kiss anymore.

He was begging for a piece of you that you never let anyone touch.