“Any other questions?” Gift asked haughtily, impressed with his own acting skills.
Park turned the full force of his attention on him, looking him over, before his gaze settled on his lips. “Why did you ask me about my virginity?”
‘Cause I want you to fuck me, moron.
Gift rubbed at his earlobe, trying to sound nonchalant. “Research, maybe?”
Park’s whole body went rigid. Fuck, Payton was right. He really was a genius. “What is it you’re researching, exactly?”
“Who I’m going to let take my virginity.”
“What?” Park managed.
Gift shrugged, as if this was the most natural conversation in the world. “I figured, if I want it to be any good, it should be with someone who has experience. You know? I won’t be much help. I’ve never even kissed someone before.”
Park’s eyes were practically bulging from his head, and he was red to the tips of his ears. “Not even… You’re twenty-one years old. You’ve never kissed anyone? Why?” he asked, almost like he couldn’t stop himself.
Gift tapped his temple. “‘Cause I can’t get turned on with a stranger. It has to be someone I know. Someone I care about.”
Park nodded absently, then sat up straight as an arrow as if the point had finally fallen directly onto his head. “Are you saying you want me to…that you’ve thought about…me and you… Is that what you meant by research? Are you askingmeto take your virginity?” he asked, the words coming out slightly strangled.
Gift pulled his lower lip between his teeth, chewing for a moment before letting it go, forcing himself to meet Park’s gaze. “There are only two people in this place I truly know and care about well enough to do it with. You…and Payton.”
“Not Payton,” Park snapped.
Gift jolted at the venom in his tone. What did Park have against Payton? They barely knew each other outside of class. He could ponder that later. Park had given him the opening he needed.
“Not Payton? So, you then? You’ll take my virginity?” Gift countered. “Wow, that was easier than I thought.”
Park was shaking his head before Gift was even done speaking. “No, that’s not what I meant.”
“Oh,” Gift said, letting disappointment seep into his tone. “Then why not Payton? He said he’d be gentle. He said he’d make it really good for me. I hear he’s a really good kisser. He’s a bit big, which might hurt.”
“Gift,” Park snapped.
“What? We’re roommates. I’ve seen things.”
“He’s a psychopath.”
“You’re an assassin,” Gift countered.
Park looked stymied. Gift almost felt sorry for him. He’d been hustled. He’d come to the table unarmed, and it seemed like he was having trouble regaining his equilibrium. “He can’t…care about you.”
“I don’t think that matters. I think I only have to care about him, you know, for my body to hop on board. I don’t think I’ll know until we try.”
“No. It shouldn’t be that way. You should have someone who at least has the capacity to care about you. He can’t do that.”
“But you can?”
Checkmate.
“What? No. I’m not saying that. I’m just saying, it should be…someone…”
Gift tried to ignore the sting of his rejection. He’d known it was coming but, somehow, it still hurt. But they’d planned for this.
“I guess I could find someone else,” Gift said, dejected. “I suppose I don’t have to care about them. Maybe I was just being too picky. Maybe the next time everyone goes into town, I’ll tag along?”
“Gift…” Park said softly.
