Fuck, I was so scared I nearly ripped my dick off.
I was tempted to ignore it but I didn't want to get back to business only for them to knock again, so I got up to deal with it. Too annoyed to check the peephole, I threw the door open.
"Hello?"
Jian was standing there. He was breathing heavily and his cheeks were flushed, as if he'd just run a marathon. A single strand of his straight black hair was out of place, flung over his forehead, which was damp with sweat.
I shuddered. The sweat combined with the scent of his natural musk wafted over like the world's sweetest, spiciest perfume.
"Jian," I said.
He was breathless. "Kola."
I stood there for a moment just staring at him, his beauty. I forgot to breathe.
Fuck, I loved him so much it turned me stupid.
We both started speaking at the same time, then stopped and chuckled awkwardly.
"Do you—um—wanna come in?" I asked.
Jian stood there for a moment, as if thinking. His nostrils twitched.
"Are you wearing cologne?" he asked.
"Uh, no." I sniffed my armpit, then wrinkled my nose. "In fact, I think my deodorant's worn off from work all day..."
"No, not at all, you smell incredible."
My cheeks went hot. "Y-you do, too."
Jian's fingers clenched the door frame tightly. He was tense, like he was holding himself back from something.
Or maybe that was just my overactive imagination from watching too many romantic TV shows.
"I can't come in," Jian finally said.
My heart sank. "Oh."
"Because I want to invite you to my home."
My heart raised back up. "Oh!"
I had no idea where Jian lived. In fact, I'd never seen his childhood home, either. His parents were nice, but very private people. I figured they didn't like having people over, which I totally understood. Hell, the only person I liked having in my apartment was Jian.
So the idea of finally seeing my best friend's living space thrilled me.
"Okay," I said. "Should I grab my wallet, if we're gonna take a cab or something?"
He grinned like I was being silly. "There's no need."
"Oh. Wait, you live in walking distance from me?"
"Not quite."
I raised a brow.
"Come with me, Kola. I'll show you."
