A Simple Apron (One Night Stand, Book 2)

Chapter 14: Wish to stay

Awkwardness lingered in the kitchen as Kai and Zane worked on dinner. The latter assumed this thick air around them wasn't something that would disappear in an hour. Just because Kai had shared a bit more of his inner fears with Zane, it didn't mean the boy would suddenly get over them —not with his specific nature.

Zane presumed that, once again, this type of insecurities in a friendly and outgoing person like Kai had a deep root. Recalling what he'd been told about Kai's father, Zane imagined the boy's adolescence couldn't have been a breeze. Living in a rather conservative small village with at least one unsupportive parent didn't sound like the best setting. Zane had never seen himself in such a situation —thanks God— but he'd witnessed enough cases throughout his life, and they all painted a not very pleasing picture.

And there was also that ex-boyfriend issue! Zane wanted to ask Kai about it. Not out of hatred or jealousy, but to understand Kai's struggles better, and maybe someday —if the boy wanted so— help him to completely let go of that emotional pain.

But tonight was not the night for such complex psychoanalysis. Kai was already sensitive enough and feeling down. The boy was still demonizing himself for even trying to break up with Zane under the poor excuse of the apron. What his beau needed was reassurance and the confirmation that Zane thought highly of him.

Together they got out a simple but delicious veggies pan. Zane tried to contain himself and not go into full housewife mode. However, he couldn't keep himself still and helped store the leftovers in the fridge while Kai washed the few dishes and cutlery they had used. After the boy dried his hands, he turned around, meeting Zane's eyes for a fleeting instant. Zane walked to him and embraced Kai, drowning in his warmth and softness.

"Zane, I... I'm very sorry about earlier. What I said... When I yelled at you..."

"It is long forgotten, my dear."

Kai's face scrunched up with middle discomfort. "How can you still want to be with me after that stunt I pulled on you?"

Zane brushed a finger over the curve of Kai's earlobe. "Fights are part of human relationships. Nobody said it would be easy, but I want to make this journey with you. I want us to help each other, to learn and become better versions of ourselves. Together."

"I don't think there's a way for you to get any better than you already are," Kai mumbled, guilt thick in his weak voice.

Zane's heart went out to him. This boy was a fighter, but even the strongest champions cracked sometimes. Everyone needed someone to turn to when life got too difficult to bear. Could Zane do anything to make these moments less hard on Kai?

An idea suddenly popped into his mind.

"How about we make a deal?" Zane said. He waited until he made sure he got Kai's undivided attention. "I'll try to stop stressing over every minimal detail concerning your welfare, as well as to not indulge you at unnecessary levels." Zane foresaw that wouldn't be a simple task, considering his obliging nature, but he would try his best. "However, you must tell me if something doesn't feel right."

Kai looked a bit confused, so Zane elaborated.

"I still wish to be the best possible partner for you, but... I truly need your assistance. I'm not very well-versed in socializing, as you already know. It is hard for me to read the room and realize when I'm overstepping boundaries or when I'm being too distant. So, please, don't feel bad for putting limits on the way I express my affection. My intention is to make you the happiest man on Earth, but I understand everyone needs their own space."

Zane waited patiently as Kai considered his proposition. The boy nibbled on his lower lip, not that convinced in the arrangement. Zane felt a pang inside his chest. The possibility of Kai retracting back to the idea of an official break-up had him holding his breath.