Noah leaned back in his seat, his expression carved with irritation as he fixed James with a sneer. "So," Noah said, his voice sharp with impatience. "What did you want to tell me this time?"
James, sitting across from him, met that sneer with steady eyes. He didn't flinch, though his heart was pounding hard. He said to Noah "I know you said you don't feel the same way I do. I know I confused you with my confession, and I've regretted the way I handled it. But Noah, what I'm trying to say now is this—let me court you. Let me show you what I feel. After that, you can decide if you want me or not."
The sneer melted from Noah's face. His eyes widened slightly, surprise replacing his irritation. He hadn't expected James to be this serious. His tone was weighted, sincere, and raw. Noah leaned forward, his own voice losing its edge. "But James… do you really think this will work? Honestly, do you believe something like this can work between us?"
