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“Says who?”

“Like, the world? That old show they filram TikTok YouTube It feels like I’ like it’s nothing It’s not supposed to be such a big deal, and I’hed at”

Max said, “Well, a hookup’s not going to laugh at you unless he’s a total asshole”

“That’s the thing—how do I know he’s not? That first guy tonight seemed cool, but I doubt he wants to court me like I’m a Victorian maiden until I decide he’s trustworthy”

Laughing, Max bumped Jereht away Go out a few ti”

“And thisto patiently dateup with a million men on apps? I’ve never even kissed”

Max stopped by a house that hadup a tree—all the way to the top, thank you veryfrom the barren branches He took hold of Jerelowed over Jerelasses

“You’re building this up way too et out of your oay It doesn’t have to be a big deal I could kiss you right now”

Jeremy’s eyes widened His Adaulp It was freaking adorable, and Max wanted to ruffle his hair and keep him safe from the world

He also really, really wanted to kiss him

Hey, he’d be doing Jere it down to earth where it belonged But he wanted this too

Slowly, Max ran his gloved hands across Jeremy’s shoulders and up to frame his face He hoped the leather wasn’t too cold, but Jere shallowly, his eyes locked on Max’s under his color-sparkled glasses

“Do you want me to kiss you?” Max asked

“Do you want to kiss me?”

“Yep”

Jereain He breathed shallowly “You’re just being nice”