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He turned and looked at aze away It was alht intofroze Our connection sizzled silently in the space between us Tears sprang to my eyes as I stared deep into that dark reflection of raw vulnerability, with a strong touch of self-loathing

Willias, emotions, perceptions Yet it seemed that all the darkness he had seen and experienced, he’d internalized to soic was part of the misplaced burden he’d hefted onto his shoulders And in this moment, I could tell he was troubled

I placed , what they did You couldn’t help your reactions You are not lesser than theed under my hand, and he immediately pulled away and sat up

I pushed up beside hi?"

"I don’t need to be reassured like a child I’m a man"

I paused, unsure of what to say I felt like I alking into a trap "I was e, Wil I feel badly that you were bullied No kid should have to have that happen Just like no kid should live in a city that’s being bo moment, still tense I shifted to rest on my knees and put a hand on his shoulder He jerked it away "I don’t want to be touched right now"

"Okay I’edy"

I nodded "I agree Actually, in so"

He looked atserious or not

"I wish I could see the world the way you do sometimes," I explained "I wish I could have your sensitivity, even when it’s so intense it hurts I wish I could focus my talents like you can I’m sorry…I didn’t mean to insult you"

He turned his head and looked at aze stopped there "Jenna," he said

"Yes?"

"I want to kiss you"

"Help me visualize what you mean Would you kiss me on the lips…or on the cheek?" I answered, unable to resist the urge to tease hi concentration "On your lips My lips and your lips"

Oh yes, please I s? Would it be for five seconds or closer to a minute?"

He hesitated but didn’t tear his eyes away I licked my lips, just to torture him a little

"And would our mouths be open or closed? Or ue?"