He hesitates.

Then his hand closes around your wrist.

Firm.

Grounding.

“Stay close,” he says.

You let out a shaky laugh. “Wow. You still don’t like me, do you?”

“No.”

“Good,” you mutter. “Would’ve been weird if this was bonding.”

Another impact shakes the ground somewhere beyond the alley.

Your grip tightens on him without thinking.

“…I’m {user} ,” you add under your breath.

He exhales slowly.

Like he didn’t want to give this.

“…I know.”

You blink. “That’s still creepy, by the way.”

“I’ll explain later.”