"I…"
Eli's voice came out smaller than he intended, barely louder than the sound of dripping water around them.
His face felt hot—too hot— as if all the warmth that had left his body underwater decided to return just to humiliate him now.
He honestly didn't know what kind of excuse he could possibly give.
There was no logical explanation for kissing someone in the middle of a fight to the death. Not one that wouldn't make him sound insane.
And the truth— the real reason— wasn't an option.
Still, he needed to say something.
Anything.
Especially since Kairo was still standing there, silent, patient, and impossibly calm, like he had all the time in the world to listen to Eli squirm.
Eli's thoughts scrambled for an excuse, one that would also explain the blood that followed the kiss— because, knowing Kairo, that question was coming next.
'I can't believe I'm going to say this.'
