He hesitated. For a second, I thought he’d decline. But he copied my technique, stretching out the pile until it was silky and malleable.
“You’re doing great,” I encouraged. “Now, hook your fingers like this.”
He blushed again, but seemingly for a different reason than before. “I’m not the best at art-related skills. You should just take this from me before I ruin it.”
He offered me the orange tuft, but I didn’t accept it.
“I disagree. You’re doing wonderfully,” I said. “You should continue.”
Jaeyoung glanced down at the orange blob. He was at a loss. Perhaps he just needed some guidance.
My tentacles drifted towards him and landed on his hands. I took a moment to revel in the soft smoothness of his skin before steering his hands in the right direction.
Jaeyoung stood still, barely breathing as I touched him. He stared at the space where my tentacle met his hand.
“Like this,” I said. “Make sense?”
He started like he hadn’t heard me. “Sorry, what?”
“Do you understand the technique?”
His mouth parted. He cleared his throat. “Could you show me again?”
“Certainly.”
Secretly, I was glad for an excuse to continue our physical contact. His smooth flesh felt softer to the touch than the kofotta fibers. It was so novel and exotic... I wished to explore more of his body.
My gaze drifted to his chest. Unlike the other two humans, Jaeyoung continued to wear his original human coverings. A ‘hard suit,’ they called it.
“Is this comfortable to wear?” I asked, poking his chest with my other tentacle since my hands were still engaged with the tufts.
“It’s form-fitting and easy to clean,” Jaeyoung mumbled.
I noticed he dodged the question. “Yes, but is itcomfortable?” I probed.
He hesitated. “It’s fine.”
That screamed of untruth. Suddenly, a small growl rumbled in my throat. The sound shocked both of us.
Jaeyoung glanced up sharply. “Is everything okay?”
“Yes,” I said, just as surprised. “I was frustrated.”
He furrowed his brow, looking at his orange tufts. “Because I’m doing this incorrectly? I told you I wasn’t good at this type of thing.”
“No, no,” I said gently. “You’re doing fine, Jaeyoung. It is because...”
How could I put my feelings into words? If he were a fellow Maeleon, words would have been unnecessary—I could’ve simply connected our feelers and directly transferred my emotions. But I didn’t know if that was possible with a human. I should’ve asked Zat’tor.
“You refuse acts of service, and offers of comfort,” I stated. “That upsets me.”
He blinked at me like he didn’t know how to respond. “Oh. I’m... sorry.” He stared into the orchard with a distant expression. “I’m used to doing everything on my own. I don’t need others to help me.”
“But what if theywantto help you?” I countered.
His gaze slid back to mine. Their dark depths wavered in thought.
“Why should anybody want to help me? I’m perfectly functional. I don’t need assistance.”
