Night came faster than expected. The air had cooled, and a thin mist was beginning to creep along the ground. Shao remained outside, sitting on the stone steps just outside the dorm building, hugging the same pillow he'd been holding all day. His arms were tight around it, but the familiar scent had long faded, leaving behind a dull ache in his chest.
He didn't want to go back to Jai's room. Not yet.
He didn't want to face him.
Not when his own thoughts were still messy—uncontrolled. Not when his impulses still felt so raw and close to the surface. There was a fear inside him. Not of Jai, but of himself. Of what he might do if he didn't keep some distance. If he didn't clamp down on whatever was growing inside him.
And so, he sat there, alone and frustrated. The pillow wasn't offering any comfort anymore.
