"I need some air," Noah muttered, avoiding Ryder's eyes. He felt the shame creeping in, mixing with the confusion and the feelings he didn't want to confront.
Before Ryder could say anything else, Noah turned on his heels and walked out of the bar, his footsteps quick, his mind still trying to process what had just happened. What was I thinking?
Ryder watched him leave, frustration and confusion battling in his chest as Noah disappeared through the doors. He ran a hand through his hair, feeling the loss of Noah's warmth still buzzing on his lips.
Ryder found Noah standing just outside, leaning against the cold wall of the building, a cigarette held loosely between his fingers. The smoke curled lazily into the night air as Noah glanced at him, his eyes unreadable. His face was slightly flushed from the chill, or maybe from something else.
"You want a smoke?" Noah asked, his voice low, almost teasing, as if daring Ryder to say something.
