The seriousness of Kylian's words left no room for a response. Shae's chest was pounding so much it hurt. I'm important to him? But, we just met. I can't be. Shae gazed at Kylian's calm exterior. Does he mean it? Shae's eyes widened a little with a realization. We haven't known each other long, but Kylian's important to me, too. Why is that?

Shae stared at Kylian as he tried to figure out what made their relationship so close. He thought Kylian was attractive, but was that it? There had to be more. Shae didn't want to accept the only reason of their close friendship being that he was superficial. He refused to believe it.

Shae peered into Kylian's kind gaze. "Can I ask you something?"

Kylian stared at Shae for a second before saying, "Sure. Ask me anything."

"What makes me special?" Kylian's eyes widened. He didn't know what to say. Was this a test? Or was Shae genuinely curious?

Instead of setting himself up for failure, Kylian asked, "What do you mean?" Shae reached up and clung to his sides, averting his gaze.

With his head tilted, he said, "I mean, what makes us so close? We haven't known each other long, but you called me special. Why?"

"I don't know," Kylian told him, his voice firm. Shae looked up at his words.

"Wha--You don't know?" Shae's timid gaze slipped away as he laughed to himself, "Haha, of course. How could you know?"

Kylian stepped forward. His fingers slithered into Shae's hair and brushed it back with a tantalizing slow and gentle movement. Each strand caressed his fingers with a soft hug as they were touched, a rare sensation for them.

Not many had the courage to do whatever they pleased. They couldn't just reach out and touch someone else's hair like Kylian, who made no move to ask for permission, not like Shae minded, though. He liked it better this way. It was like Kylian understood him without Shae ever having to voice himself.

"Mmm," Shae moaned at the pleasant touch; his mind was free from any worries that plagued him moments ago. Shae wrapped his hand around Kylian's and leaned into its warmth. It moved to rest on his cheek.

Content, Shae looked up and froze, unable to move his gaze from Kylian's stern expression as he stared over him, past him. Kylian met his stare.

"I don't know why you're special to me. This feeling...this feeling is new to me. I've never experienced it before." Kylian's gaze softened at the sight of Shae snuggling into the palm of his hand. It reminded him of the kittens the store just got in who nuzzled the blanket in their cage, an act showing their happiness and comfort. "But, I want to get closer, know everything about you. I don't need any more reason than that to know you're special to me."

"But--" Shae began, ignoring the strong urge inside to flee. His gaze fell. Kylian placed his other hand on Shae's cheek and lifted his head. His unwavering gaze halted any other words from escaping Shae.

"I'll find out why you're special eventually, and when I do, I'll tell you. Okay? So, please. Stay by my side until then."

"Okay," Shae mumbled without a second thought. He was powerless to Kylian.

Kylian lit up, saying, "Great!" He pulled Shae into his arms and squeezed.

"Yeah..." A small smile graced Shae's lips as he was enveloped in strong arms, sincere arms. His arms crept up Kylian's toned back, every muscle greeting the unsure brush of his fingers. Shae returned the gesture, nervous but strangely moved. His ex never made him feel such comfort, such a close bond. You're special alright, Shae told Kylian in his mind.

As Kylian pulled away, Shae groaned out in disappointment. The completeness I felt--His eyes widened some. Completeness? Yeah, completeness. For once, I'm made whole. Kylian makes me whole.

Shae reached his hand out and gripped the hem of Kylian's shirt. He looked up to see Kylian's shock and locked eyes with him.

"What time do you get off?" Shae asked. Kylian stared at the red tint of his cheeks, his own chest thumping like a galloping horse across a valley. He tried to swallow, but his mouth had long gone dry. Just seeing Shae stopped time, stopped his body from working anything but his lungs and his chest, his stupid, overexcited chest.

Kylian opened his mouth, almost failing in his efforts to say, "I--I get off at 10." He swallowed at the angelic smile Shae showed him after hearing his words.

"Great! I'll come see you."