Noah's heart pounded in his chest as he finally let the words escape his lips, the confession he'd been holding in for so long. "I…I like you, Ryder. And since we've been together for so long, we're…we're dating, right?"
He stood there, looking at Ryder, waiting for a sign, anything that would confirm the connection he thought they shared. But instead of the warmth or reassurance he longed for, he saw Ryder's face twist in disbelief.
Ryder blinked at him, almost like he hadn't understood the words, and then…he laughed. It wasn't the hearty, confident laugh Noah was used to, but an awkward, strained chuckle. "What are you talking about, Noah? Dating?" His voice was laced with confusion, maybe even a bit of discomfort.
Noah felt his stomach drop. The floor beneath him might as well have disappeared. What are you talking about? His heart stopped for a moment, and he couldn't quite breathe.
