Six

Jeremiah bit down on his bottom lip, trying to keep his eyes forward instead of letting them drift toward the man walking behind him.

He wiped his damp palms hastily on his trousers, clearing his throat. “Uh… Do you have a specific room in mind?”

Everett's deep voice answered casually, “Xander mentioned something about three guest rooms.” He paused. “But no. I got nothing specific in mind.”

Jeremiah nodded, daring a quick glance over his shoulder_ only to flinch in surprise. Everett’s piercing blue eyes were already locked on him. He looked away fast, ears burning.

“I’m not sure what you'd like but I think the room upstairs would suit you best,” he said quickly. “It’s the largest of the three, and closest to Xander’s room, so_,”

“Xander’s room?” Everett cut in, voice low and smooth.

The sound sent an involuntary shiver racing down Jeremiah’s spine. He peered over his shoulder again, a little more cautiously this time. “Yes. I figured it’d help you settle better and get you comfortable.”

Everett hummed. Then, unexpectedly, “Where’s your room?”

Jeremiah faltered, brows knitting together. “What?”

Everett’s expression softened a little, his tone gentler now. “Which room is yours, Jeremiah?”

Jeremiah’s frown deepened as he chewed nervously on his bottom lip. Why was Everett asking that? Was this some kind of test? Should he be worried? Were they considering kicking him out?

“I can literally hear the wheels turning in your head,” Everett chuckled.

Startled, Jeremiah glanced up only to realise Everett was standing right before him, not behind. When had he moved?

Jeremiah took a cautious step back, his fingers twitching at his sides. “Y…you caught me off guard, that’s all.”

Everett’s gaze drifted down his face, deliberate and unhurried, leaving a trail of awareness prickling across Jeremiah’s skin. “The good kind, I hope?” Everett murmured.

Jeremiah didn’t answer. He couldn’t. His thoughts were too tangled to form a coherent reply. Everett confused him, more than anyone ever had. One part of him wanted to step back. Another urged him to close the distance.

He just didn't know what to make of the man.

“My room is downstairs,” Jeremiah said at last, his voice quieter now.

Everett’s eyes didn’t waver. “I think Xander mentioned a free room down there too. Is it still available?”

Jeremiah blinked, thrown off. “You mean the one next to mine?”

“Will that be a problem?” Everett asked quickly, a guarded look passing over his face.

“No,” Jeremiah said, shaking his head. “It’s just… that room’s smaller and lacking.”

Everett raised a brow, amused. “Lacking, huh?”

“It doesn’t have its own bathroom so you’d have to share with me,” Jeremiah added, flushing as his gaze flicked from Everett’s broad chest to his unreadable eyes. “I think it would be inconvenient for you.”

“I don’t mind,” Everett said simply. “Do you?”

Jeremiah narrowed his eyes, suspiciously. “Wait, why do I feel like you already decided on the room to choose?”

It was Everett's turn to flush, rubbing the back of his neck, sheepishly. “Xander may have briefed me a little. And I did like it best.”

Jeremiah’s frown deepened. “Then why did you make me walk around suggesting rooms?”

Were they trying to make a fool of him? The thought filled Jeremiah's insides with dread. The thought reminded him of another certain somebody who had made him feel worse. His jaw clenched painfully, quickly shoving the bad thoughts away before they could completely ruin his mood.

“I didn’t mean to mess with you,” Everett spoke up quickly, immediately noticing the change in his mood. “I’m sorry. I didn’t want to pressure you. Xander told me how much you value your space. I figured I’d ask and see what you were comfortable with first.”

Jeremiah stared at him. “Huh?”

“I wanted to be sure what you'd think about the idea first before making a decision.” Everett continued.

Jeremiah's lips parted in disbelief. No one had ever cared what he thought let alone considered how he might feel. The first time someone was paying attention to what he thought.

A strange warmth bloomed in his chest, melting some of the tension in his chest.

Why does this feel so good?

“You’re not mad?” Everett asked, scanning his face. “I didn’t mean to offend you.”

“I’m not mad,” Jeremiah murmured. “I just… didn’t think you’d care what I thought.”

“Of course I do,” Everett’s voice dropped a little. “You have the right to say no. It’s your space too and you have every fucking right to say no If that's what you want.”

Jeremiah’s cheeks warmed further. “Then I guess it’s fine. You can take the room if it's okay with you.”

Everett’s posture eased instantly, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “So, we’re roommates now?”

“I guess,” Jeremiah replied, smiling faintly. “We should check out the room then.”

“We should,” Everett echoed, his voice playful now.

But neither of them moved.

Jeremiah pressed a hand over his chest, as if it could quiet the erratic rhythm of his pounding heart.

Everett frowned and stepped closer. “Are you okay? Does your chest hurt?”

Jeremiah gasped when Everett reached for his hand. The touch sparked something electric and undeniable that jolted down his spine.

He yanked his hand away, blinking rapidly. “I…I’m fine. We should… go. Xander’s probably waiting.”

What was that feeling? Did Everett feel it too?

Everett looked hesitant for a brief second, his expression unreadable. “Are you sure? I don't mind checking the wound if it’s bothering you.”

Jeremiah swallowed. The thought of Everett’s fingers on his skin made his knees feel weak, and his thoughts swirled into places they shouldn’t.

“I’m fine,” Jeremiah said again, more firmly this time, forcing his gaze away from where he got touched.

Everett nodded, though his eyes lingered a second longer than necessary.

Jeremiah turned, leading the way. But his heart wasn’t calming down.

And as he walked, he wasn’t sure if he was more afraid of Everett or of how much he was feeling around him.