Liam and Henry sat in the lounge, the glow of the TV appearing on their faces as they picked fried chicken. The movie kept playing but Henry’s attention drifted. He wanted something else he just didn’t know how to ask.

“Is the movie good?” Liam asked.

“It’s fine” Henry said. “I thought we’d watch something scary. Why a romance?”

Liam shrugged. “You know… atmosphere.”

Henry’s heart sped up. He shifted closer until their shoulders touched. When he looked up, Liam was already watching him. Their lips met it was brief and tentative but then they pulled back, searching each other’s faces.

Henry climbed into Liam’s lap, the kiss returning, slower this time. The world narrowed to warmth, breath and the steady voice of the TV in the background. Liam’s hands slid to Henry’s waist, grounding him there.

“Hey” Henry whispered, half-laughing, half-nervous.

Liam smiled against his skin. “Relax.”

The moment stretched and it was quiet. When it finally broke, Liam rested his forehead against Henry’s.

“We should slow down” Liam said gently.

Henry hesitated, then nodded. “Okay.”

They stayed like that for a while close, tangled, hearts still racing. Later, when the movie credits rolled unnoticed, Liam brushed a thumb over Henry’s knuckles.

“Next time,” he murmured.

Henry didn’t answer. He didn’t need to.