Page 45 of Psync
It didn’t go well.
“Why doesn’t it sound the way it does when you do it?” Eli’s eyebrows knitted together, and he bit his lip in frustration.
Haruka blinked.
“What am I doing wrong?” When he tried again, it sounded even worse.
“You’re pressing too hard. You have to be precise when touching the strings in order to make the sound you want.” Haruka reached out and held his hand over Eli’s. “Can I touch you?”
Eli looked at Haruka’s hand, poised over his, noting the contrast of size and skin tone. Something low in his stomach did a slow roll, and the shivery feeling that he’d forgotten all about kicked into overdrive. His eyes went to Haruka’s, and he swallowed hard.
“I . . .” Eli’s voice caught in his throat.
Could he? Technically, the answer was yes, of course he could. The real question was whether or not he should.
He searched the other man’s face, looking for answers. Haruka looked back at him with patient eyes and a soft expression. There was no pressure there.
But . . .
“Maybe next time?” Eli’s eyes went to the floor and landed on his hoodie. His fingers traced one of the strings. He hadn’t meant to say that. He looked up to gauge Haruka’s expression.
Instead of showing irritation as Eli half expected, Haruka lips curved in a slight smile and pulled his hand away. “Next time.”
“I, um, should probably go. I have homework.” On a Friday evening. Could he have come up with a more obvious lie? It was all Eli could do to stop himself from smacking his forehead.
Haruka’s lips quirked, but he nodded and stood. “Do you want me to walk you to your room?” He went over to Eli’s bag and held it out. Eli took it silently and stared at the floor. What was he supposed to do with his body right now? Every time he was around Haruka it was like he completely forgot how to be a person.
“Maybe next time?” Eli repeated, hating how breathy his voice sounded.
Haruka went to the door and opened it. His eyes were warm. “I’ll hold you to that. If you want another lesson, that is.”
Haruka stood half in the doorway, which meant Eli would have to pass by closely. He was small enough to do it without touching the large man, but it would be close.
Haruka cocked an eyebrow, and there was a challenging look in his eyes. Almost as if he were asking Eli if he trusted him enough to let him pass.
He could have scurried by, but something made Eli pause halfway through. He turned toward Haruka, leaned against the doorframe, and forced himself to look up.
After what felt like an eternity, Eli heard himself say, “You have gold flecks in your eyes.”
All traces of gold vanished as Haruka’s eyes went dark. “Do I?”
Eli nodded.
“Is that good?” Haruka placed his hands behind his back. Distantly, Eli was aware of the sound of creaking wood.
He nodded again. “I think so.”
Why was it so hard to walk away? Eli should really be going right now, but something was stopping him. He couldn’t have looked away if his life depended on it. Everything about Haruka invited him in.
Eli tongue darted out, and he licked suddenly dry lips.
The doorframe behind Haruka creaked again.
“I—” Eli began, but was cut off by a loud clatter down the hallway.
They both turned to see Ash kneeling by a pile of books and swearing.
“I have to go, bye!” Eli turned and ran.
