Elias immediately pulled back, his voice sharp. "I'm not a kid, Jace. You don't have to touch my head,"
Jace's grin faltered, and he raised his hands in a mock surrender.
"Sorry, sorry. I just... you're kinda cute when you're focused, you know?"
Elias's cheeks flushed, and he turned away, his heart racing. Jace stepped closer, his voice softer. "Hey, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."
Elias's eyes met Jace's, and for a moment, they were too close, the air between them charged. Jace's gaze flickered to Elias's small and red lips, and Elias felt his breath catch. He stepped back, moving to the desk to shuffle their presentation notes.
"It's fine," he said quickly. "I just... we should focus on the presentation."
Jace nodded, his expression a mix of disappointment and understanding.
"Yeah, you're right. Get some sleep, okay? We've got a big day tomorrow."
Elias forced a smile, his voice soft.
"Thanks, Jace. Good night."
