Odd. I didn’t order any takeout tonight, so why is someone knocking on my door? I’m already in an awful mood, and I don’t need any more interactions. But as I look into the peephole my eyes widen and my current sadness lifts momentarily. I swing the door open. 

“Blake?”

His gaze sweeps over me, his brows creasing. “Hey, sorry for coming unannounced.”

I shake my head and usher him inside. “That’s okay, but what are you doing here so late at night?”

Blake doesn’t answer and he stands there, looking conflicted as his eyes bore into mine. Almost like he’s gauging into something. 

Then, after a beat, he speaks softly. “Charlie, are you okay?”

I tense up. “Um, yeah. Why wouldn’t I be?”

His brows furrow further. “But you’re not. Why are you lying to me, Charlie?”

I open my mouth but then close it again. Blake’s right. I’m not quite alright, but who am I to dump it on him? Although the way Blake looks at me, waiting and expecting me to open up, twists something in me. 

“It’s nothing serious. It’s actually really silly.” I admit with a weary sigh. 

Blake takes a step closer. “I don’t care if you think it’s silly. Tell me what’s bothering you.”

It is really something silly. Something so silly I’m even embarrassed to say it out loud. But for some reason, I give in and spill anyway. “My favorite character died.”

Blake shoots me a confused look. “What?”

I resist a groan and explain further. “I was watching an anime the other day, and my favorite character died. I should have seen it coming! She got so much screen time in the last episode. And she really grew on me. I… I don’t even know why I feel so sad about it.”

A beat of silence passes and Blake just… stares at me. I can’t tell by his blank expression whether he’s angry or in disbelief. I’m almost afraid I weirded him out until he invades my personal space and embraces me in a tight hug. The moment I hear soft laughter, I release a breath of relief. 

“I told you it was silly,” I mumble, my face partially pressed against Blake’s chest. 

His chest rumbles with more laughter. “It’s not… it’s not silly, Charlie.”

“Then why are you laughing?” I almost stutter, feeling my face heat up with embarrassment.

Blake shakes his head and pulls away to look at me. “I’m not making fun of you or anything like that, but I was just worried. I thought something bad had happened. I’m glad that isn’t the case. I’m so relieved.”

I can feel the tension leaving Blake’s body, his warmth and his toned muscles pressing against me once more. I’m too dumbfounded to say anything. But I know any lingering sadness I felt all day is completely swept away, thanks to this man. 

I stutter after a beat. “I’m… I’m sorry for making you worried. Sorry for running away. Sorry for…”

My words get cut off when suddenly Blake cups my face in his hand, and I feel the heat returning.

His voice is soft, the laughter all gone. “Hey. I never asked you to apologize.”

All I can do is nod, which satisfies him and he lets go of my face. I take a tentative step back, trying to catch my breath. I don’t know why I’m so flustered, but Blake was just too close for me to handle a moment ago. 

“Sorry. Maybe I should’ve asked before engulfing you in that hug.”

I lift my head to Blake, shaking my head. “Don’t worry about it. I liked it. I mean, I like hugging in general.” I quickly add that last sentence for some reason. Blake smiles and I take a deep breath. This guy is making me feel all sorts of things sometimes. But I can’t say I hate it.