Shiver

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They’re sitting next to each other on the couch, closer than necessary because it’s cold outside. Mike’s thigh pressed against Harold’s is blazing hot and keeping him warm.

Mike shifts, opens his mouth, then shuts it. He opens it again, tracing the edge of his mug of hot chocolate with his thumb, and asks ‘Have you ever. Um. Fallen in love with your best friend? Um.”

Suddenly Harold’s sweating, and the side of his thigh that’s touching Mike’s is too hot, and he jerks away. He stares down into his mug, wishing he could drown amongst the little marshmallows, and within a few minutes he feels Mike stand up and leave, getting his scarf and fingerless gloves, opening the door and letting the cold air.

Harold’s cold for the rest of the night.