"Looks like you have a crush on her."
Renlo felt the heat surge up his neck to his face.
"W-what are you talking about! Me? No!" He shook his head quickly, like the very notion of what Malakai had just said was completely off.
"I'm more inclined to believe it when you act like this…" Malakai narrowed his eyes.
Renlo cleared his throat and turned away sharply. "Your words were just that shocking, is all…" He seemed to realize he'd overreacted and was trying to recover.
"There's nothing wrong if you like her. But don't forget she's related to you, no matter how you want to—"
"Good night, Malakai!" Renlo cut in and started walking back the way they came, like he needed to be anywhere else but here. "I hope the bed bugs bite!"
Malakai smiled and shook his head as he watched the boy scurry off.
After a moment, he turned and took a breath, now standing in front of the door to his room.
'Please don't be too bad.'
