"You know, comparing yourself with Ruben is quite brazen, Xavier," Connor said, his voice dropping an octave. "He's never done that before. It took him a long time to reach that point, and even longer for me to allow it. It took careful, patient time."
"Then it's because he waited? Because if it's like that, I—"
"Dude, it's not that." A serious, weary sigh escaped Connor as he turned on his seat to face me completely. "I'm sure you never even noticed, but I hate being touched carelessly. Not even my close friends can do it easily since I don't like it. If it's once in a while and after knowing each other for some time, I do make exceptions, like I did with Ruben today. But ever since I met you, from the very first time you talked to me, you keep doing exactly what I hate."
I went quiet, the weight of his words sinking in.
