"Oh," she accepted. This time, Hayley didn't force the smile, watching him with a bland neutrality as she tried to think on the larger issue of their friendship - or whatever this was. She was never good with friendships. She had told him that more than once and yet somehow wasn't surprised that he was still here, trying, willing to put in the effort. It almost made her feel guilty that she wasn't as dedicated. Almost.

"I didn't mean it." The retort was swift, though not as entirely amused as it should have been.

Hayley pulled her lower lip between her teeth as she looked at him, shoulders relaxing as she simply stared at him. His words were reassurances that he was still the same guy, each joke and jest more evidence than the last. But he still seemed so much older, uncomfortably so, and the physical awkwardness between them just seemed to keep growing.

A million thoughts raced through her mind before she finally sighed, straightening from the door. "Don't move."

She slowly walked over toward him, clearly hesitant bordering on afraid the closer she got.