Clearly, Clara had gotten through Noah’s defenses. He was obsessing far too much about the party on Saturday.

  Obsessed to the point that he unconsciously started ignoring Micah around the house. Micah, at first, thought maybe Noah was just tired or upset, so he didn’t push for affection. He kept to himself, hoping things would get better.

  They didn’t.

  In fact, they got worse.

  Noah was so distracted he burned the baked fish and potatoes he had promised Micah. That was the breaking point. Micah had had enough.

  On Friday evening, Noah was in his room, rambling about Halloween costumes, while Micah sat nearby, eyes glazed over. Yep. He had definitely had enough.

  “Okay… so we should wear this, we can tot—” Noah didn’t finish. Micah yanked his arm, pulling him into his lap, Noah’s back pressed against his chest.

  “M-Micah… w-what are you doing?”

  “Making you pay attention to me.”

  “Huh? Don’t I do that enough? You’ve already taken your spot in my bed. What else do you want from me?”

  “Your attention. All I’ve heard from you these past few days is Clara, Clara, Clara, and Daniel, Daniel, Daniel. I’m sick of it.”

  You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

  “Oh. I mean, we talked yester—”

  “For ten seconds.”

  “Okay, fine, we talked umm…”

  “Exactly. It’s getting annoying. I don’t like being ignored. I don’t want anyone else in your thoughts but me.” His ears twitched, his tail curling around Noah’s waist, just like his arms.

  Noah’s cheeks flushed, his ears burned. Does he really care that much? Or is it just jealousy?

  “Are you jealous?”

  “No. I don’t have time for such juvenile feelings.”

  “If you don’t have feelings, that makes you a robot.”

  Micah sighed, pulling Noah tighter, burying his face in Noah’s neck.

  Noah’s blush deepened. “Uhm… Micah… are you okay?”

  Micah was silent for a moment, then murmured, “Yes. I am jealous. Jealous that you care so much about stupid things, that you don’t even notice me. I like being noticed by you.”

  Noah’s breath hitched, his flush spreading. “I-I didn’t know you felt that way… I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to ignore you. I just got too caught up trying to prove Clara wrong, that I forgot… I’ve got someone who matters right here.”

  Micah smiled against his neck, then pulled them both down onto the bed. Noah ended up sprawled on his chest.

  They stayed in silence for a while.

  “You’re warm,” Noah whispered, snuggling closer.

  Silence again.

  “So, what was your idea for the costumes?” Micah asked after a minute, propping himself on his elbow.

  Noah suddenly felt shy, lying back on the pillow, his hair spreading like a halo. Micah glanced at him, amused.

  “So… I was thinking you could be a werewolf.”

  “Noah?”

  “Yes?”

  “I’m already a werewolf.” He pointed at his twitching ears.

  “I know… but that could be your costume. And I wanted to be a vampire.”

  Micah chuckled. “I can’t imagine you as a vampire. You’d be more cute than scary.”

  Noah huffed, pouting. “Nah. I can be scary.”

  “Doubt it.”

  “Anyways… I was wondering… can I dye your ears and tail? I thought they’d look cool.”

  Micah’s eyes widened. “Eh?!!”