Him? [JesBible]

5 [Echoes of Touch]

The soft hum of the city filled the air outside Bible's small apartment as he stepped out of the shower, steam still lingering around him. He ran a towel through his damp hair, but his mind wandered far away, consumed by thoughts of Jet. That brief moment when their hands met-when their eyes locked-had stirred something deep inside him, something he had long buried beneath the weight of his grief.

As he moved to his bedroom, Bible caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror. His reflection revealed the exhaustion carved into his features, the sleepless nights and aching heart still present, though now mixed with something unfamiliar. That brief touch from Jet lingered on his skin, almost like a distant memory he wasn't supposed to feel again.

Pulling on a simple shirt and soft pants, he tried to shake off the unease, but it clung to him. The fabric brushed against his skin, but it was the ghost of Jet's touch that sent a shiver down his spine. It had felt too real-too much for just a casual interaction.

With a sigh, Bible wandered into the kitchen, hoping a cup of tea would calm the storm inside. He set the kettle on the stove, the soft bubbling of the water doing little to drown out the thoughts of Jet that swirled in his mind. The way Jet had laughed, how comfortable he had seemed in the café-it all replayed like a tape stuck on loop, both comforting and unnerving.

He leaned against the counter, staring at nothing, wondering why he couldn't let go of the moment. It was absurd-how could he be so affected by someone who looked so much like his late boyfriend?

The kettle whistled, jolting Bible from his thoughts. He poured the steaming water into his cup, the aroma of chamomile filling the room as he took a slow sip. Yet, the weight of longing pressed against his chest, refusing to be soothed.

Suddenly, a knock at the door broke the silence, startling him. Bible's heart raced as he approached the door, an unspoken hope rising within him, but his hand hesitated on the doorknob.

He opened the door cautiously, his breath catching in his throat when he saw Jet standing there, awkwardly shifting from one foot to the other.

For a second, neither of them spoke. The air between them felt thick, charged with something unspoken and uncertain. Bible's mind raced-was Jet here because he felt it too? That strange pull between them?

"Uh... I, uh..." Jet started, rubbing the back of his neck. "I just... I moved in next door, and, well... thought I'd drop by."

Bible blinked, momentarily thrown off. "Next door?"

Jet nodded, glancing around as if unsure what to say next. The silence between them stretched on, the awkwardness hanging in the air, neither knowing how to navigate the strange connection they both clearly felt but were too hesitant to acknowledge.

Bible's heart pounded, a confusing mix of emotions surging through him. Part of him wanted to step back, close the door, and pretend this wasn't happening. But the other part-the part that hadn't felt alive in a long time-urged him forward.

He swallowed hard, trying to keep his voice steady. "Do you... do you want to come in?"