[With the advantage of this position, Oren moves closer and leans so that their foreheads touch, as light as it is. The hand in Ryan's hair stays there, stroking down it occasionally as he continues to ignore the strange feeling in his own stomach.]

And so you drink so much you end in this state?

[His tone is scolding, but incredibly gently. It's nearly a whisper, his eyes focused on Ryan's whether they're looking back or not.]

I'm glad you wrote me. Perhaps then I can convince you to stop thinking yourself in such circles. If he has no feelings for you, then I'll tell you now, that's his own mistake.