[Sniffing, rubbing at his eyes – irrepressible crybaby, even now, even after everything – Koby laughs softly and leans into the arm around him, to Tim fluffing up his hair, even as he makes a bit of a face at it.] Sorry, I just – nobody’s ever said that to me before, so. It’s new. It’s all a bit new, that’s all.

I know you take it seriously. [Gently, resting his chin at Tim’s shoulder and looking up over the purple rims of his glasses.] I know. And – thank you. For trusting me. Both of us. Whatever.

[Then, as the word sinks in, Koby turns absolutely crimson again and elbows Tim in the ribs, hissing:] He is not my boyfriend, stop that.