*Bael's POV*
"Can I... work here?"
The question leaves Bael's lips before he can construct a better excuse.
Runze looks up, his amber dark eyes searching Bael's face. For a long second, the room remains still.
Ling Yue is curled on the wide armchair beside the desk, his red-rimmed eyes fixed on his lap. Runze's arm stays resting over his shoulder, his hand resting gently against the nape of Ling Yue's neck to offer comfort.
Bael's gaze drops to that hand.
Then it drifts to Ling Yue.
Then it returns directly to his husband.
He can tell why Runze is holding him. He knows Ling Yue is going through a difficult time, and he knows Runze is simply being a good friend. There is nothing improper about it. Nothing at all.
Yet an uncomfortable tightness twists in Bael's chest.
It has little to do with Ling Yue himself. It stems entirely from the fact that Bael spent his entire morning trying to stay out of Runze's way.
