When Arlen's heart moved

He pulled Ravi into a hug, wrapping his arms around Ravi as he took in a deep breath of him to relax, "Thank you! I signed an NDA so I can't talk about it but thank you for worrying about me, Ravi. I am so stressed."

It was as if all the burdens on his shoulders slowly melted away. As if fresh air had been breathed into his being, the tension in his heart loosened. It was a strange feeling but at this moment, Arlen noted, it was actually familiar.

He was not sure when but he always felt more relaxed around Ravi. He traced up Ravi's back, caressing it as if tenderly stroking an extremely precious treasure.

Arlen did not want to let go.

"Better now?" Ravi's throat felt as if it was burned, and the words were light, weightless as if carried by a single exhale. He could not bear it, he could not beat Arlen touching him like that. His restraint and his self-control were being more of a facade each passing moment.