Page 115 of Should Our Stars Collide

Kieran’s on his feet in an instant, sprinting towards the water like it’s holy and will purify him of sinful thoughts. It might as well be—23 degrees turns out to be cold enough to get rid of his half-chub, and toclear his head a little.

The waves are admittedly great, the perfect size and power to have some fun but not die.

Kieran stays in for a good while, only getting out when he nearly gets zapped by a bluebottle. Nasty little fuckers.

Ash isn’t in their spot. Looking around, Kieran finds him chatting to a group of Latinos playing volleyball nearby, handing over the ball that must've wandered his way. He’s all easy smiles and jokes; his usual charming self. One of the girls is twirling her hair, laughing at something he said (which probably wasn’t even funny).

Kieran rolls his eyes, about to lie back down, but freezes.

One of the guys stepsunnecessarilyclose, then proceeds to curl his fingers around Ash’s sculpted bicep. He says something, flashes a smile. Ash shakes his head. The guy says something else,stillclutching Ash’s bicep.

And Ash isn’t shaking him off.

Kieran is striding over before he realizes his legs are moving.

“Are you sure?” he hears the guy ask, and then Ash’s reply, “Yeah, I’m here with someone.”

Spotting Kieran coming, he turns towards him, beaming. “Hey, there.”

“Hey.”

Ash’s smile dims. He must’ve picked up on Kieran’s doom and gloom.

The guy and the girl slowly turn their gaze towards Kieran, as if only now registering his presence.

“Your friend can join in too,” the guy says, in that way someone would say: “Yeah, sure, call me if you need me.” Forced, stiff. At least he’s finally taken his grabby hand off Ash.

Ash’s now free arm wraps around Kieran’s shoulders. “This is my boyfriend, and the ball isn’t his friend.”

Kieran scowls.Why not tell everyone how fucking useless I am when it comes to sports?

“I’m getting heatstroke. I’ll head home,” Kieran informs him. Heshrugs to dislodge Ash’s hold. “You can stay and play if you want.”

The guy’s face lights right up. Kieran wants to punch him.

Feeling Ash’s burning gaze on him, he raises the barrier, blocking him out.

“Nah, I’m too old and out of shape for that,” Ash says.

“Yeah, right. You look like you let yourself go.”

Kieran walks back to their spot to pack up, then heads to the restrooms for a quick shower and to change out of the swim trunks. Ash is waiting for him by the car, his gaze following Kieran’s every step, but he remains quiet. Smart choice.

Neither of them speaks during the drive home. It’s not until they’re back at the apartment, Tequila coming over to complain about being left alone for two whole hours, that Ash speaks.

“Could you tell me what’s wrong?”

“Nothing.”

“Kieran—”

“You don’t have to follow me around like a puppy,” he snaps. “You could’ve stayed and had some fun.”

Ash seemed right in his element, laughing and joking with a group ofinterestingpeople. He could be out there, enjoying life after finishing work, not be stuck with a time-traveling boyfriend and an evil cat. Ever since Kieran was planted here, all Ash has been doing is follow him around and ease him out of his meltdowns. He could do so much better if he didn’t feel so responsible for Kieran.

“I am,” Ash says slowly. “I’m having fun with you.”

Kieran looks away. He doesn’t want to see that earnest puppy dog expression. It just fucks with his head.