Malcolm Bright

Oh no, everything in him shouted. He’d gone too far or too fast. He’d said too much and he couldn’t take it back.

What had Vijay told him about why he didn’t have any friends? You’re always so intense.

He directed his gaze at Raylan’s throat. It was easier than looking at his face and whatever awkwardness or discomfort he may or may not have put there.

“Oh.” He swallowed. “...I understand.”

He understood what the pushback meant, however gentle it had been. Something simple and fundamental. Something nice amidst the shithole. Not... anything too complicated by being so personal. Nothing so fast. Maybe nothing so serious.

He dared lift his eyes a little bit to find Raylan’s eyes, finally. “It’s okay,” he said with a small nod for assurance.