The silence lasted about four seconds.
Then Harolin pulled off his training gloves, one finger at a time, and walked toward Ruaan.
Ruaan stepped back automatically. "What are you—"
Harolin grabbed him by the waist, stopped him from moving, and pressed two fingers against his forehead.
Ruaan went completely still.
Harolin dropped his hand. "No fever."
"I told you I was fine—"
"Then why did you just say that rubbish?" Harolin looked at him. "Enemies with benefits."
"It makes sense," Ruaan said, straightening up. "We can never be friends. We can definitely never be lovers. So enemies with benefits is the only logical—"
"Take your hand off your waist first," Ruaan said.
Harolin looked down. His hand was still on Ruaan's waist.
He removed it.
"I'm glad," Harolin said, stepping back, "that you at least understand we can never be friends or lovers."
"So you'll agree."
"No."
"You haven't heard the terms."
