As they walked back to the palace, James walked slightly ahead, shoulders up, chin raised.
"What are you doing?" Ethan asked softly.
"Walking like a man."
"You're walking like you swallowed a broom." Alo snorted.
James cleared his throat.
"I'm practicing! I have to be manly around you."
Ethan shook his head. "You're fine the way you are, James."
James tripped again.
Alo sighed.
But Ethan caught James's arm before he fell, steadying him gently.
James stared at Ethan's hand holding his arm…
His face turned bright red once more.
"Ethan…"
Ethan blinked up. "Yes?"
James whispered dramatically:
"I will become the manliest man in the entire universe."
Alo muttered, "Spirits help me."
Ethan chuckled softly.
"I'll look forward to it," he said.
And just like that … James nearly melted into the floor.