Chapter 5: Tensions RisingThe aftermath of that kiss lingered like smoke between them, thick and impossible to ignore. Than tried to act as though nothing had happened, throwing himself into work with even more fervor. Kit, however, seemed perfectly unbothered, his teasing smirk more present than ever.Their meetings became a battlefield of stolen glances and barely concealed tension. Kit's playful comments carried an edge now, and Than found himself flustered more often than he cared to admit."You're glaring again," Kit remarked during a late-night session."I'm focusing," Than snapped.Kit leaned closer, voice dropping to a whisper. "If that's your focus face, it's kind of hot."Than's pen slipped from his grip. Heat rushed to his face. "Can you please take this seriously?"Kit chuckled, leaning back. "Oh, I'm very serious."They worked in tense silence for a while until Kit spoke again, his tone unusually soft. "You know, you're not as boring as you pretend to be."Than blinked, caught off guard. "What's that supposed to mean?"Kit shrugged, a hint of sincerity in his eyes. "Just that there's more to you than Mr. Perfect."Than didn't know how to respond, so he didn't. But the words lingered long after Kit had left for the night.The next day, their interactions grew even more charged. Kit seemed to find excuses to brush against Than, lingering touches sparking heat that neither acknowledged aloud. At one point, their fingers accidentally touched while passing notes across the table. Than's breath hitched, and Kit's knowing smile only made it worse.By the time their meeting ended, Than was frazzled. "This is getting ridiculous," he muttered as they packed up.Kit's grin widened. "What's ridiculous is how much you like it."Than glared. "You're delusional.""Sure," Kit teased, leaning in close enough that Than could feel his breath. "Whatever helps you sleep at night."But Than didn't sleep well that night. He tossed and turned, Kit's words and proximity replaying in his mind.